Chapter 3- It Takes Two to Tango

Dinner had been gauche, to say the least. Throughout the meal, Kom had yet to make eye contact with Slade, while Slade acted as if their falling-out had never happened. They sat at a rectangular-shaped dining table made of some sort of exotic wood - Kom couldn't place it's name - only that it had to have been expensive. Slade sat at the head of the table, appearing as dominant and intimidating as ever. Adeline was to his right, and Wintergreen sat respectively on the other side. Kom wondered what kind of connections Wintergreen had with Slade. He appeared old, but not old enough to be his father. Besides, the way the two interacted with one another said otherwise. A brother maybe? Possibly, but they didn't exactly look alike. Maybe he was just the cook or butler. The couple were rich after all, they could afford it. But hadn't Wintergreen been coming out of a room when Kom first encountered him? Did that mean he was living with the Wilsons?

Kom let out a sigh, as if to release the whirlwind of thoughts that were racing through her mind. She had to remind herself that Wintergreen didn't matter. Adeline didn't matter. Slade didn't matter. They were all just people who had gotten in her way and had become pests in her life. That's all they were.

And pests had to be exterminated.

"Kom dear, you've hardly touched your plate," Adeline gently remarked as she wore a look of concern. From what she'd tasted, the meal had been quite exquisite. Kom wasn't sure if it was because of Adeline's cooking or Wintergreen's intervention that saved the meal. The finest calamari was piled onto her plate, along with a light green salad that had been carefully diced to perfection.

From what she'd pieced together, her best guess was that Wintergreen had saved the day.

"I'm trying to keep up my figure," Kom lied as she punctured a piece of calamari with her fork. In truth, she had been contemplating earlier events for far too long and abandoned her meal.

"Well, starving yourself is not the way to go," Adeline chastised as she stood up from her seat, preparing to put the dishes away. "And as far as I'm concerned, you will eat all meals that are given to you in this household." Kom looked up at Adeline, puzzled that her personality took a 180 degree turn. Out of the two guardians, she figured that Adeline wasn't as strict as Slade.

"Look," Kom began, her patience level deteriorating quickly. "I think I've had enough arguments for one day. I don't want to finish this, and there's nothing you can do to make me eat it, so why don't we all just agree on the matter and get on with our lives?" Why couldn't they understand that she just wasn't feeling hungry?

"Because that is not how this household operates," Slade intervened, casting Kom a warning glance while doing so. "The adult does not get to be ridiculed by the child, nor does the child get the satisfaction of humiliating the adult."

"For the last time," Kom drawled while placing a hand to her forehead in frustration. "I. Am. Not. A. Child."

"Really? Could've fooled me," Slade sarcastically remarked. "You certainly are acting like one."

Kom was ready to explode. Oh, how she wished she could wipe that amused expression off of Slade's face. The two glared at each other from across the table, neither ready to break each other's gaze.

"Well then," Wintergreen cut in, causing Kom and Slade to direct their attention to the old man. "Is anyone up for dessert?"

"No thanks, I'm stuffed," Ryan admitted while patting his stomach for emphasis. Kom was surprised that Ryan had actually eaten the meal. He was a boy of simple taste, thinking that a slice of pizza was much more delectable than a five-star restaurant meal could ever be.

"No thank you, Mr. Wintergreen," Kori politely declined, "But I must say that the meal was quite appetizing. Thank you both, Adeline and Mr. Wintergreen."

"Oh please," Wintergreen shrugged off the compliment with a warm smile. "It was hardly a meal worth praise. You might've said something quite different though if I hadn't stopped Adeline in time."

"Will, I was handling dinner perfectly fine!" Adeline protested with a light smile.

"May I be excused?" Kori requested to Adeline. "I think that I shall begin to unpack my belongings and prepare my sleeping arrangements."

"Go on ahead," Adeline stated. "You too Ryan, you still have to unpack your things." With that, the duo fled up the stairs to their new living quarters. Kom began to get up from her seat, but Adeline quickly said, "Not so fast Kom, you still haven't finished your plate."

"What? You were actually being serious?" Kom questioned with a slight look of innocence.

"Dear child, she's not asking for much out of you, only that you finish your meal," Wintergreen chimed in. Oh, there was that infuriating word again! Why couldn't these people get it through their thick heads that she was seventeen years old?

Kom began to open her mouth, thinking up a witty retort, but decided against it and sealed it shut. It hadn't even been a day, and yet these people were already crawling underneath her skin. In such a short amount of time, she'd managed to make a mess of things. Kom wasn't admitting defeat, but when she weighed her options, she chose to listen to Adeline just this once. It was either that, or face the wrath of Slade, whom she did not feel like getting into yet another argument with.

Swallowing her pride, Kom begrudgingly picked up her fork and dug into her meal. Adeline crossed her arms in satisfaction. "Really Kom, you're making things far more difficult than they need to be." Luckily, Kom was in the middle of chewing, so she couldn't reply with a sarcastic answer.

Once she was finished, she put her plate in the sink and proceeded to walk up the stairs, only to be called after by Slade. "Kom, what do you s-"

"Sorry, I can't hear you over the sound of my disdain for this place!" Kom called back while stomping the rest of the way up to her and her sibling's room. Once she opened the door, she quickly locked it behind her. She did not want Slade or anyone else to storm up here and demand an apology. If they thought that they'd squeeze an apology out of Kom, then they had another thing coming. She let a sigh of relief escape from her mouth as she leaned against the door.

"Is something troubling you, sister?" Kori hesitantly asked, a bundle of neatly folded clothes cradled in her arms.

"Oh, it's nothing really," Kom sarcastically deadpanned, "Just the fact that my life is now at the hands of these psychopaths." Her own parents weren't even this bad, and that was saying something.

"I miss our old home," Ryan suddenly whispered, a tear threatening to cascade down his cheek. He was sitting on the edge of one of the beds, his eyes gazing down at his hands that were placed in his lap. Kom glanced at her younger brother, alarmed at the sudden turn of events. "I mean, the Wilsons and Wintergreen are nice and all, but this…this isn't home. It doesn't feel like it. It doesn't look like it."

Kori carefully situated her clothes on the bed, then went over to sit next to Ryan. She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder and softly whispered, "I too am feeling this unpleasant emotion of sorrow."

"W-Why'd they have to die, Kori?" Ryan stammered before a sob escaped his mouth. He lifted his knees up to his chest and wrapped his arms around them, burying his face in the process. Kori looked heartbroken at the sight of her brother, a steady stream of tears already spilling down her cheeks.

"I...do not know. I am still attempting to figure that out myself," Kori admitted, stroking Ryan's back in a soothing motion.

"Uhg, will you two stop being such a nuisance and grow up already?" Kom frustratingly intoned. "There are more important matters to discuss than the deaths of our imbecilic parents!"

"Shut up Kom!" Ryan exclaimed as he jumped to his feet, surprising both Kori and Kom at his sudden outburst. "How can you not feel anything? They were - are our parents for crying out loud!"

"Simple," Kom gibed, "Because I can get over things like a mature grown up would."

"Please," Ryan dismissed her claim as he let a soft chuckle escape from his mouth. "You're not an adult Kom. Slade's right, you're a kid just like the rest of us."

"You better shut your mouth before I shut it for you!" Kom retorted in an icy tone as she began to march towards Ryan.

"Please, let us not fight-" Kori started, but Ryan's voice rose above hers.

"You're a child, Kom! Child, child, CHILD!"

"You little-"

"An adult would still cry over the death of their parents! Are you not human or something? Did you sell your soul to the devil?" Ryan questioned while glaring at her further. "Or did you even have a soul to begin with?"

Oh, that was just Kom's breaking point.

With a fierce cry, she lunged towards Ryan, tackling him to the ground where she began to pummel him with her fists. She easily pinned him to the ground, her legs on either side of his waist, preventing him from escaping her clutches. Both of them struggled as they fought to see who could stay on top of the other. With a shriek, Kori unlocked the door and frantically left the room, yelling something that Kom could not comprehend at the time. She was too preoccupied in giving Ryan a bloody nose to care.

How dare he even suggest such things about her in her presence?! Who did he think he was?! Did he not understand that a slim part of Kom's conscious felt remorse for not feeling anything towards her parents? Could he not comprehend the fact that she would sometimes wonder what in God's name was wrong with her? Was he not intelligent enough to fathom the most inner thoughts of her subconscious, and that deep down, she knew that she could've been a better everything - a better student, a better sibling, a better daughter?

Before she realized it, someone was pulling her off of Ryan. She struggled to pry the strong hands off of her. She wasn't done with that pest yet!

As her shoulders heaved from exhaustion, her thumping heart slowed down, allowing her to get a grip on things. Ryan's hair appeared disheveled and his hand was clamped over his nose, trying to stop the flow of blood from pouring out onto the floor. A claw mark was present on the side of his neck, to which Kom had guessed her nails had been the cause of.

Kom's eyes widened at the realization of what had just transpired. How could she have let everything get so out of hand? She didn't regret what she did to her brother - he deserved it - but she also couldn't believe that she had lost control like that. Never in her life had she done something as sporadic as that before. Sure, Kom had wrestled with her siblings on more than one occasion, but to hurt them as badly as drawing blood from their skin - well, that had never been done by her hands before. Humiliating them was her specialty, but she accomplished this verbally, not physically.

Adeline lent Ryan a gracious hand and helped him to his feet, examining the damages done by Kom. To the left of Kom stood a puzzled Wintergreen and a worried Kori. Kom realized that she was still missing one very important figure from this erratic picture.

Oh boy.

Kom hesitantly glanced over her shoulder to meet the eye of a fuming Slade, to which she quickly turned away from. His grip instantly seized, allowing Kom to rub her sore arms. She had to admit that the man was incredibly robust.

"Look at me, all of you," Slade commanded in an icy whisper. Kom tried not to appear petrified as she turned to stare at Slade's visible eye. Appearing satisfied, but still not relaxing, Slade remarked, "Now, for the love of all that is holy, will someone explain to me what in the world happened here?"

"Y-Yes," stuttered Kori. "I believe I shall." she took an uncomfortable step forward and began to explain the scenario that had played out moments before. "Y-You see, I had been merely reminiscing on one of my old projects from school where I was required to write a scene in which two people fought. I had been gloating to my siblings that I had cast the best actors and they had simply done a marvelous job, but they would not hear any of it. They then told me that they could re-create the scene far better than the two previous actors, and I said they could not, which truly had them enraged. After all, how could I think so little of them and their outstanding abilities?" Kori began to pace around the room as she continued. "I finally asked them to prove it, and they have indeed shown me that they are far better at 'the acting' than any two people could ever be." she then directed her attention to her siblings, a regretful expression appearing on her face. "Ryan, Kom, I am truly sorry for underestimating your abilities. Only a dedicated performer could carry out the scene in such a realistic manner."

The room's inhabitants remained taciturn, seeming to ponder Kori's insight on the situation. Kom was at a loss for words. Had her dear, naive, and innocent little sister just...lied?

But, that was impossible. Her parents had taught Kori from day one to remain honest and truthful. Kom was absolutely positive that the day Kori told a lie was the day that pigs could fly. It just didn't seem like an option when concerning Kori. With her, it was either the full explanation or the full explanation; there was no in-between and there was certainly no fibs.

The fact of the matter at hand though was that Kori had told a falsification in front of their new and intimidating guardians. Sure, the made-up story had been simpleminded and pretty unconvincing, but it was still a lie nonetheless.

The real question was why Kori had attempted to make up a story to begin with. Sure, Kom probably would've bombarded her with insults afterwards, but Kori didn't seem like she had made up the cover story out of fear. If that wasn't the case, then had she lied in order to save Kom and Ryan from punishment?

Kom almost let a chuckle escape her mouth. The idea was absolutely ludicrous. Why would her inferior sister choose to extricate Kom and Ryan from the disciplinary actions that Slade had in store for them? She could maybe see Kori trying to get Ryan out of trouble, but Kom? Kom had done nothing for her sister ever since she was born. She had told her she was worthless on numerous occasions. She had teased her, mocked her, shunned her, and humiliated her. Why then had Kori thrown herself into the thick of things when she had a clear way out of it by simply telling the truth? As far as Kom knew, Kori didn't have any sort of debt to pay with either sibling. She was as guiltless as ever. If she didn't owe anyone a favor, then why had she done it?

Could it have simply been - dare Kom say it - out of the kindness and goodness of her heart?

It was official, Kom had been watching way too many sappy and heartfelt movies as of late.

"I'd like to speak to you three, alone," Slade ordered, casting a warning glance to where Wintergreen and Adeline were currently situated.

"Now Slade, don't you think that both of us should have a word with them?" Adeline questioned with a raise of her brow.

"I will speak to you about the matter once I'm finished discussing it with them, in private." Slade responded while he gestured toward the now opened door.

"I really think that-" Adeline started, but was cut off by Wintergreen.

"Come now, Adeline. Slade just wants to have a quick chat with the children. It'd be best if he informs us about it once everything's been said and done." Wintergreen explained while giving her a warm smile. Kom noted that there was an odd glint in the old man's eyes, but couldn't decipher what he was hinting at.

"Oh, alright," Adeline finally gave in and followed Wintergreen out the door. Before closing the door shut though, she turned around and said, "We'll be waiting for you in the living room."

After the door had been closed, Slade directed his attention to the three teenagers before him. "Sit," Slade ordered in a chilling tone. As if on cue, Kom and her siblings immediately plopped down on the nearest bed, each of their shoulders bumping into each other's because of the minimal amount of space. Kom detested the current position she was in, not only because she had to deal with being in close proximity with her siblings, but because of Slade's towering stature. He was already dominative in height when Kom was standing, but now, the man seemed to be as tall as a skyscraper.

"Now," Slade drawled, "How is your nose, Ryan?"

Well, that was unexpected.

Apparently, Kom's siblings felt the same way, for they too appeared dumbfounded by the question. "Uh," Ryan started, his voice taking on a higher pitch because of his clogged nose, "I'll live, I guess."

"Sit up straight," Slade directed, "And tilt your head forward, but only in the slightest." Ryan obeyed and did as he was told. "Pinch your nose shut and breathe through your mouth," Slade continued, his voice unwavering. Again, Ryan followed the man's instructions. Slade took a tissue out of a nearby tissue box and stated, "If you feel any blood run down the back of your throat, spit it out and into this." Ryan appeared slightly confused at the command, to which Slade added, "I know it may sound strange, but you'll be thanking me later when you're not vomitting all throughout the night." With that, Ryan graciously accepted the tissue and positioned it a couple of inches away from his mouth.

"T-Thanks," Ryan stuttered, a small smile forming on his face.

"I'll send Will up here in a little bit so he can provide you with an ice pack. The cold may help stop the bleeding," Slade responded, his tone letting up slightly. He then directed his attention to Kom. "And how are you feeling, Kom?"

"Fine, why wouldn't I b-" Kom started, but then realized that there was a minor throbbing sensation in her left arm. Apparently Kom hadn't walked away from the fight unscathed like she had previously thought. It was merely a light bruise on the upper part of her arm, which still wasn't a major deal. Why then did Slade care if she was or wasn't alright? Wasn't she the enemy in this household? If her parents were here, they would've immediately ran to Ryan's side, whether or not Kom had a bruised arm or was bleeding to death.

Kom knew it was only one insignificant sentence, but hearing it come from someone who's roof she was now living under came around rarely. Her parents had never asked, Galfore had never asked, even her teachers had never asked something as simple as that. With those six words, Slade was actually...acknowledging her presence.

Kom shook her head, trying to escape her thoughts on the matter. Of course Slade was asking if she was okay. He had to make a good impression if he was to be her new guardian, even if he hadn't made the friendliest welcome in the past. He was just warming up to her so he could gain her trust, that way she would heed his every word because she thought he cared. One thing was for sure; all of this was a trap, and Kom would not fall for it. Slade was just testing her in order for him to gain the upperhand.

Yes, that was the only conceivable thing his words were implying. Other than that, they didn't mean a thing. All of this was merely a trust game.

"Are you sure you don't need anything?" Slade prodded, his eyebrow raising slightly while he inspected her further.

"I don't need your help," Kom snapped as her eyebrows furrowed together. "It's just a simple bruise, I am perfectly capable of handling it by myself."

Slade's visible eye glinted with a hint of mischievousness as he began to speak. "Right, I forgot that you were still pretending to be something that you're not. How about the two of us play a different game, hm?" He took a seat on the opposite bed, leaning forward so that his elbows touched his knees and his fingers laced together. "Let's play house. You can take on the role of insubordinate child, and I can take on the role of disciplinary adult." Slade wore an amused expression as he continued. "Goodness me, all of this sounds vaguely familiar. Wouldn't you agree, Kom?"

Kom's cheeks flushed red as her siblings snickered - more so Ryan than Kori, who looked on in confusion. No way was she getting chastised by Slade again. How did he always manage to gain the upperhand?

The sound of Ryan spitting caused Slade to stop his antics and direct his attention towards him. "I'm okay," Ryan reassured as he spit into the tissue once again. "Jeez, I thought the nosebleed would've stopped by now."

"Speaking of which," Slade remarked with a firmer tone, "You do realize that I didn't believe a word of your story, Kori."

Kori looked on in horror as she began to ramble. "I - I am sorry for-"

"There is no need for an explanation, Kori," Slade said as he sat up straighter, an almost pained expression taking on his features. "I'm probably going to regret this later...but I think that it'd be in everyone's best...interest if we left the matter unsaid." All three of them stared at the man in complete disbelief. "It's late, and I for one would like to get some sleep. Whatever happened, happened. Just don't do it again." Then, as if to make his message more clear, Slade monotonously added, "But don't think that I won't punish the lot of you when given the chance. I won't make it a habit to let by-gones be by-gones. It's only day one, after all, and we still need to get acquainted with one another. First impressions really do stick, and let me just say that I don't want to look back and remember our first day as one filled with arguing and punishments. Wouldn't you agree?"

Ryan and Kori found themselves bobbing their heads up and down in succession, while Kom, not wanting to appear ecstatic about the news, merely gave a sharp nod of the head. Slade stood up, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly while doing so. "Good. I'll send Will up in a minute to get you that ice pack, Ryan." With that, he began to make his way toward the door.

"S-Sir?" Ryan suddenly piped up, his facing looking as though he was contemplating something.

"Hmm?" Slade answered while peering over his shoulder, his ivory-colored eyebrow raising slightly in question.

"...I hope you have a good night," Ryan quietly murmured, his eyes peering at Slade's features in uncertainty.

Slade appeared speechless at the hushed announcement. His hand remained curled around the doorknob, but he hesitated to turn it. He appeared glued to the spot and even looked a little perturbed. After an uncomfortable period of silence, which was only interrupted by the sounds of shuffling hands or feet, Slade let go of the door handle and made his way over to Ryan. He ruffled his fiery hair and with a soft smile whispered, "Thank you. Sleep well." His hand lingered in Ryan's hair for a moment as his eye appeared ambivalent, almost as if he was reminiscing on something from his past. However, this only lasted a short amount of time as he quickly snapped out of his thoughts. Slade gave Ryan's back a soft pat before making his way to the door. Ryan stared down at his lap, a content smile appearing on his face. As Slade made his way out of the room, he ran smack-dab into a preoccupied Wintergreen who was standing right outside the door.

As the two cried out in surprise, Kom witnessed something utterly bizarre.

It had occurred in a split second; Wintergreen had been holding a mug filled with some liquid - Kom couldn't quite see what was in it - in one hand and an ice pack in the other. When Slade had bumped into him, he had sent the items soaring into the air. Then, at a blinding speed, Slade had managed to grab both objects midair and place them back into Wintergreen's hands. Kom would've thought she were seeing things if it hadn't been for the astonished looks her siblings now bore.

"Will," Slade remarked as he recomposed himself. "Were you eavesdropping in on the conversation when I specifically told you and Adeline that I'd handle the situation?"

"Good heavens, no!" Wintergreen exclaimed with a bewildered expression. "I'll have you know that I was simply coming up the stairs in order to give this-" he motioned with his mug to where Ryan was currently situated, "-dear child some enlightening entities." He then held up the mug and ice pack for emphasis. "Your little chat was taking far too long, so I decided to take matters into my own, withered hands." Wintergreen made his way into the room as he continued. "I was just about to knock on the door when you walked out and collided into me."

Slade pinched the bridge of his nose while closing his eyes for a brief moment. "I'm going downstairs to check on Addie. I assume you're going to stay here and look after Ryan then?"

"If I were to not, then I'd have suggested for you to interrogate me as being the imposter of the real William Wintergreen!" Wintergreen remarked with a skewed smile.

Slade just rolled his eyes. "I'll leave you to your duties then." With that, he closed the door behind him, leaving three bewildered teenagers in his wake.

As Wintergreen placed the mug on the end table, Ryan leaned over and whispered, "Did anyone else just think they saw what I saw?"

"To what are you suggesting, Ryan?" Kori whispered uncertainly.

"I mean, did anyone else see Slade knock over Mr. Wintergreen's things one second, and then the next have them placed back into his hands?" Kori bobbed her head up and down in agreement as Kom slowly nodded her head. "Isn't that kind of weird? The guy can't have reflexes that are that fast, can he?"

"The man has white hair and wears an eyepatch, genius," Kom harshly whispered back, "Who knows what other strange quirks come with him?"

The trio instantly halted all conversation as Wintergreen came over and placed the mug in Ryan's hands. Kom peered over to inspect the liquid. The aroma it gave off clearly spelled out the words 'hot chocolate' inside of her mind. "You know," Wintergreen began as he inspected Ryan. "I may be a worn, out of date, old veteran, but strikingly enough, I have yet to lose my hearing."

Ryan froze upon hearing this. "Mr. Wintergreen, I-"

"No need for your justifications, my good boy," Wintergreen remarked as he held out the ice pack in front of Ryan's view. "Your secret is safe with me. I realize that at first glance, Slade may appear...well, let's just say that he's much more peculiar than the average man." Ryan accepted the ice pack and unplugged his nose.

"Hey," he remarked as he held the ice pack to his face. "Looks like the bleeding's stopped." He continued to hold the cool compartment against the side of his nose, relishing the sense of relief it brought.

"So," Kom began as she turned to face Wintergreen, "What you're implying is that what we saw was real and not just some deranged illusion? Slade somehow has enhanced reflexes?"

"Well…" Wintergreen hesitantly started. "Let's just say that Slade is a man of many secrets. What you choose to believe is up to you." He let a small smile grace over his aged features as he continued. "However, I will say that he will undoubtedly be the sharpest knife out of the drawer that you'll ever come to meet."

"Mr. Wintergreen?" Kori tentatively questioned. "May I ask you something that is rather...personal?"

"Feel free to ask anything to your heart's content, my dear," Wintergreen replied, "And I'll see if I'm up to answering them."

"Well," Kori started, tapping her index fingers together as she wore a look of indecision. "I do not mean to sound impolite, but you seem to know quite a lot about Slade. How is it that the two of you have come to know each other?"

Wintergreen let a light chuckle escape his mouth. "The two of us are quite the unlikely pair, aren't we?" His smile broadened as he stared off into space at nothing in particular, as if recalling the past. "Well, I won't bore you with all of the details, but Slade and I's friendship dates back to the beginning of time, really. Or, I suppose I should say when life really started to seem worth living. You see, we were in the war together."

"War?" Ryan curiously questioned after taking a light sip of his hot chocolate. "What kind of war?"

Now that," Wintergreen noted with a weary smile, "Is a story for another time. Forgive me, if you will, but I believe it is past this old soul's bedtime." He then directed his attention to Ryan. "Are you in need of anything else before I take my leave for the night?"

"No, thank you, Mr. Wintergreen," Ryan lightheartedly answered back.

Well then, children," he graciously took a step forward and gave a mock bow, "I bid you a goodnight." He then closed the door behind him, leaving the room's inhabitants to their thoughts.

Wintergreen was right about one thing; Slade was definitely an abstruse man. It hadn't even been a day, and yet bit by bit, Kom was starting to piece together the snippets of facts she had uncovered in relation to finding out Slade's true inner self. And, as it turned out, Wintergreen was not a father, a brother, or a butler for that matter. Kom never would've guessed that the old man was Slade's long-time friend.

There was something outlandish that stuck inside of Kom's mind though. When Slade had heard Ryan's heartfelt words, the man had appeared as stiff as a statue. When he had ruffled Ryan's hair, Kom could've sworn that there was a glazed over look in Slade's eye. He seemed...troubled, as if he were regretful or ashamed of a past memory in his life.

As these thoughts swirled inside her mind, a question that had been previously prodding her resurfaced, begging Kom to verbally inquire the cogitation.

"Kori?" Kom asked in a somewhat serious manner, breaking the stagnant silence.

"Yes, sister?" Kori replied while snapping out of her thoughts. Ryan, who had moved to the opposite bed in order to acquire more personal space, turned to listen in on the conversation as well.

"Earlier, when you made up that story," Kom started, "You do realize that you told a lie." Kori bit her lip, appearing hesitant to look Kom straight in the eyes. She continued on as if not noticing Kori's uncomfortable behavior. "All I'm trying to figure out is...why did you do it?"

"Yeah," Ryan piped up, removing the ice pack from his face. "Kom treats you like crap like, everyday." Kom glared at her little brother, to which he abruptly added, "And - and...I sometimes don't treat you with the respect you deserve."

Kori's face lifted slightly, the corners of her mouth elevating to form a small smile. "Kom, do you remember what we discussed earlier today?"

"Oh please, Kori," Kom sarcastically stated. "I can't recall every minor detail that occurred today. You'll have to elaborate a little more."

"Well," Kori began, shifting in her seat as she did so. "When we were still at our previous house, I had brought up the prospect of the 'starting over' with one another. While the conversation ended on a rather dissonant note, I am still going to attempt the 'forgiving and forgetting' that I have heard so much about." Kom stared blankly at her sister, remembering the conversation they had had earlier that day. Yes, that was when Kom had declared that she would always be better than Kori at anything and everything.

"But, you've never told a lie before. At least, not that I know of," Ryan pointed out.

"Yes," Kori admitted, sliding her hands up and down her arms as if that fact could just be erased from everyone's mind. "I realize that I did partake in 'the lying', but we are all subject to change, correct?" Kori stood up and began pacing around the room. "The way I had perceived things at the time, it was either admit the truth and await what Slade's sentencing was for you, or attempt to tell a fib while trying to protect my siblings. I believe that we all make mistakes, and you two quarreling is one that you will learn from and does not deserve severe punishment. I did not wish to...what is the phrase? 'Kick the edge of the sidewalk'?"

"'Kick you to the curb'?" Ryan suggested.

"Yes, that is the term!" Kori nodded her head in affirmation. "I did not wish to 'kick you to the curb', as you put it. After all, we are siblings, and we must look out for one another."

Kom could not believe her ears. Kori had lied simply because she wanted to do the right thing for her siblings? But, no action was that clear to figure out. Kori had to have had an ulterior motive.

"For once, I...don't understand," Kom admitted, her eyebrows furrowing together at the confession. "You didn't owe either of us anything at the time, but now we owe you. What...what game are you playing at?" Kom's voice rose in frustration as she continued. "Did you do it just so we'd be indebted to you?"

"Sister," Kori started, appearing calm even though Kom was dissatisfied. A light smile formed on her face as she began to explain. "Not every action must be clearly right or wrong or have a strong motive behind it. A being's soul does not simply operate in black and white, for the line is often blurred. I believe that I did the right thing, even though mother and father would've highly disapproved of it." This time, Kori's voice didn't falter when speaking of her now departed parents.

"But, you had nothing to gain besides Ryan and I owing you," Kom reasoned, "And it would've been much more satisfying to turn both of us in if I were in your position."

"I do not expect you to return the favor simply because you feel indebted to," Kori said matter-of-factly, "Rather, I'd hope that if I came to be in the same situation, you'd wish to help because...you cared for my well-being."

Kom couldn't help it, she snorted at that. Kori's reasoning was absolutely preposterous. There was no logic behind it, no purpose to her actions. She didn't want Kom and Ryan to feel indebted to her? She only wished that if she were in the same situation, they'd do it out of the 'kindness of their hearts'? The idea was...enigmatic to say the least.

Still…

Kori had saved Kom and Ryan's behinds back there. Should Kom...thank her for her service? What should she say? This wasn't her area of expertise. The thought of thanking Kori was completely out of character for Kom, and yet she felt like a real sister would do just that.

In reality though, was Kom a real sister?

Hardly. She mocked Kori on a day-to-day basis. She never acknowledged her presence at school. She scrutinized every imperfection that Kori had and made her aware of them, even if most of them were far from the truth. She humiliated her. She threatened her. Sometimes, she even wished she would vanish from all existence.

That was not what a big sister was there for, Kom knew that for a fact. And yet, she couldn't help who she was. Besides, Kori had caused her a lot of unhappiness when she was a child, whether or not she realized it. Part of who to blame was Kori, but most of it fell on her parents.

Kom shut her eyes, wishing for the memories to stop resurfacing. She didn't need a visual reminder of how isolated she had felt back then. Those recollections had to be dislodged from her mind, or at the very least, ignored like they had been for so long.

"Kori," Ryan started, glancing up to face his sister. "Thanks...for what you did back there."

Kori gave him a small smile in return, then idly looked over to where Kom was currently situated. She appeared tentative, but there was a strong look of desire in her eyes. Ryan observed her as well, his mouth twisting up in an unexpected frown. Kom stared blankly back. What did they want from her?

"I know, I know," Kom said with a haughty smirk, "My looks can be truly captivating, but there is no need to stare longer than necessary."

"You really don't get it, do you?" Ryan answered, looking as though the answer was obvious.

Kom let out an amused chuckle, knowing far too well where this conversation was going. "Ah, I see. You're expecting me to thank Kori for all she has done for us." Ryan didn't answer, his frown deepening. Kori's hopeful look remained as the two siblings watched Kom's every move.

Well, they couldn't possibly expect this request to be carried out. Even though Kom knew that it may have been the right thing to do, her ego wouldn't allow it.

Or...or would it? After all, they were just two, meaningless words.

That was the thing though. Those two meaningless words would spark so much happiness into Kori's heart. She just...couldn't allow that to happen.

Kom bit her lip, regaining her superior posture. Her conscious really needed to stop giving her farcical ideas, otherwise, she might start carrying out their requests. Kom shuddered at the thought.

After a moment, the hopeful light disappeared from Kori's eyes as her small smile drooped downwards. "W-Well," Kori stuttered, "I believe I shall change into my sleepwear for the night. G-Goodnight...to the both of you." With that, she scooped up a bundle of her clothes and made her way to the walk-in-closet, sliding the door shut behind her.

Ryan let out a frustrated sigh. "God, you're so...so-"

"Would you be so kind as to shut your blabbering mouth. No one wants to hear it," Kom intervened, tilting her head up in disdain.

"Self-obsessed. Inconsiderate. Uncaring. Egocentric." Ryan finished, listing all of the words off while counting his fingers. "The least you could've done is said something, anything! You just let Kori stand there, looking like an idiot while you drained the life from her!"

"Since when did you become so protective over Kori?" Kom mused.

"Since you decided on being such a giant pain in my you-know-what!" Ryan whispered, not wanting to alarm Kori who was still getting changed.

"What? Expecting an apology out of me? Better line up along with the hundreds of other people who are still waiting for one to come their way," Kom instructed, glowering as she did so.

"Actually, yeah! You almost broke my freaking nose!"

"I can always try again," Kom warned, standing up as she did so. "You're pathetic."

"No, you are!" Ryan's hands clenched into fists at his sides, his face scrunching up in vexation.

"I can do this all day," Kom drawled, "But right now, I'd rather not." Realizing that Kori was still in the closet, Kom faced Ryan again and ordered, "Face the wall, I'm going to change."

"No," Ryan answered, not giving in to Kom's command.

"I will beat you to a pulp," Kom icily stated. "Now. Face. The. God. Damn. Wall."

"I won't and you can't make me," Ryan said in a low tone. "Besides, your stuff is still packaged in boxes downstairs. Go change down there, unless the area isn't to your liking, your majesty." He gave a mock bow.

Kom let out an exasperated groan and whipped the door open, mumbling curse words under her breath. Normally, she wouldn't give in to Ryan's feeble retaliation, but Slade had let them off the hook once already, and she had a feeling that they wouldn't be so lucky next time.

As she made her way downstairs to collect her things, the conversation she picked up stopped her dead in her tracks.

"-Look like a fool!" Adeline finished, her voice sounding bitter. Koom peered over the top of the staircase to find Slade and Adeline standing across from each other in the kitchen. Wintergreen was sitting near the island table, a look of disquietude written all over his face.

"Addie, please," Slade stated in a monotonous tone. "The children are right upstairs. Keep your voice down."

"I will not keep my voice down!" Adeline harshly replied, but lowered her voice nonetheless. "We should be handling these kinds of situations together, and I did not appreciate you shooing Will and I out of the room-"

"I just - I needed to handle it alone, blast it!" Slade let out a heavy breath. "I work best when I'm alone-"

"Then you shouldn't have called me, you should have never spoken to me again, Slade Wilson!" Adeline yelled, her voice faltering as she did so.

"You must understand, Adeline, Slade is still getting used to this-" Wintergreen tried to intervene.

"Will, You know I appreciate you and respect you for everything you have done for my family," Adeline began, "But please, stay out of this one." At this, Wintergreen gave a curt nod, the worrisome look never leaving his eyes.

"Addie, this is why I need you," Slade started, his voice low but filled with passion. "Yes, things are going to be rocky at first, but...that's why I need you. You - you keep me whole." Slade gulped, his Adam's apple contracting as he did so. "I made a mistake, and for that, I am sorry."

"I…" Adeline began, looking at a loss for words as she glanced around the room. A sharp gleam emanated from her eyes as she stared up at the staircase, squinting in fixation.

Kom's eyes widened as she expeditiously ducked her head, leaning against the wall as her heart thumped against her chest.

"What? What is it?" Slade asked, following Adeline's gaze to the top of the staircase.

"I...thought I saw something," Adeline reluctantly admitted.

"I highly doubt it was anything worth concern," Wintergreen intoned. "If it was, you or Slade would've picked it up the moment you felt something was off, what with your acquired attributes from the military."

"What about you, Will? You were in the army as well," Adeline inquired.

"My dear, I'm what you would call 'out-dated', in this day and era," Wintergreen joked. "Besides, my bet is if you did see something, it was most likely one of the children."

"If it was, they better hope and pray that I don't find out which of them was eavesdropping," Slade stated matter-of-factly.

"How much do you think they heard?" Adeline asked in a hushed tone.

"Hardly anything. At least, not enough to put the pieces together," Slade estimated.

Kom exhaled as she made her way back to her room, careful not to make a sound. As the door noiselessly closed shut behind her, Kom peered at the three beds, two of which were now occupied. The inhabitants seemed to be sleeping, their chests heaving up and down as they breathed. As quiet as a mouse, Kom made her way to the edge of Kori's bed and rummaged through her things, pulling out some pink shorts and a purple tank top. Kom scrunched her face up in disgust. She didn't want to wear Kori's clothes, but she definitely wasn't going to try going back downstairs again.

Once she had finished changing, Kom observed the clothes in the mirror. They were a perfect fit. Kom glanced back at her siblings, who both appeared sound asleep. She made her way to the last bed, the one closest to the glass wall. The three other walls were made of solid sheetrock, while the one facing the outside was made purely out of glass, allowing access to the view outside. Now that Kom thought about it, she was glad that she hadn't changed in the room, rather inside the closet instead.

As Kom nuzzled into her pillow for the night, she stared out at the dark sky. Recalling the conversation she had picked up, Kom furrowed her eyebrows together in confusion. Slade and Adeline didn't seem to be having the most stable relationship. What had Adeline been talking about before Kom had picked up on the conversation? She had seemed so furious about not being there when Slade delivered the news that there would be no punishment for Kom and Ryan. Kom also remembered what Wintergreen had said; Adeline had been in the army as well.

Kom shifted her position, choosing to stare up at the ceiling. It seemed that Adeline had more secrets than she let on. She wore a mask in front of Kom and her siblings, revealing her true self only in front of Slade and Wintergreen. If that was the case, then what was she trying to hide? What was she playing at?

Even stranger, Slade seemed to have a soft side for his wife. He had appeared so calm, so collected, even though she was practically shouting at him. It seemed as though Slade wore a mask as well.

Then again, didn't everyone wear a mask? After all, Kom wore a different mask on a day-to-day basis, depending on who she was with at the time. Everyone had their roles to play, and they had to play them well in order to convince their audience.

As Kom drifted into slumber, a single thought filled her mind.

When you wear a mask for a prolonged amount of time, chances are, the mask will never come back off.


Author's Note: Gosh, this was such a fun chapter to write. I have too many favorite dialogue quotes to list :3 So much happened in this chapter as well. Kom and Ryan verbally and physically fighting, Kori lying, Slade and Adeline having problems, and Wintergreen being...well, Wintergreen. When this story was first starting out, I was extremely nervous to write Slade. But now, I freaking LOVE writing him. And Wintergreen too, for that matter. The dry sarcasm really gets to me, ehehe.

Completely off topic, but with Mother's Day just around the corner, I felt the need to share a personal story. My friend and I saw a play at my school, and afterwards, when we were waiting for my mom to pick us up, she randomly got onto the subject of special occasions. She talked about how another one of our friends sometimes goes out with her family for ice cream or whatever whenever she does a good job, such as getting good grades or participating in a play. My friend (the first one) then discussed how she never really does those types of things with her family, and how she wished she did. Also, when it was her Birthday just a month ago, her parents and siblings told her "Happy Birthday!" However, they did not make her a cake, put up any decorations, or give her a present for that matter. They make a reasonable income and would have no problem getting her these necessities.

When she told me this, I found myself wanting to shake some sense into her parents. From the way she described it, it seemed like any other normal day for the family. I understand that material objects are not important, and it's the thought that counts, but when they are fully capable of at least getting her a CAKE and they didn't, I can't help but feel frustrated.

My point is, her story really put things into perspective of how lucky I am, and of how grateful I should be. I couldn't imagine not getting a cake on my Birthday, or, for one day out of the whole year, not feeling special. My parents have sacrificed so much for me. They have given me so much comfort, joy, and love all throughout my life. It's crazy to put myself in her position and suddenly 'poof!' everything I've ever known is gone.

Mother's Day is tomorrow, and I hope that you all realize just how lucky you are to have an amazing mom. Material gifts are always nice to receive, but sometimes, a simple kiss on the cheek, a "thank you", or even a well-thought out card can speak milestones than a bouquet of flowers ever could. I'm setting a goal for myself to be more grateful for all that my parents do for me, and I think you should do the same. Maybe clean those dishes, make dinner, ask how their day was, hang out with them, thank them for everything they've done, shower them with endless love; the possibilities are endless.

This Mother's Day, show you're mom how much she means to you.

Okay, sappy story over :P I have a lot on my plate right now, so, sorry to say, but I think the next update you'll get will be next month *cringes as people shout in protest* I'm really sorry guys! But hey, two more weeks and I will no longer be a Freshman! Can't wait :)

Remember to read, follow, favorite, and review. Thank you to those of you who have done any of the following, I really appreciate it. If you'd like, let me know what you're planning on doing for Mother's Day as well!

Have an amazing Mother's Day! Feliz dia de las madres!