Chapter 4
Max's POV
The pizza was soon devoured, and no words were said the entire meal. Normally, us bird kids don't care much about table etiquette, (talking with our mouths stuffed with food) but, man, nothing beats NY pizza. Ok, maybe my mom's chocolate chip cookies…
But, anyways, I paid the bill, which, thanks to my mom, we could do. She had lent us money for the trip, but, I promised to pay her back. I also had some money we earned in the CSM shows stashed in my backpack, but, that was in case of emergency.
We left the restaurant and found a quiet alley to fly out of. I held Angel and Gazzy's hands and Iggy held Nudge's. Although I knew the entire flock could defend themselves if they needed to, I still felt more comfortable if I knew I had a strong grip on them. "Max, even if any bad guys tried to take one of us, Gazzy could stink bomb them, I could control their minds, and Nudge to talk them to death… If that's possible," Angel argued with my thoughts.
"Let's just go find a hotel, guys," I started. "This section of town is pretty sketchy anyways."
It turns out, if you're not earning a suitable income, really every part of New York is sketchy. We finally agreed on a small hotel near another, less threatening alley and Angel mind-powered him to let us rent a room. With glazed over eyes, he handed us a room key, voice very monotone, "Room 204."
I snatched the keys, looped my finger through the key ring and dangled it in my hand for a moment, before walking down the hall. "I'll do it." Angel took the keys from my hand and wandered down the hall in the direction of our room. When we all caught up to her; we collapsed on the beds in front of us.
Fang's POV
"You've made the right decision, Fang," his voice was hoarse, but satisfied. I didn't look him in the eye; instead I looked down at my feet. I merely nodded, as if this whole situation had muted me. He waited, patiently for a few seconds. "Well, take him to the lab, if he does not wish to speak." And, so, with a gesture, he left, white coat rippling in the wind. Strong hands gripped mine, like handcuffs behind my back. I did not struggle though, instead, I strode obediently, as if nothing was wrong.
Iggy's POV
I stared blankly out the window of our humble hotel, taking in the clamor of New York City: honking horns, music, yelling taxi cab drivers, it was enough to drive a blind man mad. So, I sauntered into the living room, flannel pajama bottoms dragging along the tattered carpet. I ran my hand along the couch, checking before I sat on someone, and accidentally grazed a soft pair of legs. Nudge coughed awkwardly, and I felt my cheeks flush immediately. "Uh…sorry," I muttered, scratching my head.
"Its fine," She spoke, letting out a small giggle. That lightened the mood a little. "You can sit down," This time, I just sat, hoping for the best. The couch was soft, and my aching back appreciated it. I could hear the hum of a television, but no voices."What's on?" I asked casually, breaking the silence. I waited a few seconds, hoping she hadn't left.
"A scary movie marathon is supposed to come on next," she answered with a surprisingly short answer.
"My favorite," I added. Five minutes later, "Jeepers Creepers" started and the first scary scene, Nudge was snuggled up to me. I held her hand, interlocking fingers and she laid her head on my shoulder. I like New York City.