A/N: Worm belongs to Wildbow, still. So, yeah...

Chapter 4:

I smiled as I made my way down to the Docks to the Undersider's...well, our hideout. The rest of the previous night had gone well, despite Bitch's attack when she arrived. A quick call to my dad to explain that I was with friends and that I really, actually was with friends had freed me to stay and get to know them some more.

We had actually discussed their powers over pizza. Brian's power was as I had assumed. Darkness generation that also blocked out other senses. Alec was able to cause people's muscles to spasm, causing them to trip or drop things. It didn't seem that powerful, but he seemed confident about it, so I hadn't verbalized my thoughts.

They had even given me a rundown of Bitch's power. She was able to pump her dogs up and turn them into the monsters. The dogs themselves apparently remained in some sort of sack in the center of the new mass of flesh, so they would emerge unharmed against most foes they fought.

After the power discussion, we just...hung out. It had been really refreshing. I hadn't fully realized just how much I had missed socializing since Emma had turned on me. It had put me in such a good mood that I had found the thought of going to school that much harder. After my run this morning, which Brian had met me on to deliver my phone, a key to the base, and some breakfast, I headed home to get changed for school. I said goodbye to my dad and headed out, but as I started toward the school, I found it harder and harder to even consider going.

After about 5 minutes of walking, I stopped, and decided that I would write today off as a mental health day, and go to hang out with the others. I just wasn't ready to let my good mood be ripped away from me.

When I arrived at the base, I was met with surprised looks from Brian and Lisa. Alec, who seemed to be having a little training session with Brian, didn't seem to care. Bitch seemed to be gone entirely.

"What's up, Taylor?" Brian asked. "Thought you had school."

"I decided to take a day off." I said. "Didn't think I could focus on school with all of this."

Brian nodded, but Lisa looked a little conflicted. "Well, we're happy to have you around." she said.

I sat on the couch and watched Brian and Alec go at it for a little while, and even joined in when Alec gave up in frustration. Brian didn't hold back, but I learned a few valuable lessons.

Once we were done with our workout, and were sitting on the couch, Lisa spoke up. "So, instead of sticking around here all day, who wants to go out?" she asked. "Hit the Market?"

Alec shrugged. "I'd be down." he said.

"Yeah, sure." Brian replied.

"Won't a bunch of kids walking around in the middle of the day look...suspicious?" I asked.

Alec laughed. "In this city, as long as we don't mug someone, we probable won't get a second look."

"Alright, fair point." I said. "Okay, I guess I'm in."

"Well, good. I was going to make you go regardless. You agreeing just makes it easier." Lisa said, grinning.

Brian took a quick shower, and then we were out the door. The Market was a collection of small shops and stands that sold just about anything one could think of. It wasn't uncommon to see tourists and bored kids wandering around it. And it was a short walk from our base, which was a nice bonus.

When we arrived, Brian glanced over all of the shops. "So, what do you guys wanna do first?" He asked.

Lisa grabbed my arm and pulled me a bit. "Well, I'm going to steal Taylor for a bit. Some girl time amongst new teammates." she said.

Alec shook his head. "You invited all of us here." he said. "If you wanted to hang out with the dork, you could have just invited her."

"Could you stop calling me dork? I asked.

"I don't think I could." Alec said, shrugging.

"We can meet up for lunch. Unless you wanna come to carry our bags?" Lisa suggested.

"I'm good." Alec said.

"Trying to keep the new girl to yourself, Lisa? Selfish." Brian said.

"Deal. You got your little breakfast meeting with her, I'll get my shopping. We can meet at Fugly Bob's later." Lisa said.

"Alright, sounds good. Don't buy too much. We don't want to draw attention." Brian said.

"Brian, I'm offended." Lisa said, grinning. "Don't worry, I know how much is safe to spend. Let's go." she added, tugging on my arm. She started going on about what she intended to buy, and I found myself smiling as she did.

I had missed things like this.