CHAPTER 10: WHERE WOLVES LIE
ME: Yoo-hoo! Totally back with another chapter. I'm going to China on July 9, which means I'll have to cut back on my time on dA. But I'll try to update my fanfics as much as possible!
BRICK: Ah, finally! Summer again. Good riddance.
ME: *vein pops* Jerk.
BRICK: With the situations you put me in, I think I deserve a vacation.
ME: *rolls eyes* I'm still going to update in China.
BRICK: Less though. *shrugs*
ME: Well I updated earlier this time.
BUTCH: And I am glad!
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing besides my own OC's and the story!
9/3/14 EDIT: Message for Justanotheridiot (no I'm not insulting them that's the guest name they chose to have:)
Okay, holy crap. I got a review saying that Deth and Darkai are based off of Death the Kid and Darkrai. Let me just explain quickly:
Deth (my OC) was made as a joke. He was a parody of Death the Kid I made for fun—and actually, I don't even watch Soul Eater (I recognize the characters because they show up on the Internet, but only the main ones. And as of right now, I don't remember any of the names. Except maybe a "Maka"?). He doesn't really care about symmetry, as you can probably see; he prefers climbing things and joking around and experimenting on stuff. I threw that symmetry part in his personality for the heck of it (I've been thinking of editing it out—I think I will at this rate).
On the other hand, Darkai being like the Pokémon Darkrai is a frickin' coincidence. I literally had to search "Darkrai" up and when I saw the Pokémon, I literally started to giggle slightly at how crazy the coincidence is. What's even crazier is that Darkai's personality is like Darkrai's. Okay, I am a fan of Pokémon. I did watch the movie with Darkrai in it. But I created Darkai (my OC) in 2013, when I literally had forgotten about the Pokémon Darkrai!
Anyway, the person who reviewed was a guest reviewer so I couldn't reply directly. I'm making a few alterations to DJ, but not many to Darkai. His name was a random name based off of "Dark" and whatever sounded slightly Japanese/gibberish. He's got bluish-black hair, not black-and-red hair. He doesn't look like Darkrai the Pokémon, so I'll leave him be. His personality was a coincidence.
Darkai's not looking for anyone like Darkrai was, by the way. He's there to avenge something that will be revealed later on in the story. Even if the personalities are the same, there are still differences. It is a coincidence. But...maybe I should give him a girlfriend named Alice?
I'm just kidding. So please don't yell at me for it. *shrugs*
I even drew pictures of them in 2013. They literally do NOT look like the characters they seem based off of. I actually redrew it recently. If you really want, I could upload both pictures to my dA and you'll see the differences in art style and whatnot and see that I'm not lying.
But of course, this is the Internet. I can't offer any definite proof without you possibly shooting each piece of evidence down as a lie. So if you choose to believe me or not, that is your choice. However, I really do hope you guys believe me.
I might edit this out some other time. *smiles sheepishly*
End Edit
Chapter 10: Where Wolves Lie
"Bubbles, will you stop fussing over my hair? Butch isn't going to give a shit how I look."
Letting out a titter, Bubbles puckered her lips as she brushed her sister's dark hair for the tenth time that day. "But you should look good when heading out with a guy."
"I always head out with guys and I never do my hair."
"But this is special. You're going out shopping instead of playing sports or whatever," Bubbles protested. "Like, y'know, a date."
"We're shopping for Socials supplies."
Bubbles sighed, setting down her brush and picking up her comb. "I wish you'd consider your looks for once, Buttercup," she remarked.
"I'm considering punching you," Buttercup snorted. "And first off, this is not a date."
"Oh come on. We both know you aren't going to hit me." Bubbles let her blue comb drift through Buttercup's black hair as she ignored her sister's second comment. "I picked out the cutest outfit for you."
"No frills, I hope," Buttercup muttered. "I can't stand frills. And I hope you're talking about my version of 'cute', not yours."
"Well, correct me if I'm wrong, but you liked leather jackets last time I checked, right?" Bubbles giggled. She fluffed up Buttercup's hair and beamed. "Done~"
"You got me an outfit with a leather jacket?" Buttercup's eyes widened with satisfaction. But then her grin dropped. "No skirt though, right? Because I don't want Butch thinking...things."
Bubbles giggled again. "Oh, I see. Taking it slow, are we? Well, no skirt; I promise. Just some cute shorts. It's in your wardrobe."
Buttercup relaxed, but then her head snapped back upwards. "Hey, we are not taking it slow or anything! We don't...feel that way about each other!"
"We'll see soon enough. I'm just teasing you." Bubbles smiled cheekily. "Now stop shaking your head all over the place. You'll mess up your new 'do."
Buttercup scowled, but her eyes glimmered with amusement. "You are so cruel, Bubbles."
"I know," her sister replied airily, gathering her supplies and waltzing out of Buttercup's room. "I have a brand of teasing all my own." She flashed a charming smile before disappearing.
Sighing, Buttercup sat back down and shook her head. She paused then, remembering Bubbles' warning about messing up her hair. Stretching a tentative hand upwards, Buttercup tried patting her hair. She felt awkward and different.
Will Butch like my new hairdo? The thought raced through her mind, which she shoved aside. What the hell is wrong with me? He won't even notice.
Buttercup stared at herself in her mirror and grumbled in frustration, "Dammit, Buttercup; don't start acting like Bubbles."
Buttercup walked over to her wardrobe, where Bubbles had said she'd placed the "cute" outfit. Opening the closet door, she peeked inside. Her eyes brightened somewhat when she spotted the slick leather jacket and ripped denim shorts.
"Bubbles, you're speaking my language of fashion!" Buttercup said under her breath, pulling the clothes off the rack. Bubbles had even placed Buttercup's favourite green t-shirt underneath.
After getting dressed, Buttercup waited for Butch to arrive. She didn't have to wait too long.
DING-DONG. DING-DONG.
"Buttercup, I think it's for you!" Bubbles chirped.
"I'll get it," Blossom called.
Buttercup flew out of her room and stood at the top of the stairs, waiting as Blossom opened the door. She couldn't see Butch, but she heard some of what her sister and the green Ruff said.
"I think you know why I'm here; is BC there?" Butch asked.
"She's upstairs." Blossom turned and was about to call for Buttercup, but then she spotted her.
Embarrassed that she'd been caught peeking, Buttercup floated downstairs when Blossom waved. Buttercup stopped in front of Butch and Blossom. "Hey, guys."
"I'll leave you two to it then," Blossom said, winking as she walked away.
Butch turned to Buttercup. "Hey... So uh...you ready?"
"Yeah," Buttercup mumbled, patting her bag. "I have my bag right here."
"Awesome." Butch flashed a grin. He was wearing a green jacket with his sleeves rolled up, and a tight black no-sleeve that showed off his abs. He wore a pair of black shorts. "Shall we be going?"
"Sure." Buttercup closed her door after saying a quick goodbye to her family. Then she followed Butch outside.
He was floating, waiting for her. "I figured we could go to the shopping mall," he suggested.
"I don't see why not. We can probably go to the dollar store later too," Buttercup agreed with a shrug.
Butch nodded. "I just want to head to the mall first 'cause I have some business to take care of."
"What kind of business?" Buttercup asked.
"Oh, just waiting for someone," Butch responded mildly. He blinked. "I've got a question for you too."
"Shoot," Buttercup replied.
"Do you always dress up like this? Nice new hairdo by the way," Butch smirked.
Buttercup blinked, blushing as she smoothed out her jacket. "You won't believe how fussy Bubbles was being. I know; it's silly, b—"
"I like it."
"What?" Pausing, Buttercup stared at him.
"You heard me. I told you; I like it." Butch flashed another one of his smirks; a grin one could consider roguish or charming. He crossed his arms.
"I-I..." Buttercup trailed off. I guess he noticed after all.
"Alright; let's fly!" Butch announced, not waiting for her to reply. Another smirk found its way on his face. "Race ya." And with that, he immediately flew off, leaving his green streak behind.
Blinking in surprise, Buttercup managed to recover and catch up to him. "Hey!" she shouted. "No fair; you got a head-start."
"You snooze, you lose, babe!" Butch shot back. He put in a burst of speed and pulled ahead.
Buttercup shook her head with a sigh, even though her eyes glowed with amusement. She flew faster too, trying to catch up. I'm not about to let Butch win!
"Ha! I win." Butch skidded to a stop in front of the large glass doors that marked the entrance to the mall. He did a little spin to show off, before spotting something in the distance. His eyes bulged in surprise, and he ended up stumbling.
"Serves you right," remarked Buttercup, landing beside him.
"Oh ha ha; very funny," Butch grumbled, sitting up and rubbing his now sore head.
"What's the matter with you?" asked Buttercup. "You were cheerful just a few moments ago."
Sighing, Butch got up and dusted himself off. "Nothing. I just saw someone I didn't like, is all," he growled.
Buttercup turned, wondering if he was talking about Michael and his friends. But she couldn't see the group of boys among the crowd of people.
"Come on; let's head inside," Butch said quickly, grabbing Buttercup's arm and tugging it.
"What's the big idea?" Buttercup demanded, irritation prickling at her skin. She snatched her hand back.
"I just want to hurry."
Buttercup frowned. "Okay, fine. Just don't pull." She followed him inside. "So where to?"
"Follow me," murmured Butch, pausing to sniff at the air. He began flying toward the clothing section.
"Why are we going there?" Buttercup made a face.
Butch scowled back at her. "Don't question it; just come on."
"I thought we were shopping for our project," Buttercup snapped back.
Butch stopped walking, and Buttercup crashed into him. He spun around and glared at her. "Don't ask questions! Jesus, do you ever shut up? Look, I told you I have some business I need to take care of."
Buttercup stared back at him, before anger crawled into her mind. She narrowed her eyes. "Why should I follow an asshole like you?" she spat.
"Fine! Don't then. Stay here if that's what you want," Butch snorted. He turned around and walked inside. "I'm going in."
Buttercup stood there for a few moments, trying to comprehend how she and the green Rowdyruff had just gotten into another argument. Then she took a deep breath and followed Butch inside.
"I thought you weren't going to join me," Butch muttered.
"Curiosity got the better of me," replied Buttercup.
Butch stared at her for a few moments. Then he looked away. "I'm sorry," he mumbled.
"What...?" Buttercup paused in shock.
"Shhh! Look, I'm not good with words, okay." Butch rolled his eyes. "But I'm sorry for snapping at you."
"Oh...I'm sorry for getting mad."
"Okay. We forgive each other. Good. Now let's get going." Butch ducked behind shelves and peeked out.
Trying to stifle a laugh, Buttercup stared at her counterpart. "What are you doing?"
"What do you mean?" He didn't look at her; he was still surveying the crowd in the store.
"I mean," Buttercup said, joining him, "you're hiding in the women's section."
Blinking in surprise, Butch turned and his face reddened when he saw the dresses around him. "So it seems," he coughed awkwardly. "Well, I'm not hiding, per say... Rather, I'm just...browsing."
"Yeah; browsing behind shelves of women's clothing," Buttercup giggled.
He grinned sheepishly, before pausing. "Wait. Get down," Butch hissed, grabbing her and shoving her downwards.
"Hey! That's the second time—" Buttercup began in protest, but she didn't finish. Butch clamped his hand down on her mouth.
"Shhh," he hissed in warning, "they're here."
Buttercup watched, eyes wide, as she spotted two odd people standing in front of them. The Powerpuff Girl and Rowdyruff Boy were hidden behind a brown wooden oak table with necklaces on it. The table was the only thing that lay between the two people and the two super-powered teens.
She waited with baited breath, but nothing happened. Buttercup shoved Butch's hand away, opening her mouth to speak. Before she could, however, the two people started talking. Butch sent her a look and whispered, "Be very, very still."
Deciding to listen to Butch for the second time, Buttercup tuned in to the two people's conversations.
"I wonder where they are. It would be much easier if I hadn't been assigned to this mission with such a ruffian," the man said. He was tall, wearing a decorated purple waistcoat. He seemed so out-of-place, with his top hat and fancy outfit. He carried a staff with a golden ball at the top, and his long, fiery red hair reminded Buttercup of Brick. His eyes, however, were golden.
"How do you think I feel?" retorted the second person. This one was much younger. He was tan, with wavy slightly slicked-back dark hair. He was well-built and had on a green no-sleeve and khaki shorts. He wore flip-flops, and he looked like what one would call "a surfer dude".
Buttercup had to admit he was rather cute. She turned to Butch. "Who's the kid?"
"Just a certain someone," Butch grumbled back.
"Very fortunate to be working with a professional, I'm sure," the first man said, an edge to his voice.
The boy laughed, grabbing the ball on the first man's staff and tugging. It came off, and he started bouncing it. "Don't be ridiculous, Jamel. The only thing you're 'professional' at is messing things up." The boy flashed a grin as he let the ball roll across his shoulders.
Buttercup blinked. His laugh was cute. "He seems nice."
Butch turned to stare at her; noticing the way she gazed at the boy. Scowling, he tugged on her arm. "Don't let looks fool you," he warned.
"Okay, jeez." Buttercup pulled her hand away, wondering what Butch's problem was.
Embarrassed, Butch dropped his own hand. He wasn't sure what his own problem was. I'm not jealous, he told himself, that's just stupid.
"Stop playing with that," snapped the man who'd been confirmed as "Jamel". He snatched it back and reattached it to his rod. "We're supposed to be watching out for any signs of them."
"So why are we waiting out here?" yawned the boy, shrugging. "It's the women's clothing section."
"Why, this is a good place to spot the ladies, of course." Jamel smirked, turning to tip his hat at two passing women.
They giggled and waved back.
The boy smiled at them, showing off his sharp but shiny teeth.
The ladies batted their eyelashes.
When they had gone, the boy glanced back at Jamel, a smirk on his face. "I bet they liked me better."
"Oh, shut up," Jamel snapped.
"Besides, why would anyone like an outdated old man?"
"I am not old! Ugh, okay, I've had it. Let us go somewhere else before you drive me insane. I cannot believe Danes assigned me with you," Jamel snarled, stalking off.
Holding her breath, Buttercup realized that this was the third time Danes had been mentioned. These people know Michael then!
"Okay." Shrugging, the boy followed Jamel out.
"Who was that?" Buttercup asked, coming out of her hiding place when she was sure it was safe.
"Some old acquaintances," Butch muttered under his breath, "no one special."
"The boy seemed rather cool," Buttercup remarked calmly. "In fact, they seemed interesting enough."
Butch's face was in hers in an instant. "Don't you dare tell me that...that dick is 'cool'," he snarled angrily, his eyes blazing.
"Okay, okay; jeez. I just thought he seemed like an okay guy," Buttercup muttered.
"He's not; trust me." Scowling, Butch turned away. Buttercup managed to catch him growling under his breath: "He's more trouble than he's worth." Then, louder, he said: "Come on; we have shopping we need to finish."
Buttercup awkwardly followed Butch out of the store. She had a lot of questions swimming through her mind, but she didn't think she would be able to ask them anytime soon. The first one that came to mind was: didn't Butch say he had some business in that store...?
Butch stopped in front of the dollar store. "Let's check in here," he suggested gruffly. "Then we can go to the Arts & Crafts Store some other time."
"...Okay." Buttercup walked inside, looking around the small store. She turned to Butch. "So what's on the shopping list?"
"Poster board," Butch began, listing things off of his fingers, "coloured paper, modelling supplies..."
When he finished, Buttercup nodded. "Alright then. Let's go shopping!" She floated off, before turning back to see that Butch was still standing there. The green Puff lowered herself, nodding toward the things on the shelves. "You coming, Butch?"
Butch blinked, unfolding his arms. "Yeah; I'm coming."
The two flew into the shelves silently, neither of them talking. As Buttercup scoured the shelves for a poster, she cursed the awkward silence. So when they got to a section where there were a lot of feathered hats, she got an idea. As soon as Butch joined her, he was greeted by Buttercup wearing a large, green hat. The brim drooped over her face, with a flower and a feather tucked in.
"...What are you doing?" demanded Butch, reaching for the hat.
"Ah, ah, ah. You gotta wait your turn." Buttercup held her hat down, smirking. She reached out for another one, and she held up a large pink hat.
Butch's eyes widened. "Hey, what are you doing...? Don't—"
Plop.
"Looking fabulous, Butch!" laughed Buttercup.
Butch paused, before he narrowed his eyes at her. "What the hell, BC!?"
She didn't reply; she was too busy laughing. Instead, she shoved him in front of a mirror. "You...can thank...me later," she exclaimed breathlessly.
Butch stared at himself in the mirror, and he readjusted the hat with a sweep of the brim. He turned back to Buttercup. "Huh...I suppose I do look rather fabulous."
"See? That was the whole point!" Buttercup giggled.
Butch grinned. He grabbed two feathered boas and wrapped one around his neck. He held the other one up. "You want one?"
"Why thank you, Butch," Buttercup replied airily, taking the boa. She batted her eyelashes for added effect.
Butch tossed the boa dramatically, posing as if he were in front of a camera. "This is how you work it, baby!"
"Oh no. Let me show you how it's done." Buttercup stood, before posing three different times. "Pose, pose, and snap!"
The two stopped fooling around briefly to start laughing. The people around them gave them a few weird looks, but no one dared question two super-powered teens.
Soon Butch and Buttercup were running around the store, fooling around with whatever they could get their hands on. They were dressed up the whole time (if you could even call it that).
They played catch with two bouncy balls, which ended up being a game of toss with over a dozen balls. The manager came to scold them, due to the chaos they had caused with the bouncy balls flying through the air.
They ran off before playing with streamers and other party favours. Then Butch and Buttercup juggled glass cups, which scared one of the employees enough to make them faint. The next thing on the agenda was a game of tag, then they read cards and books in the loudest voice possible. Finally, they threw stuffies at one another.
After all that, the manager finally put his foot down. "I don't care if you're a superhero or not! Return those items at once and start shopping or I'm going to kick you out!"
Butch paused, holding a green stuffed rabbit in his hands. "Okay, okay; jeez, Pops." He scowled slightly, tucking the bear in a shopping basket. He picked it up. "Look, we're shopping, okay?"
"Yeah," Buttercup added, shoving the green bear she'd been holding into the basket.
"...Fine." The manager turned on his heel and stalked off.
Buttercup and Butch exchanged looks and grinned.
"You going to buy the boa and hat?" teased Buttercup as the two headed toward the poster section.
Butch flashed a "charming" smirk. "Only if you do."
Buttercup laughed. "Maybe some other day. I don't want to be seen all dressed up so ridiculously."
"Yeah, me too." Butch fluffed his hair up jokingly. "Although it does bring out my eyes." He batted his eyes for added effect.
Buttercup laughed, pulling out a poster board. "You like the colour pink?" she teased.
"Not bad, but..." Butch reached over her, his arms nearly wrapping around Buttercup as she reached for a poster board. She blushed, but he didn't notice. "How's about green?" He paused, holding up the green poster, a goofy grin on his face. But then he noticed Buttercup looking away. "Hey, what's the matter?"
"Uh...n-nothing," the green Puff stammered quickly.
"...Oookay then." Butch dropped his arms, still holding the green poster. "Well, do you like the colour green?" he tried again.
"Yeah, it looks sweet." Buttercup nodded vigorously, using her hat to hide her red face.
"Alright then," Butch said awkwardly, "let's buy this one."
"Sure." Buttercup turned and walked off. "Let's go find some of the other things on our list."
Butch followed at a slower pace, wondering what had turned fun, quirky Buttercup into super awkward Buttercup.
The cashier stared at them, stifling a giggle. She batted her eyelashes at Butch. "You two lovers going to buy those hats and boas?"
This time both Buttercup and Butch blushed. Swiping the accessories off of their heads and necks, they awkwardly shoved them aside. "N-No," Butch stuttered.
The cashier laughed. "Okay then. Whatever you say. Well, are you paying for those stuffies?" The Puff and Ruff hesitated, before nodding. The cashier quickly swiped their other items, before smiling. "That'll be $7.45." When Buttercup and Butch both paid, and the cashier cooed, "That's so incredibly cute!"
"Okay, that's it." Buttercup's face was as red as a tomato's when she snatched their bagged items and flew off.
"Thanks..." Butch said hastily, before quickly reading the worker's name-tag and adding, "Lindsay." He waved before going after Buttercup.
"Charmed, I'm sure!" the cashier called. "Have fun on your date!"
Buttercup's head popped back into the store. "We're not on a date!"
Lindsay giggled as the two embarrassed greens left.
Meanwhile, outside, Buttercup shuffled the bags. "That was messed-up," she complained.
"Gotta admit it was...refreshing," Butch responded, taking some of the load off her arms.
Buttercup looked up in surprise, before ducking her head after spotting his muscles. "Sure; whatever."
Butch was about to ask her what the matter was, but he spotted something that made him freeze. A low growl rumbled out of Butch's throat, and Buttercup looked up.
"Butch...?" the green Puff called. "What's wrong? Wh—"
"Michael and his gang," Butch spat.
Buttercup followed his glare to see the familiar blond boy and his three friends behind him. Then Michael saw them as well, and walked over. Buttercup held her breath as her heart began pounding.
"Hey," Michael greeted coldly.
"Hey yourself," Butch shot back. The two exchanged brief stare-glares for a moment.
Then Michael turned to Buttercup, his features softening. "Hello."
"Uh...hi." Buttercup shifted the bags in her arms awkwardly.
"I see you're...'hanging out' with a Ruff," Michael finally said.
Butch's dark glare made Buttercup pause. "I don't see what the problem is," she said slowly.
"Nothing. There's no problem." Michael leaned in then, whispering, "It's just that sometimes 'wolves' eat innocent 'rabbits', you know?"
When he pulled back, Buttercup could feel shivers tingling down her spine. But her mind was whirling with Michael's words. What does he mean?
Michael turned back to Butch. "Have you seem our friend?"
"Which one?" scowled Butch.
"The one coming back," Michael snapped.
"Yeah, I've seen him. What's the big deal? He's with Jamel." Butch's glare deepened at the mention of the two guys he and Buttercup had seen in the clothing store.
Michael nodded. "Thanks," he said through gritted teeth. He turned back to Buttercup. "Good luck," he stated calmly, before spinning around and stalking off.
The others followed, and Sidney gave Buttercup an awkward wave.
Butch immediately turned to Buttercup. "What'd he say to you when he was whispering?"
Buttercup felt dazed. "N-Nothing special," she said quickly. "So Michael's friends with the boy with Jamel? Wh—"
"They're 'nothing special'," Butch interrupted, quoting Buttercup.
Hurt, Buttercup stared after Butch as he walked off.
Butch glanced back at her. "You coming?"
"Oh...yeah." Buttercup started walking again, trying to ignore the feeling in her stomach that told her she was nervous.
The two flew back to Butch's home, and when they stopped in front of the door, Butch took the items. "You want to come in and work for awhile?"
"...Sure." Buttercup nodded and waited as Butch opened the door. She went with him inside.
"Butch, you're home. And you brought a guest back," Brick called, appearing from the living room. His hair was ruffled, and he carried a bag of chips.
"What are you guys doing?" demanded Butch, walking toward the living room. Buttercup followed.
"Playing a game," Braker called, waving his controller around. "You wanna play?"
"Hell y—no, wait." Butch glanced back sheepishly at Buttercup. "Sorry, Braker; we need to work on our project."
"Aww, that's boring. But go ahead; we won't stop you," Braker said, his smile dropping. But then it reappeared. "Especially if this is a date a—"
"It is not a date!" Butch said quickly.
Buttercup nodded, though she did get a weird feeling when Butch dismissed the idea so quickly (even though she'd done the same thing back at the dollar store).
Braker frowned. "Okay then."
"C'mon; let's go." Butch grabbed Buttercup's arm and pulled her away, his face red.
Buttercup stared at him, but then she smiled. Looks like I'm going to have to get used to being pulled around all the time. She let out a stifled laugh.
"What!?" cried Butch, turning to stare at her.
"Sorry; you being embarrassed is funny," Buttercup said. She held up the green bear she'd bought. "Here's a present from me to you."
Butch stared at her, before smirking too. "C'mere, you." He grabbed her and gave her a noogie. He then pulled out the green rabbit he'd gotten. "And here's my gift to you."
Buttercup couldn't help it—she laughed; even though she tried to hide it. "Stop it, Butch!"
"Okay, okay." He was chuckling too when he dropped his hands. "Let's get to work. I might still have some half-finished chips in my room..."
"Ew, gross," Buttercup teased, but she didn't hide her smile. This might be fun after all...
"What was that? Butch was right there and you didn't do anything. We weren't in school."
"Shut up, DJ. Why should I deprive my uncle Danes of his greatest desire? Besides, he doesn't have to know I let him go."
"Jesus, Michael. Are you growing soft?" DJ snorted.
"I'm not soft; just smart," snapped Michael. "Even if we weren't in school, I can't do anything in public either."
"Fine; I'll give you a point for that." DJ shrugged.
"We're here," Darkai said in his usual deadpan manner.
Michael stopped walking, staring at the large doors that stood in front of him. He took a deep breath. "Guess it's time to say hi to Danes then."
As they opened the doors, they heard low voices inside:
"Jamel, what's the report?"
"Negative, Danes."
"Again...?"
"You didn't expect us to succeed so soon, did you?"
"I was hoping for more."
"Well, we didn't succeed. Too bad, so sad."
Michael peeked into the study, where Danes stood behind his desk. Jamel was sitting in a chair in front of the oak desk, his elbows on his knees. "Uncle Danes?" whispered Michael.
"Ah, Michael; boys—what is it?" Danes looked up in surprise.
Michael scuffed the floor with his toe. "We just came back from shopping," he said slowly.
"Welcome back. Now excuse us, please. Jamel and I are speaking about very important matters. Don't you have to see your tutor?" Danes murmured.
Michael nodded. "But I wanted to ask you something, Uncle Danes; Jamel."
"What is it?" Danes asked, an edge of impatience to his voice as he tapped his desk.
Michael took a deep breath. "Is Ross back yet?"
Danes and Jamel exchanged knowing glances. They turned back to Michael.
"Yes. Ross is back."
ME: Happy late Canada Day and late Independence Day! Sorry I'm late~ Anyway, I won't be able to update while I'm in Shanghai, but I'll try to when we get to Bengbu. We may have to reinstall the wifi though.
BRICK: Thank God.
ME: Oh shut up.
BUTCH: Jeez, it's like impossible for you to update this story daily.
ME: *shrugs* Sorry.
BLASTER: Go ahead and leave a review!