I know. Sorry for this being sooo late. Excuses? uh... I'm lazy and writing is hard. Anyway, here's a chapter. Happy easter, by the way.

Maine had shadowed Sigma since recess. It was getting kind of annoying, especially seeing even Omega could see how obviously concerned he was.

"Are you sure you're ok here?"

"Yeah. Stop worrying."

Maine nodded and continued eating. Sigma hoped he would drop the subject.

"He can't hurt you."

Sigma laughed humourlessly. Epsilon was very capable of hurting her and both of them knew it.

"I won't let him."

She looked at Maine and smiled. "Good luck with that."

"What do you mean?"

"Maine, Epsilon is a psychopath. He hurts people for fun. You trying to get in his way will just make him more eager to get to me."

"So you want me to just let him mess with you?"

"I don't need you protecting me."

"I just want to help-"

"No, stop. Listen to me." Sigma stood, pushing her food towards Theta, who accepted it without argument. " I don't want you protecting me. Epsilon thinks I'm a pushover, and I'm the only one who can prove him wrong."

She walked off, refusing too look back or seem weak in any way. Sigma wasn't entirely sure exactly what she was doing. Her feelings were muddled completely, and she needed to sort out what she was going to do- alone.

What are you going to do about it, pushover?

Her dad's words. How on earth did Epsilon know what to say? She could understand how he knew what had happened; Epsilon had a knack of figuring people out. A skill that just so happened to help in fucking with others.

"He knows me," she murmured, wandering aimlessly around the hallways. Maine would be terrified at the thought of her being alone like this, but Sigma knew the way Epsilon worked. He'd wait at least a day before going near her again.

What else do I know about him? His favourite victim was certainly Wash. She had no idea why though, so that wasn't much help. He was an important part in Freelancer because he scared most people away and made people think twice before trying to interfere with the gang. But most of the other members didn't seem to agree with his lack of morals.

None of this helps me defend myself against him.

Well... She'd find a way. She was going to prove Epsilon wrong.

"Ok, I have to ask."

"What now, Church?"

It had been at least half an hour since their argument had abruptly ended; lunch was over and they were supposed to be working on some English assignment. Despite all that, Tex was still pissed at him. "Do you have any idea what Caboose was going on about? What did he mean when he said 'they' wanted you?"

Tex looked like she legitimately wanted to punch him. Which was kinda freaky seeing that Tex could probably do a lot of damage with one punch.

"Ok, never mind. Forget I asked."

She sighed, anger visibly deflating. "Here."

The note she handed him was old and wrinkled, but the text was still visible. Alison. Give us what you owe or one of your friends will wish he was dead, if he doesn't die first. You have a week.

"Who is this from?"

"Some people I knew once."

Church decided not to press her. "'One of your friends will wish he was dead'. They beat up Caboose?"

"Unless you or Tucker got beat up a month ago."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

Tex shrugged. Church was starting to wonder if showing him the note had used up her capacity for showing emotion. "So… Caboose said they were looking for you?"

"Yeah. They are."

"This is something I should be worried about, isn't it?"

"Don't be. I'm handling it."

There it was again, Tex's absolute refusal to accept help from anyone. "Just… promise you'll tell me before anything happens, ok?"

Her silence was a painful, and obvious no.

"Freeeckles!" Caboose ran through his back gate and tripped over the huge dog as it tried to welcome his owner, leaving the two in a lump of limbs and idiocy.

Tucker just kind of stood there awkwardly, hoping he could come up with a good reason to leave that wouldn't make him feel guilty for ditching Caboose before Freckles or Caboose's parents noticed him.

"Tucker! Aren't you going to say hello?"

Dammit. Nervously, he took a step towards the dog. Instantly it began growling at Tucker and showing his fucking huge teeth. "Caboose, I uh, think it's going to bite me."

"Freckles won't hurt anyone. He's nice!"

Yeah right. "You'll be ok on your own right? I've got to go."

"Why?"

"Because, y'know... I've got to sort out the stuff with you and Tex... See if I can work out why you're so scared of her."

"Oh... That would be nice. You're very nice today, Tucker."

"Yeah. I have no idea why." Caboose had hit dead truth there. First he'd done all that shit with Sister, now he was looking after Caboose. Willingly!

Caboose nodded, turning around to let Freckles, who continued to glare at Tucker, who was still pretty sure that dog shouldn't be around people.

"Well... uh. Bye."

I've found something.

The text had been sent to York's phone almost an hour ago; unfortunately his history teacher didn't take it's-for-a-really-important-gang-thing as an excuse to use phones in class. Not that York could actually use that excuse. He just suspected it wouldn't work.

Yeah, what?

At least Gamma didn't seem to take much offence at the delay in response. Within seconds he'd sent back a screenshot of some rather shifty looking data which was doubtlessly not supposed to be seen by Gamma. He'd highlighted a room number, and a name which York recognised. 'Rhee Sebiel' had rented an apartment in the building Tex and Carolina had scouted out last week.

Any other information?

If you find that this location is not where Wyoming is captured, then I will look for more information.

Well, that was rude.

York wasn't too concerned with that. He had a location, at last. Now he just needed to think of a way to get South and Wyoming out of there.

Finally, something that would involve other people and not just him.

"Hi North."

"Hey."

"You seem happier than usual," Theta commented, walking backwards so he could look at North while they chatted. The two had built a surprisingly strong friendship over the past few days, although Theta was still nervous one of his older brothers would throw a hissy fit over him becoming friends with a gang member.

"Well, yeah. York reckons he might know where South is."

"Seriously? Cool!"

North's smiled widened. He was constantly astounded at how happy the kid could be for other people. "Let's just hope he's right, and we can manage to get her out."

"Somehow I can't see Tex, Carolina and Epsilon failing at doing... Anything."

"Fair enough," North agreed, refusing to let his nervousness cloud his joy.

"So, I was wondering…" Theta trailed off and blushed. North recognised it as Theta being too embarrassed to ask a question, which happened a lot.

"Just ask. I don't mind."

"Do your parents know about South? I mean, they'd have to be pretty blind not to notice she was missing."

"South often stays with C.T. when she wants to get away from me or our parents. They're so used to it by now they haven't even asked."

"How come she gets annoyed at you guys so much?"

North shrugged. "I think it's just part of South's character. She doesn't get along with many people and mum, dad and me just aren't one of the few she does like."

"That must suck."

"You have four siblings. Don't you ever fight?"

"I get along with everyone but Gamma. Though no one gets along with Gamma."

"What about your parents?" The moment the question was asked, North regretted it. Theta winced slightly and blushed again. "Touchy subject, sorry. Forget I asked."

"Not your fault. It's just... hard to explain."

North patted the kid on the shoulder gently. "Don't stress about it."

"Tucker! Where the fuck have you been?"

"Uhh… Taking advantage of the fact Grif is hospitalised." Church accepted Tucker's excuse easily, giving him a 'please don't go into details' face. "What the fuck happened to Caboose?"

"How'd you find out about that so quick?"

"He nearly ran me over before! Something you or Tex did scared the shit out of him."

"It was Tex… The guys who attacked Caboose were after her."

"What?"

"Yeah… She only just told me."

"Why were they after her."

"I asked her that."

"And she didn't tell you?"

"Nope."

What a surprise. Had Tex ever told either of them anything? Tucker didn't even know the name of the town she was born in. "So, is Caboose just going to be terrified of Tex forever?"

"I dunno. Maybe Sheila will sort it out."

"Hopefully."

Another change in the O'Malleys' usual routine caused by Doc, Wash and Maine's presence was a large increase (from zero to some) in socialising outside their house.

Oddly, aside from Theta, it was Omega who was happiest about this. Though perhaps simply because he could spend more time with Doc.

Theta, Sigma, Omega, Doc and Wash were sitting at an outdoor table of some cafe. For no particular reason other than it was a socially acceptable place to hang out.

"Sigma, you and Donut are friends right?" Doc still felt awkward speaking with Sigma. Like he had to step carefully, just in case he hurt her.

"We sit next to each other in art, so kinda. Why?"

"Have you noticed him being colder to you recently?"

"No."

"Is he sadder? Or less chatty?"

"Nope."

Doc frowned in confusion. Sigma was known for being pretty observant and good at guessing people's emotions. Which meant Donut was only mad at him… Doc's train of thought was halted when he noticed Sigma stifling a laugh. "What?"

"God. You guys are really oblivious."

"What do you mean?"

"Donut likes you Doc. He's had a huge crush on you for ages. Chances are, he's pissed at you 'cause of Omega."

"What?"

"Why would Donut be mad at Doc because of me," Omega interrupted. "Wouldn't it make sense for him to blame the guy who took his spot?

Sigma shrugged. "I dunno. It could just be to do with Grif or something."

Gah this was crap.