Chapter 8: Seeds of Doubt

How does it always end up like this?

That was Kevin's only thought as he stared down the barrel of a gun. It was a stalemate. If he moved, there was a good chance he'd be shot. He had his powers to protect him, but what about Anton. He glanced over to him. The splice's eyes were glued to the gun, quivering with fear masked under his snarls. Damn, he had to think quick. His attention turned back to the gunman. He was a kid just like him. What kind of cheapskate puts a lone kid as a guard? But if he was alone then maybe it wouldn't be so difficult to outrun him.

Kevin took a small step forward and the gunman sent another warning glare. "I said don't move!" He shouted.

"Or what?" Kevin sneered.

"I think you know," the gunman replied.

Kevin laughed, "Do I look afraid?" He taunted, holding his concrete-coated arm up.

The gunman cocked his brow, "What about your friend then?" He motioned to Anton. Said splice looked to Kevin in a panic.

Kevin clicked his tongue in annoyance, "Come on, that's not playing very fair."

"Neither is pitting two against one," the gunman stated, "Now why are you here?"

"Why do you need to know?" Kevin rebutted.

"This is a Plumber warehouse. I was ordered to deal with anyone who broke in," the gunman explained.

Kevin tilted his head in disbelief, "You're a Plumber?"

"Yes!" The gunman spat, offended, "Are you just two idiots who thought you could get lucky, or are you actually with the Splitters?"

"Splitters?" Kevin muttered. There was that word again. What was that supposed to be? Some kind of gang? "What does everyone keep talking about? I don't know what that is?" He ranted.

It was the gunman's turn to look confused. "Seriously?" He questioned.

"Sorry, I'm kind of new in town," Kevin replied.

The gunman huffed, "Fine, I'll assume you're just idiots then. Either way, I'm taking you both in."

"Oh? I'd like to see you try," Kevin smirked as he cracked his stone knuckles. He could see the sweat form on his forehead despite his calm demeanor. If this kid actually had any guts he would've shot them both by now. Kevin's smirked widened. This would be easy. He glanced over to Anton and gave a tiny nod. Anton started to growl in wary anticipation. It was enough to catch the gunman's attention and he turned his gaze away from Kevin briefly.

"Gotcha!" Kevin rushed at him he tackled him to the ground, grabbing one of his wrists pinning him, and the gun down. The gunman lifted his other gun to Kevin's head, but Kevin was faster and covered the muzzle with his palm just before it fired. The heat and impact of the bullet were near unbearable, but he grit his teeth and pushed through it.

"Kevin!" Anton was calling out to him in distress, but he ignored him. He started to twist his captive's wrist. The gunman winced and struggled to no avail until finally, Kevin was able to wrench the gun out of his hand. It did little, as the gunman instead delivered a strong left hook to his captor's head. The blow was enough to knock Kevin off him. The gunman scrambled to his feet and tried to aim his only gun, but a sudden mad snarling stopped him cold. He turned just to see the white-haired splice lunge for him. He dodged at first, but Anton spun around and slashed at his hand.

"Ah!" the gun was knocked out of his hand and was left with two bleeding gashes.

Anton paused, watching him clench his hand in pain. Anton whimpered and took just a few steps away. He turned back to Kevin, who was getting back to his feet. He then quickly glance around and saw the exit, where they had broken into the warehouse. Kevin was still staggering a bit. Maybe he could just carry him out before anyone else arrived? That thought ended when he heard something come up behind him. He turned just as a knife swiped by his face. He dodged but this kid just wouldn't let up. The gunman lunged for him again, thrusting the knife towards his chest. Anton moved again and let his attacker brush past him. His heart was going at a frantic pace. He searched for Kevin but couldn't see him. He couldn't figure out where he was right now. His focus was off. His fight or flight instincts were at war. The beast was trying to claw its way out and he was struggling to push it back down.

With his attention divided, he barely noticed the gunman coming for him again. This time he swung his knife upwards and slashed his shoulder open. Anton cried out and hunched over in pain. His hand went to his shoulder and soon he felt the warm liquid cover his palm. As the smell of his own blood started to waft into his nose every breath was turning into a manic snarl. When he turned his gaze up everything else was a blur, except the gunman. Everything focused on him and the red-stained knife in his hand. Anton lunged at him without a second thought. Beastly snarls were pouring from his throat. Nothing else mattered right now except to fight.

The gunman gasped in fright and held up his arm to block. The white-haired splice latched onto his knife with his fangs. His hand, with claws out and still stained with blood, tried to reach him, but the gunman's arm prevented it. Anton lashed out his free hand and grabbed the gunman's head and push him hard against some nearby crates, completely trapping him there. The gunman couldn't hide his fear anymore. He kept his arm firm even under the growing strength of his rabid attacker, even trying to and failing to push him away with his free hand. Anton growled in satisfaction. He should be afraid. The scent of his own blood was sending him into a frenzy. Kill! Kill! Kill him first. If he was killed first, then what to stop this kid from going after Kevin next…and then what…and then what?! His fangs were starting to grow larger, scraping now against the metal blade. He could feel the prickling of his skin growing more hairs. The gunman was struggling harder against him, but it was no use. He had him. He could end it right now…

"Anton don't!" Kevin's shout was like a cold splash of water and Anton was jolted awake.

With new clarity, he saw the frightened kid in his grasp. What had he nearly done? He released the blade and the kid, moving away in a petrified stupor. The gunman didn't wait for a second more. He grabbed the splice and bashed his forehead against his. Anton stumbled back, dazed, and the gunman kicked his chest to knock him down. He landed on his injured shoulder. He whimpered and shook. The gunman was coming upon him. He turned to his attacker. He was holding the knife towards him and was still wearing a look of fear. He was ready to lunge, but Kevin then pounced on him from behind.

"Back off!" He shouted. Kevin trapped him in a chokehold while also trying to grab the hand with the knife. He got hold of his wrist and, with a strong jerk, forced him to drop it. His captive tried to claw and kick his way free, but Kevin held tight until he had enough. He threw the kid over his shoulder and against another stack of crates. The gunman held himself up from falling to the floor, struggling through the pain. He turned and suddenly was pinned to the wall as Kevin pushed a crate against him.

"…okay now," Kevin calmed down after a bit of panting. His captive must've finally realized he was done, and he stopped struggling. Kevin smirked, "Looks like you've had enough. How about you let us walk out of here, scot-free?"

His captive whipped his head up and glared at him. "I can't do that!" he spat.

Kevin clicked his tongue, "Geez, of course you have to be a boy scout," he groaned. Kevin had to admit though, the kid's determination was impressive. He kinda liked it. Still, he rather not waste any more time here. He pressed the crate a little firmer against him. "Look you're lucky I don't feel like beating in a pulp but trust me that can change really fast." His captive squirmed a little, but he kept up his defiant gaze. Kevin sighed and rolled his eyes, "Listen, I don't know about any underground gang…army…cult…whatever. I also not here for any of those guns so just let us get out of here."

Something changed. "Guns?" the kid now stared at him perplexed.

Kevin blinked back at him for a moment effort breaking into uncontrolled cackling. "Seriously?!" He said with a mocking grin, "And you call us a pair of idiots."

"Kevin!"

Kevin turned around and looked at a frantic Anton.

"Let's leave!" Anton looked ready to beg. Kevin turned for one last look at the gunman. Any previous drive seemed to have left, replaced by confusion. Good enough for him.

"Let's go!" Kevin abandoned the gunman and ran towards the exit, yelling for Anton to follow. He didn't look back. He didn't think the gunman would be able to follow them. Anton's furious footsteps behind him were all he heard. They continued outside and to a closed chain link fence.

"I knew this was a bad idea!" Anton barked next to him.

"Brag about it later! Climb!" Kevin ordered. Anton hurried up the fence, clearing over it in just a few seconds. Kevin followed close, not as graceful as his friend, and join him on the other side. There wasn't time for pause and the two raced down the street until the warehouse was out of sight.

Hunter pushed the crate off him. there was no way he could catch those two. He could only watch them get further away as he sat on the floor and caught his breath.

"Shit!" he cursed and held his bleeding, shaking hand.

The gashes were bad, but they didn't hurt nearly as much as the wound to his pride. How could he lose to a couple of stupid thieves? Fair enough, they were a hybrid and a chimera. Not exactly his forte. He sighed. At least they didn't get away with anything. Maybe he wouldn't get in too much trouble, only enough about the mess they caused. He shuffled his way through the knocked-over crates and shattered wood. He was able to find his guns. His hand throbbed and was barely able to pick them up. He could only imagine how Naomi would react as he tucked his wounded hand under his armpit.

"Guns?" Hunter couldn't believe it. Why would the Plumber's stash any weapons in a dumpy warehouse? His gaze wandered over to the open crate he had watched them rummage through. He knew he shouldn't take too much credence in the word of thieves…but it's not like he put much credence in Krum's slimy word either. A curious tick pushed him towards the crate, and he lifted the lid. There was fruit in there but…no it didn't seem right.

He picked one up. "Plastic?" He couldn't believe it and dug deeper. He froze when he felt cold metal. It couldn't be anything else but a gun, he had held enough to know the weight and texture. He pulled it out a bit and got a glimpse of the barrel. Now his eyes were convinced.

"What the hell?! Why?!" No! This didn't make any sense. Any weapons were o be housed at the main base. Hunter snarled. Krum lied straight to his face. He felt like such an idiot. He felt his badge in his pocket. He wanted to reach for it, report this then Krum would pay, but his hand only hovered over his pocket as stiff as a statue.

"What do I do?" He had dealt with traitors before, but they were always just flunkies, bumbling idiots who would piss themselves one cornered. Krum was a higher up though, hell a Trade-master in this city! With his authority and slick businessman tongue, he would be able to weasel his way out of this easily.

"Hey!" Hunter jumped at the shout. He turned and saw two Plumber guards coming towards him. They sure took their time getting here. He turned to respond but then paused. These were Krum's men, right? Did they know about this too? He continued to eye the crate of weapons as the two guards approached.

"Oi, what happened in here?" one of them asked, looking around at the debris.

Hunter eyed them warily, "…There were…just some thieves. They ran off." He explained after a pensive pause.

"Were they Splitters? You just let them go?" the plumber asked.

"They were just two morons. They didn't take anything," Hunter sighed and sat on the crate. He grimaced at the pain in his hand. He couldn't do much to hide it anymore.

The guard let out a frustrated breath. He turned to his partner, "Call some back-up to look over this mess…and a medic for him," he said before walking away. His partner only nodded and went to tend the young man. Hunter, however, kept his gaze on the other. The guard walked further away from the two, but Hunter could see him pull a phone out and quickly dial.

Hunter felt his heart hammer against his ribs. He needed to speak to Krum.

Daylight had broken by the time Kevin and Anton reached home. They stopped to catch their breath just a few feet from the door. Kevin listened as sirens bled into the distance. He sighed. This had been a bunk night, but at least they got away.

"Damn, this night could've gone better," Kevin grumbled.

"Might've been if we didn't go at all," Anton said between huffs.

"Hey! I got us out of there didn't I?!" Kevin exclaimed.

"Sure but…"

"But nothing!" Kevin shouted, "Forget what happened! Nothing happened! We need to play it cool."

"How?! I've got a bloody shoulder and you've got a black eye! Gilliam and Vanessa are going to freak out!" Anton exclaimed, about ready to panic. Kevin examined himself in the window. His right had become bruised and swollen. He touched it and flinched as it stung. There was no way to hide that.

"…I'll think of something," Kevin said. Anton only sighed. "Hey come on! We'll be alright," Kevin tried to reassure, both Anton and himself.

"Sure," Anton said, though not convinced. He paused for a moment. "…Hey, thanks by the way."

"Hmm?" Kevin glanced at him curiously.

"Back there…I could feel myself slip away. If you hadn't stopped me…then I…I might have," he swallowed hard, unable to even stomach the thought. Kevin saw how his hands shook. He couldn't admit it had startled him. He had seen plenty of bloodthirsty aliens in his life, sure, but still this was Anton. The guy didn't even like squishing the odd house roach. That beast side of him was something else.

"Get a grip on yourself, man," Kevin said.

"Right," Anton said, breath still a little shaky.

"Don't sweat it so much. Let's just get inside," Kevin pulled on the door, but it was locked. Kevin produced an annoyed huff and then absorbed the metal of the handle onto his hand. He then jammed his finger into the keyhole.

"Where'd you learn that?" Anton asked, concerned decorating his tone.

"Eh…you know," Kevin brushed that question aside as he continued to fiddle with the lock.

Anton just shook his head. There was no point in prying. "Alright, just don't break it." At that, the door clicked, and Kevin pushed it open with ease and a rather boastful smirk. "Fine then, show off," Anton chuckled but immediately winced from his hurt shoulder.

"If we're quiet, we can make it upstairs no problem. We can fix that shoulder," Kevin stated. He ushered Anton to follow him quietly and the two tiptoed there way into the building. It was still dark inside, so everyone must still be asleep. Anton was such a whiner, this is easy. He thought Gilliam would be better than his mom and stepdad when it came to him sneaking out. Guess he was wrong, or he was just that good. He started striding towards the staircase. His confidence, however, kept him from noticing Anton had frozen in place.

"Kevin wait!" Anton called to him.

Kevin groaned and spun around, "What now?" He asked in a hushed shout. He then heard it. A faint creak of the staircase followed by heavy footsteps getting closer. He turned in time to see Gilliam emerge from the shadows of the stairwell. The man froze with a look of surprise. It quickly faded as he examined them both. Kevin kept his head low, choosing to focus on Gilliam's hand. He was holding a pair of car keys. Was he about to go look for them? His grip on them grew tighter. Kevin gulped and looked back up to the man's now hard scowling face.

"Welcome home, boys," Gilliam finally greeted them. There was no joy in his tone, only anger accented by his rigid jaw. His eyes were focused solely on Kevin. "What happened? Made a wrong turn somewhere?" His scowl had deepened even more. It was going to leave a dent in his forehead at this rate. That still wouldn't compare to hole Gilliam's glare was burning into Kevin's head. Kevin was struggling with swallowing down the lump in his throat which was blocking any answer he could give, like anything he could say would matter. In fact, there was only one word that popped in his head.

Busted.

On the other side of town, Hunter sat stoically watching as Plumber's were running in and out of the warehouse. They went through and checked every crate, all except one. That large play Plumber from before, the one that had first greeted him, was guarding over it. His boot had been planted firmly on it as he barked orders at everyone else. Let's see…

A crate full of guns.

One of Krum's cronies guarding over it.

And the man himself so far nowhere to be seen.

All sent red flags to Hunter's brain alongside making his blood boil. Where was that fat rat anyway?! He had grown tired of being kept here.

He winced as the medic finished stitching his hand up. "Okay, I've stopped the bleeding, but you still see the infirmary when you're back at base," the medic stated.

"Alright," it was a half-hearted response. The injury was the last thing on his spiraling mind.

"What is going on here!?"

Hunter started and spun around at the intrusive shout. His eyes narrowed. Krum had marched into the warehouse in a fury. He bellowed out a plethora of incoherent shouts at the dumbstruck Plumbers. It wasn't until the large guard, the one who was watching over the crate, had rushed over to him that then Krum had calmed down. The man spoke to him in whispers and his back was facing Hunter so he couldn't tell what they were saying. He instead had to watch Krum's face play a myriad of expressions. Calm to anger. Anger to nervousness. Nervous to pensive. At one point his eyes caught Hunter's. He sweated under the surprisingly intense gaze. Krum turned away and whispered something to the guard.

before circling back towards Hunter.

"What a mess. Care to explain? Was it thieves?" Krum began asking him. His demeaning tone was becoming infuriating.

"Just some street kids. No Splitters," Hunter answered, doing his best to stay calm. He was ready to go off on the man, but frankly, he was outnumbered here. How could he know how many were on his side?

"Just some children did this?" He pondered at the scene, "and you let them get away. I thought shadow agents were more efficient than that."

"You asked me to stop the Splitters not shoot some random kids," Hunter growled. He paused for a moment. He should be careful, but his patience was wearing thin. "Unless…you didn't think any Splitters would show up at all," he stated as he glared into Krum's eyes. Krum in turn stood still examine the young man up and down. Hunter remained steadfast but worried as tried to place an emotion on his expression. Was that anger? Fear? Maybe it was a little of both.

Krum suddenly slid into an unnerving grin. "I want this mess cleaned up and all inventory checked!" He turned and barked one last order at his crew. When he turned back the grin remained, it might have gotten wider, and Hunter felt his throat dry up.

"I'll take this young man back to base with me, ma'am. I'll make sure he gets to the infirmary," Krum told the medic. The woman eyed him suspiciously but just gave a shrug and walked off. "Come on, kid. Wouldn't want to be in their way," Krum's stubby fingers dug harshly into Hunter's shoulder and forced him up.

There was little Hunter could do to resist as he was being guided out of the warehouse. He turned around a few times to see the guards rush around the room. Now a part of him was begging to stay as men combed through crates. Every time he slowed down though; Krum would push him forward until they arrived at his car. Krum opened the door and shoved him inside before stepping in and motioning his driver to go. It was uncomfortably quiet. Hunter fidgeted on the leather seats, staring stone-faced at the older man. Krum seemed to pay him no mind as he lit a cigarette and huffed away while humming to himself. Hunter's nose scrunched at the awful smell.

"Oh, sorry about that," Krum snickered and opened a window.

"You're not going to convince me of anything after what I saw," Hunter finally said. He couldn't hold it in anymore.

"Oh?" Krum cocked a brow, "and what was that."

"You're smuggling," Hunter stated.

"Hmm," Krum hummed and took another hit of his cigarette. Hunter took note that he didn't deny it. Hunter's scowl hardened and Krum laughed. "That's a nice look, kid. Very scary," he stopped laughing and leaned in close to the boy, "but nothing more," he leaned back, a confident smirk now stuck to his face.

Hunter snarled, "When the Magister finds out- "

"Careful," Krum cut him off, "I am not just another peon you can blow the brains out on the street."

"I saw the weapons," Hunter said.

"Eyes don't count as proof. Do you have anything else?" Krum asked. Hunter cast his gaze downwards. "That's right," Krum snickered, "be more careful where you stick your nose," Hunter said nothing as he held back his rage. Krum shook his head, "Now come on kid, I am a generous man, so I'm more than willing to forget about this night. I will still have to write a report, but I'll make sure neither of us gets in trouble. Just a slight mark on your flawless record, I'm sure."

Hunter lifted his head back up with a sneer, "This sounds like a bribe."

"This is a deal," Krum was quick to correct, "We both have jobs to do for this city and it would be dreadful if something would happen to us."

"Would people like it if they knew you were giving out weapons to anarchists?"

"They would get those weapons without my help. Think of me like a wall between them and total free reign. Is it not better for us to be in control of them, whether they're aware of it or not," Krum continued to argue. He took a long hit from his cigarette and blew the smoke at the ceiling. Hunter winced at the strong haze and turned his head toward the fresh air out the window. The city was starting to wake up. Shops were beginning to open. The owners were waving to the early risers and tired Plumbers guards who were coming from the night patrol. It looked…peaceful but was it? He didn't know anything anymore.

"I'd take the day off after you get that hand patched up," Krum huffed his cigarette once more before tossing the butt out the window, "Also…I would highly recommend you forget about last night. It'd be better for your career in the long run, young man."

Hunter shot the fiercest glare he could muster at the man. Krum smirked, "Or if you're still so gung-ho about it…here." He pulled and held out his phone. Hunter eyed it and the man with caution. "You can call the Magister right now. Tell him everything if you think it'll help."

Hunter's gaze narrowed. He looked back down at the phone. He should tell the Magister; he should know what was happening right under his nose. Krum would be arrested and maybe there were others involved in this racket. Yes, he had to. It was his job to help protect this city from creeps like him. He started reaching for the phone. Justice seemed tantalizingly close. His eyes darted up to Krum, praying to see him sweat. Instead, Krum was still retaining every ounce of smug confidence from before, maybe it had even grown. Hunter froze completely. His fingers were just hovering over the phone, so close. A thundering heartbeat was invading his ears, clouding his thoughts. This could be fear? Was it? He had blocked such feelings for such a long time that he forgot what it felt like. Why then? Because of Krum? Krum's nothing but a fat slob of a businessman, but one with power. More than him.

Hunter's arm slumped. His hand fell to his knee. Krum smirked at him and returned the phone to his pocket. "A smart choice," he snickered. Hunter swallowed down any biting retorts. He's never given up before, but what could he do. In terms of rank, he wasn't much. Aside from short reports, he didn't speak with let alone look at the Magister at all. As much as hated to admit it, Krum was out of his reach.

At least for now.

"What we're you thinking?!"

Kevin winced under Gilliam's harsh voice. Being arrested by the Plumbers would've been better than this. Gilliam had dragged him up to his and Anton's room like he was heading to his execution. At least he was nice enough to give him an ice pack for his swollen eye before he died. Hopefully, Anton was faring better with Vanessa downstairs.

"I asked you to do one thing. One thing! And you couldn't even keep a simple promise!" Gilliam continued ranting.

"I did help out with Sam," Kevin rebutted.

"And then what?" Gilliam barked back. Kevin sealed his mouth and returned his gaze to the floor with a shrug. Gilliam, growing more frustrated, rubbed the bridge of his nose while trying to take some calming breaths. "I don't what more I can do, Kevin," Gilliam sighed.

"Well, I already got my butt kicked. So, you don't have to worry about that," Kevin quipped.

"That's not what I mean," Gilliam growled.

"I didn't take any Plumber tech. Why do you care? You're not one anymore."

"That's not the point!" Gilliam snapped, "I'd hoped that when I brought you out of the alleyway that you were going to try and be better. Do you not want to? Or are you not even trying?" Gilliam asked. Kevin grit his teeth together, refusing to say anything while keeping his gaze away from the man. Gilliam sighed, "Honestly, Kevin, this kind of stuff led to you getting locked up in the Null Void. I guess you're fine with that happening again?"

"Aren't I still locked up in there!?" Kevin then exclaimed. Gilliam paused, now he couldn't look the boy in the eye. Kevin huffed with contempt, "I don't remember promising anything anyway."

"Does that matter?" Gilliam asked.

"Guess not," Kevin shrugged.

Gilliam shook his head, "I'm disappointed, Levin."

"Figured…what about Anton?" Kevin asked.

"He'll have his punishment too, but I'd worry more about yourself," Gilliam stated, "breaking into a Plumber run warehouse could have serious consequences."

"Because of all the weapons they store there?" Kevin then asked.

Gilliam paused, confusion suddenly rose on his face, "What are you talking about?" He asked. Kevin perked up, eyes meeting the man for the first time since they arrived. Kevin didn't expect him to know much, but he seemed downright shocked. Kevin's lips quirked up reflexively. This could be his get-out-jail-free card.

"It's true. Anton and I found some hidden away. I bet the place was loaded with them," Kevin stated, albeit with a little exaggeration.

Gilliam slipped back into his stone-faced demeanor, not a good sign. "And why would they be there?" Gilliam asked.

Kevin shrugged, "How should I know, but I saw what saw."

There was a long, uncomfortable pause next as Gilliam stared him down. His jaw shifted and flexed as he appeared to ponder. Then finally, he sighed and shook his head, "How convenient."

"But it's the truth!" Kevin exclaimed.

"Is it?" Gilliam snipped back.

"It is!" Kevin lurched to his feet, now glaring up at the man. "Head over there yourself and you can see!"

"Stop," Gilliam groaned.

"Or call Grant and have him find it…if they haven't cleared anything yet."

"Enough!" Gilliam shouted.

"You don't believe me?!"

"I did! Give me one reason why I should believe you now!" Gilliam roared and that was enough to make Kevin take a step back. Suddenly the door clicked open. Both turned and saw Anton nervously poke his head in.

"Anton…you can come in," Gilliam told him, taking a calming breath. It took a second, but Anton slowly entered the room. His head hung low. Kevin quickly saw the bandages around his arm and shoulder peeking out from his shirt. His eyes bounced back and forth between the two in a wary manner. He must have heard enough of the shouting.

"Anton!" Kevin shouted, causing the other to jump, "You were there! Tell him about the cache we saw!"

Anton's nervous gaze shot up to the man who waited patiently for his answer. Anton dry-gulped, "I…didn't see anything," he muttered and turned away.

"What?!" Kevin shouted in shock.

"No more of this!" Gilliam exclaimed. He took another deep breath, "…Grounded, both of you. You are not to leave this house without my or Vanessa's approval."

"That's-"

"That's final!" Gilliam shouted. Kevin only sneered and looked away, giving in. "…And keeping icing your eye," that was Gilliam's final word before exiting the room.

It was a cold silence that lingered in the room. Anton had not moved his gaze from the ground. He placed his hand on his shoulder. Miss Vanessa did a good job bandaging him up but couldn't lessen the pain. he let out soft whimpers as he tried to dull the burning sting of his wound. It didn't help that he could also feel Kevin's searing glare on his back.

Or the hard punch of his fist.

"Ow! What was that for?!" Anton jumped back and exclaimed. Kevin stared him down with blaring anger, though he must have been cool enough since he still aimed for his uninjured shoulder.

"You know! You lied about what happened back at the warehouse!" Kevin shouted.

Anton gulped, "...Yeah...b-but what does it even matter?" Kevin just clicked his tongue in annoyance and turned to sit back on his bed. Anton sighed, "It's not like he would have believed anyway, and if he did what would happen? 'Hey, you're grounded for life, but you'll also get free ice cream!'"

Kevin rolled his eyes, "Thought you'd have my back at least."

"I have this whole night! Who helped break into that place and then busted you out?! Barely, by the way... let's just forget about it," Anton vented. He calmed himself with a shaky breath and sat on his makeshift bed. Gilliam had managed to find a temporary cot and mattress for their new housemate. It was small compared to the regular bed Kevin had, but his friend didn't seem to mind. In fact, when Gilliam was offering to get him a proper one, he just kept on refusing, saying he was fine with what he had. Anton rarely asked for anything. Kevin didn't know he was too humble or too chicken.

"I don't get what still got you scared," Kevin stated.

"...We shouldn't poke around in that kind of stuff," Anton said, his voice almost trembling, "We got away this time, but what if we got caught? What if they take me back-"

"They won't!" Kevin interjected fiercely.

Anton blinked, "You don't know-"

"You don't know either! So, stop worrying over nothing!" Kevin stopped him again.

Anton stared at his friend, a bit dumbfounded. He had never met someone with so much bravado as Kevin before, fake or not. He wished he could have just a sliver of it, but the nightmares wouldn't let him be. They would always start with him walking down a street or sitting out in an open field, free and naive. Then, suddenly, a leash would appear around his neck, constricting and yanking him backward. The harder he fought against it, the tighter and rougher it would become. Bars of a cage would come up from the ground, boxing him inside a small cell. All that was left was the burning around his throat and the darkness that came on all sides. He would scream and shout, begging for help.

And then he would wake up.

He didn't mention them to anyone. Kevin seemed to know though; they were roommates after all. He didn't press for any details. He only told him to get over it, in the nicest way he could. Maybe he understood somewhat. He had woken up to Kevin struggling through his own nightmares. Kevin was quicker to dismiss them than he his own. That was fair, he guessed. If Kevin didn't prod him about his demons then why should he do the same? It never seemed to bother him considering nothing else seemed to bother him.

Anton sighed, "That might be easy for you to say."

Kevin rolled his eyes, which he regretted with another dose of pain, "Says you. Trust me, you're not going anywhere."

Anton chuckled a little, "So far, trusting you has gotten me grounded for eternity and nearly killed."

"But you're not dead, are you?" Kevin shrugged, "So, no need for doubt."

"Are you sure about that?" the two boys turned to the door. Laura was now standing there, arms crossed and glaring at Kevin.

"No one likes a snoop, Laura," Kevin sneered back at her.

"It's not really snooping. I'm sure the neighbors three blocks down could hear all the yelling," Laura shot back.

Kevin flopped back on his bed, "What do you want?" he groaned, placing the ice pack over his eye again.

Laura fumed and burst inside, stomping right up to his bed, "You're a real ass, you know that?!" she yelled down at him. Kevin didn't respond, he didn't even budge from his spot.

Worried, Anton got up to try a get between them. Spats between them were common and often not pretty. "Laura, please," he tried to plead and pull her away.

Laura yanked her arm away, "No, don't defend him! He almost got you killed tonight!"

"But-"

"Is there anything else you'd like to add?" Kevin asked still not looking up at her.

"I don't think I've ever met anyone as selfish as you. Do you even care about anyone? No, everything's just to benefit you, isn't it?" Laura chided. Kevin finally opened his uncovered eye and glared up at the girl. "You really hurt my uncle. He was worried about you, and he believed in you."

Kevin snorted at that.

"It's true!" she reiterated.

"Sure it is," He spat.

"I know you don't want to believe it, but he did," Laura stated, "And if he never does again, it's all your fault."

"You know what I learned quick," Kevin shot up off the bed to stare the girl in the eye, "Faith is fleeting. Eventually, we all have only ourselves to rely on."

"That's crap and you know it!" Laura exclaimed, " I bet if Anton wasn't there to help, you would've ended up far worse than just having a black eye!" Kevin huffed but said nothing, eyeing the wall.

"Could you just acknowledge that there are other people around you...people that care," she said, trying to be a little calmer. It didn't seem to help as Kevin seemed twice as mad.

"You know I already got chewed out by your uncle! I don't need another lecture from you!" Kevin shouted getting in her face.

"Clearly you do! Otherwise, you'll just keep getting others hurt! So how about you stop this little tough guy act?!" Laura shouted back.

Kevin pointed a mocking finger at her, "You really like pretending to be a know-it-all, don't you?!"

Laura stuck her finger right in his chest, "Better than being an emotionally stunted freak!"Kevin snapped and grabbed her wrist. Laura jumped at the sudden roughness but his grip was so tight that she could barely fight against him.

"You should watch what you say, Cross," Kevin snarled in a low voice.

Laura looked him in the eyes. They were so fierce and full of hate unlike she had ever seen from him before. She typically wasn't scared. He could be a jerk, it annoyed her, but this was different. She tried to hide it, but still a small cry of pain escaped from her mouth. That must have triggered something as a light seemed to return to the boy's eyes and his grip lessened. He stood there with a look of shock. Did he even realize what he was doing?

"Kevin!" Anton's panicked voice broke in between them, "Stop! Let go!" he pleaded while trying to pry his hand away.

Kevin shook himself awake and finally released her hand. His gaze fell to his palm. It was trembling and he wore what almost looked like shame. It passed as quickly as it came. He turned irritated again as he turned from the two.

"Get out," he mumbled to them.

Laura stared at the back of his head, unmoving. "...It didn't hurt," that was a lie but she didn't want to say it.

"Get out!" Kevin said again shouting. With a little nudging from Anton, Laura headed out of the room. The splice looked back to his friend, still visibly shaken, and thought it best if he left too. He exited after Laura, but as soon as he did the door slammed shut behind him. He to open it, but it was locked.

"Kevin! Come on!" Anton called after him.

"Just let him sulk," Laura sighed.

Anton turned the knob a few more times before giving up. "You shouldn't have said that," he stated, turning to the girl. Laura sighed again. He was probably right, but there was no use changing anything now.

"He can't keep doing this stuff. It's gonna get him hurt...or worse," she said.

A tiny bout of silence fell between them. "...he cares," Anton eventually said. Laura rolled her eyes at him, "He does...he just doesn't show it well."

"Hmm...and how's that?" Laura asked.

"He could have left me...saved himself, but he didn't. Plus...he stopped me from nearly...," Anton hesitated, "Anyway, maybe you don't see it...but it's there."

Laura eyed him curiously, "How can you sound so sure?"

"Instincts," Anton shrugged.

Laura smirked and shook her head, "If you say so. Just...you shouldn't let him boss you around."

"It's like you said, if I didn't go something might've happened to him," Anton shrugged. he then let out a big yawn, "I'm tired. I'm gonna nap on the couch."

"We can make him unlock the door," Laura suggested, but the boy just waved her off as he walked downstairs. Laura couldn't believe it sometimes. That boy could be so meek, given what he was. She looked back and forth between the stairs and the locked door. Boys could be so dumb sometimes. She'll just have to check on them later.

Sorry for such bad delays but I hope every chapter is worth it at least.

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