Stealing a boat is a lot easier than you'd think. We hid out by the marina and waited for the guards to change shifts, then we made our move. We opted for the cheapest-looking speed boat in the harbor, hoping to draw as little attention as possible.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJd2OUQ6O08
Katrina used her crowbar to pry open the boat's lock, and we were off. It was that easy.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7pipFvmKf
I would've turned to a life of crime way sooner if I'd known it was this easy.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TkDbl8Jji
Atlas claimed the captain's seat, and I called shotgun. Katrina hopped onto the seat behind us, and Marisa begrudgingly plopped down in the farthest possible seat from us, with her arms folded.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qKNJvZrnb
Whatever, Little Miss Grumpy Pants, we're completing our quest whether you like it or not. Buckle up and enjoy the ride, sister.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkA26O9DhPt
As we sail away from Ikigai II, all I can hear is the faint vibration of the engine and the sound of lapping waves. The boat bounced in and out of waves as we skimmed across the water. A silver gull flew overhead and let out a high-pitched caw. The bird looked just like the one painted on my arm. Atlas really captured its likeness. Usually, being on a tiny boat in the middle of the vast ocean would terrify me, but right now, I felt calm.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgk1a5LhGSA
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2zVIz6d1b
I looked at Atlas. He looked right at home steering the boat. A warm smile spread across his lips as the breeze ruffled his hair. All he needed was a hat and a few wrinkles, and he'd look like one of the old sea captains you hear about in stories.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02fS5kWqNQ
I rested my elbows on the dashboard and leaned towards Atlas. "So, where'd you learn to sail?"
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57LIq4M6pl
Atlas briefly removed his hands from the wheel to sign. "This is my first time."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaxlMmfG4p
"Please tell me you're joking."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKV8ik3uv57
A smirk spread across his lips as he shook his head.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqDaSyM0tG
"But you looked like a real sea captain with the wind blowing in your hair and stuff!" I clutched onto the seat for dear life. I can't believe I got on a boat with an inexperienced captain!
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXwUmNZuOf
Atlas raised his shoulders in a halfhearted shrug. "I'm used to improvising."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAf0nmbsZu1
I sat on the edge of my seat, anxiously waiting for the boat to capsize or crash into a lighthouse or some other ghastly fate, but after an hour of sailing, we arrived in Sydney harbor. It was remarkable how fast the tiny speedboat could travel in comparison to the metal behemoth, Ikigai II.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxukiUwhlKh
We opted to sneak past Sydney Harbor security. It was too risky to try to talk to them while we were still coated in Harv's blood. We wanted as little attention as possible until we got the chance to shower.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYnoUkfChL
Luckily, Marjorie's mansion was right on the coast, so we didn't have to walk far. We kept to the shadows and acted as inconspicuously as two guys drenched in guts could until we reached the estate.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnlTgsyeVY
We gazed up at the thirteen-foot-tall wrought iron fence surrounding the property.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEoffithZH
"How are we supposed to get in?" Katrina asked.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡox7shVDnHI
I tugged at the front gate, trying to pry it open. It wouldn't budge.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MaoX5ZErX
"Oh well, it looks like no one's home. I guess we have to head home and regroup." Marisa spun around and began walking in the direction we came from.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQvVzKE9lz
"No, we don't." Atlas lifted her by the scruff like a little kitten and brought her back.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XwMBEUc3T
She tried to wriggle free, but her attempts were fruitless.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bmUxNPi6Y
"Follow my lead." Atlas signed. He hoisted himself up and effortlessly climbed over the barrier, landing on the other side.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FdmbnMSqp
"Wait for me!" Katrina raced up the fence with tremendous speed, like a jaguar scaling a tree. She jumped from the top of the fence and struck a pose when she stuck a flawless landing. Katrina did cartwheels in the grass while she waited for us. "The grass is so soft here, guys! You have to feel it for yourselves."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfz7IKgomF3
I stroked my chin as I studied the fence, contemplating the best way to ascend the towering fence in front of me. I was by no means an athlete of any kind. I worked out just enough to maintain my model physique. Climbing fences wasn't in my workout regiment. I grabbed onto one of the iron rungs of the fence and hoisted myself up. I reached for the closest rung and pulled myself up. The task proved to be more difficult than I expected because my cybernetic arm was much stronger than my other arm. My sad little human arm throbbed and ached as I scaled the gate. My right foot slipped, and I nearly plummeted to my doom. A growing sense of panic clawed at my insides. "Umm, help."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeKV1B3Ctq
I felt Atlas reconnect our cerebral link across the distance. "Don't panic, I need you to stay strong for me. I know you can make it."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnZwXHMQZh
"What if I slip?"
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0b3S2BN5Al
"I'll break your fall."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKtb31Vhby
"What if I fall in the other direction?"
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsW2qSi3kS
"Then you're screwed."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MFmen5PAV
Somehow, Atlas's words gave me the confidence to complete the climb. I sat atop the thirteen-foot fence like I was a king, and it was my throne.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vKr5sUMM2
I heard Atlas's voice in my head. "You did it! Now come down."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9TwnqLe0E
"Umm, do I have to?" I glanced down and realized how high up I truly was. Coming down from this height would be treacherous.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡek9qsVU4cI
"Yes, dumbass. You can't stay up there forever."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxiiMMENp0
"Maybe I will. There's a very lovely view from up here."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfe8RJqoKIB
Atlas wasn't amused. "Get your ass down here, Chase."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1pIagQw8c
"Alright, alright. I'm coming." I cautiously tiptoed downward, clutching onto the rungs, so tightly my cybernetic fist left a dent in them. Despite my fears, I reached the ground safely. I freaking nailed it!
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjuu4vmoeP
Atlas gave me a congratulatory pat on the back for surviving the climb.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwwozDWVLT
We all gazed at Marisa through the iron bars. She was the only one left on the other side of the barrier.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEMDtp6dqZ
Atlas approached the fence. "I'll help you up."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIfGqkRcvp
She shook her head. "No, I'll wait out here for you guys."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUGJXFiHcq
"Don't be ridiculous, we'll be at the party all night. You can't just stand here for hours!" Atlas protested.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsYIZEhA0l
"I won't do it! We can't just break into someone's mansion! We could get arrested!" Marisa protested.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1a7L31Rn8
"C'mon Marisa, everyone's done a little bit of breaking and entering in their lives," Katrina said.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwk2OJqBzav
Atlas nodded in agreement.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBG8qFN9PC
Marisa threw her hands in the air. "I haven't! You guys are way too nonchalant about breaking and entering."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbsjBDOanH
"We didn't break anything, so it's technically just entering," I added. That's how the law works, right?
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczvMIWw9sR
Marisa gazed at Atlas with tears in her eyes. "Do you remember what happened the last time you got arrested? They took you away from me and turned you into...this." She motioned towards his cybernetic parts. "What do you think they'll do if they catch you a second time?"
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjkU6rNTZz
Atlas reached through the bars and squeezed her hand.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAbd5McOKX
Marisa took a step closer and pressed her forehead against the bars. "I just want us to be safe."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZick7p47Z
Atlas leaned in, so their foreheads were touching. He tucked her hair behind her ear affectionately, then signed. "I won't let anything happen to us, I promise."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBM3RobPIR
Their tender moment was interrupted by the wicked witch herself, my beloved Aunt Marjorie.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4vc9qJ5pd
"Oh goodness! What on earth is going on out here?" She pulled a gun out of her purse and aimed it at us. "You crooks chose the wrong mansion to steal from!"
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLp0HJxkdZa
I raised my hands in surrender. "Don't shoot! It's just me, Chase Huxley."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMxbpZ3AQX
Aunt Marjorie pursed her lips and tightened her hold on the pistol. "I don't know anyone named Chase Huxley."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVVASj5u89
I clenched my teeth. "Don't be silly, Aunt Marjorie. You invited me."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5BdD4Oly1
She quirked up the corners of her mouth into a wicked grin. "I'm quite certain that I don't have any relatives with that name."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlatrVBCj6
I clenched my fists. My dear aunt always knew how to push my buttons. "I have my invitation right here." I tossed the card in her direction.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewwiU1GOmq
She caught the invitation in one hand. She squinted her eyes as she read the fine print. "No, no, no, this invitation was meant for my sweet nephew, Charles Hubbersley."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQWajUjdbI
The sound of my birth name made me cringe. I pasted a fake smile onto my face. "We've talked about this, I go by Chase now." But she already knew that. She was trying to antagonize me.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcjfSMUT9r
Katrina tried and failed to suppress her laughter. "Your real name is, Charles Hubbersley?"
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡri7WWOx9qC
"That is not my name. I paid three hundred sixty credits to be called Chase Huxley, and I expect all of you to respect the name I've chosen." I bit back my anger. Aunt Marjorie wanted to rile me up, but I wouldn't give her the satisfaction of seeing me snap.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKL3Hmhko1j
Katrina stopped laughing, but Aunt Marjorie wasn't finished trying to provoke me. "My nephew Charles isn't some brutish cyborg. He's quite the handsome human. He's a model, you know."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoj6idLqZYx
It took all my willpower to keep my anger in check. There's no way she hasn't seen my fight against Vindicator by now. She knows what I look like now, and she's using it to hurt me.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhSGpieLN4
Atlas shot me a look so full of genuine sympathy it gave me the strength to stop myself from sucker-punching my elderly aunt in the jaw.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvRkZ6kDFA
"This is what I look like now. I know you've seen the footage of me at the Cybrawl; everyone has, so you can stop playing dumb." I said with a touch of venom in my voice.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05F6OW1Mv3
Aunt Marjorie let out a sigh. "Oh yes, the Cybrawl, I heard all about your epic failure. I expected better from you."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnm4hvNHtu
"I didn't get killed, so I see it as an absolute win."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGojNuirvyE
Aunt Marjorie gave up her façade of cordially. "Why the hell are you here, Charles? I know you hate me. So, why have you come all this way?"
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDefCwwk8pl
"I was in the area and desperately in need of a place to shower, if you haven't noticed." I motioned towards my blood-soaked clothes. "I was hoping you'd be hospitable and let us clean up before the party." It wasn't a total lie, that was one of the reasons I was here. It just wasn't the only reason.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡga3jqJzuSz
She puckered her lips into a pout. "Fine. You can come in, but I'm going to be very busy making preparations for tonight's party, so stay out of my way, Charles."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44ynBd9cCt
I nodded agreeably. "We promise to stay far away from you."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hW5GKRnn4
Aunt Marjorie signaled for the guards to open the gates and allow Marisa in.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqw6VlxBGQ7
As we walked inside, I overheard Aunt Marjorie whispering to one of the security guards. "Please activate the high voltage on the fence. We don't want any more trespassers getting in here."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdQw57spsR
The guard nodded and walked away.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20ihjZGy3z
I escorted everyone to the guest rooms upstairs, where we got ready. Atlas and I cleansed ourselves of Harv's guts while the girls picked out their outfits for the party.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOeZchmGYf
When I stepped out of the bathroom, Atlas was there waiting for me. He sat cross-legged on the bed with a notebook and charcoal pencil in hand, sketching the seaside view from outside the window. He'd stolen an old T-shirt and shorts from my closet. This is the room I used to stay in whenever my family came to visit, so I keep a bunch of old clothes here, so I don't have to pack. Most of the clothing was from when I was in high school, so they'd be a bit small on me, but they should fit Atlas's lanky frame.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKapE5Scmx
"Umm. Hey. What are you doing in my room?" I asked.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6V2QkqleH
He perked up at the sound of my voice and reactivated our cerebral link. "I didn't feel safe wandering the mansion alone, so I came here."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78rXakPrCO
"Why are you using the cerebral link?" I asked him using my thoughts. "I thought you hated it."'
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIC4NGFvAr0
Atlas subtly pointed towards several nooks and crannies around the room. "The entire place is bugged and there are hidden cameras everywhere. She's listening to everything we say."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoq3a79B1v
"Dammit! Of course, she bugged my room! God, I hate her so much!"
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTE5Nw4ogc
"What'd you expect from Bionic Corp's CEO?"
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kTB9sTafF
I shrugged. "Yeah, this is pretty in character for her,
I waved him over towards the closet. "Get over here. We have more important things we need to discuss."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytdRdJxD4u
"Like what." He jumped off the bed and met me by the closet doors.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6FCjrarHH
"Like what you're going to wear to the party tonight"
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRlMJ8k8ZY
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBpThgoCcY
Atlas rolled his eyes. "Of course, that's what you consider important."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsbEW5KHk0
"Hey, this is a high-class event, and we must blend in with the crowd. I'm obviously more qualified to give fashion advice." I gestured towards his outfit. Doesn't he know red denim went out of style in the 2040s?
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Qb1u7jgpu
Atlas smirked. "Whatever you say, Charles."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcoJp0ICpf
"Don't call me Charles, that's not my name anymore."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8anGjR3mFp
Atlas shot me a questioning look. "Why'd you change it?"
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXHaLyPq68
I scoffed. "Because it was lame. What kind of famous person is named Charles?"
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yDgU3sJ7d
He listed off names. "Charles Barkley, Charles Dickens, Charles Darwin, Charles Xavier, Prince Charles, Charlie Chaplin, Charlie Sheen, Charlie Bucket, Charlie Brown, Charlie the Tuna, Chuck Norris, Chuck E. Cheese..."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIp804nBXYg
"Okay, I get it!" I plopped down on the bed next to Atlas, and let out a deep sigh. "The truth is, I never liked myself, even when I was still handsome."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGsaqgaWIB
"Why not?"
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbY9JZugjHX
I sifted through the closet searching for something that would compliment his complexion. I shook my head. "It doesn't matter, my backstory is nothing compared to yours. You don't want to hear about my minor problems."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJvF9gDXC8
Atlas gazed at me earnestly. "No, I want to know. I've told you things that my own family doesn't know. It's only fair you tell me about yourself.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUfjFaCrsR
"Ugh, fine." Why did he have to be so damn convincing? "The first thing you should know is, I have severe ADHD." I peered at Atlas to gauge his reaction.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbilO3N87UC
"Yeah, I've suspected that for a while, you seem a bit scatterbrained."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl42q89FBCt
"Scatterbrained!" I huffed. "My brain is perfectly unscattered, thank you very much."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSL1VUNRRe
"Stop trying to dodge my question. Why do you hate yourself?"
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatiIYd9B7J
I broke eye contact and resumed fiddling with the clothing hangers. "I've always felt like such a burden, no one knew how to handle my endless amount of energy or my larger-than-life personality. All my teachers hated me. My parents never said anything, but I could tell they were so disappointed in me. I didn't ask to be a failure, you know?" I pulled a black suit jacket with gold details off the rack and studied it to escape the weight of Atlas's sympathetic gaze. I don't want him to pity me. "Well, everything changed for me when I got to high school. I got noticed by the popular kids. They thought I was entertaining enough to keep around. For the first time ever, people wanted me around. I fit in, and it felt good." A small frown spread across my lips, as I reflected on my high school experience.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YVH5DbmSA
"You don't look very happy," Atlas observed.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGI2gJbWYOY
"I had to sacrifice a lot to be popular. In exchange for a little bit of praise, I became a bully. I was addicted to the validation they gave me, I couldn't quit even when I wanted to."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjcC1Lls81
"Was it worth it?"
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxBXZ1BE3u
"Of course not. I was such an ass, and I owe apologies to a lot of people. I changed my name because I wanted to forget everything about myself. I wanted to become someone else." I gazed at my reflection in the closet mirror. "I'm starting to think my scars are some sort of karmic justice for being an awful person. Now I'm ugly on the inside and the outside."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJbiz1u6ho
Atlas traced the lines of my scars. "You're not ugly, Chase."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYThOiUGU7d
I pulled away. "You don't need to spare my feelings, I know what I look like," I said, motioning towards my reflection.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbyZeJyrV4
"I like the scar. It adds character. You look like the badass protagonist of a gritty action film."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWILSJTCeS
I let out a humorless laugh. "Yeah well, the modeling agency won't like it."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0P8JwIpXl
"Have they contacted you since the accident?"
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRzSEtmQw9
My shoulders slumped. "No, they've probably replaced me already."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeYp6uk5u6
"Don't give up hope yet. Maybe they've been trying to contact you, but they couldn't because your Holowatch was broken."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsFxD1tYiB
I shot him a doubtful look, but he didn't waver.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvCxqZREfg
"My agency has never hired a cyborg model before!" I argued.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeFDdPvBYh
"Exactly, there's a gap in the market for models like you."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZnPlo0LZZ
"Jeez, you sound just like my friend, Mason."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5i0aWV4ws5
"He's right."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxiteO8jxA
I rolled my eyes. "Whatever." I threw the black and gold jacket, along with matching black pants and a white button-up, at his face. "Now go try these on."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKtit2Rqre
He caught the clothes in one hand and shot me a knowing look. "Just, think about what I said, okay? I know plenty of cyborgs who would love to see a cyborg model."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUdRimAoSI
I waved him away. "Yeah, I'll think about it."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkJg6ZA31q
After I heard the bathroom door close, I ransacked the closet for something to wear. After several minutes of searching, something shiny caught my eye. I walked over to examine it. It was a showy white blazer with gold accents that glistened, so brightly it hurt my eyes. I'd completely forgotten I owned this. I only wore it once. It was to Jaxon Wan's Halloween Blowout. I used it as part of my sexy Prince Charming costume. My personal stylist forbade me from ever wearing it in public again. She said it was far too ostentatious. In my opinion, it wasn't nearly flashy enough, but I obeyed my stylist's orders and banished it to the depths of my aunt's closet. I contemplated trying it on again. Screw it! My life has gone to hell anyway. I might as well wear what I want. I slid on the blazer and studied myself in the mirror. It looked so tacky and garish. I love it!
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE02JMZfSST
Atlas hesitantly stepped into the closet. "How do I look?"
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2uxiVNvmR
As I suspected, the suit fit him perfectly, almost as if it was tailored for him. He'd also neatly parted his hair to the side and concealed the perpetual dark circles around his eyes.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgL2uStXWXX
"I think you should become America's next top cyborg model, instead of me. You pull off that suit way better than I do." I admitted. "You should keep it."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvfyqsJWh0
"I don't need it. I never dress up." He said.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5yOtqjdm3
"Never?"
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OSHEIYhd5
"I haven't worn a suit since my parents' funeral," Atlas confessed.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uVt3ZHWk0
"Wow, way to kill the mood with your tragic backstory, Atlas."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16jWKkqZHJ
"Sorry."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2XoDf9Tyz
"Oh, I almost forgot! I have something for you." I reached into a cardboard box and gently removed the tissue paper surrounding the gift. "Ta-da!" I proudly displayed a ruby-red silk scarf. "I couldn't let you wear your dingy old scarf to an event like this."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSaZQ5m8XZ
Atlas grinned. "You thought of everything."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YaWSby8ap
"Yeah, I'm pretty great, aren't I?" I glanced down at my outfit. "So, are you going to compliment me, or what? I complimented you. It's only fair."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLsDb9i6zm
He glanced me up and down. "Um, your jacket is very shiny."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa39aw9MACS
"I know, right?" I did a little spin to showcase the blindingly bright accents. "Are you ready for the party?" I asked.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3DI9Wp8ic
Atlas nodded. "I think so."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXROMkBYut1
We heard a faint scratching sound coming from the doorknob.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeVmeoAMx9
"What's that sound?"
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHlbtGoReJ
Atlas twirled his knives and soundlessly crept towards the door. "Someone's picking the lock."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3J2MGwKkL9
I held my breath.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIP2gC02Oe9
"I don't have time for this!" A familiar voice said from the other side of the door. With a loud crash, the bedroom door was kicked open. Adrien Kumar strolled into the room, followed by Gabriel St. Martin.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡde4WSyXIYD
"Well, that's one way to open a door," Gabriel said.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKTtEtw0iG
Adrien nodded towards us. "What's up, assholes."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAv4HEV5Ue
Atlas gripped his knives.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOMI9wHz1m
"What the hell do you want?" I asked, even though I was pretty sure I knew the answer.
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGLVl6NBkI
Gabriel shut and locked the door. "Hello, Curseword. We need to talk."
ns216.73.216.39da2
