Facade of Feathers: The Second Wing (1x1)

[Vin]

@Ricki/Todd


Out of all the terrible, miserable, what-did-I-ever-do-to-deserve-this days, this one was shaping up to be a contender for the crapiest. On second though, it wasn't even a contest. If your day is going worse than the time you fell into a vat of fermenting yogurt, you know you're having a hard time, just quit while you're ahead. Unfortunately, that wasn't an option for Clive. And because having Ririri, possibly the sweetest, best intending (most of the time) girl, be taken by a pack of blood thirsty erasers wasn't enough, his leader and best friend was bleeding out in the woods. Oh, and don't forget the raging fever either, infection is fun for the whole family. Even now, the sheen of sweat was visible from across the clearing, and Clive's head spun under the anxiety and stress. What do I do? What do I do? Oh my god-


"Chaleb, Aaron, you grab his legs, and be careful about it. We've got to get him to the road," he urged, motioning towards Michi and trying to control his breathing. If he freaked out too obviously, it would unsettle the kids. Somehow, we've got to get him inside somewhere. Somewhere clean and domestic. Easier said than done, we do not do suburbia. Suburbia hates us, suburbia is like a long, painful visit with conservative in-laws. Everything smells like roses and everything hurts. Running across the clearing, he eased Michi's back off the ground and propped him against his chest, linking his wrists under the boy's underarms. "Selina, keep a lookout, and even if it's just a deer, tell me about it." The serious girl didn't need to be told twice, but Clive could tell she wanted to help more. She loved Michi far more than she let on, they all did. Chaleb and Aaron, uncharacteristically quiet and pale, worked together for once, each helping to carry their leader. "What happened?" Aaron muttered, struggling as they moved Michi across the slick leaves.


"I'm not sure," Clive replied glumly. "She was- she was just gone, and no real clue as to who took her either." Clive prided himself in not being a baby, but right now he was ready to start bawling on the floor, but the unconscious body in his arms sort of discouraged that. Unconscious bodies tended to do that sometimes. "We all know who took her," Selina choked, her tidy hair in uncharacteristic knots and tangles. Chaleb sniffled, almost dropping Michi, and Clive shot him a stern look. "For now, we need to get Michi to safety. Then we can go after Ririri. Honestly, we're going to get our asses handed to us if we go rushing in there now without Michi's help."


The walk to the dusty road was perceived as ages, all four silent and sweating in concentration. They broke every branch in their path, staggering due to lack of coordination on Chaleb and Aaron's part. If Michi made it out alive, his legs would be hurting for days. Collapsing into a panting pile once they reached the side of the road, it was only a few minutes before a truck chugged down the path, emitting a cloud of pungent gas fumes. "HEY, HEY YOU," Chaleb yelled, jumping up and down and waving his arms like he was on fire. "YOU, STOP, WE NEED HELP," Aaron and Selina joined in, slightly less animated but equally as enthusiastic. With our luck, this guy is a serial killer, and his trunk is full of skinned babies. Clive thought pessimistically, staying on the ground beside Michi and pushing the sticky hair from his forehead in concern.

 

[Michi]

The truck approached slowing down as it neared the group. The window rolled down at a leisurely pace with a muffled high-pitched screech. A dirty old man, who looked like he'd never brushed his teeth a day in his life, peered from inside the cab of the pick-up. His eyes looking over the group before speaking in a gruff voice.


"What ya'll young'ins doin' out here. Awf'ly far from town ain't ya?" His graying beard wiggled as he spoke.


Aaron looked down at Clive and Michi, before stepping towards the junk truck. "We were camping with our family and got lost. Can you give us a ride into town? Our friend is hurt, and we need to call our parents to let them know we're okay." The boy spoke clearly, one thing they could all do, and do well at that, was lie at the drop of a hat.


He looked at Aaron before his eyes moved to Chaleb and Selina. "Campin'? Out here in these woods? Ain't ya'll know they got wild animals an' hunters out here. Ain't safe fer kids to be campin' in these mountains." Turning his head for just a moment, he looked down at the floor and spat out a glob of brownish liquid from his chewing tobacco. It was really actually very gross to watch. "Ya'll ain't from 'round here are ya'll?"


"No sir. We came with some of our family, for a camping trip. Our friend was attacked by something last night. We're just trying to get him some help. He's real, sick you see, and kinda heavy too."


The elderly man's leg moved and he sat up pulling something into view with his hand. Revealing a shotgun he gave the group a hard look. "Just in case any'ya try anythin' funny. I shoot first, an' ask questions later." He gave them a warning, "Ya'll can get in the back'a my truck. I'll take ya'll down ta the sherr'fs off'ce. Ya'll can call yer parents there. Get yer frien' some help."


Aaron turned his head to look for Clive's approval. Sherriff's office would definitely ask questions. But they could always just avoid going in. Or maybe talk the old man into taking them to his house until Michi got better. It was hard to look at Clive now though, with Michi right there in front of him looking as if he weren't going to last the night. Selina and Chaleb also looked to Clive for guidance. None of them had ever been in this kind of situation. Not even Clive, but he had to know what to do. He just had to have some sort of plan. Who else would if not him?

 

[Vin]

Clive blinked when the scruffy, wrinkled man pulled a shotgun out from beside his seat, and the erratic motions of his eyes and body hinted that, putting it politely, he might not be all there. "Hey, hey, we won't cause any trouble, I promise," he sang lightly, putting on the bravest face in order to approach the vehicle. Stepping closer, the elderly man squinted and repositioned his gun. Out of everything that could happen, I'd be more disappointed than anything if I end up dying via old man. Not exactly the heroic death I had in mind. Keeping his composure to the best of his abilities under the rank breath that was propelled in his direction, Clive forced a shaky smile.


"It's as my little brother said, we were camping, and a mountain lion must've caught the scent of the- erm, salmon we were roasting and went after my friend. He's hurt pretty badly. It's a shame we didn't run into you before we went trekking out there, it seems like you know a lot about the woods. Really knowledgeable. Impressively knowledgable." Clive breathed, slathering on the compliments. "Suck up," Selina whispered under her breath, and he resisted the temptation to elbow her in the ribs.


"Ine', get ye'rselves in a' backa' the truck en'" The man grunted more than spoke, lowering his gun enough to convince Clive he was out of immediate danger.


"Okay, let's go, I'll fill you in once we're on board." He muttered, keeping his head turned away as he spoke, just incase lipreading was an issue. Not that they legitimately spoke the same language. Once they were piled in the back, Selina, Aaron, and Chaleb against the back window, Michi sprawled carefully in the middle, and Clive sitting closest to the edge to insure a bump wouldn't dislodge Michi, he began explaining. "So what we're going to do," he started, leaning in so everyone could hear him, "is really need to use the bathroom just before we near the Sherriff's office. I don't know about you guys, but questioning doesn't sound appealing." The kids nodded tiredly, faces smudged with dirt and tears. "When he stops, we run. Simple. If Michi doesn't wake up before we get there, I'll handle him."


Never had he missed Michi's leadership more, the task of being entirely in charge weighing heavily. If anyone was hurt, hurt more than they were now, it was on him. Completely and utterly. He blinked nervously, rubbing his temples. Selina let her arms around Aaron, burying her face in his sleeve. A few moments of silence passed between them, a few loud clunks sounding as the tires bumped against potholes in the road. "It's okay to be scared Selina," Clive said firmly, reaching across Michi to gently touch her arm. "You hear me? It's natural, we're all terrified. But we're going to be okay, all of us. We'll get Ririri back, I promise." Sniffling, she nodded, face still buried.


The last line hung in the air, and he regretted vowing on something he might now be able to back up. Clive turned and stared down the road, fighting back a wave of his own tears.

 

[Michi]

Okay, so they had a plan for getting away from the old guy. But what came after that. Where would they go? What were they going to do? This entire situation was terrifying, but Clive seemed like he knew what he was doing. "What about when we get away? Where are we going after that?" Chaleb finally asked.


The elderly man looked back at the group as they spoke, his eyes peering past bushy brows, staring at their reflections in his rearview mirror, watching them before turning his attention back to the road. Though his attention would keep flitting back to the reflections every so often as they made their way back towards the town.


"What ya'll whisperin' 'bout back there?" He finally spoke up gruffly. "I warn'd ya. No funny bis'nuss."


The kids turned to look at him before turning back to face the road they'd already passed. "Nothing, just worried about our friend." Chaleb said quietly, though he probably couldn't be heard by the old man over the roar of the truck, and the bangs from driving over potholes. As the truck pulled into the podunk town they all looked down at Michi, who still showed no signs of waking. Selina looked at Clive with obvious worry on her face, her worries clear on her face.


Please let this plan work.

 

[Vin]

He cringed, glad Chaleb was so quick to respond with something that made sense. He still wouldn't trust him with an appliance, but with people he could be surprisingly trustworthy. On occasion, he was still a kid after all. And also a punk, let's not forget that.


Clive was painfully aware that his plan had some weak points, hell, the whole idea was a weak point, but it was their best shot at getting away without being riddled full of shotgun blasts. "After we get away we'll, uhh-" he thought hard, rifling through several different possibilities before blurting out the most likely. "-We'll regroup, and see if we can't find a place that's clean enough to situate Michi it." Their leader was still unconscious, and Clive tucked the papery tarp he'd found a moment ago under his head, so it wouldn't get hit in the turbulence. "So a house?" Aaron chimed in, and after receiving a few sharp stares, stumbled to explain himself. "I mean, it's not like we've been afraid to do that before…"


"Those ones were abandoned or empty Aaron, it's a great idea, but I'm not sure we can find one like that here, it's worth a shot though." Staying in a house had always added some normality to their lives, in a strange way, but this was hardly to time to worry about normality. Not with Michi in this state. If they had to brave the elements and tend to him on the sidewalk somewhere, they would. "You guys ready?" He asked, balancing his weight nervously.


"Sir? Sir!" Selina called, knocking against the window with the side of her fist. They decided to use her, because if the man was at all sexist, he'd be more lenient with a girl. It was a long shot, but Selina was good under pressure, even if the man didn't care what gender she was. Pulling an even uglier face, the man pulled into the parking lot of a gas stop, the labels of the gas pumps browned and peeling. Inside, a woman picked at a sudoku puzzle, swatting away flies and wearing an equally bored and angry expression.


"Whatazit?" Grumbled their favorite redneck, the smoke from his cigarette mixing with the fumes of his truck. "I need to pee," complained Selina, widening her eyes innocently. "Eh' makeit' quick, needa' grab a pack anyhere'" Taking his shotgun with him, he shuffled towards the store, pulling up his pants with an exaggerated motion. "Go, go!" Clive whispered, hopping from the back and rolling Michi towards him. Being part bird meant their bones were hollow, and altogether lighter (Michi even more so, with his habit of eating last), but carrying him was no easy task and he struggled to unload him without dropping or hurting him.


"Are you in trouble?" A voice sounded behind him.

 

[Michi]

All eyes focused on the teenager who stood near the truck, watching them all pile out of the back. Her bright green eyes glimmered, behind thin ginger eyebrows, with worry. A quick lookover would show she seemed harmless enough, and maybe even be able to help them.


Aaron looked over at Clive while he tried to help him get Michi out of the truck. Even for being someone who hardly ate, he was still ridiculously heavy. Grown ups were fat, even when they were scrawny. "Our friend is hurt. We got lost in the woods, and we asked the old guy for a ride to the police station, so we could call our parents. He said he was gonna take us to his house instead, he's got a gun. We need to get away from him. Can you help us?" He whispered in a hushed tone, looking from the girl to the store.


"Please?" The ragtag gang of kids all seemed to ask at once. They didn't seem to have a bunch of time, it shouldn't take the guy too long to buy a pack of cigarettes. "He doesn't want to let us go. We need to get away from here."


She looked over them, and then over the storefront before nodding, "Yeah okay. I don't have a lot of room in my car, you're gonna have to sit on top of each other. But, I can give you a ride away from him. You can hide out at my house and call your parents, I'm sure mine won't mind." She gave them a little wave before stepping forward to help Clive remove Michi from the back of the truck.


She nodded at a volkswagen beetle that had definitely seen better days... and years. "That's my car, so let's hurry. Uhm... two of you younger ones can sit in the front. And then the other three can sit in the back." She said putting one of Michi's arms over her shoulder. "He's cute, does he have a girlfriend?" She asked with a quiet laugh at the end to show she was only kidding. Though the asian boy was cute. So was the blonde boy. Was he single?


Hurrying them over to the car she opened the doors, letting Clive climb in first and helping him pull Michi in, before Aaron climbed in the back as well. Selina and Chaleb took the passenger front seat, and the redheaded girl got in the driver's seat before starting the car. "I'm Jessibelle, by the way. My friends call me Jess." She said as she pulled out of the parking spot. The old man was leaving the store, noticing the back of his truck was now vacant and the tailgate was down he looked around wondering where the kids had gotten off to. He didn't know though that they were in the rusting blue bug that was now driving away the opposite way down the street.

 

[Vin]

Clive looked over the newcomer, taking in her blatant normality, she was the type of person he stereotyped as having a two story home with a dog and perfect grades. However, that didn't necessarily mean she was out to drink their blood, but there was always that chance that vampires existed. You never know. But then again, he tended to do that with everyone who wasn't grown in a lab and fought off ravenous monsters since they were five. All a matter of perspective. If someone was normal, he'd look for a reason for them not to be normal, maybe it was jealousy, or that his ideal normal was what his life had been. Everyone else's normal was, well, abnormal.


"Not that I'm aware of," he joked lamely, feeling a bit defensive that this stranger was hitting on Michi, even if he was unconscious. Stuffed into the back of the miniature car, he was internally grateful that he didn't suffer from claustrophobia, otherwise he'd have lost his mind by now. "Hey Jess, I'm-" Clive searched for a decent alias, since using his name he'd given himself might be dangerous, "-Colin." What a suitably boring name. "Hey Colin," Jess smiled, eyes still on the road. "Who're your friends? Please don't tell me they're you're kids," she laughed, "can't imagine you've been that busy lately."


Clive just stared at her for a moment, and Chaleb giggled behind his sleeve, Aaron gradually joining in until Selina was the only one not being an actual five year old. He debated saying they were, just to throw her off, but decided against it. "No, they're my siblings, but not biologically," Clive explained. "My parents are really into the whole adoption deal, they volunteer all the time. Like to do their part." He bullsh^tted, once again making sure Michi's head stayed at a comfortable angle. "This is Harris," he said, pointing to Aaron. "This those two are Angela and Jose." He indicated to Chaleb and Selina, all three giving him death glares over the terrible names. Clive might've chosen bad ones on purpose, but he'd never admit it.


The volkswagen pulled into a cement driveway leading up to a single story house, a basic thing with white trim and tan siding. Perfect. All it needs is some poodles and a retirement plan. "This is it," Jess exclaimed, shoving her car into park. "Now let's get your friend some help, and you never told me his name," she complained, hopping out and walking around to pop the door open.

 

[Michi]

Chaleb spoke up quickly. "That's Colin's best friend Bernard.... we call him Nard for short." which resulted in muffled giggles all around. "You can call him Nard too if you want. Bernie works too." She gave them all a slightly confused look as if she had missed out on the joke.


"Really? Doesn't suit his face. I'd be surprised if he wasn't single with a name like that." Jess scrunched her nose laughing with the group. As she helped Clive move Michi out of the car, the front door of the house opened.


A women with hair as blonde as Jess's but dark brown eyes called out to the group, "Child, what you doin' home from school already? And who are your friends?" She wore a flower fabric dress with an apron wrapped tightly around her waist. Wiping her hands on the already stained fabric.


"I'm being their hero. Can you get some snacks and the first aid box? Their friend is hurt." Jess called out as she led them towards the door. Taking them inside to a simple living room with a bright yellow and flower patterned couch, a single ugly brown recliner and a tv stand covered in dalmation figurines and an old fashioned color tv. "Just lay him on the floor or something. Which one of you wants to call your parents? Mom where's the first aid kit at GOD!" Letting go of Michi's arm she headed back throught the house towards the bathroom.


"I can call." Selina spoke up, "Where's the phone?"


The woman, Jess' s mom came back into the room holding a tray with glasses and a pitcher of what looked like lemonade. "In the kitchen on the wall by the door hun." Selina gave her a nod before walking into the room the lady just walked out of.

 

[Vin]

Clive surveyed the room quickly, taking note that the vaguely creepy figurines could be used to clobber someone over the head if the need arose. Dalmatians have never been this deadly. Now that they were sitting inside, a large amount of the pressure he'd been feeling lifted, and he was able to focus on cleaning up Michi. Taking the med kit from Jess' mother, he pried it opened and rifled through it's contents. It seemed to have everything he'd need to get him stable enough to heal on his own. The flock mended themselves far faster than the average human, so once he was out of direct danger, they could breathe easy. Only problem now is I need to have them not catch a glimpse of our bird-kid-ness. Even of we are out of the woods for now, that'll put us right back out into them. Literally.





"Wow, this lemonade is great," Aaron muttered from his spot on the sofa, taking methodic sips of the beverage. "Well. I'm glad you think so young man." The woman smiled widely, appearing abashed by the compliment. "I'm the one who cooks around here, everyone else is useless," Arron explained gloatingly. "Maybe you could show me some recipes while we're here?" He asked innocently. Smart kid. Clive realized with a start, he'd just solved their problem of clearing the room. "Of course, follow me into the kitchen and I'll dust off some of my old cookbooks." She sighed, putting a stiff hand on his shoulder. Clive reminded himself to award Aaron later for his bravery while he leaned towards Chaleb. "Chaleb," he whispered. "I don't suppose the phone would start having issues, would you?"


Eyes widening in excitement, Chaleb dashed towards where Selina had gone, a hop in his step. A few moments later, a buzzing, electric sound filled the hall wall, followed by a shout of shock from Selina. "Jess, the phone, it's broken!" Chaleb sang blissfully. "I'm okay here, go help with the phone," Clive urged Jess, shooing with his hands to exaggerate. "If you're sure, let me know if there's anything I can do," Jess sighed, her expression making it slightly suggestive. Uhhh? Okay? He stared after her.


Once she was gone, he unscrewed a bottle of alcohol, pouring it gingerly on Michi's back. I'm sorry, this is for your own good, Clive promised as the liquid ran over the wound.

 

[Michi]

His back was warm. Very warm. Oh my god. What is on my back?! His eyes flickered open before closing again. The brurning only got worse. Hissing his back arched upwards and his teeth ground together almost painfully. "Get the hell off me I'll kill you." Thought the words were muffled theywere clear enough to make sure his threat went through properly.


What... where the hell were they? This easn't the forest. His mind quickly went to possibilities. They were back in a lab.and someone was performing experiments on him. No, that wasn't possible. How could that have happened he had been watching out. His body moved to get up, but it wasn't as fast as it normally would have been. He wwwas dizzy, and hurt all over. Felt as if a pack of erasers had used him as a punchhing bag, which they kinda had yesterday. Delayed reaction? Possibly. Wait no where was the flock.


He had to make sure th3y were safe. He felt like literal crap. Taking in his surroundings he first noticed the carpet. Followed by the stentch of alcohol, the ugly furniture. Oh god they'd been captured by someone and put in an ugly decorated containment unit. where was his flock. He couldn't hear anything past the roaring heartbeat in his ears.

 

[Vin]

Clive, sitting on his knees, backpedaled quickly, shuffling until he was just out of reach. Once Michi's initial flailing was over, he rushed back to his original position, holding him down gently so he wouldn't make too much noise and alert Jess. "Shh," he whispered harshly. "I know it hurts, but you'll be fine. We got some help from some, well, normal people. Or, and least I'm hoping, but don't think about that right now. We're staying here until you're healed up, just," he sucked in a breath, hating even the thought of starting an argument, but knowing what had to be said. "Goddamnit Michi," he hissed, "you should've communicated better, you trying to be invincible, well, it hasn't had a great outcome…" Clive was rarely angry, but Ririri was gone along with his positivity. If he would've known what a state Michi was in, maybe-


Clive wasn't going to talk to Michi about Ririri yet, not when he'd probably pack them up and make them leave before the hour was up. Have them running after her while he bled his insides out. He tried his best to swallow his guilt, but it rose ruthlessly in his stomach. Clive dreaded the expression Michi would give him, that look of disappointment. I should've watched her better. This is all my fault. "Just forget it," Clive mumbled, uncharacteristically sullen. "Just let me clean up your wound before Jess comes back, it would be awkward trying to explain your wings." He figured Michi would wonder who Jess was, but decided to let him. "And by the way," he muttered as he applied butterfly bandages to keep the gash closed, "if anyone asks, your name is Nard. You can thank Chaleb for that one."

 

[Michi]

"What are you talking about? I'm fine. We should go." Michi stated as Clive pushed him back down to the floor. "I was only asleep for a few hours. I've had worse than a few scratches on my back." Gritting his teeth he turned his head to look at Clive. He knew very well, he hadn't only been asleep. He'd been unconscious. They were miles from town. And if they were had moved him to someone's home without him waking up, it had been bad. He knew he should have said something about it sooner, at least to Clive, but he had been sure it hadn't been a big deal.


His back continued to throb, stinging from what seemed like it must have been alcohol. "What's the situation? Where are we?" Start simple. He'd already gathered it was someone without much taste for interior design. He couldn't really yell at Clive for stepping up as leader. What would he say? How dare you drag me out of the woods to take care of me. Oh yeah, that sounded completely reasonable. He was just going to have to trust Clive's judgement for the time being.


It would be a lie, though, to say he wasn't wary. There were very few times Clive had ever had to fill in as leader. He could count them on a single hand. But he knew Clive wouldn't put the flock in immediate danger. Not even for Michi's sake. They were just as much his family as they were Michi's. He'd try to keep them all safe as best he could. "Fill me in.... with the short version. And if you pour that sh*t on me again I seriously will kill you."

 

[Vin]

"The short version is," Clive cringed inwardly, knowing Michi would be displeased. "I'm not telling you anything. I'm sorry, but I'm not. I can't. Not until you're rested, because I can't have you just putting yourself out there. No offense, but you're in hardly any state to stand up, let alone save- just, never mind. You're not going anywhere." He couldn't keep the eye contact, bitter with guilt, and stared hard at the carpet. "And by the way, this sh^t?" He shook the bottle light, "it's going to keep your wound, yes wound, that's no scratch, from getting infected." Clive softened, struck once again with worry, and scooted closer. "How're you feeling?" He asked, trying to gauge him was like trying to gauge a brick wall. He was pale, but Michi was always pale, hardly the best indicator.


From across the room, Selina slipped from the hallway, instantly brightening. "Mi- um, Nard, you're awake!" She exclaimed, smiling quietly. Crossing the room, she tucked her legs under her and stared at Michi down her nose. "You okay?" She asked skeptically, like he might spontaneously combust. "You look like crap." Yeah, he does. "Nard!" Chaleb charged down the hallway, stealing the spot next to Selina and watching Michi intently. "Hey, your friend's awake," Jess smiled brightly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "The phone's fried, I'll call in a repairman. You'll have to wait a little while to call your parents, hopefully that'll be okay? I can explain for you if you want." Clive quickly shook his head, not wanting to deal with the fact that she wouldn't have any parents to explain herself to.


"That's okay, they'll understand, I'm sure," he urged. "Thanks for offering though," he added politely. "Of course, any day." Jess said lightly, flashing him a grin. She doesn't seem like a serial killer, maybe this won't be a complete disaster-


"Did you tell him about Ririri?" Selina asked quietly, a completely innocent question. Clive stiffened, frozen on the spot. "I-" he choked, panicked.

 

[Michi]

They were all watching him like he was so delicate. And if there was one thing Michi had never been, it was delicate. Along with polite and a social butterfly. "Guys I'm not made of glass. I'm fine. Like I said it's just a scratch. Stop acting like it's worse than it is. I'm fine now aren't I?" He tried to sit up once again, pausing to look up as the redheaded girl walked in. "It's fine, really we're fine. Thanks for your... hospitality. But we should really be trying to get home."


"Her mom has lemonade and sandwiches. And she already said we can stay for dinner." Chaleb interjected. He looked disappointed, of course he would though. The prospect of a free meal was hard for them to pass up. And for all Michi knew it could be their first and/or only meal of the day. "Just one night? Er- until we can get ahold of mom and dad."


"It's fine. We have a guest room, and then the rest of you can sleep in the living room. Or all of you. We really don't mind." Jess spoke with a smile. "You really should relax until you feel better. Besides mom loves cooking for people. You'd hurt her feelings if you left before dinner."


Michi's face as he looked up at her was not doing a good job of hiding his thoughts on this girl. Who is she, who are her parents? What do they hope to gain from this? Do they know our secret? No probably not, Clive had said something about him not wanting her to see his wings. Wait a second.... Nard was him? What the hell? What the hell kinda name was that? Rude, and someone was getting a foot up the *ss for it.


"Uh... can you give us a minute alone?"

 

[Vin]

Clive watched as Michi gave Jess a shriveling look, honestly surprised that he was taking it as well as he was. Breathing out in relief when he said they could stay for a night, he gave him a small grateful smile. He might be denying his injuries, but he wasn't insisting they leave either. Clive would take it. It was more than he should ask for, but was asking for anyhow. "Yeah, of course," he nodded, "we'll just take a moment, if you don't mind." Clive explained, tipping his head to indicate the hallway of the fried phone.


"Sure, of course," Jess encouraged, "take all the time you need, I'll keep an eye on these guys." She said as she ruffled Chaleb's hair playfully. Chaleb looked conflicted about it, staring at her awkwardly but not saying anything. Once they were out of earshot, he turned to Michi, eyeing him nervously. "So?" He asked into the silence of the hall, crossing his arms and trying not to pace.

 

[Michi]

"First. Nard. You're not serious. That isn't even remotely close to being a real name and you're all idiots." The words were calm enough, but if looks could kill. The trip to the hall had been short, but he felt as if it had been at least a mile. Michi wouldn't admit it of course, but just that short walk had made him dizzy, and slightly out of breath. His back was still burning on top of that. "Secondly, explain to me why six bird-kids are in a non-abandoned house, occupied by a family with terrible taste in decor."


Of course he wasn't aware of the fact that there were only 5 bird kids right now and one of them was missing. "We need to leave, erasers can show up at any second." Looking around, he moved his shoulder in a circular motion. The look of the shadows being cast through the window, it was well into the day at this point. What time was it. He couldn't tell because there weren't any clocks in the hallway. You'd of expected them to have one of those ugly cat clocks, the one with the tail pendulum, and the eyes that went back and forth in time with it. Those clocks were f*cking creepy. "We can't hunker down like this, it's too soon."

 

[Vin]

Clive swallowed his dismay, knowing all too well Michi spoke the truth. Unfortunately, unless they wanted Michi passing out on the cheery (and like the rest of the house, unsettling) robin doormat, a days rest would be the minimum to keep the leader on his feet. "Look," Clive began, wringing his hands pleadingly, "I know that this is way out of your comfort zone- hell, it's way out of mine, but you're in no condition to just go running out there. For all we know, the people who- who," he kicked himself internally for treading close to the topic of Ririri, "the people who've been chasing us could've been waiting for this opportunity. This is the last place they'd expect us to hide. I mean, c'mon, a suburb? I doubt even erasers would have the guts to intrude on such a perfect little family." Clive resisted the temptation to lend Michi a shoulder. I'm not going to get anywhere if I coddle him... He reminded himself, glancing back the way they came as an impulse to make sure the kids were okay. "Just give it one night," he insisted, crossing his arms and giving Michi an insistent stare, "and I'll keep watch every minute. Think about it, it's impossible that everyone is out for our heads. Plus, Jess and her Mom seem pretty cool. We'll be fine." The words felt like poison running off his tongue considering his own doubts, but again, there was no choice. At this point, they had a better shot at finding Ririri after they'd had a chance to regain their strength, after all, any clues or trails would be long gone by now. What they needed was the ability to bust into wherever they were keeping her. If she's still alive...

 

[Michi]

Michi sighed, looking around as his thoughts raced. He knew if they did try to leave now he wouldn't make it more than two miles tops before he couldn't go any farther. After what he figured was enough time to really think it through, Michi placed a hand on Clive's shoulder, leaning on him just a bit. He felt so heavy, and tired. And his back still burned. "Alright, fine. But only one night. And what are you going to do if they ask to speak to our parents?"


Turning the male, slowly started making his way back into the living room where they had been when he'd first awoken. He wanted to sit down. they had to make a plan for when things got back to normal. "Oh... and thanks. For keeping everyone safe while I was out. I know it's not easy, but... you did it. It means a lot to all of us." He looked back at the other once more with a smile before his hand released his shoulder.


"Nard. She brought sandwiches out. What kind do you want? Bologna, or peanut butter and bananas?"


Michi sighed, looking around as his thoughts raced. He knew if they did try to leave now he wouldn't make it more than two miles tops before he couldn't go any farther. After what he figured was enough time to really think it through, Michi placed a hand on Clive's shoulder, leaning on him just a bit. He felt so heavy, and tired. And his back still burned. "Alright, fine. But only one night. And what are you going to do if they ask to speak to our parents?"


Turning the male, slowly started making his way back into the living room where they had been when he'd first awoken. He wanted to sit down. they had to make a plan for when things got back to normal. "Oh... and thanks. For keeping everyone safe while I was out. I know it's not easy, but... you did it. It means a lot to all of us." He looked back at the other once more with a smile before his hand released his shoulder.


"Nard. She brought sandwiches out. What kind do you want? Bologna, or peanut butter and bananas?" Selina offered the boys two plates, one with two bologna sandwiches and the other with two of the odd combination of peanut butter and bananas. "Lemonade is on the table."


Jess still sat on the couch with a smile at the two boys, the way her smile seemed to brighten when she looked at Clive went unnoticed by Michi who merely wanted to get to the couch or a chair. "Are you feeling better, Bernie? It's good to see you moving around. You were out cold in the car."

 

[Vin]

Clive listened intently, holding his breathe in anticipation of what would be said next. The relief that he felt was conflicted, but nonetheless allowed him to breathe, and for the first time since their youngest had been stolen, he felt himself thinking with a adequately level head. At least, until Michi managed to scatter his finally collected thoughts by propping against his shoulder. He's burning up. Clive blinked rapidly, trying his best not to overreact to the situation. Oh god, but what if he's got an infection? What of he's dying or- or- Brought back to reality by Michi's question, he pondered it for a moment. "Chaleb's got that covered," he smiled weakly, squeezing his arm assuringly "I don't think that phone's ever coming back to life. Dead as disco." Sobering, he helped Michi back down the hall. His blood froze with guilt when he heard Michi's unwarranted gratitude, painfully aware of how immensely he'd failed. He didn't deserve the praise. It was all wrong. "Sure," he muttered without commitment, uncharacteristically somber. "Anything for the flock..." He's going to be so mad when he find out.


Settling into the luxurious comfort of the sofa, he shook out his hands in an attempt to rid himself of the stifling tension. Confrontation always left him feeling uneasy, now more than ever. Luckily, there was food. The world could be imploding, but if there was food, it was impossible to loose all hope. Stuffing his face with the delicious flavors of processed white bread, he gulped loudly when he caught Jess' overzealous smile over his quickly disappearing crust. Living isolated from the normal ins and outs of flirting, Clive was entirely alienated. Holy shit, maybe she does want to drink my blood... "Mmm," Selina sang, sucking peanut butter from her fingers and making a mess across her face. "This is heavenly." Clive debated telling her about her disastrous face, but voted against it, wasn't everyday you witnessed Selina being anything less than immaculate. He savored the moment nearly as much as he did the feeling of having a full stomach.


"So," Jess smiled lopsidedly, crossing her feet under her "what should we do now? My mom has a whole cupboard full of board games, but between you and me, those are boring enough to melt your face of. For real," she laughed lightly. "What about a computer?" Chaleb exclaimed in unabashed excitement. "I've been dying to get my hands on one that moves faster than the speed of a handicapped turtle." I bet you have. Lord knows if she gives in, Chaleb'll hack NASA or something. Whatever gets his mind of things I guess. "Yeah, I have one in my bedroom, that okay?" Jess turned to Clive as if he was the one in charge here. Clive shrugged indifferently, leaving her to her own doom. Trying to not stress as she led Chaleb to his prize, Clive gave in and put his palm on Michi's forehead. "You're like a volcano," he frowned, "you feel like sleeping?" He asked kindly, telling himself he needed brownie points for later and not because he wanted to hug Michi until he felt better. Definitely the first.

 

[Michi]

Ahhh, Clive's hand was so cool, it felt so nice. Michi's eyes drifted shut for a moment before he reopend them and pulled his forehead away. "I'm fine. Stop coddling me. It's weird. Everyone should take a shower tonight, since we have warm water, and they have a bathroom. But I'm serious.... We're leaving firs thing tomorrow morning."


"I can take a shift watching tonight, if you guys wanna sleep." Selina spoke up after gulping down her own glass of lemonade. "Do you want me to do laundry too? " She gave Clive a look though, that told him she didn't think they should leave yet, as if that weren't already obvious. If Michi still had a fever there's no way he'd be able to really fly any distance. And being out in the open like that would only make it more dangerous for them all.


Shortly after that Aaron came back in, "You'll never guess what we're having for dinner tonight! It sounds sooooo good, I can't wait to try it!" He was bounding with excitement. Jess's mom had even agreed to hel him help her cook it. "I just hope we can make enough for all of us. It's gonna be soooo good. Better than donuts even!"

 

[Vin]

Clive fidgeted almost imperceptibly in the chair, sheepish at being called out. "What? Coddle you? Why I'd never," he sputtered, blinking away the embarrassment. Getting cozy with Michi was like hugging a brick wall sometimes, didn't stop him from trying. Sitting up and giving her a curt nod, Selina, as always, was spot on. He didn't know about the others, but he wouldn't be too eager to go galavanting away with sopping wet jeans. Not pleasant. "Yeah, thanks Selina, that'd be a great deal. How about I go with you and ask if they have some spare clothes we can borrow? I mean, I'm sure Michi and I can fit into a women's size 4," he teased, a smile intruding across a face. In a way, he felt like it was his job to lighten the mood, so the joking came as second nature. Unfortunately, with Ririri gone, it fell flat and the atmosphere dampened back.


Turning to acknowledge Aaron, he slapped the smile back on his face, propping his hands under his chin with forced enthusiasm. "Just tell us already!" Chaleb groaned from the other room, where the faint metallic clicks of a video game indicated he was currently in heaven. "Home-made pizza," Aaron sighed as if he were already tasting it. "I didn't even know you could make pizza by hand. Did you know I might get to toss soma' that dough later? Gosh, I wish Ririri were-" "-wow, that sounds exciting Aaron! I'll have to try my hand at that later," he interjected quickly before Michi caught on, giving Aaron an intent stare. Nodding quickly, as if he understood, Aaron retreated to the kitchen, looking somewhat hurt by his abruptness. Sorry buddy, Clive thought, always regretting the times when he needed to be stern. But he knew all too well what'd happen if the truth bubbled to the surface. They'd be out the door before you could say "this is a bad idea."

---------

​

An hour and a half later, Jess' mom called them from the kitchen, and Clive plucked himself from the couch and lead Selina gently by the shoulder. Not that she needed any encouragement. With a sinking sensation, Clive realized the danger of gathering around the table, due to the spotlight it would shine of Ririri's absence. Out of all the crap I've put up with lately, can I get a little slack here? He begged internally as they filed into the lushly decorated dining space, Jess slipping without hesitation into the seat on his left. "Now," Jess' mom announced genetically as she entered the doorway, hands grasped excitedly around her pale blue apron, her messy hair surrounding her face like a halo. "I don't know how hungry you kids are, but I made extra. We can heat anything we can't manage for lunch tomorrow." I have a feeling that won't be an issue, he noted as the younger bird kid's eyes lit with fire. Before the pizzas hit the table, sizable chunks were being stuffed into faces, the slurping sound of eating on multiple levels of stereo. Clive watched Michi nervously, trying not to stare as he waited for him to begin questioning where their youngest was. It wasn't like her to miss a meal. If he had any luck, Michi would simply assume the girl had gone to bed early.

 

[Michi]

Leaning against the arm of the couch, Michi tried to focus on what they were saying, but it was hard. He was starting to doze off again, his eyelids getting heavy. Aaron was saying something about food, "Yeah that sounds great. Go shower and wash up before you touch the food though. They don't know where your hands have been." He muttered, his body shifting slightly so he could lay against the arm but not really lay on the couch. His classic, I'm asleep but not completely asleep pose. Though it was no secret he was probably very much asleep, after all he hadn't even realized that the boy had already left the room before he'd begun speaking.


"Is he okay?" Selina asked, a grimace on her face. She was worried, they all were. Even now, Michi was trying to be too strong, and what had happened last time? He'd passed out and they'd lost Ririri. Well, Clive had lost her. But he'd been trying, if they wanted to go around pointing fingers they'd never get anywhere. Michi would blame Clive, Clive could blame Michi, then Michi could blame Clive again, and it'd be a never ending circle. "I'm gonna go see if they have any clothes we can borrow." She said standing up, grabbing the plates but leaving the still full glasses of lemonade on the table. She headed into the kitchen and then went down the hall after dropping off the dirty dishes.


Jess made her way down the hall shortly after carrying a few piles of clothes, "Here, these are my dad's. They might be a little big, Angela is in the shower right now. She was so excited about the bubble bath, you'd think she'd never had one before. I gave Jose a pair of my older sweats and a tee shirt. But I fear it may be too late now, he's lost to the interwebs, we may never see him again." She chuckled as she handed the pile to Clive before she looked over at Michi. "Oh, he's asleep again? Must have been a rough night. I hate camping. My dad took me once when I was a kid, got poison ivy all over my bottom. Decided I was never going camping again after that." She tried to make small talk to pass the time, and get to know Clive better, her one million watt smile still burning brightly.


The conversation hadn't gone as she'd planned though. It was awkward and all too soon the living room was crowded. When her mom told them it was dinner time, she was slightly relieved. Maybe having food in front of them would lighten the mood a bit. It did, everyone was stuffing their face right away. Everyone except Michi, "Everything okay Bernie? You look kinda sick. If you want to sleep some more you can."


"No... I'm fine." Michi shook his head. He'd noticed the missing child right away. Naturally he worried right away, his mind jumping to the worst possible reason. She'd died. But everyone was acting like nothing was wrong, so it was possible she was just sleeping. But the kid never missed a meal, it was a code all of them shared. Food came first, and if you missed a meal no one was obligated to save you any food. His eyes kept looking at Clive as he tried to find answers. Did Clive look guilty? He couldn't really tell. Something felt off. But he didn't want to cause a big scene.