Chapter Text
We were at the Cathedral, looking for people that could have been hurt after the recent fight. In the search, I could not stop thinking about Leroy. He has escaped. He preferred to flee so that he would not be sentenced rather than help people. He was an anarchist, so I could not blame him.
But, so was I.
i was helping a young boy that his leg comes out of the rocks that fell from the cathedral, but I couldn't hear him say “thank you” for the thought that crossed my mind
-Hey, aren't you Insomnia- he says- the one who betrayed the Renegades and her identity was Nightmare? is that you?
-Hmm- i responded, hesitating- yes... I am.
He looked at me, astonished for a moment and then he yelled.
-Renegades! Here she is, Nightmare!
Adrian and Max looked towards me, confused. But Hugh and Simon were concerned.
They were worried about whether I had done something to the young boy. They had never looked at me like this. And it was because I was not only Insomnia anymore. Not for them.
-Here you have the most wanted person in all Gatlon City- he lifted me up with one hand on my hood. Although I could easily defend myself from this attack, I was more interested in the reaction of my teammates to this action- What would be my reward? Be a Renegade?
Hugh and Simon looked at each other, their gazes went from worried to mocking. Max was behind Adrian, who had stepped forward.
-She is no longer a wanted person- he said confidently- pull her down and we will discuss your reward.
He listened to him and pulled me down. He gave me a fearful gaze before he went to talk to Adrian. He was the son of Lady Indomitable and the adopted son of the two most respected people in town, no fool would pass up the opportunity to talk to him, just to take advantage of him.
Just like I have been doing to him.
-I want to talk to you-said Simon, standing to the right of me.
-Yes of course
Adrian was still talking to the young boy, determined. Whereas Max was surprised. It was the first time that he went out of the quarantine zone after Hugh used him to drain the powers of Ace.
Oh, Ace.
-What you have done right up there, was brave and dauntless- said Simon before I could think about Ace and fall into the madness- Nonetheless, it was something we have known about you…
-But?- I interrupted him.
-There is no but in this affirmation- he sighed- Nova, you could have killed Max or me, but you did not. You change your mind before we explain to you about your uncle and I am glad it was like that. I know that the Renegades were not…
-The best organisation to defend all the rights of the people after the Age of Anarchy…
-Nevertheless we tried to do the right thing with what we have at our disposal…
-Nevertheless is a synonym for “but”
- So i wanted to say sorry in the name of…- He stopped and looked at me, this time seriously- You know what? I have never thought of “Nevertheless” as a “but”.
We chuckled at the affirmation until Hugh came and he told us we could go out. Simon and him will take care of the journalists. The young boy hugged Hugh. He patted him on the forearm while Simon was still chuckling. Could be for the conversation we had before or for how uncomfortable Hugh was with that act of love from a stranger.
I turned my head when I realized Adrian, Max and I were walking through a stone path. Still, Adrian has an arm around Max. He was tousling Max´s hair with his other hand while I was walking with them. I felt like I was interrupting so it prompted me to speak.
-Hey, I am going to…- I hesitated, where will I go? Ace, Honey and Phobia are gone and I did not know the location of Leroy because he had escaped- I forgot to do something, back in my house.
They stopped walking and turned around to face me.
-We can go with you-said Adrian, with that smile and those dreamy eyes, which remind me why I have fallen in love with him.
But, it was not a lie. I have to do something on my own. And Adrian does not have to see him involved. Besides, it is between me and Leroy.
-Do not worry about me, you can go to the mansion- I said- i will come back in a few hours.
Adrian was concerned but Max was unsure about what I was telling. What is more, they know I was Nightmare and now I am going to go away without them. It is understandable that he thinks I am going to flee.
Nevertheless, it was not so far from the truth, but my intentions were not the same.
My plan is to change Leroy´s mind so that he doesn't run away and can talk to the consulate so that he doesn't go to prison, despite the trafficking and illegal substances that he created
-Are u sure?- Adrian said- we are stronger together.
-Maybe she wants to be alone, for a while- Max murmured, but I still can hear him. He was looking at his old brother, like if he understands I have to be sometime on my own to process everything that has happened. And I appreciate that.
He looked at us both, uncertain of what to do. Finally, he sighed.
-Okay- He separated from Max, to be in front of me- But do not get in trouble and…
-What?- he was so close to me that I could feel his breath.
-Just…- He was holding me and our forehead touched- come back home. I will be waiting for you.
He murmured slightly, also if it was intimate. He was worried about me, what could happen to me. But, he has things to think about too. Phobia killed her mother. Even though he erased him from the map, it should have left a mark on him. The justice he has been waiting for too long. Besides, he found out that I was Nightmare, all the time. He should hate me, but he does not.
Typical Adrian
-You also have things to think about- i rest my palm on his cheek- on your own.
Although our foreheads touched, I could see his face contorted in pain when he closed his eyes. Which breaks my heart in little pieces.
He amazed me when he laid down his hand in mine and moved it to kiss my palm
-You can come home when you want to, I will…
-Be waiting for me, I know
We chuckled and when it trailed off, he kissed me. Gentle and smooth. Like if it were a goodbye kiss. Though, I did not know when I would be back. Maybe, in a few hours but, what if Leroy set up a trap? I will not be back until tomorrow. Even worse, in a week.
While thinking, the intensity of the kiss increased. That's why Adrian moaned.
-Hey- yelled Max.- You have a minor in the audience.
Adrian pulled away and looked at Max.
-We are minors too, Max- he smiled, and I took advantage to kiss him on the cheek. Pulling his attention back to her.
-I will be right back- I take a few steps back- i will be at the mansion before you say “sketch”.
Then, I turned around and ran away towards my home. In search of Leroy.