7.05

Brian, aka Grue, announced it was too dangerous to stay put. Empire Eighty Eight was outed, and even if they didn’t know who did it, they might retaliate, especially after recent scuffles. A tactical retreat was in order. He’d already convinced Rachel (Bitch), who was packing up her dog shelter. He tasked Lisa (Tattletale) with calling Coil for transport and to get him to take responsibility for the email leak, thus deflecting heat from them. If Coil refused, Brian wouldn’t sign any deal.

Lisa, Alec (Regent), and Rachel would find a safe house, possibly one of Rachel’s shelters or a Coil-provided spot. Brian and Taylor (Skitter) would lay low at his apartment, avoiding going out in costume. Alec grumbled about being sent to a dog-filled hideout while Brian relaxed at home, but Brian snapped back, furious that Alec hadn’t answered his phone during a critical moment, potentially endangering their teammates. Lisa was also at fault for not having a ready phone, but Alec bore the brunt of Brian’s anger.

Taylor, trying to avoid awkwardness about staying at Brian’s, suggested they all stick together. Lisa and Brian shot that down; a group of five, especially with dogs, would draw attention. Two teams meant backup and distraction if one was compromised. Everyone was to keep their phones on, checking in every half hour.

Taylor asked for a quick shower. The water was stubbornly cold, but she endured it, quickly cleaning up and changing. She devised a way to wear the bottom half of her costume under her clothes, folding the top half around her waist like a belt, hidden under a sweatshirt. She packed essentials, including her costume, weapons, money, and, of course, bugs.

Brian, deep in thought, joined her. They headed to the bus stop. He wondered aloud if he was being paranoid. Taylor, ever cautious around capes, especially the powerful Empire, didn’t think so.

Brian realized he hadn’t actually asked if Taylor wanted to stay over. She assured him she did, keeping her true feelings close. He admitted he often took charge, a habit his sister and teammates had pointed out. Taylor didn’t mind, finding it fitting given the circumstances. She even offered to have him decorate her future apartment. He chuckled, offering to do so if she made him the costume they’d discussed. Taylor, now with more free time and considering her Undersiders alliance, agreed.

On the bus, Taylor spotted Sophia Hess, aka Shadow Stalker, one of her main tormentors. Sophia, oblivious, was engrossed in a phone call. Taylor tensed, ready for a confrontation, her mind racing through possible scenarios. Sophia finally looked up, her eyes lingering on Brian. Taylor, seeing an opportunity, had Brian sit beside her.

As Sophia moved closer, Taylor whispered to Brian, asking him to play along. She then kissed him, a move that surprisingly calmed her. All her worries faded, replaced by the simple pleasure of the contact. She broke the kiss, silently asking Brian not to question it. He put his arm around her.

Sophia, now at the back of the bus, stared at Taylor. Taylor met her gaze briefly, a small, satisfied smile on her face, before turning away. She’d improvised, let Brian know she was interested, but now faced a night of awkwardness with him, on top of the Empire threat.