My eyes stared blankly at the book I was "reading".

After all this time, I had been patiently waiting for something interesting to happen. Sure I liked peaceful, but everyday was just plain boring.

I wanted to go out with the boys. I wanted to vandalize something! But Rylan refused to let me leave. He kept saying something about the guys that took me and how they would find us if we didn't stay low.

But I still wanted fun. Sure I was worried about my kidnappers, but if I had my friends fighting for me, would it be all that bad? We could take em, right?

Well, Rylan's the boss.

I threw the book onto the couch and stood up, bored out of mind.

A subtle knock at the door made my mind freeze.

"Oh shit." I whispered under my breath. I quickly opened up the curtains and checked out the window to see who was at the door.

My heart jumped when I saw who it was.

I ran to the door and unlocked it as fast as I could. "Nathan!"

Nathan tackled me in a hug, which knocked the air out of me since he was tall and obnoxiously strong.

"Oh shit Casp! Where've you been?!"

I cocked my head to the side. "Huh? Rylan didn't tell you?"

Nathan raised a brow. "About what?"

I sighed before shaking my head. "If he didn't tell you, he must've had a reason. Well, what's up? Why're you here?"

Nathan seemed a little suspicious, but decided to ignore my comment.

"Well, I was looking for Rylan. Is he home?"

I nodded. "He's working in his office."

Nathan thanked me and I shut the door behind him. We walked down the hallway and I twisted the doorknob, deciding not to knock just because.

Rylan stared at me with a blank face. "What did I say about knocking?"

"Who gives a shit?"

Rylan sighed before looking up at Nathan. "Oh hi, Nate. What's up?"

"Ah just came by to see how my laptop is."

Rylan pulled it out and handed it to Nathan. "Thanks. You're a lifesaver!"

Rylan smiled and nodded. "No problem."

I walked off, not interested in their conversation since I heard the opening song to my favorite cartoon.

I flopped on the couch and watched until I heard footsteps. I looked up and waved at Nathan, who was being escorted out by Rylan.

He waved back and the two exchanged their goodbyes.

"Caspian?"

I looked up at Rylan. "Yeah?"

"Remember what I said about opening the door by yourself?"

"Ah, chill out. I checked first."

Rylan sighed. "Still. You should come to me and ask me to open it."

I looked at him before sitting up. "Rylan, you do know that I'm not a child? And we're the same age? I'm fine!"

Rylan shook his head. "I still don't think it's safe."

I laughed. "Gee, Ry. Next thing you're gonna do is stick me in a cage and tell me that you're "protecting" me!"

Rylan gave me a serious look. "Just make sure you check in with me, first."

I nodded and waved him off. "Mhm. Sure."

Damn. He was starting to act like the dad I never had.

I looked up again before smiling at an idea that randomly appeared in my head.

-----

"No!"

I pouted. "Why not?"

"Because. It's too dangerous."

"Oh, come on. I'll be fine!"

Rylan shook his head. "I don't think so. You'll be an open target!"

"It'll be fine. It's been 3 weeks!"

"So? That's not long enough. A few years, maybe. Weeks? Hell no."

"I can take care of myself. Come on. I'll carry some sort of weapon."

Rylan sighed. "Like what? A gun?"

I shook my head. "Don't have one. A knife will do the job." Rylan gave me a strange look before giving up.

"Fine. We can go out. But only if you promise to never leave my sight."

I nodded. "Mhm."

He turned his back and I grinned victoriously.

We were finally going out tonight! I bet Rylan only gave in because he was just as bored as I was.

But whatever the case, I was excited!

------

The city lights were beautiful as the 5 of us strolled the busy streets. We were just going to have a little fun, and go back home. Rylan's orders.

And because of his overprotective attitude, I was forced to hold hands with him.

Well, no really. I objected. So the alternative was I had to hold his sweater. So now I looked like a small child tugging on my mother's shirt.

Damn. I hate my life.

Rylan was smirking the entire time, much to my annoyance.

"So where do you guys wanna go first? The club?"

Rylan glanced at me and shrugged. "Sure, but remember to keep a close eye on this guy. Hah. That rhymed."

I gave him a sarcastic smile and turned my head. "Fine. Whatever."

I was too busy thinking about how much I wanted to punch Rylan that a familiar voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Well, well, well. Look what we have here."

I stopped as my eyes widened in horror.

"Oh shit."

☺️😅