Chapter 61 - Is this the only option?

Note:

- I still don't have a proper upload schedule so thank you for putting up with it

- How the hell did I get 1k views?????? Let me bow down in gratefulness

- The next couple of chapters get really long so enjoy this short chapter instead

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POV: Nero

"Hey, can you be on the lookout for anyone incoming?" was the first thing I said after the long moments of silence.

Leo looked at me incredulously and sarcastically bit back. "Yes because that's what I haven't been doing since we got behind this pillar. I've just been staring at your pretty eyes this entire time."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the unnecessary sass (we will ignore the involuntary blushing). "I meant, look a bit more intently than before."

"Why?"

"Can you just do what I say without questioning every little thing?" His question wasn't something to be irritated over but I was on edge due to what I was going to have to do in a couple of minutes. The rush of adrenaline didn't really aid in emotion control.

Leo didn't take the attitude well and sniped back in a harsh whisper. "We may be in a hostage situation but you're still an employee of MegCorp and I'm still your boss, so cut back on the attitude, disrespect, orders and listen to what I say. I asked you a question I expect an answer."

There was an urge to pull out all of my hair and an even larger urge to argue back, mentioning how he said earlier that there were no professional boundaries between us but I held back, mainly because time would be wasted and I knew I was technically in the wrong. The way I went about my words was disrespectful and disrespect was the last thing the man deserved. That being said, I wasn't going to be that compliant and give him a straightforward answer. Our entire relationship functioned around me doing things he didn't expect after all.

"Apologies, I'm just a bit... tense. Please just keep a lookout and you'll find out within the next thirty seconds what I'm about to do."

"That still doesn't answer my–"

Alright, I was sick of this. I was just going to glare at him with my seriously-shut-the-fuck-up glare. It proved to be effective because he immediately shut his mouth and glared back.

One last glance around to check no one was in sight, I reached into the right back pocket of my pants and got out my other phone. You know, the secret-secret phone I used a couple of times during work because Aiden sucks (well I sucked the first time). The item seemed to shock Leo into stillness initially before he looked back and forth between the phone and me.

Ignoring him, I speed dialled the only number on the phone. While it was still ringing, Leo managed to snap out of it and intently examined the room. Not before mouthing out "what" to me, however.

It rang for a while and I assumed he was not going to pick up but just before it was about to go to voicemail, the rings were silenced and a familiar cheery tone sounded through the phone.

"Well, well, well. Would you look at that? Nero is calling me first during work for the first time. Is he finally warming up to me?"

I'm going to punch him. "If I hadn't warmed up to you yet," I harshly whispered out, "you wouldn't even know my real name, let alone get a call from me."

Aiden immediately picked up on the urgency and his tone turned serious instantly. "You're calling from the other phone and you're whispering. You'd never call if you have to whisper unless it's an emergency."

"Well done captain obvious. You want a cookie?" At this rate, my eyes were going to be stuck at the back of my head. Although, that wouldn't be all that bad since I can avoid the piercing gaze from the man opposite me.

"Lose the sass, what's wrong? Are you in danger?"

"Why is everyone telling me to stop being me?" Even though I wasn't looking at him, I could tell that Leo was sporting a mean smirk on his face.

"Nero." Aiden's growling notified that it was time to stop messing around.

"Have you watched the news in the last, say, ten minutes or so?"

"Uh, no? I'm on break now and I just reached the café where the TV is usually on the NEWS channel. Do I have to check to find out what's going on or could you just explain it now?"

"Watching the TV would be better for background information rather than me explaining right now. I'm currently in a position where saying as little as possible is the best outcome."

"Okay... well right now, they're talking about some bank that has a heist ongoing, where the robbers currently have about two hundred and fifty hostages under their supervision. Is that what you're referring to?"

"That's the one. Are the police there?"

"Yeah, they've surrounded the building and are trying to figure out a way in without harming the innocent. Do you want this to be our next target? It's been a while since we've done a daylight mission. Oh, that would explain why you're whispering because it's an emergency and we need to go now!"

"Haha, yeah about that. You're missing some key information that isn't presented in the news..."

"What?"

"I'm one of the hostages... as well as Leo..."

There was silence on the other line, probably due to Aiden's mouth dropping. Wait shit, he's going to scream.

"Don't yell," I whispered out as loudly as I can, "They'll catch me! The armed men took our phones and luckily I brought the other one, so don't get attention on me."

Aiden didn't yell but I still had to turn down the volume slightly. "Are you fucking kidding me, Nero? How the shit did you get yourself there? Are you hurt?"

"Long story but I had to come here for work and well... yeah. It's not my fault. And no I'm not hurt."

"You saying that makes you real sus. Why do you always get yourself in these positions, Din jävla idiot? So what, you need me to help you out or something?"

Fuck, he's whipping out the Swedish. I'm toast. "Um, not exactly. I'm more or less calling for permission."

"Permission? Permission to do wha... please tell me it's not what I'm thinking it is."

"Depends, is that your thinking of include me saving everyone in this building with slight regret in my heart?"

A large sigh escaped on the other side of the phone. "Unfortunately, yes. Shit, are you being legit right now?"

"Wouldn't be calling if I wasn't."

"You know what this means right? We're going to be exposed onto the stage. Not only to the civilians but from the law enforcement and just the law in general."

"We won't, I will but yes, I considered that."

"It might force us to stop what we're doing in the future."

"We'll cross the bridge when we come to it."

"Oh god, you're with Leo. He's going to find out." Aiden being panicked on my behalf made me glad to have him on my life.

"I..." I looked back at him for the first time in ages. He coudln't hear the other side of the call so the eyes were brimming with curiosity and confusion and I couldn't help but wish it stayed like that a bit longer but that was wishful thinking. "Yeah, I know. I also took that into account and more or less prepared myself mentally..."

"... is there no other option?"

"Not without any casualties, no. Do you really expect the police to do their jobs right?"

"*sigh* I guess not... I thought I was meant to be the heroic and morally just one."

"Are you saying I shouldn't do this then?"

"No, that's not what I'm saying. I'm glad and proud that you're doing the right thing. Makes you a bit more human than before. That doesn't mean I'm happy about it. Supportive, yes but not happy. You that the more people know about us–"

"The more in danger we are and the people close to us. Yes, I know Aiden but like I said, there isn't any other option. Plus, I'll do it as incognito as I can."

"... alright. You know didn't need to ask for my permission. I would've supported your decisions regardless. I know you're not a dumbass and you'd usually avoid this route if you could."

"I know but it just felt wrong not to ask anyway. You are my partner in crime after all."

Aiden laughed for the first time but it sounded slightly sombre. "Do you need support or help there anyway? I can help from the outside."

"Nah, these guys are weaklings. They didn't even consider the possibilities of Oddity users here."

"I mean, we're pretty rare..."

"But still... I'll be fine here. I just need you to do your hacking hibby jibbies and corrupt all the footage from today, the entire day. The last thing I need is for the FBI trying to find out who the fuck am I and my unregistered power."

Leo looked very alarmed at the newly learnt information. He looked as if I killed someone in front of him. What's he going to look like when I actually do it then?

I heard Aiden's eyes roll through his voice. "I was going to do that without you telling me. Do you consider me an idiot?"

"You legit just asked if I needed support and I responded."

"I meant like real life, physical, fighting support."

"How was I meant to know that?"

"Oh shut up and stop arguing with me. You're wasting time. Go fucking expose yourself and save the people. I'll be at your place after work so don't get yourself killed or I'll ruin your progress in Final Fantasy."

"Don't touch my PS4 you bitch."

"Then survive... anonymously. I'm going to go de-stress with a burger and milkshake."

"Alright, see you tonight."

Before I pressed the end button, I heard a soft "good luck" through the phone that put a small smile on my face. The smile vanished however when I was met with a very baffled, concerned and kind of pissed CEO.

Oh yeah, he's here too.