Life with Hermes, Scott and Jimmy settles down quickly into a comfortable normal. Jimmy starts looking for a job, but ends up unsuccessful, spending the rest of his time helping me get used to regular living again. But I still miss Grian. And, though I'd never tell them, I know I prefer him to the three of them. Scott wakes us early each day with his regular treatment of loud wake up call and breakfast, watching the news for anything on Grian or the resistance as we eat. So far there's nothing. But it's only been a week. Instead they return to the topic of Bdubs' escape. Strange sightings on the rooftops. Scott's sure he'll want revenge.

'xB killed Etho. He's going to be after them. He might even join Ren again...'

'He can't. Not after killing Martyn' Rebukes Jimmy. 'Ren won't let him.'

'They can make up a fake story. Ren's low on support. He'll want anyone he can get.' I pitch in.

'Even a traitor?'

'Me. Skizz. Gri- Grian.' I pause, looking down.

'Uncle Scar, are you going to cry?' Hermes hugs me suddenly, as adorable as always. 'Do you want a cookie?' It's become tradition that whenever I look sad, he'll do this, come over, hug me, ask if I want food to help. And despite my excuses, he can always tell if I'm alright or I am diving too far into thoughts about Grian.

'No, no, I'm fine.'

'Scar, you need to stop hiding your feelings.'

'He did this for me. I can't feel annoyed when he did this for me... it would only make him feel worse... the fact he's going through... everything.' Memories of the utter hell training was come back to me too fast. The injuries. Exhaustion. Nightmares- I try to force them down, but can't. And he's doing it alone. Completely alone.

'Uncle Scar?' Repeats Hermes. 'Do you want a cookie?'

'I said- I said I'm fine.'

And then it happens. A blurred image appears on screen.

Grian.

'Now, in more exciting news, the new hero Cuteguy was seen running along the streets today by several civilians... and I believe you, Beef, are with the one that managed to take this one and send it in... Beef? What's the news from the scene?'

'Thank you, Hypno. I am indeed here on the high street with Zedaph who earlier this morning reported Cuteguy seeing running towards what we assumed was his first mission...' He approaches where a civilian is standing. 'What did you think of seeing this and... the situation?'

'Well... as you know, I was there when he came by but... This can't been his first mission. He was already hurt... Bruises, cuts...' 

I stare at the TV, blinking tears. For a moment I'm stuck watching, listening to the next thing he says,

'And how long ago was this?'

'Oh... a couple hours? I don't know. I went home to tell someone...'  The screen turns black. I blink as a box of cookies covers where someone's just turned it off, looking down to see Hermes standing, controller under his foot as he blinks up at me.

'Uncle Scar you need a cookie.' He insists,

'Oh my goodness... The resistance must've caught him.' Figures Scott. 'Or he was caught, but managed to get away.' I shake my head.

'Its from training. Practice fights.' I mutter. 'Iskall.'

'That's just from training?!'

'Uncle Scar? Don't cry have a cookie!' Insists Hermes again. I don't take one. Jimmy hugs me.

'Scar, it's gonna be ok. Grian knows how to fight... and I'm sure it's not as bad as Zed said...' I don't listen, realising something else.

'It's been 2 hours. He can't- if his mission hasn't ended after... I need to help him.'

'Scar?'

'I need to help him!' I repeat, pushing my way out of the hug and leaving the room. Jimmy runs after, grabbing my hand.

'Whatever you're planning, don't.' He looks me in the eyes. I blink tears, pulling free and running from the room.

'I have to do this.'

I change quickly from pyjamas, grab some of the money Ren gave me, and leave the house without another word. Plan set in mind, it doesn't take long to find sunglasses, a black top, jacket and trousers in a clothing shop. Other supplies are equally easy, I even know enough about the city to find the underground market selling more dangerous parts of my plan, before returning to the surface to find the rest of what I need...  I check the mental list again, confirm I've got everything, and dash back to the house.

'Scar, there you are... What's going on?' Jimmy runs over as I enter.

'Are there any more reports on Grian?'

'No? But people might've just not seen him...' 

I push past him and back upstairs. Jimmy follows.

'Scar! Please! Tell me what's going on!'

'I'm helping Grian.' He grabs my hand as I try to enter my room.

'How- what- you're not going to... Scar, Grian sacrificed everything to keep you safe and now... you can't get yourself hurt trying to help him! This- Scar- if you're doing what I think...' 

I wrench my hand free.

'Yes. I am.' I snap, 'And you aren't going to stop me.' I run into my room, slamming the door behind. For a moment I just stand there, trying to stop myself from rethinking. No. I need to do this. For Grian. And to make the stacks of money I just spent on otherwise useless supplies worth it.

It takes too long to get ready. The top's too big, and I end up cutting and sewing it back together tighter before sticking it to the thicker, protective (and comfortable) material for underneath. And then the design elements take even longer. Too many times when I look at it, I feels like a child dressing up, but in the end I'm satisfied with what I've done. It's well over an hour later that I finally struggle into the final pieces of outfit, don the sunglasses, take a deep breath, force the bad memories down and glance in the mirror at myself.

I smile.

And Hotguy smiles back at me.

He's back.