Spitfire awoke suddenly, clutching the sheets to her breast. The shadows of midnight made her familiar bedroom seem alien and it took her a moment to remember where she was. She let out an aggravated growl and glared at the angry red letters of her alarm clock.

0300

Three hours of sleep, and she wasn’t likely to gain any more. She switched on her bedside lamp, got out of her bed, and went to her wardrobe. She fished out her bathrobe and pulled it on over the Hello Kitty sleepwear. The set had been given to her by Soarin on her most recent birthday. While she had politely accepted the gift, she had every intention of stashing them away and keeping her old pair.

Which had mysteriously disappeared at some point between her waking up and her retiring for the night, leaving her with the options of wearing the embarrassing pyjamas or sleeping in the buff. Despite the privacy of her own bedroom, Spitfire preferred something between her and the sheets.

Sleepily, she wandered into her small kitchen and set the kettle on for tea before grabbing a folder containing the incomplete training schedule and settling down on her sofa. The schedule not only covered her team’s time in the yard, but their weight training, endurance conditioning, and any special outings they needed. If somebody required something that took them off campus, they would have to clear it with her, in writing, with clear times for departure and return. It would not do for Captain Spitfire to be ignorant of a team member’s whereabouts.

As the summer holidays would soon be upon them, she saw that many of the pages were leave requests to spend time with family. She happily signed off on them, making a mental note to fill out one for herself, and noticed that there was no request form for Fleetfoot. While Fleetfoot rarely filled out a request form of any sort, Spitfire thought it odd that she wouldn’t want to see her kin, given the way she went on about how wonderful they were.

It was less odd that Soarin hadn’t filled one out. He had been raised in an orphanage after his parents had disappeared. He didn’t have anybody and would be spending this holiday, like every other, alone. She felt a pang of pity for her friend and resolved that this time, things would be different.

The kettle on the stove began to shriek its signal, catching her attention. She got up and hurried to it, hoping that the noise didn’t wake any of the others. Removing the kettle from the heat, she set it to the side and fetched her favorite mug and a bag of Yorkshire Gold.

The tea steeped while she continued to look over the paperwork. It was her goal to have schedules for the next three weeks completed before everyone left for the summer holidays. She didn’t want to be hounded by her teammates the moment they all returned for workout and training times.

She set her papers and pen aside as her attention shifted from her work to the dream, the same one that had disturbed her sleep every few weeks for years, ever since the day her life, her family’s lives, changed forever.

She had watched her father leave for work, as he did every day. While his usual work as a welder had him in the construction sites, demolitions was the order of the day. He had been a member of a crew that was to go into the buildings set to be demolished and remove anything of value that might be recycled and used again.

It had been a lorry, an older model that wasn’t in the best condition. That’s what the contractors had stated. She was more inclined to believe it was the driver, who had been too few months with his license and too many hours without sleep. Either way, the heavy vehicle slammed into a support pillar, the shock of the impact being too much for the ancient and nearly-gutted warehouse to take.

It had collapsed, trapping several workmen within. Spitfire and her family remained glued to the television as the news covered the accident and the ensuing rescue, waiting with baited breath for word that he was alive. But hours stretched into days without word of him. Finally, the word “rescue” was replaced with “recovery”.

And her family had broken.

Her mother had gone into a psychological tail-spin and shut down. She stopped going to work, stopped tending to the children, stopped being a mother.

In retrospect, Spitfire should have called Child Services, but a misguided love of her family and more than a little stubborn pride made her put herself in the role of surrogate mother. After school, she and Levi worked odd jobs to help keep the house afloat. The house was always full of food, even if it wasn’t the best, was always warm, and was always safe.

When an opportunity to join the Wonderbolts Elite came up, she jumped at the chance. She had developed her skill set in parkour as a way to cross the city as efficiently as possible without transportation. Being paid to do something that she had perfected out of necessity was something she felt would be very worthwhile. And, after joining, her skills had only sharpened.

And slowly, through hard work and sacrifice, she had knit her family back together.

Looking up, she noticed that the sky to the east had begun to lighten. While it would still be a while before the training yard was opened, she couldn’t sit still any longer.

Fifteen minutes and a change of clothes later found herself outside, jogging laps around the campus track. The buds in her ears blared classic rock as she found her pace matching the rhythm of the music. She loved her early morning jogs, when the campus was still covered in mist and silent as the grave. She was a private person and felt like too much of a spectacle when there were a lot of people around. Granted, she could set those issues aside when her job called for it, but, as a matter of personal preference, she didn’t care for much attention.

She was finishing up her sixth lap when movement appeared out of the corner of her eye. She glanced to see Soarin keeping pace and removed her ear buds to accommodate him. While he was fast and an excellent athlete, Soarin was also very lazy and would not be out of bed this early unless there was something he wanted to discuss with her.

“Aye?” She prompted.

“Morning. Saw you out for a run and figured I’d join you.”

She scoffed. “Away with ye.”

Soarin actually managed to look hurt. “What?”

“Come off it. The only way someone would get ye to run is to set the dogs on ye. What’s on yer mind, mate? Matter of fact, I had somethin’ I wanted to hear your word on, but it can wait.”

“What about?”

While she could wait, he couldn’t apparently. “I was thinkin’ about headin’ home for the holliers, seein’ me family, y’know? Ye wanna come?”

“Come with you? To meet your family?”

She nodded, beginning her cool-down lap. “Aye. I noticed ye didn’t put in for any time off and I thought ye’d like to go somewhere instead of bummin’ around the school.”

“How long have we known each other?”

The question caught her off guard. “Eh?”

“Known each other. How long have we been friends, you and I?”

She shrugged. There hadn’t really been a point where she decided that Soarin was her friend. It had just happened. They trusted each other with their lives and enjoyed the time they spent together. She had always guided him on what she felt was the right path while he had always tried to get her to loosen up and have some fun. In that way, they were less like friends and more like siblings. “Dunno. Four or five years, I’d guess.”

“Uh-huh. So, my question is, why did it take you so long to bring me home and show me off to mom and dad?”

“I’m gonna ignore that comment. Ye’re comin’ with?”

“Yeah. I could use a road trip. Do they know about me?”

“Soarin, these are me siblings. They’d assume you’re me boyfriend, and tease me mercilessly. Imagine me, the stoic and motherly Spitfire, having a boyfriend.”

“You’ve never had a boyfriend?”

“When would I have had the time? I’ve had to care for me siblings and work, then I had to be a part of the Wonderbolts. I’ve never really had the chance to do all of that stuff that normal teenagers do.”

“Uh-huh, so you’re blaming your family and your job for you not having a normal life?”

She gave him a look. “How in the bloody hell did ye come to that? ‘S not what I said.”

“Sure sounded like it.”

“Ye asked for a reason and I gave it. Why didn’t I look for a relationship before? Me family. Why not now? Me job. Somebody’s gotta look after you lot. Between competitions, publicity stuff, missions, and paperwork, I just don’t have the time.”

He shrugged. “I could help.”

“What? A scatterbrained fool like ye?”

“Yeah. You named me your second. I’m sure it was for more than my charm and boyish good-looks. I can put together a training schedule for the team and keep up with the rookies, give you some time to yourself.”

“To do what with?”

“Whatever you want. Don’t think I don’t notice how much all of this is wearing you down. No offense, Spit, but you look ten years older than you actually are.”

“Oi! I know where ye sleep!”

“Truth hurts, kid. I’d bet you’d look damn fine if you did yourself up right.”

They ended their run at the bleachers, where Spitfire had a towel and water bottle waiting for her. She began to dry the accumulated sweat from her face and neck. “So, ye wanna be everyone’s Da, eh?”

“If it gives you some time off to enjoy yourself, sure. Icarus is old enough to mind himself. Hell, I barely pay him more than a passing glance. Surprise might be a handful, but, if she comes to me for some girl issues, I can always send her your way. The point is, Spit, that I’m here for a reason and not for you to make fun of. Let me help you.”

She chewed at her lower lip. “Not entirely sure I’m comfortable with that.”

Soarin sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, obviously becoming frustrated. “I get it. You’ve shouldered the burden alone for so long that you don’t know how to live otherwise. You want things done right and the only way to make sure that happens is to do them yourself. I understand, Spitfire, but you need to understand that there are others just as capable as you are and who follow the same goals, if not through the same means, as you. We just want you to be happy, but you’re not. You’re constantly stressed out, constantly look tired, and always fighting with everyone but me. Nobody wants that for you.”

She stared at the ground for a moment, gathering her thoughts. She was almost surprised by Soarin’s words. He was usually a goofy and silly bastard, but he had a heart of gold and an excellent mind when he chose to use it. She didn’t doubt that he was up to the task, she just didn’t know if she was up to letting him.

However, she knew that for the sake of her sanity and the team’s, she would have to. “Alright, mate. Let’s see what ye’re made of, eh?”

He extended a hand, which she took in respect and gratitude. “I think you’ll be surprised.”

“I hope ye’re right, mate.” They sat down and she stretched her long, muscular legs. “What is it that you wanted to talk about?”

“Oh, right.” He swatted his forehead in dismay and grinned. “Your birthday’s coming up, isn’t it?”

She rolled her eyes, still not able to understand why everybody made a huge deal of her birthday. Surprise always tried to get her to agree to a huge party. Soarin would always buy her something she didn’t need and she would feel awkward. It wasn’t that she was ungrateful. Quite the contrary, she was always touched that they wanted to share such a day with her. But, after such time spent forsaking herself for others, she really didn’t know how to celebrate her own special day. In truth, she always felt a bit selfish in taking time for herself.

“Aye.”

“Surprise wants to do something for you.”

“I figured. Another party?”

He gave her a sidelong glance. “Do you have to make it sound like such a chore?”

“Well, what do ye want?”

“I just got done telling you. We all want to see you happy. Surprise isn’t nearly as oblivious as you think. She notices how forced it is when you pretend to be happy with what she does for you. All of that food, the decorations, the gifts. The money for those things comes out of her pocket. The least you could do is show a bit of appreciation.”

She was taken aback by his words. She had always thought that she was pretty close with her fellow Elite, but she was their supervisor and she needed them to follow her decisions without question. That couldn’t happen if she was their friend. However, she also wanted her team to be happy. Their job was difficult enough without having a leader who could be cold and distant.

“Soarin, tell the truth. Have I been a bad leader?”

He sat back and stared off into space, thinking.

“I don’t want you to spare me feelings.” She urged, impatient to get an answer from him.

“That’s not my intention. I’m just trying to figure out how to say this so that you can get the full picture. At times, you’re as warm and caring as any leader should be. You put our needs ahead of your own and always make time to hear about our problems. It’s when we try to reciprocate that we run into issues. Your unselfish nature makes you turn down things given out of love and you turn into this cold-hearted and callous bitch.”

Spitfire winced. This wasn’t what she had wanted. She wanted to be someone approachable, but also needed to establish dominance. “And how do I fix that?”

He cocked his head. “Really? You’re going to ask that question when you already know the answer? Open up to the team. Be less Captain Spitfire and more Spitfire. Let Surprise throw you a birthday bash and freaking enjoy yourself. If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times, stop sacrificing and start living. Be selfish and quit it with the martyr crap.”

Spitfire sighed and stood. “Alright, I need a shower. I’ll see you later.”

“Wouldn’t it be better to wait until after practice?”

She clicked her tongue. “Think I might skip practice today.”

Soarin immediately leaped up and pressed a hand to her forehead. “Hmmm, you don’t have a fever.”

She brushed him away. “I may not have a fever, but I do have a lot on me mind. I just need some time to think.” Turning, she started back for the dorm.

“Spit?”

She turned back to Soarin, who had a look of concern on his face. “I’m fine, mate. I’ll see you all later.”

Returning to her flat, she headed for the shower, leaving a trail of clothes as she went. Her bathroom wasn’t large, just barely big enough for her to turn around in, but it suited her needs just fine.

She reached in and cranked the handle to its hottest setting, wanting to relax under the scalding water. As much as she didn’t want to show it, Soarin’s words had gotten to her. She had been thrust into this leadership role and had gone about it all the wrong way. She thought that if she had remained emotionally detached from her team, it would be easier to make the tougher calls. She didn’t like putting anyone in harm’s way, but sometimes it was necessary and she always trusted the individual’s skills and judgement to see them safely through.

Now, however, she was beginning to doubt that mindset. Sure, the Elite needed a strong leader that could make difficult judgement calls, but they were all little more than children and they were all so very far from home. How could one manage such a balance?

Either way, Soarin was right. For the sake of the team, she needed to relax. She really only had to be a leader when the situation called for it. Besides, the team might respond better to her if they saw her as a friend, not just their captain.

She shut off the water and stepped out of the shower, wrapping a towel around her before opening the door.

“Hiya, Spit!”

Spitfire swore her heart stopped for a moment. Standing just outside of arm’s reach was Surprise. “What’re ye doin’ here?” She gasped, pulling her towel as tight as it would go.

“I had a really important question to ask, and I knocked on your door, and it was open, and you weren’t here, and I thought I would just catch you later, but I heard your shower running and knew you’d only be a few minutes, so I decided to wait.” The girl paused for a breath. “Is that okay?”

Surprise’s normal rate of speech was the same as a Latino football announcer on a caffeine high. It made her nearly incomprehensible to most, but Spitfire had been around the excitable girl long enough to be able to piece together what she said, even if Spitfire only caught a third of the actual sentence.

Surprise also had a nasty habit, and one everybody was trying to break her of, of appearing where one would least expect her. Such as in Spitfire’s flat while her captain was otherwise occupied. This wasn’t the first time this had happened.

Her heart rate returning to normal, Spitfire fixed the girl with what she hoped was a reassuring grin. Judging by Surprise’s reaction, it was not. “Ye really need to stop doin’ that, lass. Nearly gave me a heart attack.”

Surprise wilted. “I’m sorry.”

Spitfire waved away her concern. “It’s alright. No harm done. What say ye give me a minute and I’ll hear yer troubles?”

“Yeah, okay.”

Spitfire entered her bedroom, grumbling as she went to her wardrobe and pulled her uniform out. Sometimes, Surprise knew exactly how to irk her. Logically, Spitfire knew that was never the girl’s intention, but she couldn’t help but doubt the girl’s innocence when Surprise plucked her nerves so often.

She made sure all of her pouches were secure on her belt, tightened her boots down, and pulled on her jacket before leaving her bedroom and joining Surprise on the sofa. “What’s on yer mind?”

“Well, I was wondering what to do for your party.”

Spitfire blinked, “Party?”

“For your birthday, silly. June the fifth, just like last year.”

“Oh. Yeah, right. What about it?”

“I’m not like my cousin, Pinkie. She’s a professional party planner and knows what to do about any situation. I’m nothing compared to her. I wasn’t sure what to do since you didn’t seem to like my last attempts.”

Spitfire winced at that. “I’m sorry about that, love.”

Surprise cocked her head. “You don’t have anything to be sorry for.”

“No, I do. I grew up poor, Surprise. I’ve had to fight for everything I’ve ever had. All of us, me siblings and I, had to work if the family was to survive. I had to give everything I am, and because of this, I have a hard time accepting things given to me by people who care about me. The parties you threw for me were great, and I’m sure this one will be just as great. I’m going to try and enjoy meself and enjoy being with me friends. It’s not going to be easy. I’ll need ye to be patient with me.”

Surprise shrugged. “I know you’re always patient with me. Oh, don’t give me that look, Spit. I know I’m a pain in the ass.”

“Watch your mouth. Ye ain’t grown enough to use those words.”

She rolled her eyes. “Yes, mom.”

“And I’ll have none of that tongue, ye heard?”

“Yeah, yeah. Then I’ll start getting things together for your party. Oh, it’s going to be great. There’s going to be balloons and streamers and-”

“Let me stop you there. We’re all grown-ups, or mostly grown-up. I think we should have a grown-up party.”

Surprise snapped her fingers. “Grown-up party. You’re right!” She turned and started out the door. “Strippers and booze!”

Spitfire brought her hand to her face and shook her head. “Surprise,” she growled through gritted teeth.

Author's Note

A ten month writer's block is finally broken. Sorry to keep you hanging on like this, but life got in the way. Not much of an excuse, I know, but it's the only one I have. That being said, hopefully life will be kind to me and let me continue working on this with greater ease.