Author's Note

Heads up, this first chapter is from our new character's point of view.
...Not revealing who he is just yet.

Also, the point of view will change a few times from third to first in the next chapter.

Character Tag(s):

The Guys

"Hope you like trains, one's coming for you right now!"

I lie on the floor patiently, waiting. I couldn't really see any windows from where I was, since I was backed up against the corner under one of the hard plastic seats-- the one right next to the door, as not to be seen by any passengers (I didn't pay for a ticket... not like I could anyway). But it was pretty sunny outside, so the lights in the car were off.

The trip from the last station to this one was to take a little over three hours. I know I checked the time before I left, and it was roughly a quarter to nine. On the wall cross from me, on the other side of the car, was a clock. I know because I noticed it when I snuck onto the train. Leaning forward but keeping out of sight, I craned my neck to look up at the clock. The hour hand was barely a centimeter (or something, I was too far away to be too specific) past the eleven.

I settled back into my initial position with a sigh. This was the part I didn't like about traveling without anyone. I had to keep a low profile because no one came with me when I decided to travel. Which meant I had to be completely still when going from place to place on public transportation. I couldn't do anything but wait.

This is going to be a long hour...

I blinked a few times. Huh. I didn't remember when my eyelids got so heavy. The sound of footsteps brought my attention to the many pairs of legs moving to the now-open door. I rubbed my eyes and stretched to escape the temptation of sleep.

Sleep...

My eyes opened all the way. In an instant I was wide awake, senses suddenly sharp. No. No no no no no! I didn't miss my stop, did I? I nervously waited until everyone walked out of the car before quickly moving forward from my hiding spot under the seat and looked at the clock. A few minutes past noon. I let out a deep sigh of relief. I had to get moving before the next crowd of people came in for their ride.

Going to exit, I walked out of the door casually as to draw little to no attention from anyone. And not a moment too soon; people were just in front of the door, already on their way in when I got out. I did get a couple glances, but that was all. Looking around I saw the way out. It was from photographic memory. I did get to go here often back then...

I briskly walked up the incline, purposely staying at the very side as not to get in anyone's way. But right when I got to the top, I froze. This was the hard part. The were a few security guards that were usually in the area. I had to be careful. I never had to sneak past them before, since I wasn't ever alone in the past. This was a first.

I looked to my side at all the passersby with various sizes of luggage. I rubbed my chin in thought for a minute with a low hum. I tried to ignore the few glances I was getting. Thankfully before I got a little too self-conscious, my gaze fell on what must've been a couple, on their way up the incline. More importantly, I noticed the particularly large suitcase the man was dragging along wheels. And then I got an idea.

Luck had to have been on my side that day, but the couple I decided to follow were walking very close to the side of the walk way. So I was against the wall, completely out of sight of almost everyone else walking along with them. Although whoever was walking behind them could see me...

I stole a quick glance behind me... yep, he was looking dead at me. I suppose it was a good thing he was a fair distance back.

Turning my head back to look in front of me, my gaze went to the corner of my eyes to the couple right beside me. They still hadn't noticed me walking right next to the guy's suitcase. They were animatedly talking about how excited they were about their vacation and discussing where they should go first. A small smile made its way onto my face. They looked so happy. It made me think of how happy I'd be when I got back home. I'd walk inside, he'd welcome me with an open arm. And then I'd run up to him, and then at the last second, he'd--

I snapped of my reverie when I realized how close to the door we were getting. I could feel my heart beating against my chest. This was it. Once I got out of here, I was literally home free. The exit was only a few yards or so away.

Just a little closer...

Much to my dismay, the man and his significant other made a sharp left turn at the last second. I paused and looked ahead of where they were headed, and deadpanned. The restroom. They were headed for the restroom. Great.

I didn't linger on the thought of my sudden turn on luck for long, and closed the small distance between myself and the door. I was bold enough to smirk at my small accomplishment before walking forward with a proud look on my face.

...I flinched back in surprise when my face bumped nose-first into the glass of the door. Almost immediately after, I fixed the door with an annoyed glare... although I'm sure my expression looked more confused than exasperated. The door was automatic, I knew that much. For a slight moment, I became a little conscious of how short I was. I mean, really. I couldn't simply activate a sensor by walking towards the door, let alone near it? Yeah, that was just the tiniest bit insulting...

I was so busy mentally scolding the stupid door, that I almost didn't notice someone walk inside, leaving the door open. Realizing my opportunity, I made my way through the door.

'Yes! Yes!' I silently celebrated. In my victory, I turned around to face the door and held my head high with a "Hmph." And I nearly jumped out of my skin when my gaze fell on the security guard that was next to the glass. He wasn't watching me, he was facing the opposite direction, looking around the giant bustling crowd of people. But he was so close to where I was, I couldn't help but wonder how in the world he didn't notice everything that just happened with me. Part of me was a little glad he didn't seem to be doing too well at his job.

Stiffly turning around, I left the train station.

As soon as I got to the street, I started running. Of course I didn't actually run on the street, but stayed behind the trees right next to it. After that, I just followed the scent in the air. My nose was good like that.

By car it would take about... an hour and a half? On foot while running nonstop, it took at least a little over twice as long. So by the time I finally made it to his house-- our house-- and I finally stopped running, my entire body had this burning sensation that you get when you exert yourself too much.

The tall house loomed over me as I stood in the yard. Well, tall from my perspective, considering my size. It was black and white, abstract-shaped, secluded, and had a beautiful view from the back yard. Heck, I could see pretty good just standing in the front yard (which also looked amazing)! I took in the familiar bliss of walking up on the porch, as well as everything else. There were a few chairs, some were wooden, some were really sturdy plastic ones. Those always came in handy for when he had company. And then there was the cushioned couch backed against the wall. I remember how I always used to lie there next to him and we'd silently enjoy the nature.

Part of me couldn't believe I was still here. Everything that happened earlier today seemed like a blur now. Or maybe I'm just too caught up in nostalgia. ...Probably the latter. Ah well!

I knocked on the door three times and sat back in excited anticipation. My smile faltered a little when a good fifteen seconds passed, and the door still wasn't answered. Usually, it'd take no more than five seconds for the door to be answered. Or at least checked. He'd probably swing the door open so fast if he saw me... or something. He wasn't a heavy sleeper. Not a light one, but not a heavy one either. So he would've heard me knocking.

Maybe he's cleaning himself? It's not likely, but it's possible. Okay then, fine. I had patience, I could wait.

I didn't move from my spot, I didn't even budge. I was pretty sure an hour or so had passed by. At this point, he would've gotten out of the bathroom a few minutes ago. I decided to try knocking again. At this point, he would definitely noticed someone was a the door. Unless something happened while I was gone, I was left with only one legit conclusion: he wasn't here.

I frowned and let out a heavy disappointed sigh. While I was contemplating waiting there until he got back, my keen ears picked up voices.

"You can't just take his vodka without his permission or knowledge," one of them spoke.

"But he doesn't even drink!" a seoncd voice protested.

"Obviously. He keeps it for company," the first voice replied.

"I'm the only one who drinks out of us, so it might as well be for me."

"Heheh, he's got his own personal alcoholic beverage cellar just for you," a third voice chuckled.

"He's so thoughtful," the second voice said coyly.

I already knew who they were. Turning around, I saw five men walking towards the house: Arthur, Blue Star, Red X, Atario, and Stario. From the voices and what was being said, I'm guessing Stario was intending to get a drink from the cellar inside, but Arthur wouldn't let him.

I found myself smiling as I closed the remaining small distance between me and them. If anyone could help me get up to date on what was going on, it was these guys.