Labor of Living

VII

As Setsuna lies in his room counting the morning dew on the window pane he realizes Mirabella hasn't made a sound since last night. He hops up deciding to start his day, making a quick stop on the way to the bathroom.
''Mira,'' he exclaims, giving the door a few knocks. ''You know we're gonna have to talk eventually,'' he says.
''There's no need, you already think I'm horrible so just leave me alone,'' she says telepathically.
''Don't put words in my mouth, I just wanna know why you lied, after spouting all that shit,'' he responds.
''Ha, yeah you right, your face actually said it for you, and I never lied!'' she says as Setsuna finally hears movement from her. ''I said you shouldn't feed since you haven't fed on a human and it's better that way,'' she says.
''This is why I was tight; you're still being a hypocrite! And are you really not going to open the door?'' he finishes.
''No, you stay out there! Cause you cannot be that fucking daft my nigga, you were literally right there as I was forced to bite you!'' she barks. ''I swear I should beat the fuck out of you but I don't condone abuse,'' she says, getting her stuff ready.

''Fine, continue acting like a child, he says, limping to the bathroom. ''And you know what? He says turning on the shower ever ever since that night in the hospital your overprotection has been worse and you've just been mad fucking mean yo, he says.
''I—, ''And another thing, I need to be to stronger if we're gonna have random fucking people attacking us, so what's the big deal with me feeding on humans if I clearly need to the strength,'' he finishes.
''Strength can also come with age and time. ''You don't need to go around killing humans if you don't have to, she says, getting dressed. ''You haven't fed on a human so your cravings for it should be bearable, she pauses before continuing. ''I like how you deadass haven't been paying attention to what I've been telling you, so I'm not going to keep repeating myself! she barks as she finishes getting ready. ''And don't worry about Serana, I'll handle her,'' Mirabella tries to reassure him.
''I'm not listening to that bullshit Mirabella! I may be a "fledgling'' or whatever the fuck ya keep calling me but I have my uses. ''You keep preaching about trust but you clearly aren't trusting me. ''And don't say that shit I'm not letting you fight alone Mira, he says, getting out of the shower. ''I may not want to participate in any side of this supposed war that's brewing but I'll always stick by your side,'' he says out loud as he limps back to his room.
''And I'll stick by yours, she says, you're my favorite person so of course I trust you; it's your new instincts I don't trust. ''But I need and want you to trust me; the way you looked at me last night was crazy, and I never want you to look at me like that again,'' she says, pushing his door open.
''It wa- you smell and look sensational Mira and I love the braids, what's the special occasion?'' he says observing her.
''Boy stop your flattery, it's only a sweatsuit, hurry up and get dressed up, it's time to figure out what you can shift into,'' she says, sitting down in his office chair then there's a sudden knock at the door.
''WHO THE FUCK IS THAT?'' Mira screams telepathically.
''Agh Mira damn, don't yell inside my head, he says, holding his ears. ''Why are you freaking out anyway we're the strongest duo ever,'' he says gleaming, then immediately after their phones light up and it's a notification from their group chat. ''Ya niggas home? Let me in. I wanted to see my guys,'' see there's no need to freak out it's only D.
''I've never given him our address,'' Mira blurts out.
''Okay? But I have, and invited him; I didn't think it would be a big deal since we're the gang,'' he says, getting up and Mirabella makes her way to the living room. ''Hey I think my leg is nearly healed, it's getting easier to walk on, he exclaims.
''Okay, well knowing D he at least has weed but we have an important matter to tend to tonight so don't smoke too much,'' she says.
''Aight master, he says, passing her in the living room. ''What's up brody, how you feeling?'' Setsuna says, opening the door.
''Nothing much just decided to take a day off from work or studying to chill with my favorite people,'' he says with a big smile and they hug while exchanging daps.
''Hey Bella, how Suna punk ass been treating you?'' he says hugging her then plopping down in the adjacent chair and Setsuna joins them.
''He's been treating me well, but he has become like a big baby so is it the other way around? Since you both know how I hate babies, she laughs. ''Keep your bearings fledgling, don't let D know you're injured he'll start questioning you again,'' she says telepathically to Setsuna.
''Alright, got it master Mira,'' he replies sarcastically.
"Stop calling me that you bitch!'' she barks.
''Where y'all in the middle of something? Should I step out?'' D says pulling out his favorite substance.
''No you're good, I was on the phone,'' she says, showing her wireless headphones.
''Nice save dickhead,'' Setsuna shoots at her telepathically.
''You need to save yourself cause you're bleeding through your clothes and remember what I just told you a little while ago, she says telepathically. ''So D, tell me about your engineering,'' she asks.
''I gotta check something, I'll be back,'' Setsuna says, then gets up to walk to his room.
''Aight Suna, and chill Mira don't make me think about it, I just had a nightmare a bridge I was tasked with collapsed while I was walking over it,'' he says while he finishes rolling up the spliff.
''Why you putting yourself through such stress if it got you shaking in your boots?'' Mirabella laughs.
''Besides the money? That's a great question, he ponders. ''But it is pretty fulfilling when I figure out the proper way to design and build something, problem solving is pretty fulfilling. ''And once I get adept at this I think I'll try my hand at coding and building computer systems, he finishes. ''But fuck all that, D says before leaning in close to her. ''You don't find it weird at all that Setsuna; thee most injury prone person that we or at least I know is all of a sudden healed and healthy after that accident? ''Like that should not be possible right?'' he finishes.
''Yeah it is kinda weird he healed so fast, but remember his mother told us that it was slim but he did have a chance for a complete recovery,'' she says, staring at D unflinching.
''Yeah but I just feel like that's something doctors say to give dire patients hope there's no way they actually believed that shit, he says. ''He had both legs in casts with a shattered pelvis, how the fuck is he up and walking around like it's nothing! He's my guy and that'll never change but niggas not dumb Bella, and why aren't you surprised and questioning it?'' he says, looking at her peculiarly .
''Of course you're not dumb D and I definitely understand your skepticism, considering I just agreed with you that it's weird; but you know I don't be giving a fuck about the details of things as long as they work out in positive favor,'' she says tapping him the shoulder.
''Hmmmm sure,'' D says, leaning back as he hears Setsuna approaching.
''What ya out here whispering about?'' Setsuna asks, sitting down on the opposite end of the couch from D.
''How dope this weed looks and smells,'' he says, handing the green herb to Setsuna who proceeds to look at the leafy substance before passing it back.
''Bro, why are you wearing colored contacts like this is 09?'' D says laughing while crushing.
''Hey man you did the shit too, so get off me, he says with a small laugh. ''I always wanted to do it but was too nervous since I felt like I'd poke myself but I finally got over it,'' he finishes.
''Come to the roof Mirababy,'' a voice rings into both Mirabella and Setsuna's ears.
''Stay in here,'' she says to Setsuna. Mirabella continues to browse social media.
''Ya want something from the store?'' she asks, getting up with a stretch.
''A cranberry juice,'' D responds.
''Nah I'm good,'' Setsuna says. Then she promptly makes her exit as she gets out of the building she feels eyes peering into her from straight ahead. She instantly notices the skinny slender frame of Serana as the setting sun highlights her face. Mirabella looks to her left and right as she crosses the street noticing that there's no one else on the block and promptly hops onto the roof just a few feet away from Serana.
''How the fuck do you know where live Serana!'' she demands, she observes the multiple knives and sword attached to her outfit.
''You forget we're connected? If I want to find you then I will, she says with a grin. ''But don't fret, it'll be our little secret since I want you all to myself,'' she finishes while walking closer to her.
''Stay where you are, Mirabella says, stepping off to the side. ''I already told you I'm not interested in being a part of your enzioulo, I'm not a pet for your enjoyment,'' she says sternly.
''Who said anything about being a pet? Simply be mine and let's grow powerful together,'' she says, taking another step forward and Mirabella rushes ahead and puts her in a chokehold from behind.
''I told you not another fucking step! I don't want to play politics anymore, if I'm telling you I want no parts then I want nothing to do with any of this,'' Mirabella says through gritted teeth.
''But Mirababy I don't get why you're so apprehensive about me? ''We made such a fine duo and it was beautiful the way we flowed together! She says, gripping Mirabella's arms. ''I don't understand how you can have no desire for power?Serana says, feeling her nerves go awry. Serana delivers a heavy blow to Mirabella's side and she punches her in the back of the head in response.
''Tell me about the rumblings of this supposed war, is it true?'' Mirabella asks while hopping back.
''You'll have to beat me if you want to know any information,'' Serana says, while turning and pulls a silver blade from her hip and Mirabella gives a heavy sigh in frustration. Serana advances swinging quick and small, Mirabella narrowly dodges and parries the incoming blows and grabs a knife from Seranas other hip taking a heavy blow to her face that sends her stumbling back.
''Not keeping up with your training Mirababy?'' she says smiling. Mirabella doesn't respond and goes on the offensive throwing a flurry of slashes and punches, she knicks her side and Serana takes on her mist form. Mira raises her hand and pulls the mist in causing Serana to manifest immediately, as she holds her by the neck she knocks Serana down to the ground with the hilt of the knife. Mira dives on top of her and holds the knife to her neck.
''Tell me what you know!'' Mirabella demands.
''You think you've won because you got a knife to my throat Mirababy?'' Serana says smiling while rubbing the tip of her blade against Mirabella's side.
''I'll survive a knife to the gut but I doubt you'll survive without a head bitch, now tell me!'' she demands pressing the cold silver firmly against her neck.
''I like this side of you Mirababy, it's most certainly alluring, she says, her face turning deep red. ''I don't know anything about a war but I do know the house of Dracul is moving again, they're out creating more of us,'' she says.
''Why? Stop being fucking cryptic,'' Mirabella says headbutting her.
''Headbutts are illegal dickhead!'' Serana says thrashing ''It's all about power stupid bitch why else would they give out the gift and add to their ranks; you've never struck me as stupid, now get off me,'' Serana says.
''Niggas not dumb Serana,'' Mirabella says pressing the knife harder drawing blood.
''How do you expect me to talk with you pressing so hard on me,'' she chokes out.
''Fine,'' Mirabella loosens her grip a little and Serana takes the chance to morph into a bat and quickly flies off.
''I'll see you later Mirababy!'' she tells her telepathically.
''FUCK, FUCK,'' Mirabella screams in frustration before hopping down into the alley. She walks around the corner and takes a deep breath before walking back inside.
''What the hell happened Bella? Looks like you've been in a fight who pressed you?'' D says standing up.
'''Just chill out, seriously, it's not a big deal, it's been handled, she says plopping down on the couch. ''And it was a girl but I fought her off so she didn't get anything,'' she finishes.
''Your shirt is cut and I'm supposed to just be chill?'' he says, rolling his eyes.
''Yeah, do exactly that,'' she says, leaning her head back with an exasperated sigh.
''Fine, whatever,'' he says.
''You can at least not be a dickhead about it Mira, he's just worried,'' Setsuna speaks up to which she quickly snaps her head up and shoots daggers at him; before getting up and going to her room as the sun begins to lower itself.
''Don't be hard on her bro she's probably just in shock or something, everyone responds differently to trauma,'' D says, lowering his tone.
''Yeah I'm not doubting that but she didn't have to be so curt with someone she considers a friend about something like a fight,'' he says.
''I'm surprised hearing this from you, you're such a big softie in regards to her, D says with a chuckle. ''But my feelings weren't hurt or nothing bro be sure to make up with her,'' he says, getting up and putting his jacket on.
''I will bro, you out?'' Setsuna asks standing up with him.
''Yeah, so I'll catch you and Bella later,'' he says.
''Aight bro,'' Setsuna says and D turns, making his exit.
''So who'd you fight with when you lied about going to the store?'' He asks her telepathically.
''Serana!'' she yells out.
''Why are you yelling when we can talk in our heads he says, pitching his voice up.
''Stop focusing on things that don't matter, we're going to start your training tonight,'' she says
''Are you forgetting about the hole in my leg? He says throwing on a sweatsuit.
''That should be healed up enough by now, you'll be fine,'' she says, switching clothes.
''It'd be cool if I could turn into mist like that bitch,'' he says, finishing up.
''Yeah that ability is pretty effective but let's hope you have a more unique and effective one than hers though. And one that's a bit more practical than my giant form, she says, making her way to the living. ''You're a quick learner but let's hope this isn't too hard, she says with a sigh.
''Take the damn attitude out ya voice, why you so irritated?'' he says as they walk out the door.
''Cause I never wanted to do this tbh, she says with a chuckle. ''But here we are, so help you I shall,'' she says, locking the door up on their way out .