Shattered Stars (TCW)

Chapter 31 -- Domestic Life (Runaways Pt. II)

When morning came, the first thing Ace's sluggish mind noticed was that Taska was gone.

You're not in a warzone, he reminded himself. Was this normal for civilians? Did they wake up not knowing where everyone was, and they weren't afraid of where they might be, what could be happening?

Ace couldn't imagine living like that.

He took the time to put on the bottom half of his armor, reminding himself with each snap into place that there was nothing to worry about.

He slipped out of the barn at the same time Suu and Taska exited the house, laughing about some joke he hadn't heard. The early morning light seemed to make her smile even brighter.

"Morning, Ace!"

"Hm? Oh, uh, good morning," he said, refocusing onto the two women's faces. "What's going on?"

"Nothing," Taska shrugged. "I woke up early, and I didn't want to disturb you, so I helped Suu make breakfast and now we're going to go into town for a few things," she told him, already walking towards the gate with a basket of various products balanced against her side.

"Are you sure it's safe?" He asked seriously, frowning as she gave a light laugh.

"Ace, it'll be fine. I'll go into town, help Suu sell these things, buy you all some proper clothes," the commander crossed his arms over his blacks at the comment. "And we'll be back before you know it. Maybe you could even help Cut around the farm," she suggested.

Ace sighed in frustration. What was he going to do? March into town like he belonged there? Too many chances to be caught by his brothers. The thought made him slightly guilty, and memories of Mags' arrest surfaced against his will.

"Harvest work could go a lot faster with you four, if you're up to it," Cut said from the doorway behind him.

Ace rubbed a hand over his eyes. "Of course," he said, not turning around. "Be careful."

* * *

"This is hard work," Ace grunted, swinging the machete he had been given through the field of grain.

"Yeah," Cut assented. "I don't mind it so much, though. It keeps me fit, so I can protect Suu and the kids."

Ace hummed in agreement.

The other clone looked at him. "You're worried about her, aren't you? Taska?"

"I—I know she can handle herself, but," Ace dropped off. "I've just... always had her back. Doesn't feel right, is all."

Cut shook his head, laughing faintly. "You've got it bad."

"What?"

"Nothing. Here, you can take these baskets to the barn," Cut directed, smirking as he turned away. From behind him, he could hear laughs from A'den.

* * *

The two women returned just before dusk, toting five sets of new clothes. "I'm going to have to find more work to do soon," Taska said, smiling. "That took up most of what I had left of my credits."

"I don't know, your squad here should be getting a generous cut of this season's profit, with all the time they saved me," Cut told her.

"Cut, you're too kind," she said seriously. "That's not necessary, but it's appreciated. Thank you all for your hard work, too. I'm... very glad you're here."

"What would you do without us?" Lark said, offering a lopsided smile.

* * *