Wings of vine and obsidian

Shit, I'm late

          My eyes flutter open again, this time met with a small stream of light and the sight of my disheveled room. Why can't it just go away? The dream, or truly a memory, has been a recurring nightmare for me since the year it happened. It's also the reason I ended up in that stupid home for 8 years, but that's not important anymore.

           I toss my body to one side, and then roll to the edge of my bed on the other, glancing at the time. 12:05?? Already??

          "Toby's gonna kill me," I shriek out, kicking my blanket off. It'll go unnoticed in the mess I call my room. Just another form of fabric gathered on the floor. I flail off the bed, nearly falling on my face in the process. For someone with agility in their supposed "skill set", it doesn't show much. I'm supposed to be at the cafe in 15 minutes to change out with Ranboo, even though they won't leave until me and Toby both do. None of us have our license, nor the money to afford a car, so we walk home together most of the time.

           I dash around my room, more frantically than normal, cursing at all the random objects in the way of my feet. I throw on some clothes that at least seem clean, though one of the pockets has a hole and a noticeable coffee stain. I grab my phone from the charger and hurry down the stairs. Shit shit shit. I grab my apron off the counter and run out the door. We live on the second floor of our apartment building and the elevator's been broken for a few days, so I have to run down the stairs, nearly slipping several times.

            As the cafe comes into my line of sight, I can see Toby glaring out of the window, most likely watching for me and not any potential customers. I walk around to the back hurriedly, making slight eye contact with him through the window. For not being the one getting off he's certainly unhappy. 

             Shuffling through the back doors, I keep my head down a little. Maybe Toby's just upset I'm late, right? He'll learn my alarm didn't go off and we'll brush it off like it's nothing!

            Suddenly, and quite comically so, Toby bursts through the doors to the counter and "dining" area. "I see SOMEONE finally decided to grace us with his presents!" He quietly yelled, pulling out his phone momentarily. "I only texted AND called you like 100 times!"

           "Sorry..." I mutter to him, trying not to laugh at his amount of concern and anger, it's quite comedic, but well deserved. He's my best friend and likely just looking out for me, but it's still quite over dramatic to put so much effort into showing his disapproval of me being late, as I often am.

            "I didn't realize what time it was and my alarm didn't go off." I say, shrugging and bit and clocking in, still not facing him head on.

           "Tom, you gotta get better about actually setting your alarms, not just thinking about how you need to set them– Also, did you even think to set one last night, or were you too busy sneaking out?" He remarks as I turn to him. My face drops momentarily, and I shrug.

            "Look boss man, I dunno what you're on about me being out last night, and yes I know it's a problem, just don't always see the need to fix the habit." I scratch the back of my head a bit, and watch Toby's unbelieving face. His smug grin drops and his eyes narrow ever so slightly.

            "Tom you do realize how shit of a liar you are right?" He jests.

              So maybe I did go out last night to look for wrong-doers? Did I tell him or do a shit job covering it up? No, and Toby wasn't even at the apartment last night. So Ranboo likely heard me leave and told him. They don't sleep much so it's a logical explanation, especially considering Toby was at his parents' house to visit his sister.

             Part of me wants to glare at Ranboo till my eyes and looks of betrayal burn into them. We both know how much Toby cares for us, and it's sweet, shows how good of a friend and person he is, but it gets almost overbearing in my opinion. Though that wouldn't change the situation any, it could offer some justice for being sold out.

             "Toby, I'm not stupid! If something had started I could have handled it. Plus it's not like I would've gotten followed." I argue. I can take several guys in a fight, especially when I'm fully geared and rested.

              Toby was much less than impressed with the excuse, his expression hardening and his voice losing the twinge of sarcasm. "You know exactly why I haven't wanted you out by yourself recently! Last time you nearly got yourself killed!" He yells under his breath, " Your wings still aren't fully healed you know! You're lucky you can still fly in the races- let alone when you need to escape something dangerous! Yes, I know you can fight and hold your own an shit, but you're only one person. And you're my best friend, so I'm not going to let you do something risky on your own when me and Boo are fully capable of doing it until you're healed. Please keep in mind if you're caught they wouldn't hesitate to kill you or bring you in, either of them."

               "You know I won't let anything like that happen! I can tell when something's up Toby. I'm not an idiot." I say, knowing he won't listen.

               He picks up the order I just finished looking at me in disappointment and worry, knowing that I won't listen to him. He walks away without another word motioning Ranboo towards the back and me. Well today's off to a lovely start.