A D Tier's Breaking Point

Chapter 33

Barnaby quickly turned the conversation away from robberies and thefts and back to his own apparent list of questions for Morgan. No they weren't hurt, yes they've eaten and slept, no there were no side effects from using the power bracers (a question which had Alex making a mental note for later), no none of the heroes have tried to break into the lair ('They'd have to find it first!'), yes Chad did deserve having his kneecap removed, and no Morgan didn't accidentally kill anyone on either of their lists. Yes Janice and Bernard were okay, yes all the minions were fine, and yes, Morgan was absolutely, definitely fine as well.

Barnaby only stopped his onslaught of questions when Ohio mentioned pizza, along with the question of who was planning on ordering and collecting it. Morgan immediately offered, reaching out for their contact lenses on instinct. Until Barnaby and Alex reacted at the same time, Barnaby stammering out a question to deflect Morgan from the lenses. Alex was much more direct, catching Morgan's hand in his and making Morgan look up in confusion.

'I can go get pizza,' Alex said.

Morgan frowned, moving to pull away, 'No way, you just got back. Besides, I can go out for all of five minutes.'

'Then so can I.' Alex grinned at Morgan's scowl, 'It's no trouble really. Just put the order in yeah?'

'Already on it,' Ohio cut in, tapping away on his phone. 'Last time Morgan ordered they put chillies on my pizza.'

Alex snorted, 'Aw, does Texas not like the spicy chillies?'

'And that's how you get accidentally forgotten from the order,' Ohio said with a wink. Alex glared, but Ohio refused to flinch as he got Barnaby's and Morgan's orders. Morgan chambered over the sofa as they gave theirs, insisting on paying if they weren't allowed to do anything else. They were barely gone, still continuing their conversation with Ohio, but they were far enough away to miss Alex and Barnaby staring daggers at each other. Morgan came back with their credit card, handing it over to Ohio while persuading him to add Alex back onto the order.

'He's been back less than two days,' Morgan pointed out.

Ohio faked a put out sigh, 'Fine! What do you want?'

'Probably his normal gross pizza.'

'Hey!' Alex shouted, 'There is nothing wrong with pineapple on pizza!'

'And anchovies?'

'Why not? They're on different pizzas!'

Morgan climbed back onto the sofa while laughing, letting Barnaby pull them back into a hug as Ohio finished the order. Ohio offered to come with to help Alex carry the boxes, refusing to comment when Barnaby accused him of trying to sneak out for ice cream. Alex and Ohio left a little too early for the pizza pick up however, leaving Morgan and Barnaby alone in the flat.

Well, mostly alone.

'Barnaby?' Monday asked. 'What's up with you and Alex?' Morgan frowned, turning to look at Barnaby, who was suddenly still.

'I-I don't know w-w-what you're talking a-about.'

Morgan glanced up at Monday's closest camera, who carried on, 'You kept looking at Alex with an odd expression. Could have sworn you were glaring at one point.'

'Barnaby?' Morgan looked back at their friend. Who was unable to meet Morgan's eyes. 'What's wrong?'

Barnaby sighed, closing his eyes. He pushed aside his glasses to rub at his face, and Morgan recognised the blotchy flush that started to grow. They leaned in, thumping against Barnaby's shoulder, watching patiently as Barnaby took a shuddering breath. 'T-t-t-this feels wrong.'