Kiramann Industry

Chapter 4

They were still missing. It had been nearing on a month now and neither Vi nor Caitlyn had  been seen since that night. Of course with her new work, she was kept busy during the day, often using the long hours to distract herself against the worry that was settling in her gut heavier and heavier. but during the night, she couldn't help but stifle the sobs begging to be released, the presence of her sister very much missed, and the sleepless nights wearing her body out. Tobias and Cassandra had her working on finding a way to reinforce the Enforcers armour and weapons, helping them against any threat they may come into. 

Ekko and Powder took it in stride talking back and forth as they wrote out a plan for the armor and weapons, studying what could be lightweight and yet strong enough to use without immediately breaking. "Iron would be to heavy, same with Gold or Silver, Aluminum could work?" "No it would be to flimsy... So would Magnesium.." Powder countered quickly, turning to look at the other teen, studying his face before turning her gaze slowly to the empty chalkboard. Every idea had been crossed out and they had spent almost 3 days trying to find a metal. Suddenly Ekko jumped up and ran to one of the many cabinets, Powder watching confused as he flung open the door and started digging through. "What in the world are you doing?"

Ekko grunted softly as he found what he needed and immediately stood holding a metal sheet in his hands, powder takin a second to scan over the metal before her face matched his. "What about-" "Titanium!" They said at the same time, both pausing before starting to giggle, smiles wide as Powders eyes sparked. "Yes! It's lightweight and could handle anything!" "It'll protect them without worry!" "if we can reinforce it, It would be perfect!" They scrambled, talking over each other as they flitted about the workshop digging for the tools they need, flushing slightly when one would catch the others gaze but smiles still so wide as they started to work, cracking soft jokes and even quieter flirts to and from. 

Since figuring out she liked the white hair boy, Powder had found herself noting everything said teen did. How his tongue would stick out just a tiny bit when he focused, the spark in his eyes when he got a idea, how he always shuffled from foot to foot with anxious energy as they tested a new build, even when she is half asleep against the desk, he puts the blanket around her shoulders, tucking any stray hairs in place before leaving her to sleep. She had hesitantly started throwing soft flirts at the boy, testing how he responded. Once she got a positive answer, and him doing it back, her heart fluttered. She might have a chance if she actually pushed herself to ask him about it. 

The days turned into weeks as they added the mixed material into the armour the enforcers had already, making sure it worked perfectly, and would do its purpose. Once they were comfortable with it, Powder called for a beak, the many sleepless nights, and coffee hitting her head as she let her head thump softly against the table. She could feel Ekko's presence as he walked up carefully and took the seat next to her, a hand resting on her shoulder. "You okay pow? Your not looking so good..." "Ha.. Thanks for the vote of confidence Eks.. But I-" She started before Ekko held up his hand. "Is this about Vi and Caitlyn being missing?" Powder huffed softly, rolling her eyes fondly as she just nodded, unable to hide anything from her best friend. Ekko sighed softly and pulled her into a comforting hug, one she practically melted into with a soft sigh. "You know they will be fine. Vi wont let anyone take her out that easily. You know this." Powder sighed softly but nodded. 

"I-I know.. but I can't help it, what if she's been thrown back into prison, or been Killed, or is stuck somewhere hurt.." Powder mumbled softly, fighting back the tears as her best friend rubbed her back. "Its okay to cry Pow, I am here to help you.." With that powder broke, hiding her face in his shoulder as her shoulders shake. And as he said, Ekko stayed with her through it all, letting her cry as he whispered comforting words into her ears. When the tears finally stopped and she all but sagged into him further she finally spoke again, voice a little rough from the sobbing. "Th-Thank you Ekko.. didn't realize how much I needed that.." She pulled away slowly, already missing his arms around her as  she sat up. "Ekko had a soft, easy smile as he glanced her face over. "It's okay Pow, I have your back remember? partners in crime." Powder smiled softly and nodded.

"Partners in crime." Powder said back, gently nudging his shoulder and pretending not to see the way Ekkos gaze lingered on her, before they quietly went back to work, banter and jokes coming easier now that the air was less thick, and if she felt him kiss her forehead as she once again fell asleep at the desk, well she wouldn't tell anyone.