= [ Invisible Shackles ] = // Mission Force One

Ch- 2: Deteriorating Friendships and The Other Witness

As Miles walked down the hall towards the kitchen, he is greeted a good morning by Haruna, who is in the living room, sitting on the couch while watching TV. Miles greeted him back in a monotonous voice, which gave Haruna a hint that he had trouble with sleeping again.

"I take it that you had another rough night?" He then pointed at shaggy man's eyebags, which are making him look like a panda. "And not to mention your eyebags are too visible." Haruna continued with concern in his deep gentle voice. Miles just shrugs it off and told him that he's been overthinking about... missions, and how stressful they are. Which isn't full the truth.

The curly haired man reminded him that it's the weekend, and the Admirals haven't given them another mission since the last 3 days, so he told him to chillax, earning a gentle smile from the shaggy man.

"Anyways, since you're the last one to wake up, we saved some breakfast for you. And all the robo-pets have been fed, you don't have to worry about them." Haruna reassured, after noticing the food bowl in Miles' hand.

"Thanks, buddy." Miles replied with a nod. Suddenly, Blodger emerged from the kitchen, running up to Haruna and asked if he can have a turn with the TV. "Sure, after I finish watching this show." Haruna replied. "Come on I've already helped Loretta with washing the dishes! The turtle documentary is probably airing right now!" Blodger complained.

Miles let out a small chuckle while looking at the sight of the youngest member who had a growth spurt, tugging the curly haired man's sleeve. He continued walking to the kitchen while hearing the distant quarrel between the two boys.

He finds Loretta rummaging through the cupboards right after washing the dishes. "Oh hey, you're up. The food's in the rice cooker." She stated. Miles checked the rice cooker to find fried porkchops in a small bowl in the center of the rice. He let out a small chuckle. "That's one genius way to heat up food." He spoke as he carefully takes the bowl out of the rice. The red head closed the cupboard door and glanced at him with a tender smile. "You're welcome." She replied before cleaning the counter.

"I had to save up some gas. 'Cause I have to prioritize the water and electricity bills, and I can't have the gas prices included on my 'things to be taxing about' list." She stated while wiping the dirt off the counter. Miles places the bowl at the table and spoke, 

"You don't have to do that. I should be the one taking care of those. After all, I am the Captai-"

"And I'm your big sister." Loretta cut Miles off. "You don't have to do all the work, bud. You're already stressin' 'bout missions— which made you lose track of sleep. So don't just stand there and eat up. No pressure." She reassured him and left the kitchen.

Miles could just smile and appreciate how his sister is looking out for him. Although, he felt guilty for making her and his other friends believe in his lie of 'being stressed about missions'. And him frequently using the statement as an excuse for his insomnia and overall mental health. He knew he needed more better reasons and not use the same excuse over and over. But he refuses to tell them the actual reason, fearing he'll endanger their lives and everyone else in the TTA.

He snapped out of his train of thoughts when he heard someone from behind him clearing their throat. He turned around to see Mirandos, looking at him with a cold expression, while carrying a box of tools. 

"You're in my way." She coldly stated. Miles just gave way to her and stared at her with the same expression. "A simple 'excuse me' would be fine. What's in that anyway?"

Mirandos stopped in her tracks and turned her head towards Miles. "Just some tools. It's clearly written on the box, genius, can't you read? How old are you, five?" She mocked, earning an irritated expression from the shaggy man.