The Algebandits (XFOHV spy AU)

Chapter 8: XFOHVA

The next morning, most of the Algebandits are at base, except for Nine and Eight. Six and Fifteen are chatting, Fourteen is in the corner thinking about what he did the other night, and Four and X are on a beanbag together. "Six, don't you think what you said last night to Eight put a lot of pressure on him? Choosing over his friends or his love?" Fifteen leans against the wall. "Yeah, but as much as I hate it, he's gonna have to pick one to save our butts." "Fair."

Nine enters the base, joining everyone. "Yo yo yo!" He and Six fist bump. "Hey Nine, what's up?" Nine kicks his skateboard up to his hand and leans it on the wall. "Nothing much. But a word of advice, don't peek through Eight and Ten's window at night." Nine walks away casually. Six and Fifteen give him a look, being left confused. "What?-"

Shortly after, Eight peeks half of his body through the entrance. "Hey guys.." Six looks over, knowing she'll have to be the one to ask the question. "So, Eight, have you come across a decision?" Eight sighs. "We think we could come across a solution, yes.." Six raises an eyebrow. "We?" Then, Eight walks in fully through the entrance, revealing Ten on the side of them as they hold each other's hands. Four, Fourteen, and Nine are silently shipping them while Six, Fifteen, and X are confused. "Hi everyone!" Ten smiles, Six raises an eyebrow. "What's he doing here?" Eight looks down. "I told him about the decision, and he suggested we don't have to break anybody's heart by...letting him join the group?" The others look at each other, then form a huddle and whisper to each other. Ten can feel Eight grip his hand tighter and how it starts to shake a bit, and grips it softly in reassurance.

The group turns back to Eight and Ten. Six is about to speak up, but Nine does it first while shining the flashlight from his phone upwards from his chin to give his face dramatic lighting. "The council has decided your fate." Fifteen, without a word, tips his phone ever so slightly to the point where it shines in his eyes. "ÆK-" Six rolls her eyes, then looks back at Eight and Ten. "We've come to a conclusion....Ten can join, as long as you two stay FOCUSED." Eight and Ten are excited and relieved, Eight exhaling the air he's been holding in. "Oh THANK you Six...I swear, I'll give it my all to stay focused." Ten is just happy no one has to split. "Yeah, thanks!"

"I'm gonna show you everything, you'll get the hang of it." Eight pulls Ten to his workstation to show him around, Nine stands next to Six and sighs with a smile. "You know, they're kinda cute together." Six nods along and smiles. "Yeah, they are. It's an indescribable feeling to imagine yourself in a relationship like that." "O-Oh- uh- yeah- it is-" Nine starts blushing and Six gives him a look. "What? You good?" "YEP FINE-" Nine starts to sweat. "...whatever you say I guess." Six goes to her section of the base, Nine sighs in relief and wipes his forehead with his arm.

Later, once Ten has had a full tour, he and X are sitting next to each other by the wall. Eventually X can start a conversation. "So, you seem like a great boyfriend.." Ten is caught off guard by that, then X quickly clarifies. "I didn't mean it like that! I meant I'm glad Eight has someone kind like you. This is coming off so weird-" Ten laughs, "It's okay, I know what you mean." X nods and continues. "Joining the gang just so Eight can stay happy, even if it's something you don't want." Ten's face softens. "Well, I chose to do this myself, out of love and my own will. You shouldn't be forced to do something by somebody, you should be able to make your own decisions." X pauses and nods, seeming to have taken that into thought. "Yeah...thanks, I could use that.." "Sure thing, X!" They smile at each other, then X walks away back to the others.

Six approaches Ten, clearing her throat to get his attention as he looks up at her. "It's time for training. We'll go outside in a secluded area to test your strength, agility, and stamina. You need to be active constantly if you're gonna be a spy like us." Ten nods and stands up. "Let's get started then!" "That's the spirit." They all walk outside, X taking a deep breath before following. Little do they know what's coming for them and what a terrible decision it was to step outside...