Laters better than never.

Chapter 16

"I don't hear any more gunfire. We should be safe for a while," Arisu said, peering cautiously through the doorway before stepping back into the room where the others were gathered.

"We can hide here for now," Usagi said, her voice steady but wary.

"I hope Ann's okay..." Kuina muttered, sitting on the edge of the mini sofa, gripping her knees.

Chishiya, leaning against the wall with his usual indifferent expression, tilted his head. "Are you going to run up and hug her when she comes back?"

Kuina shot him a glare before kicking his shin.

"Ow," Chishiya deadpanned, rubbing his leg.

"I told you I'd start kicking you," Kuina replied flatly.

"Well... I doubt you have to worry too much," Tatta chimed in. "Ann's smart. She knows what she's doing."

"He's right .. even if I haven't known her for that long," Mai said, arms crossed.

"If we're staying here, we'll need to scavenge for supplies," Usagi pointed out. "Water, food. Maybe something for defense."

Arisu nodded. "Yeah... we can't just sit around."

Kuina groaned, stretching back in the chair. "Do we have to?"

"It amazes me you've survived this long," Chishiya said, unimpressed.

Kuina gave him a look. "Oh yeah? Let's see you go out and scavenge."

"The longer we wait, the more likely he'll show up," Mai said, a hint of unease in her voice.

Kuina smirked suddenly. "Hey, Arisu, you and Chishiya should go look for food together."

Arisu blinked. "Oh.. okay. What about you?"

"We'll go find a ride," Tatta suggested.

Kuina huffed. "Seriously? I was kind of hoping to just... stay here."

Kuina sighed dramatically but pushed herself to her feet. "Fine, fine. Usagi, you coming?"

"I'd be better at scavenging," Usagi said.

Kuina gave her a teasing grin. "Come on, don't leave me alone with Tatta."

"Hey!" Tatta protested.

Kuina laughed before slinging an arm around Tatta's shoulders and reaching for Usagi's hand. "Let's move. We won't be long. And, Arisu—" she turned back with a smirk. "If Chishiya's a pain, feel free to punch him."

"Hey," Chishiya said flatly.

Tatta let out a yelp as Kuina dragged him forward, grabbing the flashlight Arisu held out just in time.

"Be like Usagi and just accept your fate," Kuina said towards Tatta as they disappeared down the hall.

Chishiya exhaled through his nose before turning to Arisu. "Shall we?"

"Yeah," Arisu said, snapping out of his thoughts.

"Don't worry, I won't drag you," Chishiya added dryly, already walking ahead.

Arisu rolled his eyes but followed.

"Ah Wait!" Usagi vouce suddenly boomed as she ran back.

"Usagi!" Kuina said as she followed her back, still dragging Tatta.

"We forgot about mai" usagi says

"...oh shit whoops" kuina said as she walked over to mai, finally letting Tatta go.

"Come on girl" kuina said as she put her arm around mai, steadying her fully.

"Okay... this is it. Nice, right?" Tatta said, shining the flashlight over a row of cars lined up in the dark.