The Misadventures of Kobra Kid and Pixel Bomb ♦ Mikey Way

Chapter Six

Inside the trans, the seats were softer than I thought they would be.

"Party's sorry," Jet Star told me, "He didn't think you'd... Well, he didn't know you were a flight risk."

I just nodded. Kobra had said anything since he'd helped me up. He'd just opened the van door for me, helped me in (even though I protested) and sat down across from me. 

Jet Star had climbed in after us, started the van and now we were driving back to the temporary base.

In a way, I was happy to be going back with them. I wouldn't be alone, I wouldn't have to worry about fighting the drac's alone or anything. But in another way, I wasn't. I didn't like the fact that now, I was open to being hurt. I was open to caring about these people and them leaving me in one way or another.

"You got pretty far, you know," Jet commented but it felt forced, like he was trying to get me talking and comfortable, "You ran for nearly five miles I think."

"Right," I mumbled. I was grateful that he was trying but I couldn't be comfortable here. My stomach was doing flips every time I so much as glanced over to Kobra and I wasn't sure if I liked it.

The trans rumbled to a stop and Jet climbed out, leaving Kobra and I alone. Neither of us moved for a moment.

Then, the door was pulled open by Fun Ghoul who just shot me a slightly strained smile. I climbed out of the trans and waited as Party Poison swallowed and cleared his throat out.

"I am sorry Pixel, really," He said and again, I only nodded. His red hair was ruffled, like he'd been running his hands through it repeatedly- then again, he probably had.

"She got five miles out," Jet Star repeated, "And without being caught."

"Impressive," Fun Ghoul commented and I just shrugged.

"Before this happened," I gestured around the desert and to a crumpled BL/Ind flyer, "I used to run a few miles a day, to keep fit and what not. Then, the world went to shit and it was running for your life."

Party Poison nodded and started walking back inside to the cafe. Jet Star and Fun Ghoul followed him but I hesitated. Did I really want this? Did I want the risk?

Behind me, Kobra Kid placed his hand on my waist and I jumped but for once, I didn't shrug it off. Instead, I turned to face him.

"You're coming inside, right?" He asked me. His eyes didn't look as bored as before, they looked almost vulnerable.

I just nodded, something I was doing a lot of, because my heart was beating too fast and my stomach was doing nothing but flips. And I decided that I liked the flips.

♦

Inside, Fun Ghoul was sharing out a packet of crisps and some stale bread with cups of water.

"Here," He passed me two slices of the bread, a generous handful of crisps and a half full glass of water.

"Thanks," I mumbled and took a sip of the water. It was warm but I drank it gratefully. I hadn't had anything to drink since yesterday morning.

Everyone was sat, crossed legged, on the dusty floor. Kobra sat next to Jet Star and I tried not to show my disappointment.

Nobody said anything, everyone just ate or drank till Party finished and turned to face me.

"Now, Pixel, I was wondering if you'd changed your mind about joining us," Party asked. His tone was wary and gentle, like how you'd talk to a scared animal.

I didn't answer straight away but the lump of bread in my mouth turned sour. I couldn't seem to swallow it.

"Jet's told us that you're good with your gun, you can survive and clearly, you can run," Fun Ghoul added, "We need people like you."

I managed to swallow the soggy bread but still, I didn't answer. I couldn't help but glance up to Kobra Kid. He was staring at me, again his dark hazel eyes looking vulnerable. 

"One condition," I managed to choke out.

"Name it," Party said.

I swallowed, gathering the words I needed, "I get to kill Korse."

Nobody said anything but my words hung in the air spider's webs till finally, Party Poison spoke up.

"Deal."