Birds of a Feather

Chapter Four - An Explosive Close Call

Lyra and I had come to a private art exhibition but the Birds of a Feather had sent a threat to steal the dolphin painting displayed there in three days. Suddenly I hear a voice behind me.

'Speak of the devils...'

"Asher! I thought that was you!" I said forcing another smile.

"Why?" He asked raising an eyebrow.

"Dunno, just did." I said sticking my tongue out at him playfully.

"Huh? Hey, are you one of the guys we talked to at the bar the other night?" Lyra asked.

'Oh yeah! Lyra was there too! That's why she's a reporter...she never forgets a face.'

"What's going on? Don't tell me you two met up after that?" She asked.

"U-Um..." I stammered.

"Oh, c'mon! If you guys are dating, just tell me!" Lyra persisted.

"Huh? NO!" I exclaimed. "No, no, no, no, no!"

Asher stayed silent but had a very mean look on his face.

'Whoa...his face looks kinda scary...'

"Silly!" Lyra said. "He is pretty good looking... But don't worry, I won't steal him from you!"

"No, that's not it..." I said helplessly and shoot a pleading look at Asher. "Hey Asher...why are you saying anything?!"

He stayed silent for a moment and then put his arm around my waist like couples do.

"A-Asher?!" I squeak in shock.

"Yup... We're going out." He told Lyra.

"W-Wait a sec..." I try to deny it but Lyra cuts me off.

"I knew it!" She exclaimed.

"Y-You knew it?" I asked. "How?"

"Because, ever since he came up to you, he's been glaring at Leon." Lyra said.

'That's because Leon's a cop and Asher's a thief... But I can't tell her that...'

"Shall I call Leon back over here?" She asked mischievously. "We should introduce them!"

"No!" I said quickly and cough. "No, that's okay."

"Asher, what are you...?" He interrupts me by leaning towards me and whispering in my ear.

"Are you stupid?"

"...What?" I asked lowly.

"We're going to have to be together a lot from now on." He explained. "It'll just be easier to make her think we're dating." He smirks at me. "Couldn't you have even figured that out? I mean seriously, who would ever go out with you for real?"

'AHHH! He pisses me off!!!' I say and pinch his side hard, but in a way Lyra couldn't see me do so.

He flinched, clenching his teeth, and tightened his grip on my waist warningly.

"Oh, stop showing off!" Lyra teased.

'I'm not, Lyra... Ugh, this is so annoying.'

"Oh, no! Ashy beat me to it!" Quinn whined coming up to us.

"Hey, Quinn!" I said forcing myself to smile.

"Oh! I recognize you, too!" Lyra exclaims.

"We met again! It must be destiny!" Quinn grinned dramatically.