The Aegis of Noah Hart

25-If That's What You Want

Noah finishes the rest of the school day without going to Velos or going on any trips for that matter. Noah completes his classes just a normal boy in his grade and of his age was expected. When the last bell rings, he finds Alex and the others meeting in the parking lot around the infamous van. Though chatting amongst each other at first, they all go silent when he gets closer.

"Hey guys."

"NOAH! Are you going to ride with us today?"

He shrugs and nods.

"Yeah, Ty. I just want a nice, quiet ride home...if that's all right?"

Kay smiles and nods empathically.

"Why it's fine with me, and I know Tyc-" she pauses as sometimes walks by, "I mean Tyler would love for you to join us, too. What about you, Alex? You're driving."

Everyone turns to the dark skinned boy who fights uncomfortably as he looks around the group.

"Uh, yes, that's fine Kay. Ty, join me up front?"

He nods in agreement as Alex opens the door which automatically slides back revealing both the passenger front seat and then a row of back seats as well. Kay hops into the seat behind the driver seat and pats the spot beside her. Noah smiles and gets as the other boys get in the front. In a moment, they're pulling out of the parking lot headed home. Up front Ty and Alex talk about returning to his uncle Shady's farm that evening for target shooting.

"Dude, we have to go."

"Only if you can show me you've finished your citations page for English."

"Wait what? You mean that part at the end that nobody reads?"

"Mrs. Curtis will certainly read your citations or lack there of. You'll do the citations page or no riflerly."

"Ah, you're tough. Fine. But do you think Shady was telling the truth? About letting us use his war rifle? Do you think it's any good?"

"Knowing you I doubt it, but don't get your hopes up. I looked up this "M-16." It is highly sensitive and nowhere near as accurate or powerful as the Dekadzo you already have."

Tychon sighs. Noah knows that Ty has struggled with a won't of combat since his time on Velos. not unlike his muse, Alex Tychon was not his normal self outside of fighting and now shooting cans off of logs was his best chance to feel some of his old excitement even though as Alex said the guns Shady had to offer simply paled in comparison to the Redguard rifle he claimed on Velos.

"I'm glad you did it, Noah. I think you did the right thing. I know I couldn't have done what you did for Schar, but then I'm not as kind as you."

Noah smiles as he turns to face Kalista. 

"No, you're not, but thanks!"

Kalista's eyes squint at Noah for a moment before she huffs and gives him shove. The two laugh for a moment then sit in silence watching the traffic as they ride home. Noah starts to lean into his window, breathing a little more relaxed until he hears Kay's thoughts.

So are things going to be weird now?

Kay, I told you a million times that nothing is different. I was rash. Officer Perry, Schar's whole family saw my face. They know who I am. that was so stupid of me!

You're mad at yourself now for being honest, open with them. You wanted someone to know you, not be scared of you.

Maybe...I mean Perry is Dad's friend and, I mean he hasn't even talked to Dad about it-