Chapter 19 - What Can I Say?

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what can I say? - pioneers
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josephine's pov

Back at the garage, I watch as Tanaka hugs Jax tightly, a bright smile on his face that I don't ever remember seeing on the man's face.

"That's my boy!" He exclaims, patting his son's shoulder as he pulls back. Jax almost sheepishly scratches the back of his neck, looking away from his father.

"Piece of cake, pop." He says and I smile. Jenny and Hero heave the box out of my trunk, gently setting it on the ground near a workbench.

"Now can we know in there?" Levi exclaims, excited. Tanaka walks over the boy, placing his hand on the lid.

"No." He simply says, not even glancing in Levi's direction, who lets out a long sigh.

"Gianchi gets to know and we don't?" He asks, crossing his arms. Tanaka finally lifts his head.

"That's because I don't care if Gianchi lives or dies." He simply says and Gianchi lets out a sound almost like a growl, clearly displeased with how easy Tanaka said these words. As the others continue to talk, I linger back, staring at the box. I nervously glance at the crew high-fiving and celebrating, the thought of risking a look crossing my mind. Remembering how serious Tanaka and Jax seem to be out its content, I step away from the box and survey the car instead, as Tanaka takes the box inside his office and shuts the door. Levi and Emilia approach from behind and wrap me in hugs, making me giggle.

"You're really coming into your own, honey." Emilia says and I smile at her as Levi pats my back.

"And so the apprentice becomes the master." He says and I shake my head.

"I'm not sure I've mastered anything just yet, guys." I say simply, tugging a strand of my hair behind my ear.

"What are you talking about? You made it out of those tunnels without a scratch." Levi exclaims happily, throwing his hands in the air. "We have to celebrate. Come on now." He says and then he's grabbing my arms and leads me to join the others in the backroom, Emilia following us with a chuckle. "So what's the plan for tonight? This calls for a celebration, don't you think?" Levi asks when we approach the others.

"I know a guy in Ventura if you're really trying to party." Gianchi says and Emilia rolls her eyes. 

"Don't even think about it, Gi." She says.

"Why don't we go to Hyrieus." Jenny suggests and I try to think if I've ever heard that name before but nothing comes to my mind.

"You want to go to Hyrieus? Didn't you call it home to Earths nastiest scumbags last time I asked you?" Hero asks from his play on one fo the chairs and Jenny raises an eyebrow at him.

"Uh, yeah. That was a compliment."

"What's Hyrieus?" I speak up, looking between the two.

"It's a secret warehouse rave that changes location every weekend. I dunno about you, but I feel like dancing." Jenny says, emphasizing her words by bumping her hip against Emilia's who laughs and wraps an arm around Jenny's shoulder.

"Well, Hero knows I can't dance. I've never had much practice." I say, shrugging and walking over to stand beside HEro, who immediately places a hand on my waist, smiling at me.

"Not even at school dances?" Levi asks and I shake my head.

"I haven't been to any yet, but even at prom, I'm just planning to sway side to side." I say simply and Jenny scoffs.

"Prom? You're kidding." She says and I look at her, frowning a bit.

"What? I'm looking forward to it." I say, defensively. 

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