Undorn: The Middle

Part Thirteen

Part Thirteen

Bones, The Region of Orrosta

Location: The Dorms

"We're all here?" Bones looked around their bunk. Scarlett had been the last one to come in. She was leaning against the door, arms crossed over her chest in a very Biondi-esq fashion. Her twin brother stood close by wearing the same stoic tight-lipped expression. Orwell and Max sat side by side on Taide's bunk, smiling and muttering together. The two were peas in a very optimistic pod. Like usual, Taide was quiet, idling in the far, dark corner of the room.

"Seems like it," Biondi stepped forward to where Thomas was standing in the center of their room. "What's up, Bones?"

Thomas resisted the extremely strong urge to flinch. It had been a week since their little truce, and despite their agreement, Biondi hadn't bothered to acknowledge Thomas' existence. And when he did, it was short, only necessary ("can you pass the salt, please") and he only ever called him Bones. Now, on Biondi's lips, that name felt sour.

But of course, this was his fault, wasn't it?

"Thanks for meeting everyone. I've been thinking, chatting with Taide—" Bones paused on instinct for an Orgon scoff and or comment. He could almost hear the man say, Chatting? Bit of a strong word, isn't it? Thomas shook his head. He hated that he missed the prick. Silently, he brought his eyes from the floor to Biondi's. "And we think it's best if I'm no longer on Biondi's security detail."

He was trying to maintain his nonchalance, but Thomas saw it. He saw the corners of Beo's lips twitch. He saw his eyes widen before quickly returning to their natural state. He saw his tongue dart over his lips – a nervous habit.

"Fine," Scarlett spoke up, picking herself up off the wall. Clearly, she didn't need any more of an explanation. "And Taide?"

Thomas nodded. "Taide will stay on. He has a background in this field. More level-headed than I am. He's good. Sensible."

"And you think he's enough?" Her tone told Thomas that his answer should be no.

"No," Thomas agreed. "Not nearly enough. That's why I've gotten someone else as well."

Biondi's eyebrows rose. "You're bringing someone else in without consulting us?"

Slowly, Bones nodded. "Yeah. I am."

Scarlett swore. Orwell followed close behind her with a string of his own choice words. Max let out a small gasp.

Biondi raised a hand. The murmurs stopped. "Let him explain." Thomas gave him a curt nod. It went unacknowledged.

Bones took a deep breath in. "He's been doing security for ten years. He's an ex-enforcer. Biondi, you've already trusted him with the most important things in your life..." He paused, turning toward Scarlett, who was just starting to put the pieces together. Her jaw went slack.

"You—James?"

Before Thomas could answer, Beo chimed in. "Great call." He nodded enthusiastically, a hand on his chin. "Yeah, he'll be perfect."

"Scar?" Thomas took a step toward her. He tried to soften his voice, but he never really was the understanding type. "Is that going to be an issue?"

She sputtered, the flyaway hairs falling from her braid sticking to her lips. "Of-of course not. This is my brother's life. I want him in safe hands. I want him alive. James—James can do it."

"Good," Thomas clapped her quivering shoulder. "Because he's just outside." Scarlett's cheeks flamed. She jumped out from in front of the door like there was fire behind it. Thomas ignored her, pulling it open. On the other side, stood one of his only friends outside this new life.

He had shaved his head since they last spoke. Now, without the shocking white tips, he looked downright petrifying.

He was a giant with a chiseled jawline and tattoos that ran all over his arms. He was wearing a black t-shirt that his muscles wanted to burst through. When their eyes met, he smiled. Bones pulled him inside.

The second the door shut, all eyes were on him. Orwell was staring at him open-mouthed. Maxin literally reached over to shut it. Taide was the first to step up and welcome him. (With nothing but a fist bump, but still.)

Biondi took one of James' hands in two of his. "James, I'm so glad you're here. Thank you."

Scarlett had taken refugee by the bunk occupied by Orwell and Max. She gave a nod toward the newest member of their group but made no move to do much else.

"James, you know Taide, Beo, and Scar." Thomas steered him toward the bunk. "The cute brunette is Maxin. Orwell's the cheeky lad next to him."

James reached down to shake both their hands. The two stood up on instinct, ogling the man as he took their hands into his. "Great to meet you both."

After the introductions, Biondi spoke up. "And what about you, Bones?" His voice wasn't as steady as it had been walking into this meeting.

Thomas cleared his throat. He turned around to face Beo. "What about me?"

"You're not on security. So what will you do?"

"Strategy."

"Orgon's strategy."

"Well, Orgon's not here, Beo. I'll fill in the gaps while he's gone."

The answer seemed to placate Beo. He nodded briefly but didn't give much more indication of his opinions either way.

"Alright, I want everyone in the gym five times a week. Taide, James, and I will coach you. Maxin, draw up a schedule for us? Biondi isn't excused."

Ever eager to please (or too familiar with orders?), Maxin nodded enthusiastically.

"Okay? And everyone please be welcoming to James. He gave up a great gig to be here."

James waved his hand. His voice was soft when he spoke. He always hated the spotlight. "Oh no. Much rather be doing this. With you all. Honored you'd have me, really."

The group started to file out of the room, one by one, some time in between. Thomas stuck around until the end just in case anyone had thoughts they didn't want to share aloud (mainly Maxin).

After Scarlett closed the door, only Thomas and Beo were left. They were silent for a minute or so. Thomas sat down on the bottom bunk with a sigh.

"So," Beo began pacing. "Took one knife in the leg and all a sudden strategy is looking more appetizing, eh?"

Bones could tell Beo was trying to joke. But it was a question, too. A very blatant why did you leave me question.

Bones chuckled for his sake. "What can I say? The stitches were a bitch."

Biondi stopped his pacing. His body was facing Thomas, but his eyes were focused on the wall between the bunks. "Was I really that shit to work with?"

Thomas swallowed, choosing his words deliberately. "Quite the opposite," he told him. "I love watching you lead. I'm just not right for that job. We both know it's too complicated."

His eyes still on the wall, Beo nodded. Thomas watched his chest rise and fall. Once, twice.

"I'll see you later, Bones."

He was out the door before Thomas could even open his mouth.