An Assassin's Guide to Family

Chapter 6: Present

-------------- Percy's POV: --------------

I stared down at my cake that sat before me with slight inadequacy, the frosting not nearly as perfect as I had wanted it to be. Pushing down my disappointment I dug in, happy for the sweet taste of sugar.

I'd gotten home late last night, too late to eat honestly. Even now as I ate I couldn't believe I'd only woken up an hour or two earlier, the morning sun peeking through my blinds in small spurts of color, painting the rest of my apartment in light.

By the look on the clock I had two hours or three to go out and relax before I had to go back to the base.

With that thought in mind I quickly ate the rest of my food, the frosting definitely not sweet enough but I hadn't had a lot of sugar left to correct it.

Maybe I should go food shopping.

With the suggestion in mind I got up, pushing my chair back and not bothering to push it back in again as I walked over to the sink, placing the dish in with a small clink. I turned on the water, gathering a small amount to use before shutting it off, walking off as I used my abilities to wash the dishes while I'm away.

While I cleaned from afar I got ready, slipping on a black shirt and a large jacket over top of it, I slipped on some black jeans before slipping a mask over my face. It was the make sure my identity was never on full display. With the final touch being a baseball cap turned backwards I grabbed my wallet and other necessities before leaving, lessening my powers until I was finished.

When I reached outside the cool air caressed my face gently, a small inhale was enough to send the cool spikes through my nostrils. I began walking, keeping my hands in my pockets as I headed towards the grocery store. It was basically the only place aside from restaurants or the parks that I went to. When I had days off that is.

I'd gotten questions from neighbors about why I left so late and came back so early and infrequently even with my attempts to never meet any of them. I simply told them I held a night shift job that occasionally ran into the early morning or day, the other stuff I kept true. I was often met with sympathy at my inconvenience. I internally laughed every time, they didn't know the half of it.

The thought sent a small smile to my face as I continued down the sidewalk until I found the only grocery store that would let me in looking like a robber. I could admit that, but I wouldn't stop putting my cap low to my eyes and keeping my mask up. If someone came over I simply told them I was sensitive to light and dust. They didn't ask much from there.

As I walked in I grabbed a basket, heading to the aisles I always went to and began searching for the items I required.

As I walked I made sure to keep aware of my surroundings. I'd done so ever since Talia thought it funny to follow me one day. She was the only one who knew both sides, ever since that day I'd kept a closed profile, keeping myself invisible to society.

My bag quickly filled with the groceries I need till my next break, the bag becoming heavy quite quickly.

It wasn't long before I checked out and had my hands filled with bags, already heading home to change. I kept my pace steady, making my eyes alert.

I barely checked my watch, Tyson's watch, before realizing I had another hour left.

I knew I most definitely didn't want to spend that final hour in my house.

A thought popped up into my head, a smile growing on my face as I hurried towards my favorite park. I rushed not caring anymore about being followed and more on the comforting relief of the wind rustling leaves, the smell of woodlands in the air. I'd be stupid if I didn't realize that the reason it was comforting was because it reminded me of camp.