Charting Constellations

Nico

"What do you mean Asher saw you?" the eldest of the bunch asked, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"He thinks it was us, anyway," Orlagh rolled her eyes.

"I was with Robert," Annalise explained, "and he got a call from Asher. I only heard bits and pieces of it, but from what I gathered Asher was still at the park when someone got shot and saw Gunnar and Orlagh leaving in the van."

"Shit," Nico muttered, shaking his head.

"I'm sorry I cannae see anyone but my target from the back of the van?" Orlagh tried, unconvincing.

"You're going to have to kill Asher," Gunnar sighed, arm draping over his friend's shoulders.

"But he took the bait," Annalise frowned from where she sat in the recliner.

"Tha' doesnae matter," Orlagh reminded. "He saw me kill tha' pedestrian."

Nico paled. Of course, he should have known that was the route the pair were going to take. But it's still a shock to hear when the guy you've grown attached to over the short time is attached to the statement.

How did things get this bad? When did things get this bad?

He closed his eyes tight for a moment. He can't grow a moral compass now. Not when they were pulling off this heist so well.

"I need a cigarette," he suddenly said and turned to leave the apartment.

"Wait, what?" Annalise shook her head. "No! You're supposed to be quitting!"

"Shut up, Annalise. I don't need this right now." He said as he slammed the door behind him.

Reaching the sidewalk, he fumbled with his pack and lighter. His phone started to ring in his pocket, a groan leaving his throat. He answered the call with a frustrated "What?"

"Woah. Bad time?" the Australian accent came from the other end.

"Roommates," the American replied. "And I can't get my fucking lighter to work. Might be out of juice."

"Yer smoking?"

"Tryin' to." He rolled his eyes, taking the cigarette from his lips, "Don't tell me you're gonna get up my ass about this, too. I get enough of it from Annalise, I don't need it from you, too."

He put the call on speaker to shoot a quick text to Orlagh.

"Wouldn't dream of it," Asher said quickly. "I was just calling because I was... thinking about ya and wanted to see if you were up for that date."

"Uh... Now isn't really the best time, doll," Nico chuckled awkwardly, running his fingers through his hair.

"Oh!" The older man sounded taken aback. "Okay... Is everything alright?"

"Roommate stuff, don't worry about it." His heart pounded in his chest.

"Anything I could do to help?"

Nico looked back as he heard the door close, letting out a relieved sigh at the sight of his ginger-haired friend. "Nah, don't worry about it."

"Asher?" Orlagh guessed, leaning back against the wall and handing over her lighter.

"Is that Orlagh?" Asher asked over the speaker.

"Aye! Hello, Asher," the Scot called out as Nico lit up his cigarette.

"Hi, Orlagh."

"How's it goin'?" She snickered and crossed her arms.

"Tryin' to plan a date with your guy here."