Damian's Assassin

"Igg, you're not moving there. Can't you just take what you need?" he demanded.

"I've never been to Ohio. What if it's cold or the flora is significantly different and I-- "

"Fuck it," he muttered and took her arm.

He Traveled with her to the large living room of Speck's farmhouse. Iggy looked around, dismayed.

"Dusty, I-- " Her voice was cut off as he Traveled back to his office. No sooner had he opened his eyes than he heard the voice he least wanted to hear.

"Dusty."

He'd planned on waiting until his anger cooled before dealing with Darian. He faced the man, unable to help but feel surprised to see him without scars. Darian was staring at the ground.

"I'm sorry, Dusty," Darian said.

"Not as sorry as you will be."

"I learned something this time," Darian continued despite the red creeping up his face. "I never meant to put you in danger. I don't think about that part when I do things. I don't care what happens to me, but I don't ever mean to do something that would make you get hurt."

"Then stop doing this shit," Dusty replied. He planted his hands on Darian's shoulders, and the Grey God looked up. "You're my brother, Darian. I won't let anything happen to you. I won't let you happen to you, if I can help it. You can be a fucking idiot sometimes. The rules are there for a reason."

"I know. I love you, Dusty. I don't want anything to happen to my family. I'll try to be better," Darian whispered.

Impressed, Dusty wondered if Darian was beginning to grow out of his insolent teenager stage.

"Can we keep Bianca?" Darian asked. "I like her."

"Yep."

"Can I have a cat?"

"Nope. You can repair the roof of the garage, though," Dusty said and seated himself at the computer to try and contact Damian and Jule through their clandestine website.

"I'm sorry I almost ruined your life," Darian said quietly.

"Don't think that's possible."

"I told Bianca about Jenn. Sofi said not to do that, and I did."

Dusty twisted to look up at Darian, not understanding Darian's concern. The man's face was red with shame this time.

"I'm sorry, Dusty."

"For talking to Bianca about Jenn?" he echoed. "So what?"

"Never mind! You'll never understand!" The moody teenager was back. Darian jerked the door open and stormed out. Dusty wondered what the hell was wrong with everyone around him and rubbed the back of his neck. He logged into the computer and clandestine website, sending Damian an urgent message.

He checked his watch and rose, trotting out of the house to the barracks. Toni was right; the barracks area was packed. He went to the newbie wing, where Jonny was placed, and rapped on the door.