The City of Ionia

“So that’s what happened,” said Roger, holding Tim’s shoe.

“Wait, so let me get this straight. You two were being stupid… again while Avery was just there.” Owen looked at them as if they claimed to have witnessed a flying bed.

Roger wasn’t too pleased with that statement. “Being stupid? What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means that you two are always bickering for no damn reason!” Owen accidentally raised his voice louder than he wanted to.

He looked over his shoulder to see if Jill had woken up. Thankfully, she didn’t. With her eyes closed, she leaned against Owen’s shoulder. Owen’s arm was winged out along with his jacket, giving her the warmth she needed to sleep peacefully.

They all reunited at the bench by the fountain. Owen found Jill sleeping on the rough wood, so he was ever so kind and became a temporary pillow. He sat there for a long time, demanding why Roger had taken his sweet time finding Tim.

“Hey, Owen, why is Jill sleeping on your shoulder? You aren’t planning to do anything to her, are you?” Tim teased with an evil smirk.

Owen looked away from Tim’s wicked eyes, staring off. He tried to keep his emotions in check, but his face instantly shouted his buried feelings.

Tim spoke like he was talking to an infant. “Hey, look, he’s blushing. How adorable.”

Roger held his mouth, preventing the volcano of laughter from being released.

All Owen did was stammer. His words fumbled out of his mouth, unable to pick them back up.

“Ahhh, I’m just messin’ with you. Don’t take it to heart.”

“You guys are stupid,” Owen mumbled so low that no one heard his words.

Out of the blue, Avery unleashed a massive yawn. “Do we have a place to sleep tonight?”

Tim stood tall, confident as ever. “A bitter night forces us to draw closer to one another. Let us use our natural body heat — Ow, ow, ow, Roger!”

“I saw a motel not too far from here that’s offering free rooms for tonight. We could crash there.”

“Please stop twisting my ear!”

***

Roger carried Jill on his back with his arms hooked around her knees. After walking for a block or two, it finally happened. It came much later than everyone expected. Rain poured onto their naked heads. They picked up the pace as Roger led them to their destination.

They raced through the front door. The motel was illuminated with a warm, welcoming candlelight. A desk was straight in front of the entrance. Papers were spread around, showing a lack of concern for the organization.

Behind the desk was a woman with her feet on the table. She wore a black dress, partially covered by her plain white blazer. The white blazer had golden-colored cuffs, which made Roger gaze at them like a unique gem.

“One room with five beds, please,” requested Owen.

“The max we can do is three beds,” replied the woman.

“Then can we have separate rooms?”

“No, we’re all sleeping in the same room to make it easier,” Roger interjected. “Jill will have her own bed while we just share.”

Owen whined about sharing a room with a bed. He preferred to sleep in privacy and felt more comfortable that way. Since it was only for one night, he complied.

The woman shuffled through the drawers until she found what she sought. She handed Owen a key, directing him to the room. It was on the first floor, so lucky, Roger didn’t have to climb any steps.

They didn’t walk far since their room was the second door on the right. Tim unlocked the door and immediately crashed onto the bed. The room was compact yet clean, and the bedding itself was fresh. It was dim since most of the light came through the window.

Roger ducked his head to enter. He gently placed Jill, grabbing the daggers from her waist, and covered her with the puffy blanket. He went around, blowing out candles till Owen interrupted him.

“Do I have to share the same bed as you?”

“Quit complaining. It’s just for a night.”

Owen looked uncomfortable, but he had no other choice.

While Roger was about to continue, Avery tugged on his sleeve. “I want some fresh air. I’m leaving.”

Why the hell was everyone coming to him like he’s a father?

“Didn’t you ask for a place to sleep? And now you wanna go out? Man, you're confusing.”

“I know, I know. But I just like taking a mini walk before sleeping.”

Roger shrugged. “Do as you wish. Take the keys, though. You best believe I’m not getting up to open the door for you.”

Roger handed Avery the keys, who was halfway out the door. He turned around and said something that boggled Roger’s mind.

“He doesn’t deserve this.”

Roger awkwardly smiled. “What typa of nonsense are you sprouting?”

He didn’t answer. He looked decent at Tim with a vague smile, then shut the door behind him.

“Isn’t it raining out?” Owen added.

A voice in Roger’s head prompted him to stop Avery. But maybe he was overthinking it. Avery had said some weird stuff in the short time he was with Roger.

When they were talking alone on the way to Walisburg, Avery mentioned how he could beat anyone in a race, how he couldn’t consume dairy after meat, or how his hair quickly got greasy. His likes and dislikes were similar to Tim’s. His hair and eyes corresponded with Tim’s. Their voices sounded almost identical. He practically was Tim.

It was too much to be a mere coincidence. Could they be more than friends? No, they couldn’t. Tim would’ve said something in the beginning. But what if Tim himself didn't know?

There was something deeper between Tim and Avery. It tempted Roger to hunt Avery down, but he didn’t want to get soaked. Maybe tomorrow he’ll ask Avery. But the next day didn’t go as he thought.