Now shirtless, I lifted the bucket out of the bathroom and out the back way through the dark cleaning room. I waddled into the dining room over to the mop. I set the bucket down with a small sploosh and dipped the mop in.

In that moment, Osamu passed me by, headed for the stairs.

I jumped, for I only saw him in my peripheral. "!!"

Osamu furrowed his brows and turned to look at me. "Well Jesus, Vigil. I can understand a little jump, but that was a bit extra."

I nodded quickly and looked to the floor.

He's right. I am acting stupid...

Osmu turned around and went back to heading for the stairs.

I shook my head and picked up the mop again.

I let it drip for a sec before slapping it on the floor as Osamu climbed up the stairs. I loosely wiped the floor with my mop. Back.. and forth. To.. and fro. Mopping was always boring and a little uncomfortable, but not as boring and uncomfortable as being trapped in a room with Marcy.

After a minute, Osamu flew back down the stairs, needle and thread in hand. I heard him humming a jolly tune as he descended. When I glanced over at him, he had a wide smile wiped across his face. Again, his very faint dimples on the sides of his mouth shined and it was honestly kind of cute. ..In a way...

I stopped at the end of the stairs and looked over at my half done floor. His whole face dropped.

I froze and kept my eyes on him. ..I swallowed.

He looked up at me. "Vigil, I think this floor looks really good."

I smiled. "Thank you, sir."

He smiled back. "Mhm! Isn't it done??"

I blinked a few times and looked at the floor and back to him. "W-well..."

"It's okay. You need a break anyway. Put it up."

"But.. what about Lance..?"

Osamu shrugged. "What about him? If he's gotta problem, he can answer to me. Big deal."

I.. didn't know what to say. Up until then, Lance was the only real voice of authority for me. "...Yessir."

I went to go put away the mop. ..Even though I didn't like betraying Lance like this, I didn't wanna be punished by him Osamu for not listening to Osamu.

Who would ever want to risk crossing Lance like that??

That's crazy!!

I turned around and followed Osamu into the living room.

I.. may have found someone even more powerful than Lance.

...In his own way.