With a slight tilt of my head to the left, I take a moment to express my feelings. "So... now that I've gotten rid of her," I begin, a sense of relief evident in my tone, "I just wanted to take this opportunity to genuinely thank you. Thanks for taking her in"

"Think nothing of it. Really.” Isamu, sitting back slightly, changes his expression to one slightly more serious. 

It’s pretty safe to say he has an idea of what's gonna happen next… so I might as well just ask, "How much do you actually know?"

"That Jason took you in after… what happened back then. He didn’t delve into all the details, but I got a sense of it."

Nodding, I continue, my voice tinged with a hint of sadness, "I try not to dwell on those memories from our childhood, but Jason is the reason Isabelle and I are here today. We owe so much to him. He's not just a good dad, whether it's through adoption or not; he's been a lifeline for us."

Pausing, I gather myself. Just the thought of that time in my life sends shivers down my spine.

“Ever since our "issues" from a few months ago, Isabelle’s felt she owes me this huge debt she can never pay off. And it's aggravating because I honestly don't feel like she owes me anything."

"...I see." Edward replies.

Isamu adds, “We’ll respect your request and won’t mention it to anyone. Honestly, we both agreed on this as soon as we were done looking. This will be the last time we discuss it.”

Ed concurs, “Consider my lips sealed.” Ed, relieved, slumps his shoulders like a weight has been lifted from him. He felt really guilty, huh? “How'd you find out anyway?"

"A friend of mine let me know as it happened. She's uh, absurdly talented.” Knowing Harmony, the fact she even knew as soon as she did means she had some kind of alert set on the file… She’s probably had her eye on this since…

Isamu adjusts his glasses, "I'll respect your request and not mention it. Edward and I honestly agreed to that as soon as we saw it. So, let this be the last we speak of it."

Ed concurs, "Consider my lips sealed." 

"Thanks, I trust all three of you. I know you'll protect my little sister while she's away."

Ed reassures me, "She must be proud to have you as a sibling."

"I guess…” I wonder sometimes if I’m being a burden. I don’t deserve her. Things have been rough, and this change might be good for her. She is happiest when helping people, and while the circumstances aren't exactly…ideal, I’ve been keeping her cooped up with me, feeling guilty about what happened. Getting her out might be the best thing for her.” 

I feel like I'm stifling her with how I’m being right now. She’s basically uprooted her life to support me and that's just not right. 

Realising I may have made things a little awkward, I switch topics. “Ed, do you still do your yearly PHE training then?”

“Oh, yeah. I haven’t been in since I last saw you,  so I’m due again soon, for the yearly seminar.”

Realisation dawns, “Oh right, it’s that time of year again, isn’t it?” 

“Yep. The new recruits are going to need the basics on being a Powered “official” hammered into them. Jason, Sue and I will be doing a course for them.”

“Cool, cool.” Hmm… “ Uh, could you, maybe make sure Sue doesn’t know about this? Since we left, as far as I know she's the lead detective now. She has enough on her plate as it is and I don’t want to worry her. I already feel awful just leaving like that.”

Ed nods to me in understanding, and at the same time giving me a warning, “Whatever you want, Sara. But, when she does find out, she’s going to kick your ass, and probably mine for keeping it from her. Like actual ‘bodily harm’ kick our ass. You know that, right?” 

That’s putting it lightly. I really don’t want to worry her anymore than I have though. She’s undoubtedly swamped with  work right now, especially since she’s essentially doing the job of two people thanks to Isabelle and me. I’ll deal with the consequences should they come up, I guess.

“Yeah… I know. Thanks man.”

Just then, Isabelle and Adam return. Isabelle carrying a tray of drinks whilst Adam holds the door open for her.

"Hey guys, drinks are served."

"Here you go."

They hand out the drinks. 

"Thanks" I say as  I take the orange juice from the tray. Adam walks over to the other side of the table and passes out the remaining drinks.

Isabelle asks, "So, anything fun happen while we were gone?" 

Ed responds, a grin forming across his lips,"Nah, we were just PATIENTLY waiting for our drinks. You know, Adam, when you offered to buy drinks, I assumed you were going to, you know... get the drinks, not flirt with poor Isabelle here."

Good ol’ Ed. Isabelle is quick to protest, face flushed red. 

“What are you talking about? Nothing happened!” 

I like seeing her like this. It’s a nice change. Adam… tries to defend himself, the poor guy, "Ed! Dude, it wasn't like that!"

"So why do you look so flustered?"

"Oh come on bro, don't be a douche." Exclaims Adam.

Ed points at his brother, "Look at your face dude!"

Adam’s face is beet red. On noticing this,  I have to try to stop myself from laughing.

I fail however, bursting into laughter.