“You called?” I tilted my head. “Let’s go.” I nodded. 

“Yeah-” he climbed onto the bike, holding my waist.  

“Hold on.” I spoke as I started the bike, speeding out of the alley, down the quite street.  

Kade never told me where to take him, and, assuming from his tattered clothes and bloody knees, I thought he was in trouble; I drove to a safe place, under the bridge where I came to think. I got off, walking a bit away to give him space.  

“I do not require an explanation; however, I need to know if you’re in trouble, hurt, or if Bruno is in danger.” I crossed my arms. “Take your time, Kade-” 

“No, Bruno has nothing to do with this.” he shook his head. “I just-” he paused for a long time. “I’m not in any big trouble- I just fucked up... some friends I thought I could trust- they-”  

“Are you hurt?” I ventured closer.  

“Yeah...” he shrugged. “A bit.” 

“Let’s see.” I held my hands out; he had small scrapes on his palms and knees, surely many more bruises under his clothes. “I’ll help you get cleaned up. Where do you feel safe going to?” 

“My home- the dojo.” he nodded. 

“Ok,” I took a long breath, putting my gloves on again.  

I drove over to Kade’s dojo; his home was a floor above it, a staircase outside. As I stopped the bike and watched as Kade took his helmet off, I spotted dried blood under his nose. He started to the stairs, wobbling.  

“Nope.” I grabbed his arm, hooking it over my shoulders, holding his waist. “C’mon.”  

“Why are you helping me...?” he seemed dazed.  

“You’re gonna hurt yourself more if you don’t get help.” I simply hummed, helping him up the stairs. “Keys?”  

“Uh... back pocket-” he braced himself on the doorframe. 

“Excuse me,” I dove my hand into his back pocket, pulling out a set of keys. “There,” it was the second key I tried that slid into the lock; the door flung open. 

“Kade!” Bruno exclaimed, grabbing him from my arms. “What happened?” he looked to me. 

“No questions asked.” I shrugged.  

“And who are you?” he scowled at me. 

“Oh-” I took my helmet off, running a hand through my hair. “Good morning.” I smiled warmly. 

“Hys,” he sighed relief. “Come in-! Help me, please.” he hobbled in with Kade. 

“If you don’t mind.” I dipped my head, walking in. “Medical kit?”