“Bowie, get behind me.” Dev said, brandishing his mirror blade as he and Bowie ran down the alleyway. The colony of Paradiso was entirely made of metal, the buildings were connected to and built up from the streets. Running through them felt like running through the halls of a massive star craft.

It felt wrong that there wasn’t any nature here, no earth beneath their feet or plants overhead.

“I know the way better than you.” Bowie said, his eyes were bloodshot and the skin beneath them was considerably dark.

“You’re in no condition to lead right now.” Dev said, slowing to a stop as they neared the opening to what looked like a courtyard.

Bowie glanced at him, his expression revealing nothing. He was dressed in a dark blue jacket with orange and white stripes on the sleeves and chest. The collar and fit was obviously Asperian and likely once belonged to an employee on a Crepescule gas rig. Dev didn’t want to think about the symbolism of Saros giving Bowie something to wear and Bowie unwittingly accepting it. Gifting clothing was something usually reserved for family, close friends…

Lovers.

Dev fought the urge to bare his fangs at the thought.

They stayed at the mouth of the alleyway for a moment, looking out into the courtyard. Three more blocks and they would reach the outskirts where he had hidden his mid craft.

Dev’s skin prickled as his senses picked up on the presence of someone else among them a little too late. There was rifle fire and someone collapsing into the alley, their crumpled figure landing a few feet away. Smoke and residue stained the barrel of Bowie’s plasma pistol, he gingerly took a rag from his pocket and wiped it clean, eyes left scanning balconies and rooftops.

“There are too many eyes here.” Bowie said, “We’re not going to make it out of the city this way.”

Dev hesitated. He didn’t want to defer to Bowie and give up his control of the situation. Another unwelcomed thought graced his mind00 that Bowie may be in cahoots with Saros and was planning on marching him to his death. Dev did find his fangs poking over his lip at that idea.

“I’ll protect you, just follow my lead.”

Dev blinked, looking to Bowie who was already walking back the way they came, “If we go through the slums we won’t have to worry as much about being reported. Plus it’ll be busier, if you put your hood up nobody will look twice at you. We’ll blend into the crowd.”

“Bowie,"

“Let me show you the way, Dev.” Bowie looked back, his eyes looked strange, “It’s the least I can do, since you came all the way here to bring me home."