Darn Stupid Brother You Are

(Hendrix's

POV)

I agreed to this, didn't I? To sit here, in this pseudo meeting room with the same person I'd sworn to stay away from. Thomas leaned over the table, pointing at the map of the center as he laid out the escape plan. Every word out of his mouth

grated against my nerves.

"Everyone clear on this?" he asked and looked up. His gaze landed on me, and I could see he was a bit uncertain. Good.

I crossed my arms and leaned back in my chair. "Crystal," I muttered.

Angel shot me a warning glance, but I ignored it. She might be able to compartmentalize her feelings for him, but I couldn't. Not when the sight of them together still burned. "Look," Thomas sharpened his tone. "I don't need your approval, Hendrix. Just your cooperation."

"And you think you'll get that by barking orders?" I shot back. "You really think I'd blindly trust you, after everything?"

Thomas's jaw tightened, and I could see the effort it took for him to keep his temper in check. "You don't have to trust me. You just have to trust that I want us all to make it out alive."

I scoffed. "Trust isn't your strong suit, is it?"

"Hendrix," Angel's voice broke through; she sounded exhausted "Enough."

When I glanced at her, my chest tightened at the way she looked at me like I was the problem. Like I was the one making things difficult. Maybe I was.

"Fine," I said and stood abruptly. "Just tell me what needs to be done."

Thomas nodded and kept his expression neutral, but I could see the tension in his shoulders. Good. Let him feel the weight of this too.

As the meeting continued, I tuned out most of what was said as my focus drifted to Angel. She sat close to Thomas with her hand resting on the edge of the table. She didn't look at me once. Not even when Thomas mentioned the most critical parts of the plan.

When the meeting ended, I stayed behind and let everyone else file out. Angel hesitated at the door and glanced back at me. Her eyes held a question, but she didn't ask it. She left without a word.

I stayed there for a while, just staring at the map. It wasn't just about escaping anymore. It was about protecting her, even if she didn't want me to. Even if it killed me.

.

(Angel's POV)

The pressure of everything felt like it was pressing down on my chest as I sat on the edge of my bed. The others were busy, finalizing details, checking supplies, or going over the plan for the hundredth time. I should've been helping, but my mind was somewhere else.

I didn't hear Hendrix until he was standing in the doorway.

"You busy?" he asked with a softer voice than I'd expected.

I shook my head. "Not really."

He stepped inside and closed the door behind him. For a moment, neither of us said anything. He leaned against the wall, arms crossed, and face set like stone.

"I shouldn't be here," he said finally, flatly.

"Then why are you?" I shot back, more harshly than I intended.

He shrugged, and his gaze dropped to the floor. "Because I need to know... that you'll be okay."

I blinked, caught off guard. "Why wouldn't I be?"

He laughed bitterly and shook his head. "Do you even hear yourself? You're throwing yourself into this plan, trusting people you shouldn't, taking risks..." "I'm doing what I have to," I interrupted. "For all of us."

"Is that what you think this is?" he asked and stepped closer. "Some noble sacrifice? Angel, you don't have to do this alone."

I looked away. "And what about you, Hendrix? You've been shutting everyone out. You've been shutting me out."

"Because it's easier that way," he choked out. "It's easier than watching you with him."

I stood and crossed the small space between us. "This isn't about Thomas."

"Isn't it?" he shot back as his eyes burned into mine. "You've moved on, Angel. You've made your choice. I'm just trying to survive it."

My chest ached at his words, but I forced myself to stay strong. "We don't have time for this. We need to focus on the plan."

"You're right," he said coldly. "We do."

The distance between us felt like a whole gulf, but neither of us moved. Finally, he stepped back and ran a hand through his hair. "Just... be careful," he said in a whisper.

I nodded, unable to speak.

As he left the room, I felt a tear slip down my cheek. We weren't okay, but at least we were trying. And for now, that had to be enough.

•

The next morning, the group gathered in the common room. The tension was uncomfortable, but everyone was focused. Hendrix was already there, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. He barely acknowledged anyone as they entered.

Thomas stood at the center, going over the final details. Hande and Eddie sat close together, whispering quietly. Bundah and Charlotte were on the couch looking serious for once. Cylan paced near the window, muttering to herself.

I took a deep breath and stepped forward. "Alright, everyone. This is it. If anyone has doubts, speak now."

No one said anything.

"Good," I said. "Because once this starts, there's no turning back."

Hendrix's voice cut through the silence. "What's the signal?"

Thomas answered before I could. "I'll give it. When the inspection starts, we move."

Hendrix nodded, his eyes locked on me. "And what happens if something goes wrong?"noveldrama

"We adapt," I said firmly. "We stick together, no matter what."

The room fell silent again, but this time it felt heavier. We all knew what was at stake.

As everyone began to disperse, I caught Thomas's arm. "Are we ready for this?"

He smiled faintly. "As ready as we'll ever be."

I glanced at Hendrix, who was still watching us from across the room. My chest tightened, but I pushed the feeling aside. There was no room for doubt now. We had to escape. And we had to do it together.