Aphmau and Katelyn pulled the car into the driveway later that evening. The two had decided to enjoy whole afternoon together with Vylad. They had gone to the beach, Katelyn enjoying it a bit more this time, and gotten dinner. The girls would not stop giggling all the way home. Aphmau, when turning the car, realized how thankful she was to have Katelyn here. She was happy to get to know her better, knowing that she finally had a support system that she needed. 

"Ready to deal with him again?", Katelyn asked, sighing once the laughter had died down. 

"I'm hoping he decided to go out with friends so that maybe we could watch a movie. He never let's me watch my favorites,", Aphmau admitted. "I love musicals which he isn't really fond of." 

"Oh! We should watch Frozen!", Katelyn said in excitement. 

"Yes! Also, we can have popcorn and snuggle up in blankets!" 

The two shrieked in excitement, jumping out the car and rushing to the front door. Unfortunately, the fun was ruined seeing Ein on the couch once they entered the house. He looked over to them, an expression of annoyance on his face. Aphmau took a deep breath and closed the door behind her, saying; "Hey Ein." 

After that morning, Aphmau didn't even want to look at him. She would rather sleep in the aquarium than in her bed if it meant she wouldn't have to sleep in the house as this monster. 

"Where have you two been?", Ein asked, turning back his attention to his show, completely disinterested in the two. 

"We've been hanging out. Aphmau got the afternoon off,", Katelyn explained, smiling at her. "What have you've been doing?" 

"Just hanging out here."

Seeing that he completely checked out, the girls went into the kitchen. Aphmau rolled her eyes, smirking over at the blue-haired woman. The two silently laughed and decided to still make snacks. Katelyn though, had an idea. 

"Tell him to get off,", She suggested. "He's probably been watching it all day." 

Aphmau frowned, pressing the start button on the microwave to warm up the popcorn. "You know I can't do that. He'll get pissed at me." 

"If it gets to that point, I'll step in. You need to stand up for yourself and demand control over your home again." 

"B-But-" 

"No. You need to do this." 

Aphmau bit her lip and looked over in the living room to see Ein just slumped back on the couch. She knew Katelyn was right...and maybe by having her here, it was the perfect time to fight back. Yet, Katelyn didn't know that Ein had slapped her this morning. Aphmau feared that Ein might get even more aggressive, especially since she had already poked him that day. 

"Come on Aph...I'll be right behind you,", Katelyn said, rubbing her arm. 

That gave her a little bit of confidence that she needed. She walked back into the living room and looked at Ein, who looked up at her from the couch. 

"What is it?"

"Katelyn and I want to watch a movie so, I was wondering if you could p-please maybe let us use the TV?", Aphmau asked shyly. 

"Why can't you guys go watch it on a laptop?", Ein asked, pausing his show. "That way you can watch it in your room or something." 

Aphmau huffed, irritated that Ein couldn't be considerate enough to just change his plans. Her small spark of rage, let words flow out of her mouth; "Well, since I assumed that you've been on here all day, not looking for a job, you could take some time off and go work on that very short resume of yours." 

She shortly heard Katelyn holding back a laugh behind her but, she was too busy watching Ein's glare grow. Aphmau had hoped that he would hold back, knowing that Katelyn would see. Instead, he stood up, standing over the shorter woman. He snarled at her and demanded; "Why do you think you can speak to me that way?" 

"B-Because,", Aphmau stuttered, crossing her arms; "this is my home. Katelyn is are guest as well and she wants to watch a movie. So, if you could be kind for once, I would appreciate it if you could leave. Or you could join us if you would like." 

He sharply breathed in and said; "First of all, this is not your home. It is your mother's. She let me stay here so, I believe I can do whatever I want at whenever I want. Secondly, why do you think I would listen to some girl who only comes up to my chest  and has a pathetic job as some lab assistant? You act all high and mighty just because you stare at fish all day. Have you ever wondered what makes you so special, huh? 'Cause I just see someone who is waiting for her mom to come save the day." 

"How dare you-", Katelyn tried barging in but, was interrupted by Ein who shrugged and said; "Yet, I can't just blame you for this. It's reasonable for a girl with Daddy issues to have these insecurities." 

Katelyn gasped and stomped over. Aphmau let her arm out, making her stop. The amber-eyed girl looked up at her half-brother and said; "At least I wasn't kicked out by him for being complete trash." 

The man's eyes flickered for a moment before he smirked, leaning down to her to say; "He didn't walk out on me though, now did he?" 

A dagger went right through Aphmau's heart, tears already forming in her eyes. She covered her mouth, not wanting Ein to see her sob. Katelyn, who was red in the face with pure anger, whispered in her ear; "I think you should leave for a bit. Go stay with Vylad if you can. I'll join you later." 

Aphmau didn't want to leave Katelyn alone with Ein. It seemed cowardly to do so but, it caused her too much pain to look at him. She quickly gathered her things and ran back out the door to her car, water cascading down her cheeks. The second the door closed behind her, she heard Katelyn erupt with a fury, screaming at the monster. Her words were muffled but, Aphmau knew she was letting him have it. She hopped into the driver seat and turned on the vehicle. She sat there though, not knowing what to do. So, she just let out her sobs. Why did this happen over a TV? 

"I should've just gotten that damn laptop,", She whispered to herself, forehead on the wheel. 

She thought about just driving back to the deli, where Vylad's family apartment was but, she knew she would be a wreck and a burden all night if she went to them. The thought of just staying in the car and keeping the doors locked went through her mind. Then, an idea popped into her head. The aquarium. There was a blanket in the back of her car and usual it's pretty peaceful there. So, she sped of towards the building, holding back new tears so they wouldn't blur her vision. 

Word Count: 1192