Sirens wailed somewhere down the street, loud and frantic, bouncing off the brick walls of the narrow alley. Duncan tore around the corner at full speed, boots splashing through a puddle as he skidded to a stop. His chest rose and fell with heavy breaths, a crooked grin already forming despite the situation.

He ran a hand through his green mohawk, muttering under his breath. “Man, they just don’t quit…” He risked a quick glance back toward the flashing lights, rolling his eyes.

“Figures the one time I sneak out, it’s my own parents behind the wheel. Being raised by cops is seriously overrated.”

Just as he leaned against the dumpster to catch his breath, his eyes flicked up—and locked onto you. Another figure, already tucked into the shadows of the alley, clearly hiding out just like him. His brows lifted in surprise for half a second before his usual smirk slid back into place, amused and a little impressed.

“Well, well,” Duncan drawled, lowering his voice as the sirens grew louder in the distance. “Didn’t expect to find company back here.” He crossed his arms, sizing you up like he’d just spotted a partner in crime. “You runnin’ from the cops too, or is this alley your regular hangout?”