ic Fiji Vacation 2.0 Private Moments (IC)

[Thevshi]

Small island on the outer Wakaya atoll, Fiji
Saturday, February 15, 2025, 10:12 AM local time

 

The last hour and a half had been somewhat hectic for Lawrence and Mizuki back at the Harrow estate, as Lawrence had been busy playing host and helping make sure everyone was set with whatever they needed. Even after his adopted sister Lynn arrived, there still had been a lot to do, as another group of students had arrived with her in one of the Freedom League’s spaceplanes. And while Lynn was technically helping host the group of Claremont students, she had only briefly been to the estate before, so was not as familiar with where everything was as Lawrence.

 

But finally, things seemed under control, with their friends and classmates either deciding to relax by the pool or heading down to the beach. So, the couple were free to head out on the adventure Mizuki had planned out for them.

 

A flash of temporal energy momentarily disturbed the white sand of a beach on a small island just to the northeast of Wakaya Island as Lawrence and Mizuki appeared. The blond teen looked over to his girlfriend after they arrived with a small grin. "Well, here we are." 
 

[The Sailor]

Mizuki smiled, not minding the change of scenery, and the quiet.

 

"Better late than never, I say."

 

She had her orange backpack on, but carrying a multi-rotor drone with inflated pontoons in one hand and what looked like a tablet in the other. "Finally get to test this out... but... there was a matter of something I wanted to give you before we got carried away."

 

"All the interruptions... finally I get time for us. And thought I'd make this special."

 

She sat down her backpack and pulled out an opaque plastic container, well sealed. Seemed to take a third of the pack. "I debated with myself what I wanted to give... particularly knowing sooner or later we'd take another crack at this vacation. So I thought if me and you had some free time we'd have matching outfits... you know... for the fun of it."

 

"I was inspired by my dad when I whipped these up in the costume classes we had last semester. Was able to requisition enough material for two outfits. This was back when I... wasn't so sure I'd stick with the whole sailor suit design expected of being Torpedo Lass... that and I doubted you'd want to wear a sailor suit. Spared you the embarassment."

 

She pulled out a second plastic container, two pairs of rather rugged boots, one in her size and one in his, and two pairs of gloves. But when she opened the containers she revealed a pair of well made flightsuits and vests designed for fighter pilots... obviously thinking of her dad indeed... "I wagered if we were going to have pictures of ourselves we'd have some fun. That... and the jungle isn't the best place for swim trunks and sundresses. A more rugged approach is suggested."

 

She looked up. "The lighting's perfect. Took note of the place after I did some scoping out of the place during my patrol last year. Saw a good entrance, and an exit point a couple miles down the way." she made a thumb gesture down the beach. "Meanwhile I'll have this drone for some shots. Battery should last for our hike. I wager we'd have a spot to take a picture of us together in the thick of things."

 

"Then once back on the beach and I do a couple orbits of the drone camera, we have lunch, then pop back to the mansion. If we stay in the outfits is our choice. Thought us coming back with some jungle mud on our shoes would be a fun way to show off."

 

"That and if I spot some wildlife, that'll go great for my biology report. Teach was getting tired of all the reports on sea life." She said with a sigh.

[Thevshi]

Lawrence

 

Lawrence grinned slightly as Mizuki started talking about wanting to try out her new drone and the interruptions that seemed to regularly pop up the last few months. "Such is the life of a superhero, unfortunately." 

 

When his girlfriend pulled out the plastic containers she had in her large backpack, he chuckled slightly. "Yeah, I can see why during dinner in Paris last night was not the time to bring those out. Would have stood out a bit with a bag to bring those along." The blond teen said with another grin.

 

He laughed when she mentioned doubting he would want to wear matching sailor suits and sparing him the embarrassment. "I do thank you for that, but…I would have done so for you." He then added, taking one of her hands as she presented matching flight suits. A wide smile came to his face. "Very sharp, much more preferable to matching sailor suits, not that I mind seeing you in yours."     

 

Taking the suit sized for him, Lawrence leaned in an gave Mizuki a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you 'Zuki, it looks top notch."

 

And then he was surrounded for a brief moment in a temporal blur, similar to when he used his powers to slip between time and seem to move as fast as any speedster. When he returned to normal, Lawrence was fully dressed in the outfit she had made for him. Putting his aviator sunglasses back on, he gave her a wide smile. "Fits perfectly. Now, I will just wonder down the beach towards the entry point you scouted out to give you a chance to change as well."
 

[The Sailor]

Mizuki Iwasaki

 

Mizuki blushed. "Turn around then!" She said. Joking with a hint of seriousness. Quirking an eyebrow. Lawrence realized she was about to start getting dressed. He turned, and he could hear the shuffling of the material of the suit, and all the zipping of the air/water tight zippers, clips clasping, and the boots slipping on and their buckles being secured. She had getting the outfit on down cold. Did she practice? Seems not just her usual costume she was good at switching up into. "There we go. And yeah, we can kick the superhero stuff to the curb... for now. We're just a couple explorers, adventurers if you will. No mentions of Torpedo Lass or anything... just the Mizuki and Lawrence experience."

 

She grinned grabbing her backpack that now carried their normal clothes and still had their lunches. After slipping it on she hit a couple buttons on the tablet and the drone hummed to life, making a safe orbit near them. She headed for that clearing she noticed. "Right this way... we got a jungle planet to explore!"

 

"By the way Paris... that was a wonderful time. But a bit busy and I don't know French. I speak a mean Russian or Japanese though."

Edited January 12 by The Sailor

[Thevshi]

Lawrence

 

Lawrence gave a little grin as she told in to turn around, doing so and moving a short way down the beach as well. As she caught back up, he looked over to see her changed and smiled. "Yep, looks just as good on you." He stated.

 

As she mentioned leaving the superhero stuff behind for the day, he gave a small nod and a smile. "That would be nice." He replied, a slight hint of relief seeming present in the words.

 

As she mentioned their date last night for Valentine’s Day, he gave her another smile. "I am glad you enjoyed it, but yeah, Paris can be a bit much. Especially on Valentine’s Day. Next time We can head to Tokyo. Though that can be a bit tricky given the greater time zone difference, unless I just shift us through time as well as space."

 

Soon the pair had reached the entrance to the jungle and Lawrence studied it for a moment before turning to Mizuki. "Well, time to start the adventure. After you." He said with a smile.

[The Sailor]

Mizuki Iwasaki

 

She held up her hand for a moment. "Tokyo's not my scene. Scottish Highlands though? Sign me up."

 

She gestured to follow along as she walks in, Lawrence behind. "People seem to think I'm always wanting to see Tokyo. I've seen it once, remember I'm a Navy Brat. My Dad was stationed near there for a few years. But... I had my fill. Heh... mom got me a sailor suit there thinking I looked cute and nautical for our Yacht trips over stateside. Ohhhh when she found out that was a school uniform she blushed. Not that I minded. It was a gift, mattered to me."

"No one knew there we were American. Mom and Dad spoke perfect Japanese, So did I but I tended to keep my mouth shut and just observe."

 

The Drone quietly hummed along behind them, the dead branches sometimes crunching under foot. The Jungle was getting a bit thicker but a natural path was still present. Might have been a larger animal or group of animals that made this a trail. "But... I ain't goin' back there. All I got are good memories. If I went back they all would be edited with a damn melancholy filter. Better to remember it as it was."

 

She stopped for a moment turning to Lawrence. He could see her dam was wavering but holding back the tears. She cleared her throat. "N... No one should have to watch their parents murdered... or the hero trying to save them. That's why I keep on that grind. But... I'm starting to think I've taken it too far."

 

"Every day I think of my current squad, you, the regulars at the boat shack for our "study group"... every battle we've been in, win or lose." She said, shaking her head. "And I keep wonderin'... can I beat her..."

 

"Then again look at you, focal point for a whole metric Godzilla-load of intrigues and dramas. I should consider myself lucky. I'm the girl who lived, you... you're in the eye of the storm."

 

She paused... considering her next words carefully. "You need a lifeguard, Lawrence. The riptide's got ya. Someone has to have your back."

 

"You... are not alone." She smirked. "I love you dearly... thing is it's more than that why I wanna be with you. What you're slipped into... just like how I got thrust into my situation... we can't be alone. Time and Space are intrinsically linked. You're time, I'm space." She let a orb of warped space weave between her fingers. "Somehow... I got a feeling we were meant to meet up. There has to be more."

Edited January 12 by The Sailor

[Thevshi]

Lawrence

 

Lawrence gave Mizuki a small grin as she mentioned wanting to go to the Scottish Highlands. "The Highlands are majestic, but, rather empty." His expression became more serious as she explained why she did not want to go back to Tokyo, the blond teen nodding his head in understanding of her wanting to keep the memories she had in the most positive way possible.

 

When Mizuki stopped to face him, Lawrence did the same, and as she started talking about her parents and the original Torpedo Lass, he stepped closer to hug her. "Your right, no one should have to go through that." He said quietly, softly kissing her forehead.

 

As she started talking about the doubts she sometimes had about being able to face the supervillain that murdered her family, Lawrence gently lifted her chin so he could look into her eyes. "Hey…if you are not already there, you will be, I am sure of it."

 

When Mizuki shifted to talking about him and the cosmic destiny he was born into, Lawrence's expression remained serious, even as he allowed himself to slightly show how that weighed on him. "I know." He said softly to her statement that he was not alone. "I love you as well," he continued, softly caressing one of her cheeks with the back of his hand. 

 

"It…it is hard to fully express how much the time with you, and the others, has meant to me thus far. My parents knew it was important for me to have these opportunities. But, it also weighs on me to see any of you in danger because of me."
 

[The Sailor]

Mizuki

 

"It seems we have the same sentiments."

 

She looked at the ground but then looked up at Lawrence. "But our love... and us together... It made all the drama worth it."

 

She hugged him. "Whatever may come... you and I have that sky."

 

"Right now... all that matters is the moment. Our moment." She smiled. "And we can do so much in it."

 

"You're the first person I've opened up to... and somehow managed to understand well... everything... I couldn't face the day sometimes without seeing you at least once."

 

"So... um... If you can handle my occasional addiction to answering ship in distress signals... I think we're golden." She said, smiling, still in the embrace. "I mean if we can help get a baby delivered after jumping over from a christmas party, I think we got that whole superhero lifestyle down."

 

"So glad I took up that extra credit first aid course last year." She said giggling.

[Thevshi]

Lawrence

 

As Muzuki mentioned how the present moment mattered more and they could do so much in it, Lawrence smiled. "My thoughts exactly." He replied before he became a bit more serious when Mizuki talked about her opening up to him and how important that had been.

 

"Hey, I am sure you would get along just fine." He reassured her with a small grin. "But, you know I am always more than happy to help however I can. As for understanding things…well, I do have something of a 'unique' perspective."

 

His smile widened as she talked about responding to distress signals from ships. "Well, I believe helping those in need is a core part of the superhero job description, so, how can I complin? But, maybe just this weekend leave any calls to others?"

 

The blond teen gave Mizuki a grin before leaning down to kiss her.
 

[The Sailor]

Mizuki

 

The kiss...

 

Suddenly she was in a universe all her own for a moment. Just her... and Lawrence. Together. In the middle of the Fiji Archipelago. Kissing.

 

She pulled him in closer, locking in the kiss.

 

For a minute the jungle was quiet. The birds stopped, the moving of the fronds and leaves in the wind stopped as the breeze itself ceased.

 

When Mizuki's senses returned, she gently unlocked from the embrace. "We really should meet my Uncle. He's got a IT security job in Freedom City. All he'll say under NDA. But he'd definately welcome me stopping by with someone He'd consider 'steady'. He's the executor of the family's estate and in charge of my trust until I turn 18. He actually took half of his cut of the will and put it towards my trust as well. He said he's got some accountants managing it well, building it up with smart investments and money I send into it... At least my future is set."

 

Then the idea dawned on her. "Hey... we should take a picture together right here! Drone's still got a lot of battery we can swipe some shots."

 

The idea Lawrence was definately on board for as Mizuki sends a shot over the sattelite internet connection she had.

 

And soon they were making their way down the path back to the beach, but at a different location. The treeline was close. Her drone was reading 25% power, might be a good time for it to land soon. "So... drone's getting sleepy, luckily we're back to the treeline at that other opening I saw." Her stomach growled. "And... I think it's definately lunch time as well."

 

As they walk Lawrence could see a slight bit of reddish rubberized nylon near the shoreline. The trees were blocking the view.

[Thevshi]

Lawrence

 

Lawrence was in no rush for their kiss to end, but eventually it was time to get back to the other reasons they were there. 

 

When Mizuki brought up meeting her uncle as the pair trekked through the jungle, Lawrence gave her a small smile. "I would be happy to meet your uncle. And on that subject, my mom complains that she does not get to see you enough, so maybe dinner with my parents once a month or so?"

 

As the topic shifted to Mizuki’s inheritance and her uncle’s oversight of it, Lawrence replied, "certainly sounds like he has your best interests in mind. My mom is the one the primarily oversees our family's money, or at least the bankers and investment managers that manage it. Says it at least lets her feel like she is using her economics degree from Yale for something." Of course, the blond teen knew his mom volunteered time helping several non-profits in Freedom City with their budgets and financial forecasting.

 

After posing for some photos, the pair continued on, and just as Mizuki mentioned it was getting time for lunch, Lawrence spotted something through a gap in some of the trees. "Hey 'zuki, I think I see something over on the beach." He stated as he started over in that direction. 
 

[The Sailor]

Mizuki

 

Once the pair made a faster pace to the clearing they saw a life raft sitting on the beach. A tented type, red in color with a black bottom. A curious sight. Mizuki approached it first, noticing the clear windows she recognized the manufacturer.

 

"Well this stinks... didn't think I'd be in rescue mode..." she said in a frustrated tone, looking inside but not before examining around the raft. "No foot prints but ours and the critters here..."

 

Inside she found the survival supplies a raft would have were safe and sound, most importantly unopened. Also the inside was rather dry. And no signs of being out in salty air for more than a week at most. Most importantly, no sign the raft was ever inhabited.

 

"Good news and better news... what you want first?"

[Thevshi]

Lawrence (Timeout)

 

As they reached the beach and found the life raft washed ashore, Lawrence watched with a small smile as Mizuki went into investigation mode. While the blond teen recognized it for what it was an had a general understanding of them, he did not have the practical experience with these sorts of life rafts as his girlfriend.

 

While Mizuki examined the raft and the immediate area, Lawrence shifted in time and carried out a wider search of the nearby jungle to make sure there was no other evidence of anyone in trouble. Of course, that only took him a few moments to complete as he slipped between time, returning after Mizuki had finished her inspection.

 

Ask she asked him which news he wanted first, Lawrence gave her a small grin. "Well, seeing as neither is a problem, you choose."
 

[The Sailor]

Mizuki

 

She sat on the raft, at the threshold to the door inside, looking at the packaging which also had identifying marks of it's last inspection including the ship it was on. She sat her tablet next to her, displaying a website that tracks ships across the globe. "Alright, the good news first... This raft belongs to the Forward Standard. A small-ish cargo ship that plies through Fiji and Samoa before making a run for the port of Long Beach. It's currently in dock there but passed by here 8 days ago during a bit of a squall."

 

"The better news? I'm sitting on some Floatsam."

 

She saw a few other items from the ship. "I wager a heavier than normal wave caused a container to fall from position. hit the raft davit on the way down freeing the raft from it. I noticed the air tank that inflated this thing didn't use a hydrostatic tank, but a standard basic trigger. Once water got in and I wager faster than normal through a cracked outer container, it deployed. As for the container it was open and disgorged it's contents as it sank... the floaty stuff went up, the heavy stuff stayed inside and became the property of Davey Jones."

 

"Most of the stuff isn't even salvagable now... but getting it off the beach seems smart... there doesn't seem to be much here, just a couple of soccer balls, a sealed container with nothing in it so I wager it was a empty container that was heading to a home improvement company, couple of raincoats sealed in their packages, and what looks like some waterproof and buoyant cell phone cases."

 

She bounces on the raft a bit. "Other than the natural day-night cycle causing the raft to vent off some excess pressure this thing is holding air nicely."

 

She flopped her backpack into the raft. "Won't be difficult getting the stuff in here. We can use the raft to get it all back to your place so we can dispose of the junk in recycling. Might be able to salvage the raincoats and the soccer balls. And the bucket with some cleaning might be of use."

 

"The raft... She's in really fine condition. I think we got a nice little gazebo to sit in... and look!" She pointed at the inside floor which was already cushioned up. "No sitting on the beach! Just gotta open the windows on this thing and we got a comfy lunch spot."

 

"I'll help clean up, the lunch is in a red container inside the backpack... while not 5 star michelin, it definately is something to enjoy. Couple sandwiches in a cooler setup, with a couple sodas."

 

She got up and started looking about grabbing things. "I wonder... have you ever teleported an object with things or people inside it?"

[Thevshi]

Lawrence (Timeout)

 

Lawrence smiled as he listened to what Mizuki had figured out in her investigation. Glancing around the beach at some of the other things that had washed up on shore, he gave a small nod. "Well, not sure any of this is anything I have any use for, but certainly do not want it to just stay on the beach or be drawn back out to sea. So yeah, we should collect it all up."

 

When she asked about whether he had teleported anything containing other objects or people, the blond teen grinned. "Well, no, but I do not see why I could not. I mean, I have teleported a good-sized group of us twenty-five thousand light years and back. But I suppose it might make a difference if it was a considerable amount of weight in total. But…all this," he looked at the raft and the debris along the beach, "seems doable."

 

Lawrence then looked back at his girlfriend, his smile widening. "But, how about lunch first? Beach clean up after."
 

[The Sailor]

Mizuki

 

She had already grabbed a few things and started walking back to the raft when Lawrence mentioned lunch. "O... oh, certainly."

 

She sat what she had grabbed in the decently sized raft... could seat 10 comfortably, 12 in a pinch. She sat out the insulated lunch bag that was inside, revealing the two cherry colas, and two sandwiches. One marked "Ham" the other "Bologna".

 

"So... any dietary restriction on the sandwiches? Made sure the pig was kept well away from the Bologna. Your pick."

 

"Had a friend among us Navy Brats, or "Navy Rats" as we called ourselves who had to stick to Kosher foods. Another with a nut allergy. Oh, and one had an issue with food textures. Just couldn't stand Egg."

 

"Needless to say I got into the habit of whenever I have lunch with someone I always make sure a plan B is in play."

 

She smiled. "Lookit' me, getting all neurotic." She said with a sheepish tone. She seemed nervous suddenly. Vulnerable.

[Thevshi]

Lawrence (Timeout)

 

Lawrence climbed into the raft after Mizuki, smiling as she started unpacking the lunch options she had prepared. "No food allergies that I am aware of." He replied. "Never really been a picky eater, at least according to what my mom says."

 

But the blonde teen noticed Mizuki seeming to get a bit unease as she explained why she had the different options prepared. Lawrence reached up and gently touched her arm as he gave her a warm, reassuring smile. "I would not say that is being neurotic, more respecting others and their individual preferences. That, and just being prepared, which is something I have always admired about you. Me, I tend to go with the flow a bit more."
 

[The Sailor]

Mizuki

 

Nodding she took the Bologna sandwich. "I never could quite make this like my mom did... but I do alright..."

 

She ate quietly, but not to make things awkward, as soon after the two joked around, talked about Mizuki's love of Scottish castles, and a potential civilian job openings she might pursue to get hired in.

 

Then while cracking open her soda. "So, I wager I can fill half this raft with the flotsam... and with room for us and our stuff, we could just teleport ourselves right back to home. Maybe right back to the beach, no?"

 

"Or we could dial up the pool. Didn't notice many hanging around there before we left and no one hangs around in the shallow end for long. Makes sense as it's easier to go from the pool to the refuse disposal area."

 

She pats the raft. "Keeping this. If anything if a project comes up or need a tent, this could work."

She helped get the rest of the "salvage" she could, then slipped into the raft.

 

"So... the Ham hit the spot? Might ignite the fire for a teleport?"

 

She grinned. "I think we're ready."

[Thevshi]

Lawrence (Timeout)

 

"I think it's better than just alright." Lawrence said with a smile as they began to eat. As they talked during the meal, Lawrence described some of the places he had been to in Scotland, although he had not spent as much time there as in London or around his family's estate in Cambridgeshire. 

 

After lunch, it was time to start the beach cleanup and prepare to take everything back to his parents' compound. While Lawrence could have cleared the beach in seconds, he took his time going around with Mizuki to make sure they had gathered up everything, just enjoying the normal moment and not wanting to cut is short.

 

Once that was done, he stood off to one side as Mizuki finished getting everything situated inside, giving her a small smile as she considered where might be the best place for him to teleport the raft and its contents. "Sounds like the shallow end of the main pool it is then." He agreed.

 

When everything was loaded and Mizuki climbed inside, Lawrence hesitated for just a moment, slightly disappointed that their chance to just be together was ended for now. But they were not even done with the first day of this mini-vacation, so even if they were mainly going to be around the others, they still would be together.

 

Climbing in, he gave her a small smile. "Ready." He replied as he closed his eyes a moment, a temporal distortion forming around him that then spread out to encompass the entire life raft and everything inside as he shifted them through time and space form their present location back to the shallow end of the pool at the house.
 

[The Sailor]

Mizuki

 

The sudden shift of spacetime shocked her, but as soon as it was over, she was clinging to the side of the raft, but seeing she was indeed plopped in the shallows of the pool. She used her hand to bring the raft to the side of the pool where she could grab it. "Okay... gonna get this stuff delivered to the trash... I... think this is where we part ways for a short time... I might hang out here for a hour or two giving this raft a once-over once I get this trash all sorted and see what I can salvage compared to what's unusable."

 

She smiled. "That and recharge my drone's batteries."

 

She shifted a bit, managing with her vice-like grip to keep the raft steady for Lawrence to disembark.

 

"See ya soon."

[Poncho]

Secluded Waterfall on the Main Island, Fiji
Saturday, February 15, 2025, 9:30 PM local time

 

(Golden Star Post)

 

On Saturday night, while most of the students were stargazing or relaxing, Michael had stolen away Carmen.

 

They left the island entirely, and Michael stayed out of the grasp of security systems and slow enough he didn't like up like a shooting star, as they left the tiny island and flew to the main island. Deep in the jungle, he set them down at the top of a waterfall, on a rock that wasn't slick with water or in danger of shifting.

 

"Hope you don't mind me kidnapping you. I know I usually try to be the Class President all the time, but it can get tiring for me too." he said with a grin, knowing Carmen mostly put up with it for his sake. He sat down on the rock with a casual ease, hanging his legs out into the water.

 

"...You're graduating soon. So...I want to have some time alone with you too. I know we've still got a few months, but it'll be here before you know it." he opened his hands up for her to get into. "So let's...talk. About it. In a good way. I prefer to have plans rather than going around and just hoping for the best, you know."

[MoonSimply]

La Puma Negra

 

Flying with Michael had become something that Carmen had a decent amount of experience with, looking down below to look upon the dark blue ocean waters in the clear moonlight. It was easy for the werecat to see, regardless of the light, but it was still certainly an interesti g experience. She'd keep close to him, less out of fear and more out of care as she enjoyed this close moment she had with him, knowing he'd never let her go willingly.

 

By this point in the day, Carmen had discarded the yellow long and flying beach dress she had worn for the red bikini top and skirt she had underneath it, having gone swimming with everyone on the beach only a a few hours earlier, having dried off already by the time of their night time excursion, her feet finally touching ground and taking in the view from a top the waterfall.

 

"I dont mind at all," she responds back, Carmen taking a seat beside him upon the rock, tail idlyapping around as she placed her own feet in the water.

 

Carmen sighed, "I know. I've kept my grades up enough that the counselors is working to help me with getting a scholarship to Freedom. Patriot is working to help get internship for me with Atlas I think... I just don't know."

[Poncho]

(Golden Star)

 

"I'm sure you'll do great no matter where you end up." He said confidently. "And The Patriot is a great mentor. I mean, You know that. I only met her through your obviously. But every time I've met her, she's seemed exactly like the person she presents herself as. She might be hiding some stuff, I'm sure no one's life is perfect, but if she is, that's still amazing, keeping everything focused on being a Hero while Heroing." he said, sighing.

 

"But...I do know know what I'm gonna do. I have one more year of Claremont, sure. But I know what's going on after that. Freedom City University. If you're there, we'll be there together. But..." he flicked his finger in the water, sending rippled across it. "I'm also joining the Freedom League. Or I'm trying to. It's gonna be hard I'm sure. They're gonna test me. But. These next 18 months or so. Until I graduate. I'm going to be pushing even harder, every day. I can't let you keep rescuing me. I mean...you're the best hero in the school, you know? Combat-wise at least, you've excelled in every situation. You might as well be setting new records for beat downs. But I can't rely on you, or Parker, or Lawrence, to pick up the slack anymore. So...yeah. I have to try harder. And if you end up with Atlas, and I'm in the League. Well, it's not like we'll be working at cross purposes. But it does mean we're gonna be very busy, doing different things." He said.

 

"...But I'm willing to make it work if you are. If we're both at Freedom City University, or if we're not. If we're on the same team or not. If we're not even in the same state. I can fly across the country in half an hour now; I tested it last weekend. And next year I'll be faster again. Before long, I'll be able to get to you in an hour no matter where you are. Or at least close enough. So distance won't be an issue. And I'm willing to be committed. Even if it might be weird that we started dating in Highschool and we'd still be doing it as adults. People might not do that that much anymore...but there's something Fairytale about it, right?"

[MoonSimply]

La Puma Negra

 

"Well I'm sure practicing with me in the danger room should help you enough in combat at the least," she says somewhat playfully, though he could tell she was somewhat down as he spoke to her, about his future, his plans. It was all sort of sitting heavy in her mind about things, coming so quickly and in such quantity. Michael seemed to have everything planned out while she hadn't even thought to actually attend the Freedom City University outside of the council pushing her towards such a thing.

 

It was all starting to get to her, slowly but surely, draining her as she finally began to snivel up a bit, pulling her legs in towards her chest and out of the water as she held back a few tears, "You've got everything planned out and here I am... I can't even figure out what I'm doing at all. I only got a few more months left and... and just don't know!" she sobbed out, crying. It was the first time Michael had likely ever seen her cry, typically far more in check with emotions, but tonight was different. It was all starting to get to Carmen.

 

"I don't have anything... nothing... just myself... my big stupid self. That's all I've ever had except you," she cried, "You've got all the plans. You know what you want to do.... but me I got nothing. Nothing at all. AEGIS, Patriot, all that just pushing me to do things... it's all not me, any of it..."

[Poncho]

(Golden Star)

 

Now Michael felt bad. He didn't mean to make her cry. He scrabbled for hte right thing to do. What do you do when your idol is crying? It's different from your girlfriend, at least to him. He pulled her close and held her.

 

"Carmen...I'm the weird one, not you." he started, trying to figure out where he was going with any of this. He could talk down Supervillains and fight off bad guys but he couldn't console his girlfriend? Bad.

 

"You aren't supposed to have everything figured out before you're out of Highschool. That's ridiculous. People make fun of me for it, even. I'm not supposed to be like this." he repeated. "You're the normal one. Not me. That confusion, that uncertainty? That's part of what it means to be a teenager, and the fact I don't have that doesn't mean anything." He held her close and sighed.

 

"You're my rock. I mean it, I really do. I feel like I never have to worry about you, I never have to be concerned...and that's my fault. That I didn't notice how you were struggling." he ran his fingers through her hair.

 

"Then let's...let's find what you want. Whatever you want to do. You should do that. and I'll support you. Screw AEGIS, forget the Patriot. If that's not what you want to do, then don't. Find what you want to do, and do it. And I'll have your back."