Catching Up On New Times (IC)

[KnightDisciple]

Cobalt Templar covered his face with his hand for a moment, clearly feeling a bit exasperated. He spoke from behind his palm.

"If you promise to never utter that phrase again, yes, I'll head over there with you."

He dropped the hand, mock-scowling at his friend.

"For one thing, our girlfriends might get the wrong idea."

He shook off the scowl and smiled, gesturing for Warlock to start moving again.

"At any rate, by all means, lead the way to where you shall pay."

[Lone Star]

Warlock proudly led him on, and after a few minute's walk they arrived at Champions.

The restaurant had a feel of any good Hard Rock Cafe- the restaurant was bustling, waiters moving around, and the sound of laughter and the clink of beer glasses could be heard over the din. Display cases lined the walls, showing costumes and autographs of Freedom City's most famous heroes. Warlock gave the hostess their names, but they had to wait a few minutes for a table. He led Corbin over to the waiting area, where he practically had to shout to make himself heard. "Pretty cool, huh?"

[KnightDisciple]

Cobalt Templar kept apologizing as he bumped into people. Finally, he shifted his armor into a cloth outfit not unlike the peacetime outfit of ancient knights; tunic, cloak, pants, and a mask that stretched over the whole top of his head. The only major difference was the color; it was, of course, blue.

He shook his head and chuckled, before replying at a similar volume.

"Yeah. Somehow, it works, even though you think it would be cheesy. "

[Lone Star]

"Exactly. Oh hey, they're calling our names."

The hostess escorted them to a booth on the far end of the restaurant, where the conversation wasn't quite so noisy. "There, much better. Now we can actually hear ourselves." Blake immediately picked up the menu and started scanning. "I usually get the Triple Bypass Cheeseburger, but just about everything is good here. Get whatever you want, man."

[KnightDisciple]

Corbin looks over the menu for a bit, debating with himself. Finally, he comes to a decision.

"I'd like this steak. Yes, this cut. Yes, that one. I'd like it done medium well; plenty tender, but no blood, you know? Yes, that will be fine, thank you."

He turns back to his friend.

"So. We've kicked butt. We've taken names. We're getting food. Only thing missing is our lady friends."

[Lone Star]

Blake nodded in agreement. "How are things going with you and Quo-Dis? Has she tried to mate with you yet?" Blake said with a huge grin. "I figured you were into dominant chicks, but..." he looked at Corbin's face. "Okay, I'll stop. So how are things with her?"

The waitress brought their drinks over, and Blake's Shirley Temple with a crazy straw (as per his request) was set down in front of him. Blake kept a straight face as he sipped the drink. "Tell it to me straight."

[KnightDisciple]

CT gives Blake a flat look for a moment.

"A gentleman never kisses and tells. I'll let you obsess over what that means for a good long time."

He settles back with a simple water in hand, his eyes getting somewhat unfocused, and his mouth curving up into a soft smile.

"Really, things are going better than they were before. We sat down and talked a few things out, made sure we were on the same page about important stuff. I think her mom's visit actually helped put that evening in a bit of perspective. Anyways, we went to the art museum the other day, and it was pretty cool. I got to explain a lot of history behind artists and pieces to her, but she had some really deep insight on some of the pieces. We both enjoyed it a lot. Beyond that, we've had a few more "traditional" dates; gone out to eat, seen another movie, hit a couple of scenic places around town. You know, the "standard" stuff. Still kind of figuring some things out, you know?"

[Lone Star]

Blake smiled at Corbin. "Glad to hear it, man. I think things have been going well with Jessica- we went to the mall just the other day. She was, reasonably upset that I hadn't talked to her in a while. As a matter of fact, it had been two months." His hand swiped Blake's hair out of his eyes. "Yeah, so before I sound like a total asshole, it's been busy. Not just the regular kind of busy. We've been having some honest-to-God phantoms in Freedom City. I was literally getting ten calls every day. For the past two months, I've been surviving on about four hours of sleep nightly, sometimes not even that. But we smoothed things over, and for once I can actually afford to take a breath." Blake took another sip of his drink, the liquid traveling through his crazy straw. "She's wonderful."

[KnightDisciple]

CT just raised an eyebrow.

"Well, busy is busy, I suppose. Still, maybe next time you hit a streak like that, at least drop her a text or something to let her know "hey, I'm insanely busy, not sure when I'll see you". I mean, we do good work, don't get me wrong. But we have the right to live lives too, you know? Anyways. She probably gave you the proper earful."

He shook his head with a chuckle as Blake went all goofy.

"Yeah, yeah. Wonderful, beautiful, smart, and so on. You're pretty much head-over-heels for her. Think I had that one figured a while back."

[Lone Star]

Blake nodded. "Duh." he said simply, and that summed that up fairly well.

The waitress brought over their meals- Blake's Triple Bypass burger, and Corbin's steak. He grabbed hold of the mighty burger, and took a big bite. His eyes rolled back in pleasure, and he put a hand to his chest. "Well, there goes a couple years of my life."

[KnightDisciple]

"I dunno. Crime-fighting tends to keep you in pretty good shape, even if you're using magic. Plus, couldn't you find some anti-cholesterol spell somewhere? I mean, sure, use magic to fight crime and all, but why not use it to improve your own health, right?"

He takes a few more morsels of his steak, then continues.

"I mean, the ring here's been making me a better man, quite literally. It's like it's prepping my body to handle larger amounts of power, or something. I'm sure I'll always need it for the fancy stuff, but I think one day I'll be able to do a halfway-decent job even without it."

A frown crawls across his face.

"Which would be handy if another fear demon or whatnot pops up. It seems to react poorly when I'm less than confident, if you know what I mean."

[Lone Star]

"So, it's powered by your self-confidence? I imagine Quo-Dis isn't exactly helping out with that!" Blake said, making a sound like a whip.

"Just kidding. As long as you remember the safe-word. But yeah! I actually do try to use my magic to help out with my health. I'm kind of getting into potion making, some, and there's a lot of applications with that. Hey, if you need, I can make you a bravery potion." Blake said, hoping his quick change of conversation helped him forget his comment quickly.

[KnightDisciple]

Cobalt Templar gave Warlock a flat look at the first couple of comments.

"It's not just self-confidence. It's...it's like there's something about me giving in to the fear that breaks down the connection I have with the ring. It's honestly kind of scary in and of itself. I'm trying to work on mental exercises or whatnot, but it's going to be a long process. I mean, for all I know, there could be a version of this ring that generates fear. Now there's a sobering thought."

He smiles at the offer of a bravery potion.

"Thanks for the offer, but no. I need to do this with my own will and bravery. Glad to hear magic's doing you good all around, though."

[Lone Star]

Blake nommed the last bite of his burger, and wiped the grease off of his lips. "A fear generating ring? You mean...like a wedding ring?" He snickered to himself.

"I understand what you mean, though. You know, if you're interested...I could take you on one of my assignments. How does that sound, man?" He was always wanting for help, being that he was technically his only employee.

[KnightDisciple]

Cobalt Templar quirked an eyebrow.

"Associating "marriage" and "fear"? You sure you're not projecting a bit there, my friend?"

He smirked as he served himself up some more steak. Let Blake think on that for a minute; might teach him to reign in the cracks on Quo-Dis a bit.

"But I'm serious. I'm pretty sure there's more like this out there; maybe they were all designed so that at least some could counter others? Or maybe it's a coincidental weakness, who knows. Maybe I'll gather them all, and be a Lord of the Rings, eh?"

He sat back and pondered the offer of work. After almost two minutes, he leaned forward again, a fierce smile on his face.

"I'd have to clear particular excursions with the school, but yeah. I'm down for that. We could kick butt and take names, show them how it's done right. Though..."

He examined the rather civilian-esque garb his friend was wearing.

"Don't get me wrong, classic look is good and all, but you might want to think about doing a bit more to make it all hero-y. Not saying change th whole thing. Just throw a couple bits in; maybe a mask of some sort? A few symbols here and there? Distinctive color? Play with the idea a bit, I say. Think about it, at least."

[Lone Star]

Cobalt Templar quirked an eyebrow.

"Associating "marriage" and "fear"? You sure you're not projecting a bit there, my friend?"

He smirked as he served himself up some more steak. Let Blake think on that for a minute; might teach him to reign in the cracks on Quo-Dis a bit.

"But I'm serious. I'm pretty sure there's more like this out there; maybe they were all designed so that at least some could counter others? Or maybe it's a coincidental weakness, who knows. Maybe I'll gather them all, and be a Lord of the Rings, eh?"

He sat back and pondered the offer of work. After almost two minutes, he leaned forward again, a fierce smile on his face.

"I'd have to clear particular excursions with the school, but yeah. I'm down for that. We could kick butt and take names, show them how it's done right. Though..."

He examined the rather civilian-esque garb his friend was wearing.

"Don't get me wrong, classic look is good and all, but you might want to think about doing a bit more to make it all hero-y. Not saying change th whole thing. Just throw a couple bits in; maybe a mask of some sort? A few symbols here and there? Distinctive color? Play with the idea a bit, I say. Think about it, at least."

Blake nodded. "You know, I was thinking the same thing myself. Anyone can wear a suit. Hell, practically everyone wears suits. I need to be a little more distinctive. I was thinking maybe a mask, a cool robe, maybe throw in some alchemy symbols...it'd be pretty badass."

He blinked once. "And no I am not projecting! Mind your own business, ring-bearer!" :D

[KnightDisciple]

"That sounds like a pretty solid idea. Good mix of the mundane and the mystical. Gives people an immediate idea of what you do, without being overwhelming. Play around with it a bit, and it'll turn out perfect."

He flagged their waitress down to order dessert.

"Yeah, the Death By Chocolate Delight. Thanks."

Turning back to Blake, he smirked.

"Ring-Bearer? I'm not sure if I should be more insulted you want me to fulfill a wedding job normally done by a little kid, or that you didn't want me as your Best Man."

He feigns a sudden realization.

"Oh! You're talking about the one I used to fight crime! And here I thought you were just giving me the most oblique announcement of your engagement to Jessica possible."

[Lone Star]

Blake almost spat out his Shirley Temple! He hacked and coughed dramatically. "I-I'll have a Chocolate Deadly Delight thing too." Blake managed to sputter out before the waiter walked away.

"Dude, I'm seventeen! I can't get married until I'm...wait. Hold on." Blake stared into space for a moment, intently concentrating on something.

"...get on the motorcycle, Corbin. We're going to Alabama."

[KnightDisciple]

Cobalt Templar blinked at the non sequitor.

"I was teasing you about the marriage thing and..."

He frowns, not getting up just yet.

"Why am I getting on the motorcycle, why are we going to Alabama, what's going on, and can I eat my Chocolate first?"

[Lone Star]

"So anyway." Blake said, ignoring what he just said. "How are things back at Claremont? I really do miss that school. I really do regret dropping out...but I wouldn't have been able to get off the ground like I did." He remembered the good times at Claremont- the classes, his friends, and his roommates.

[KnightDisciple]

Cobalt Templar shook his head, trying to figure out what Warlock was trying to do.

"Um. Claremont's going pretty well. I'm getting some training time in with Young Freedom; I might even have a shot at being on the team soon! Wander's put in several good words for me, and you know how Mark can be. It's not too bad, really."

He contemplates Blake's rationale for his decision.

"While I don't totally agree with your choice, I can respect you making it and following through. I'm a bit biased, though, since my life's dream includes immersing myself in academia. We all walk different paths, I suppose."

[Lone Star]

"Young Freedom?! That's awesome, Corbin! Congrats, bro!" He slapped his friend heartily on the shoulder, his face lit up with excitement. "Sounds like you've got things worked out for you. And...you know, originally, I was going to be buried in academia too. But I really think I found my calling helping people with paranormal problems- things only people like me can do something about." He became calmer, more solemn as he talked about his work. "It's what I was born for, I think."

[KnightDisciple]

Corbin grins at the praise.

"If nothing else, they need to make sure there are people to be good leaders next year, when the seniors are gone. Still, it's pretty awesome."

He nods at what Blake says.

"I think it's good you followed your heart and all. Besides, while there are some paranormal investigators, there's not a glut of them like there is with normal heroes. Which does make your work important. Like I said before, I'm all about helping you if you need the extra muscle. I might not be a wizard or anything, but I'm still pretty handy to have around."

For a moment, a hand of blue fire floated in the air, giving Blake a thumb's up, accompanied by a cheesy grin from Corbin.

"Sorry, couldn't resist."

[Lone Star]

Blake whipped out his lightning wand like a switchblade, a deadly serious expression on his face. The end sparked, and a small stream of lightning spewed out. Blake's eyes narrowed as he concentrated with intensity. The lightning split into seven separate sparks, and they expanded to form letters written in electricity.

"YOU SUCK" was enscribed in the air.

"Like that? Took me forever to learn how to do it. I knew it'd come in handy someday! Blake grinned. "So, up for another double date?"

The two talked late into the evening, as the sun set in Freedom, and a full moon came over their heads.