[hr][i][h1][color=aqua]Jennifer Caspin[/color], [color=salmon]Haruka Takashiro[/color], [color=Blueviolet]Malik Jakane[/color] & [color=#ffe0bd]Rhea Harlow[/color].[/h1][sub]Written in collaboration with [@Estylwen], [@Mr Allen J], & [@tsukune].[/sub][/i][hr] [i][u]Greencrest Heights, White Coast.[/u][/i] It's amazing how Jennifer could get shot, then try to carry on like it was nothing. That could be an analogy for her life. Life deals her the most hellish of wounds, but she carried on like it was nothing, at the cost of her mental state. She waited for the moment when she'd finally snap and go on a rampage. For now, she would just go on like it was nothing, and hoped that someday she'd find a "cure" for all her problems. It was just silly idealism that she held onto just so she wouldn't come any closer to losing it. She was working at the front counter of Thanks-A-Latte, and did business as usual. People walked up, asked for some coffee, she gave it to them, and then the process repeats itself for several hours. It was a droll monotony that Jennifer kind of found charming. Most other people would beg for another, more [i]exciting[/i] job, while Jennifer wanted this job to be boring as possible. Because the girl had her fair share of excitement, and honestly had enough. What Jennifer was beating herself up about was whether or not she wanted to call Hailey and Akane. She was surprised they found her, but because of what happened in San Diego... she'd rather distance herself from her time as Missy Baroness. Still, they went all this way to find her? She should still be a little courteous for all their efforts, after all. Only thing Jennifer could do for now was merely finish her shift, then consider it later. [hr] Coffee. That was what Haruka needed most after a gruesome three-hour lecture on Python Programming. Part-time college wasn't that easy, contrary to popular belief. He looked around the street - Thanks-A-Latte was the only cafe he could spot within this area. He locked up his bicycle near a lamppost before the shop, picked up his bag and books from the front basket, walking up the door and pushing it open, greeted by the pleasant chime of a small bell stuck at the top of the door. Jennifer looked up, and her heart sank. [i]Not now.[/i] She thought to herself. It was the last thing that she wanted to face right now. "Hot Cappuccino, extra shot," he said when he reached the counter, not looking at whoever was taking his order, his attention on his wallet instead. "Ah, I guess I'll have it here---" He froze when he finally looked up. Someone he certainly wasn't expecting to meet right now, in this place. "...Jennifer?" He had so many things he wanted to ask her, but a name was all he could manage to utter in the end. Jennifer gulped, and realized that she would have to talk to him. She didn't want to face Haruka just yet... She gritted her teeth tightly. God [i]DAMN[/i] it. Everything was getting so overwhelming. With ghosts of her own past catching up, and she wasn't even ready to face them. All because she's still getting used to being [i]Jennifer[/i] again. What didn't help... she felt a massive headache coming on, and clenched the side of her head. It's been the same headaches that have been plaguing her ever since the night of the Festival. Her vision started distorting as she started wild color as if her optic nerves were [i]malfunctioning[/i]. It finally faded, and Jennifer realized that she was standing here silently for a few seconds. She stared at Haruka for a moment, into the concerned yet complicated look on his face. [i]Awkward.[/i] "Um... are you okay?" "Oh, sorry," Jennifer said, trying to force a smile. "I've been having... headaches lately. But, hey, I haven't seen you around lately." "Uh, yeah," he replied, still looking at Jennifer with an expression of muted worry. "I have been busy..." He raised the set of programming resources for her to see. "I'm sorry for not coming to meet you sooner - I didn't know you are working here." She was coming off as awkward as all hell, but she was going have to make it work. "I'll get your coffee for you right now," Jennifer used that as an excuse to go towards the brewers, and grab a cup for Haruka. She flipped the switch, and hot coffee came straight out the brewer for Haruka. She came back a minute later, and handed it to Haruka. "That'll be three-sixty-five." She said. Haruka passed her the exact change, but he was hesitant. He felt like Jennifer was trying to avoid him, to push him away - was it because of the Oakdell incident? This time, he didn't want to go with her feelings and let her go, repeating the same mistake he had made back in Verthaven. He contemplated about how he could get her to open up to him, but she had beat him first. "So, uh, can we talk after this?" Jennifer asked. "Well, I can take a break for a little bit - my shift's going to be over in two hours, so I can afford to take like five minutes off." "Sure." Haruka felt a little relieved that she was willing to talk to him, even if it was just for a few minutes. "I'll be staying in the cafe to study for a bit, anyway." As Jennifer spoke the front door swung open with another customer walking in. She wore a lacy sweater and sweats with a bag strung on her shoulder, and looked as though she hadn't slept for several nights. The messy hair and dark circles under her worried eyes were clearly visible. Rhea remained disturbed by the festival, shaky fingers tossing out her old traveller's coffee. "Could I sneak in another order before your break?" Rhea asked. As she took in the Asian customer and blonde counter-attendant, she noticed a tension in the air. The pair appeared to be in a difficult conversation. "Um, unless I'm interrupting something..." "Oh," Jennifer said. Obviously interrupted. She looked over Haruka's shoulder, and looked at the girl with brown hair. She was as tall as Jennifer, and she could notice the muscles curving her figure. She did look like the rough type... but in a cafe like this? Eh. Jennifer didn't question it because it's all a part of her job. "Yeah, yeah, you can." Haruka grabbed his cup and turned around. A lady with dark hair and blueish eyes, but what really caught his attention was her athletic build that gave off the vibe of a trained fighter, the kind of person one shouldn't try to mess around with. He shook his head. "I should get going. Sorry for holding up the counter." "All good, friend." Rhea responded with a casual shrug. Jennifer politely waved goodbye as she acknowledged his decision, and focused on the new girl. A smile flashed across Rhea's face. "Small coffee with two espressos, to go." As she fished in her bag for her wallet, she eyed the blonde at the counter. From her tone, Rhea knew her timing, to them, was awful. But trying to have a heart-to-heart over the counter, especially in a quick-service cafe was no easy task. "I'm sorry," She said, "The coffee in this joint is hard to pass up when you're running on fumes." She didn't really hold it against the woman - in fact she was forced to serve [i]much[/i] ruder customers before - and instead focused at the task at hand. "No, no, it's cool, I'll get your coffee right now." Jennifer cordially said as she ran towards the brewers. She held her hand on the brewer, and watched as the coffee came out. She needed to focus, lest she ruins it, and has another customer screaming at the manager. Jennifer prepared the coffee to the best of her ability, and came back to the counter, handing it right back to the black haired woman. "Here you go," Jennifer said. "That'll be two-forty-five." Rhea pulled out a card, "Debit, please." She pressed it flat against the machine, had it beep with a successful Tap, and scooped up her coffee. Giving the attendant a nod, Rhea walked away from the counter. She'd rest her feet here a couple minutes, then continue her brooding walk along the city streets. [hr] After leaving the counter, Haruka had found a nice table to sit down - allowing him to watch his bike through the glass facing the street, and also keeping the counter area in view. Taking a small sip of his coffee, he watched the auburn-haired lady trying to strike up a conversation with Jennifer before his eyes shifted down to the opened books before him. [i]...It's hard to study when you're not in the mood - when your mind is still stuck on something else.[/i] Once she had given the girl her coffee, Jennifer didn't waste a second in going over to the manager, and then was quick to move out towards Haruka. She wished that she had something better to wear than this stupid uniform (how can they afford to buy them for everyone?) but she was going to make the most of it. She sat down at his table, and was silent for a moment as she was hoping that Haruka would initiate the conversation. Haruka spun the mechanical pencil in his hand absentmindedly as he looked up, in time to see Jennifer walking towards his table. His mind began to formulate the things he could ask her about... "H-How have you been lately?" He felt like stabbing himself with the pencil when those words blurted out of his mouth - of all the things he could say, that had to come out first. "Are you alright? You looked pale just now," he quickly added, attempting to hide his blunter. And Jennifer felt like stabbing him with the pencil for saying that. Because she couldn't say "oh God I'm going to go crazy," so she had to come up with something. "...You know, I'm just... readjusting to, you know, being Jennifer again." She awkwardly smiled. "I've been meaning to catch up with everyone, but with Meifeng in Singapore, Cindy busy with DOVE, and... yeah, you get the picture, I just think it's great that I managed to get to talk to you, at least." Okay, this was going better than expected. "So, what have you been doing...? I mean, I want to catch up with all the little things I missed while I was gone," Jennifer was quick to backtrack. "I haven't got the chance to catch up with Shizu, either," Haruka replied. "He's away most of the time. I'm also busy with studies and all..." He pointed down at his books with the pencil. "Oh, um, studies?" Jennifer asked. "You're attending college now?" "Part-time," Haruka said, putting down the pencil. He looked at Jennifer unblinkingly - they only had a few minutes. He should stop being so polite with her and get himself sucked into her pace, going around in circles. "Actually... I just want to say that I hope you can be honest with me. I'm not trying pry into your personal business, but I really want to help you." He sighed. "I... don't want to lose you again." Those words touched Jennifer. She didn't know how to interpret it, whether it's romantic, or as genuine friendship. Still, she was wondering if she should tell him or not... after all, he didn't "want to lose her again." With a sigh, she resigned, "Yeah... from here on... I'll start to be honest." Jennifer said. "What do you really want to know? What I was doing as Missy? Or..." She stumbled a little bit. Haruka nodded, encouraging her to continue. He was definitely curious about her time as 'Missy', the period he was certain that had changed her to become the girl he had met at Oakdell. To see that murderous light in her eyes. "I have nothing to hide..." Jennifer said. "...But plenty to show." Haruka raised his eyebrows. "...Do you mean the bone spear? What happened to your body?" Then he frowned. "What has [i]really[/i] happened to you?" "Um..." Jennifer was going to stick to her word, but she had to find the best way to explain what happened. [i]How[/i] she became this way. It's funny, she's not telling this to Meifeng or Cindy, but [i]Haruka.[/i] "It's a long story... it started after Verthaven, where everyone thought I was, you know, dead." Jennifer started off. "I chose to distance myself from Jennifer... and that's when I became Missy Baroness. I wondered the world, searching for meaning, purpose... and it was hard in a world like this one. Especially since I was consumed by... hatred. I wandered from Verthaven, and settled in San Diego for a little while," Jennifer scratched the back of her neck, this was where it was getting a little hazy. Like, every time she thought of the word "San Diego," a painful ass headache. She clenched the sides of her head for a moment. "It's where I met a Metahuman named Lily Santo, who was also living on the streets. We got along... but, then it became obvious that people were after her. We got away, and then I asked questions... and she has this like really powerful ability, like she could turn humans into Metahumans, and charge the abilities of existing Metas..." She scratched the back of her neck. "I offered to help her, only because I had [i]no[/i] purpose, and then it got more complicated as more people came after us," Jennifer said. "Eventually, we got cornered, and I learned about what happens when she charges someone too much... It was the worst experience of my life. I can't go into words about what happened." Jennifer was visibly shaking. "My regeneration went into overdrive... to the point where I was freakishly growing and ate everything! I literally ate the people that were coming after us. I was like a [i]blob[/i]-" She had to stop for a moment as she realized that she was sweating right now. "S-sorry, um, it happened for a good solid five minutes, before some people came to help and pulled me out of it... that's when I passed out." "When I woke up, I was in a hotel room... and the two people that saved me introduced themselves as Hailey, and Akane... I didn't have much to talk about with them... because they took Lily, and left..." Jennifer scratched the side of her head, still confused as hell about that. "...They only briefly mentioned they were with a... with a... [i]Coven?[/i]" She shrugged. "Afterwards, I... left... and realized that there was something stronger about me," Jennifer started off, and stared at her palm. She was tempted to make a bone spear erupt just as a demonstration, but, she honestly didn't want to scare the patrons. "I could control my bones... make weapons out of them, then I learned that I could control my own flesh as well." "For the first time ever, I felt like I had [i]power[/i]... and..." Jennifer wondered if she should tell Haruka what she did with that power. It would be shameful, and it would probably kill their relationship altogether. Maybe another time. "...I don't think I can tell you anymore right now... too damn stressful, but... maybe another time." Jennifer tried to cut the conversation short. "...Phew... I got a little wordy there, didn't I?" As Jennifer recounted her past, Haruka kept quiet and listened attentively. While most of them, the survivors, were trying to integrate themselves into Baybridge and live a normal life after the disaster, the nightmare still went on for Jennifer - battling against all odds trying to live on... hardening the kind girl he met back then into a fierce woman "consumed by hatred". He knew he would never truly understand the trauma of her tragic past, but he was glad that she was honest with him. He should be honest to her, too. "I know I'll probably never fully understand the pain you have been through, and I won't try to make sweeping words pretending to comfort you," he began. "But I hope that one day you'll be able to find your true self. Not about going back to the old Jennifer your friends know, not running away from the Missy persona born from hatred and loss... but someone who will learn to embrace them both." "Embrace both...?" Jennifer didn't know how to take it. For ages now, this hatred was fueled by loss. That turned sadness into pure anger. An anger that she had to take out on [i]something[/i]. That was probably the reason why she felt like she was going insane. One more loss, and she'll literally become Luis. But, at the same time, she felt awkward as hell because she's in a state of duality. A state that sure as hell wasn't working. She's trying to revert back to the old Jennifer... but, that blonde-haired girl was dead. "I... think that's going to be a challenge," She started off, before she raised her head. "But, if it means I get to be with you, Meifeng, Cindy, and all the others, then I'll go to any length..." "I'm happy to hear that you still think highly of us - your friends - and see us as the light guiding you through the darkness inside you." Haruka paused, and gave her a small smile. "Both the old Jennifer and your other self, Missy, are [i]you[/i]. Together they form the you of your past, bringing you here, to where you are now." He dropped his gaze, pulling his coffee cup towards himself. "Even though this is an internal battle you have to fight on your own, I'll try my best to give you the support you need. It's the least I can do for you... as a friend." He had held his tongue from prodding further when Jennifer choose not to go on with her story - she didn't look well after telling such an agonizing tale (worse, she sounded like she had kept it to herself for a long time), and it was more information than what he had expected. However, there was one thing that was stuck in his mind: the mention of a 'Coven'. They also took away the Meta-charger whom Jennifer tried to protect--- His thought was interrupted by the entrance of an African-American man. While most in the cafe were staring at him busting in dramatically, Haruka was more focused on something else about that man. Something unseen, but he could feel it from the man. It was as if a [i]literal[/i] storm had just swept itself into the store. Haruka started staring at this tall guy that stepped into the cafe... it was odd, but Jennifer would rather [i]rather[/i] not delve deeper into her broken psyche. The stale, air-conditioned air suddenly felt wild around him as the man began to talk to the auburn-haired lady, and it seemed like only Haruka himself could feel the strange turbulence, because of his power. Haruka tried to quell the haphazard air current with his mere will, to quietly bring it under control. He didn't want the Oakdell episode to repeat itself here, before Jennifer, of all places. ...He didn't want to break the fragile, conflicted Jennifer any further. The conversation came to a close... and Jennifer realized there wasn't much else to go over, if she had to be honest with herself. And she really needed to get back to work. Even know she's making barista money, it's better than lazing around in Cindy and Meifeng's apartment all day. She got up off the table, and said, "Yeah, it was great talking to you, but I have to get back to work," Jennifer said. "But... I'll definitely keep in touch." She walked back towards the counter. [hr] Rhea flexed her toes as she sat facing the window, coffee to her lips. The caffeine gave her the shakes as opposed to actually waking her up, but what could she expect from five hours of sleep in three nights? Rhea sipped her drink until it was half full, setting it down to rub her eyes. In her peripherals she saw the attendant and her friend sit in the cafe to chat, but Rhea was far enough that she couldn't pick up their discussion. It was for the best; she had her own issues. There would be other opportunities to eavesdrop when she was back in the game. Rhea yawned, swinging her legs out to stand. She stretched, picked up her coffee, and walked to the front door. ...And got a jolt when the African man she encountered burst through the door with a sudden burst of energy. Like it was all his dramatic entrance that he put all of his energy into. It's been a lot of work, because he's been looking for leads on the Founding Family [i]forever,[/i] and didn't find anything. Well, a secretive organization like that would be hard to find, right? And Malik was just one man. Not only that, he was dodging DOVE and RAVEN. Ehhh, he doubted they would be too happy that he escaped custody, but they don't seem to be making an effort to look for him. Which was good? Either way, Malik's taking a break. Time to try some American coffee! He tried coffee from all over the world, but the name "Thanks-A-Latte" was too good to pass up. Malik stopped, when he looked down and saw the woman that he saw a few nights ago. Yeah, at the festival that went to hell. "Heeeeey, you're that woman I saw a few nights ago," Malik said, his African-accent getting very thick. "At that celebration that was ruined by, you know, supervillains." Rhea's startled hands dropped her coffee, and she juggled it a moment before it hit the floor. Thankfully the lid remained sealed, and she snatched it up with a minimal amount of spilling. She raised her eyebrows at the customer's energetic entrance, not immediately recognizing him. "Do you do that with every door?" She chuckled. "Oh! You're the guy that helped with Charlie's invisible deck." "Charlie?" Malik scratched his head... before realizing who she was talking about. "Oh, you mean that kid?" Tossing her own coffee in the trash, she gave the African a devious grin. "Yeah, the magician. Speaking of which, I've got a funny story to tell you about Charlie and I, after the show. Do you have a moment?" "Oh, of course," Malik shrugged, but kept that smile on his face. "Came in here to try some coffee, but it's not like it's about to be swept away in a storm or something." He stretched his arm. He was about to go have a conversation with a complete stranger. An American woman... That made it exciting. Americans were so loud compared to the rest of the world. Malik could always tell an American, and now he's in the land of Americans! That was so exciting. But, above all else, there was one thing Malik couldn't resist... "...I love a great story, maybe I can tell you a few." Rhea pretended to check the time on her bare wrist, "Yeah... Yeah, I think I got time," She said. "I'm Rhea, by the way. Lemme buy you a coffee." "Malik," He said dramatically. "...[i]Jakane.[/i]" They ordered a couple drinks at the counter, with Rhea footing the bill, and sat down in a quiet area of the cafe. Rhea held another small double espresso coffee in her hands, while Malik had a Crema. [i]What a pleasant distraction.[/i] Rhea thought, an amused grin on her face. Perhaps some social interaction would help her relax. "So, I did take Charlie for that drink and bribed the bouncer to forget about him being underage. But not ten minutes later there was a shift change, and this new tough guy comes stomping over and gives Charlie utter hell. Like, making a scene out of it. I throw down money for the drinks so we can leave, but it escalates to the point where Charlie is pounded and thrown from the patio. Had to rush his ass myself to the First Aide tent." Rhea said, enthusiastically playing out the story with her hands. Malik had leaned back in his chair, casually as he could get with his arms behind his head, and was on the verge of putting his feet on the table - but he was no asshole. He listened to Rhea's story, and laughed a little. "That guy sounds like an asshole, yeah," Malik said as he took a sip of his coffee. "Back in my home country, the kid wouldn't have gotten that much of a problem - but back home, the kids are strong, too. He would have just rubbed some dirt on it, as you'd say. Ha!" Malik laughed a little, before he took another sip. Not bad. The coffee's not bad. "I would love to tell you about my night at the festival... it's a little bit more... exciting, as you'd say." Rhea nodded, taking a long draw from her cup. "I can imagine." The moment Malik mentioned 'festival', it was as though a dark curtain fell on Rhea's face. All the fatigue and stress of the past days came back, and Rhea stiffly leaned back in her seat. A hand instinctively went to the circles under her eyes. "I think everyone attending had an [i]exciting[/i] night," She said quietly. "I'm gonna be honest with you, Malik, the rest of that festival, for me, was really messed up. I saved some kids and tag-teamed with a RAVEN, but I wasn't prepared to see the... The bodies." "Yeah..." Malik awkwardly looked off to the side. It was an awful event, for sure... but, at least they took out some of those crazy ass gunmen. "...You know Deborah? That DOVE lady?" He asked, trying to divert the conversation. "Sorry," She said, waving her hand dismissively. "Yeah, I know who she is. I heard she got away safely." "Well..." Malik grinned, and pointed at her laughing. "...That wouldn't have been for [i]me[/i]. I fearlessly charged the Black Hound and distracted him so she could get away... the boss lady was kind enough to take me back and thank me in person!" He started laughing. "But... they kinda wanted to hold me for my [i]protection[/i] and I maaaay have pissed them off a little when I left - I have a mission, after all." Rhea had both hands flat on the table, leaning forward with her eyes wide. "Whoa. You're like, a freaking hero. It's sweet that you got thanked by the lady herself. I will say, however, if they do track you here I'm gonna sit back and watch. Although, because you're in this cafe I don't think they're too concerned about nailing you to a wall." "Just don't worry about me," Malik said, as he put his hands behind his head. "I'm really good at escapes as I am entrances... Besiiides, I don't really think they're really searchin' for me." He grinned wide. "They probably got better things to do with all the evil out there!" She finished the rest of her coffee, setting the cup aside. "Must be a very important mission for you to leave without ceremony." Malik also finished his cup, while considering whether or not he should tell her. Well, there's probably a long list of people who want to murder him now, might as well add another! "Yeeah... I'm looking for a very close friend of mine. Came here to work with RAVEN, then she disappeared - poof - just like that..." He shrugged. "All she left was a message for me talking about a "Founding Family." Weird, huh?" "Hmm." Rhea put a hand on her chin, brows knitted. She did fancy herself an amateur spy, especially with her line of work. But 'Founding Family' didn't ring any bells. It was strange, and rather foreboding. If she or Hallmark weren't aware of a big player, ten to one they were super dangerous. "I'm sorry she disappeared like that. In my experience I've never come across a [i]Founding Family[/i], but I can ask around." She offered. "How long have you been looking, if I may?" "Like four days... since I got here from France," Malik shrugged. "And you're probably better off not, especially with the way the boss lady and her friends were actin' surprised. They sound like the real deal, and I rather not get someone else dragged into it." "So it's recent, mm?" She tilted her head curiously. "I completely understand where you're coming from. But I am not without my own level of caution. Here, how about this..." Rhea pulled out a pen and recipt from her bag. On the back she scribbled a phone number, offering it to Malik. "I'm gonna turn over a couple stones in the next several days, and if you're curious, send me a text. Whether or not I find anything, there's no pressure on you." A mischievous smile. "I'm quite interested, Malik. There's something big here." Honestly, Malik was caught off guard. His cool demeanor turned into a more surprised one with his eyes wide with a look in them like he didn't know how to respond. He put his hands up, and shook them from left to right. Malik had to put his foot down. "You really don't have to! I can handle this on my own!" Right now Malik was making a scene... he was being awfully loud, and people were staring. He collected himself, and loudly cleared his throat before they went back to business. Rhea drew in a breath, releasing it slowly while maintaining a steady gaze with Malik. A few moments passed in silence. "...Maybe you're right. I can see how stressful all this is for you." She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "I certainly had no intention of upsetting you." "Oh no, it's not that I'm upset," Malik said. "...I just don't want someone else getting hurt because I ran my big mouth." He shrugged. He doesn't even know this woman, but he still was responsible enough to know when his actions would cause other people problems. "All good people wish that." She smiled, gesturing to the receipt. "Consider it a token of friendship, or something." He smiled in relief. Thank God this girl won't get herself into trouble on his behalf. Honestly, he better learn to keep that big mouth of his shut, or else he's going to dig that deep hole of his even deeper! The thought terrified him, too! Malik was going to take the receipt out of kindness. He reached over and grabbed it. "Yeah, yeah," Malik said, his cheerful and excitable demeanor returned, "I'll definitely keep in touch with ya'." Malik looked at her (not in [i]that[/i] way). "Oh," Malik started off. "I've been meaning to ask ya'; do you freerun?" She snorted, "Do I look like I freerun?" Rhea glanced down at herself, and shrugged. "Ah, I guess I do. Almost every day I'm out there, parkouring and whatnot. You too?" Malik leaned back in his seat, and grinned. "Well, you see... Remember when I said I was from France?" "Mhmm, I do." She raised a brow. "You learn from the masters there?" "Yeeeeeah!" Malik loudly said. "I got top of the line training - the very best! But, yeah, you can say I'm an expert." He grinned cockily. "Would love to go freerunning with you sometimes, but like I said - important mission, friend in need, friend indeed, you know the deal." Rhea grinned back. "I'd really enjoy that. But yes, let me know. You've got my number." She yawned contently in her seat, bringing her arms up to stretch. She felt better. Something in their conversation helped ease Rhea's mind. Maybe it was Malik's heroic story, or the good company in general. She rubbed her eyes sleepily, then gave the man a nod. "I wish you all the best, Malik Jakane. But I'd like to go home and pass out." She chuckled. "Thanks for the hangout." "Of course," Malik said as he got up himself. "I need to get back to work, it was a pleasure meeting you." Malik smiled as he found his way outside.