Epic City. An island metropolis off the coast of the increasingly isolationist United States of America. The last bastion of the New World Order; those with powers ruling and protecting those who don't, in a reversion to the feudal system of the Medieval times. Across a river, on the mainland, the normals cling to a military complex that builds ever larger weapons and stricter controls to ensure freedom. 
 
Many of those weapons are aimed towards this small island, where, this evening, a sudden, loud noise echoes across a crowd. "A toast," Chief Thomas shouts over the crowd, "A toast to the heroes who keep us safe, both powered and non! The City thanks you for your bravery and strength in adversity. Know that without you, this city wouldn't be half as safe, prosperous and welcoming as it has been." He poured the champagne into a glass, and took a swig. "Enjoy the function!"

Spectrum didn't join in on the toast. It was rather difficult to drink when your face was covered by a solid mask. Waving off a waiter with a tray of canapés, the thought occurs that eating was as well. Why even accept the invitation? The First Annual Epic City Emergency Service ball, with live music, some Asian-looking man with a violin, was certainly a spectacle, but if you can't eat, drink and have no interest in talking to people, what was the point. 

"Hi, um... You're Spectrum, right?" Oh, that's why. Tingles went up and down Spectrum's spine. Reddened cheeks and a flush of interest thankfully didn't translate to the suit rising out of dull Diamond Null. Turning to face the speaker, Spectrum feasted on the sheer gorgeous eye candy that was Dragon Heart in a suit. Really, really distracted, all Spectrum could manage was a nod. "That was good work on the Fitch building. You got ten people out?"

Suppressing the pure, golden urge to shine blue with happiness at the compliment, Spectrum replied with, "S-seven." Aagh. Stuttering front of Dragon Heart. Stupid. "They told me afterwards. Most were kids, though."

Dragon Heart laughed. That was a good thing, right? "Still, keeping them safe in the fire? Not everyone could manage them all at once." He put a hand on Spectrum's shoulder. If the compliment had reddened Spectrum's cheeks, this triggered a whole different range of pleasurable emotions and reactions, all thankfully hidden by the suit. 

The young Epic keeping composure at this has to be set down in the Guinness World Records. "Thank you, sir." Of course, the bubbling emotion can't be held down forever.

"Call me Dragon, please."

Oh. My. High. "I will," was the reply. "Dragon. Sir. Excuse me." Don't run, don't run. And by some miracle, Spectrum made it to the rooftop without flaring. But once there, the suit burst into a brilliant, blinding blue, and Spectrum shot three storeys into the air. The exultation boiled up in a scream of joy, and by the time the boots touched the ground, Spectrum was bouncing happily on the spot. "He spoke to me, he spoke to me and he is sooo cool! Eeeee!"