[center] [h1]Suspicions, Snacks and Sportswear[/h1] [img]https://i.imgur.com/FWMorlL.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/fwTScNE.jpg[/img] [h2][color 00a99d]Ernie[/color] | [color a2d9ce]Callan[/color][/h2] [img]http://i.imgur.com/3R5vYYi.png?2[/img] [hr][color=silver]π•Šπ•–π•‘π•₯. πŸ™πŸ, 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟘 / / 𝕃𝕒 ℙ𝕝𝕒π•₯𝕒, 𝕄𝕒𝕣π•ͺπ•π•’π•Ÿπ•• / / β„π• π•€π•‘π•šπ•₯𝕒𝕝 / / ~πŸ™πŸ™πŸ™πŸ˜[/color][hr][sub]Collab with [@Baklava] and [@banjoanjo][/sub][/center] The Aberration adjusted his beanie once more before opening the door to let his voice in. He supposed that the polite thing to do would have been to knock, but he only remembered it after it was too late. [color=00a99d]"Heyo, Cal? Can I come in?"[/color] "[color=a2d9ce]Ernie? Yeah, go ahead.[/color]" Callan recognized the voice and smiled, standing up from her seat to stretch. She was mildly surprised at how happy she was to see him. Because he'd listened to her that time? Because he didn't know about what happened with Savannah? Whatever it was, it was a distinctly less awkward than it had been when Emma first arrived. Her eyes lit up as Ernie entered, immediately noticing the change in his appearance. "[color=a2d9ce]Whoa my god. Did you shave your head?[/color]" Callan asked, tilting her head to the side to get a better view. Her bright smile prompted one of his own, and he felt a small pang of guilt for assuming the worst of her. Hazel eyes took a good look at the girl, particularly her arms. Yep, she still had two of them. That was good. His brow furrowed at Cal's attire but he chose to ignore it for the moment. [color=00a99d]"Yeah, did it myself,"[/color] he scratched his head as if to show it off, [color=00a99d]"It got pretty messed up at Wisford. I don't think I'd be able move on if there were still traces of it on me."[/color] "[color=a2d9ce]Heh,[/color]" Callan scoffed jokingly, "[color=a2d9ce]It took me a while to wash out all that stuff, too. Hospital shampoo is bogus. Think I'll skip the haircut, but it looks good on you.[/color]" [color=00a99d]"Haha, yeah, you should keep your hair, it's pretty. It was just my inner neat freak telling me I needed to lop mine's off."[/color] It was high time for him to give it up with that hairstyle too. He hadn't gotten what he wanted out of it. It was silly to hope for more. [color=00a99d]"Thanks, though. I'm glad you like it. Angelique said it looked cool too. Said I should get muscles and tattoos to complete the look,"[/color] he giggled at the last statement. Callan laughed at the mental image. It felt good. Less forced. Maybe she had her chat with Emma to thank for that. She still felt tired and the weight of yesterday was far from gone... but it felt good to laugh. It always felt good to laugh. "[color=a2d9ce]How've you been?[/color]" she asked, her tone slightly more serious, "[color=a2d9ce]Everything okay?[/color]" Honestly? Not really. His gaze kept flicking to her arms while his mind kept returning to that article. [color=00a99d]"Well, my head feels a lot colder now, so there's that,"[/color] he joked weakly, [color=00a99d]"Nah, I'm kidding. I...got out in one piece, I guess. Pretty much unscathed compared to others I've heard about."[/color] His mental state was a whole 'nother question though. Ernie pointed another stare at Cal, trying but very much failing to stop looking at her arms. [color=00a99d]"You?"[/color] Right. 'One piece'. Callan suddenly noticed the looks thrown at her arm and she immediately held it out for him to see, running her hand along the unmarked skin. Since she'd washed up, there was no evidence anything had ever happened at all. "[color=a2d9ce]Uh. yeah. I'm... I'm fine. Lily and Kusari fixed me up. Good as new.[/color]" Ernie took this chance to inspect it closely. A completely seamless heal. It put his mind at ease, but also brought his attention to the other healer in this class. So Lily was an incredibly strong healer too, huh? [color=00a99d]"I...bumped into Emma outside. She was the one who told me about it."[/color] His expression went dark. He didn't want to see friends getting hurt. [color=00a99d]"I didn't even know until just before. Couldn't even be there to help. Was it Factory? One of those X-marked fuckers?"[/color] Oh shit. He didn't know either. Callan looked visibly uncomfortable as she retracted her arm. "[color=a2d9ce]Uh.[/color]" She hadn't told Kusari... but that was before she spoke with Zoe. Maybe it was best that people knew. They'd probably find out anyway. "[color=a2d9ce]Not exactly....[/color]" "[color=a2d9ce]Uhm,[/color]" she folded her arms tightly and tried to remember how Zoe had explained it. Not that it really mattered. It wasn't going to sound good either way. "[color=a2d9ce]She said she was trying to get at the gargoyle chick, but... she was just a little out of range. So... she said she needed to...,[/color]" she trailed off, gripping one arm a little tighter. Hopefully the rest was obvious. [color=00a99d]"Range?"[/color] Ernie raised an eyebrow, having no clue what she was talking about. If this mystery girl was attacking the gargoyle... [color=00a99d]"Wait, it was one of us?"[/color] Agh-- she'd thought about the explaination so hard, she forgot to give the name. "[color=a2d9ce]Zoe,[/color]" Callan said finally. There was silence as he took in the name. Ernie's face remained neutral, but an unusual, cold fury flared in him. It only lasted an almost unbearable few seconds, thankfully, and he was eager to leave that murky feeling behind. First Cal, now Zoe? How many more people were going to betray his opinion of them? At least Zoe's turn was believable because of her X-mark. But...Zoe? Really? That gruff but noble(ish) teammate? Ernie couldn't help but recall her offer to take responsibility for David. Even before that, the brief time all three of them had spent at Ground Zero together. Guess monsters and fakers followed him wherever he went. And to think that he had mistaken her ruthlessness for badassery. To think that he'd respected her because she had seemed like a 'real Aberration' to him at the time. All those fucking months at West had made him go soft. X-marks were despicable, he'd forgotten that. The title of 'real Aberration' wasn't a mark of honor. It was a fucking warning sign. [color=00a99d]"That's not an excuse, Cal,"[/color] Ernie glowered, [color=00a99d]"You shouldn't have to defend her."[/color] Surprised by Ernie's tone and accusation, Callan's eyes widened and she spoke up quickly, "[color=a2d9ce]Oh, I'm not. That's just what she told me. I... I seriously almost bled out I think.[/color]" She chuckled uncomfortably, hoping to bring the mood back up while doing her best not to remember the searing pain coupled with a sudden drop in temperature. Almost bled out. [color=00a99d]"Jesus, that's garbage."[/color] So she'd actually explained herself to Cal. Probably came with an apology too. Not a complete monster after all, though the bar was being set very low here. [color=00a99d]"At least she didn't blame it all on her Stigma or whatever. That one's up there with the most bullshit things a mage could pull."[/color] He was speaking from experience, of course. Surprised again. "[color=a2d9ce]Oh-- really?[/color]" Callan asked, her curiousity piqued again. Ack. Maybe he said too much. Ernie looked to the ceiling, gauging whether or not he could explain it to an Arbiter. [color=00a99d]"Well, it's just that... the whole 'losing control' thing. Yeah, it happens for real. Often, for some people. Hell, even during the Wisford mission, Hazel went nuts and started trying to kill us. It happens. But--man, how do I say this--there are times when it's just an explanation and not an excuse, especially when it happens over and over again. And when keeps happening..."[/color] Ernie's expression suddenly turned sad. He was clearly remembering something difficult. [color=00a99d]"Makes you wonder if they're even trying to fight the Stigma. Maybe they're just using it as a convenient excuse to be a dickbag and they've just been a garbage person the entire time. Stigmas are different between everyone so there's never any real way to tell if they're lying or not. Heh, I've probably hung around too many X's to have any real faith in them. But it sounds like Zoe actually tried to make it up with an explanation that didn't include her Stigma. A stupid explanation, but that's already better than some people I knew. Ah, I probably shouldn't rag on about my fellow Abes too much for their lack of control."[/color] A quick glance at Cal before he looked away again. [color=00a99d]"I've heard stories of Arbiters losing it too. Might just be an unlucky power thing in their case but they've got even less of an excuse than the X's."[/color] Callan listened intently, ruefully noting the somber expression that came across Ernie's face while he explained. Damn it, why did she have to ask? She'd opened her mouth without thinking-- again. Similar to Emma, however, she found Ernie's explaination on stigmas to be even more interesting. He certainly seemed to know what he was talking about. Thinking back to her meeting with Zoe, she recalled her regret at having spoken so out of turn. She'd been talking about things she didn't understand. She still didn't think Zoe had been in the right-- but this did definitely give her something to think about. At Ernie's final statement, Callan seemed surprised for a third time. Unfortunately, her mind didn't immediately make the proper connection. "[color=a2d9ce]Wow,[/color]" she said, genuinely intrigued. "[color=a2d9ce]Glad I don't have anything like that last one,[/color]" she smiled tentatively, "[color=a2d9ce]I'd be more like a tiny Hulk than Wonder Woman, wouldn't I?[/color]" She sighed, smiling apologetically, "[color=a2d9ce]Sorry for making you explain. I didn't mean to make you upset. I heard Stigmas are different for everybody. I can't pretend to know what Zoe's deal is, but uh... maybe I'll figure it out sometime.[/color]" Unlikely to happen anytime [i]soon[/i], but Callan was hoping to brighten up the mood. She didn't want to stand around and talk about depressing topics the whole time. Especially not with Ernie. They'd done plenty of that yesterday. Ernie paused, a harsh stare piercing Cal for the briefest moment. [color=00a99d][i]"You're a fucking liar."[/i][/color] But he returned to his usual grin flawlessly. Any resentful questions were to be asked sometime else, not while Cal could still snap him like a twig. Like she had done with her home. [color=00a99d]"Hey, I thought I got dibs on the Wonder Woman title, with the magic rope and all! And it's no problem. You deserve to know, after everything that's happened. I just hope I actually helped out, even a little bit."[/color] The giftbag was lifted for the two of them to peruse. A convenient change in subject. [color=00a99d]"Anyway, I got you some stuff. Wasn't sure what to buy so I just got a bit of everything."[/color] "[color=a2d9ce]Wow, seriously?[/color]" Callan grinned in spite of herself. First the stuff from Marcus, then flowers, and now all this? She... seriously didn't deserve it. Not even a little bit. But even so, it made her happy-- way too happy. For a moment she almost forgot all about Wisford and Factory and Savannah and Zoe. "[color=a2d9ce]Thank you,[/color]" she said sincerely before peeking inside. All at once, Zoe's words from earilier came rushing back like an unwelcome guest. [color=palevioletred][i]'You're the one that's treating everything like it's some kind of fucking fairytale.'[/i][/color] She needed to keep things in perspective... but it was so much easier to temporarily forget. She wasn't treating anything like it was a fairytale. She was just trying to be optimistic.... [color=palevioletred][i]'We're not as different as you think we are.'[/i][/color] The second part of Zoe's words brought with it some clarity. Something she should have considered before she made foolish statements to Ernie. Arbiters? Losing it? A brief and sudden panic boiled up inside her and she paused for a moment too long as she stared into the bag, looking but not seeing. [color=00a99d]"Geez, thank me after you confirm that I actually got you some good stuff. Buying presents is stressful,"[/color] Ernie smirked but his heart wasn't in it. He didn't notice Callan's hesitation. The desire to get out of there was strong and it took all he had to force himself to stay put, [color=00a99d]"Maybe I should've gotten you some clothes as well. Isn't that the same stuff you were wearing yesterday?"[/color] "[color=a2d9ce]Please. This stuff looks great. It's the thought that counts anyway, right?[/color]" she answered, brushing her previous thoughts aside. She was just being paranoid. Callan frowned as Ernie pointed out her clothes. "[color=a2d9ce]Ugh, I tried to wash them in the sink last night,[/color]" she admitted, looking down at her shirt as she tugged at the bottom hem, "[color=a2d9ce]I didn't have a spare set and those hospital gowns are, uh. Kinda drafty.[/color]" Ernie's mouth fell open, his expression portraying equal amounts of worry and horror. Any wariness he'd felt fell away at the mention of that awful laundry job. [color=00a99d]"Yeeaaaahhh, I'm getting you something else to wear. Are you good enough to go shopping or should I just buy something and pray?"[/color] Callan chuckled with some discomfort. W-was her DIY wash job really that bad? She sighed through her nose. Seemed she couldn't avoid clothes shopping forever. But it was just Ernie and it was only one set of clothes. Wearing something that was actually clean would be nice, too. "[color=a2d9ce]Uhm. Nah, I can go myself and get something. I brought my... oh,[/color]" she frowned, "[color=a2d9ce]No... I totally didn't bring my wallet.[/color]" [color=00a99d]" 'Didn't bring'? But how were you gonna-- Ah, never mind. I'll spot you this time. Five hundred bucks a month builds up real well after a few months."[/color] Ernie stood and adjusted his scarf. [color=00a99d]"Oh yeah, you wouldn't have any way to cover your mark, would you? The Regulars here aren't very...friendly."[/color] "[color=a2d9ce]My mark?[/color]" Callan touched her fingertips to the white stained stripe of skin beneath her eye. He wanted her to cover it up? The idea felt foreign to her. Not that she'd never heard of subnaturals hiding their marks-- she'd just never considered doing it herself. Callan hadn't given much thought to the people they might run into while they were out, either. But if it would help them avoid another nosy photographer incidient, it was probably worth looking into. How was she supposed to hide it, though? "[color=a2d9ce]Hang on.[/color]" Callan stepped into the bathroom and attempted to part her hair to the other side. Through all the poorly conditioned curls, her hair wasn't being nearly as cooperative as it could have been had she used her product from home. But she managed to get her bangs to fall over the correct half of her face. Enough to cover up the mark so long as she didn't make any sharp movements. "[color=a2d9ce]Hm,[/color]" she frowned into the mirror. This definitely wasn't going to be enough. "[color=a2d9ce]I think I saw a Walgreens across the street?[/color]" she said to Ernie, "[color=a2d9ce]We could head over there real quick. Maybe you could run in and get some cover up for me?[/color]" [color=00a99d]"Yeah, no prob. Just give me the brand and I'll get it."[/color] "[color=a2d9ce]Great. I usually get the NARS brand concealer,[/color]" Callan said as she pulled on her tennis shoes-- things she was unfortunately unable to fully submerge in water, though the obviously once-white shoes seemed as though as were due for retirment instead of a good washing. "[color=a2d9ce]There should be one that says 'caramel'.[/color]" With a quick nod Ernie left, returning with Callan's requested concealer, a second concealer that matched the boy's skin tone, and pack of cough lozenges. [color=00a99d]"They taste better when you're not actually sick,"[/color] he explained as he popped one into his mouth, [color=00a99d]"Feels like I'm breaking the rules a little."[/color] Callan picked through the bag Ernie had brought her while she waited, snacking on some chips and using the opportunity to think on what Ernie had said about stigmas and Arbiters losing control. A fluke. Maybe that was the best way to describe what was wrong with her ability. Perhaps it wouldn't be a terrible idea to ask Ernie more questions about that later. Remembering Lawrence's surprise at seeing an Arbiter asking for help, she figured it couldn't have been very common. She still wasn't entirely sure that even applied to her at all, right? When Ernie returned, Callan quickly set to work on covering up the mark. There was an odd sense of nostalgia to it-- seeing her face in the mirror without it there. She hadn't had it for very long, yet it already felt like such an integral part of her. She smirked sideways at Ernie as he tossed the medicine into his mouth "[color=a2d9ce]Next you'll tell me skittles can cure a sore throat,[/color]" she teased, heading for the door. [color=00a99d]"Aw man, I wish!"[/color] The friends left the hospital largely unnoticed, save for the usual glances that would follow a head of aquamarine hair in a small town. Ernie kept his eyes out for any nosy journalists but his mind was still mulling over the questions he had about the article. Slowly. Tentatively. [color=00a99d]"So, where you from?"[/color] "[color=a2d9ce]Atlanta,[/color]" Callan answered easily after a quick sip of the orange juice Ernie had brought her. "[color=a2d9ce]You?[/color]" [color=00a99d]"Reno. Real far from here, huh?"[/color] Ernie smiled. A good start but he needed more confirmation, [color=00a99d]"I actually knew a guy who grew up in Atlanta. What part of the city did you live?"[/color] "[color=a2d9ce]Oh cool,[/color]" Callan commented, "[color=a2d9ce]Eastish (EAST, YA FOOL) side of town. Decatur County. Sound familiar?[/color]" Decatur was in the Dekalb from the article. Lined up with what he'd researched the night before. More confirmation. [color=00a99d]"Uh, yeah. Sounds about right."[/color] Hm, how was he gonna broach this? [color=00a99d]"Tell me about Atlanta. Is it big? Quiet?"[/color] "[color=a2d9ce]Oh, yeah. It's pretty huge. Lots of people. Hot and humid. Uh... what do you mean by quiet?[/color]" [color=00a99d]"Well, Reno always had plenty of rumours of subnaturals running around,"[/color] Thanks to a certain faction lurking in the area, [color=00a99d]"The occasional monster attack on the far outskirts and stuff, though I've heard that they're not as big a problem on the West Coast as before, compared to East anyway. I was just wondering if eastern cities were the same."[/color] "[color=a2d9ce]Hmm,[/color]" Callan pressed the lip of her juice bottle to her mouth and thought for a moment. For some reason, the inkling of paranoia she'd felt earlier was trying to resurface. She tossed it out of her mind as she continued, "[color=a2d9ce]I can't speak for all the eastern cities, but Atlanta's always had a reputation of being very safe and well protected. So yeah-- you could say it's quiet in that way. Totally.[/color]" So no monster attacks. No houses mysteriously getting crushed. He'd have to do more research later to double check but Cal's answers had definitely added to that sense of dread staining his insides. [color=00a99d]"Sounds cozy. It'd be nice to not have to worry about those things for a change."[/color] Ernie looked around as they entered the shopping district. That would be enough probing for the moment. Callan was silent for a moment before answering. That burning itch in the back of her head just wouldn't fade out. There was no way. Ernie wouldn't snoop through her phone. But... why couldn't she let it go? Though her concerns still gnawed at her, Callan did her best to keep the conversation light. "[color=a2d9ce]Yeah. It was....[/color]" her voice trailed off, "[color=a2d9ce]Uh-- so you got an idea of where we're going?[/color]" Her hesitancy was noticed. Definitely the time to stop. His gaze shifted back to the numerous townsfolk doing their shopping and Ernie felt his nervous hand adjust his scarf habitually. Crowds of Regulars had never been a fun ride for an Aberration like him. [color=00a99d]"It's your clothes we're looking for,"[/color] he looked at her reassuringly, [color=00a99d]"You should lead the way."[/color] "[color=a2d9ce]Heh,[/color]" Callan was relieved to hear that Ernie didn't seem intent on spending much time shopping. "[color=a2d9ce]In that case, help me scope out a Sports Authority or something.[/color]" It wasn't long before they came across a sporting goods store with a name Callan recognized. She made a beeline for the section riddled with an assortment of hoodies, jackets, and sweat pants. She was remarkably confident in knowing the exact brands and sizes she needed, grabbing a deep blue nike hoodie and gray pants along with a fresh pair of tennis shoes, socks, compression shorts, and a sports bra. Quite a lengthy list of items to have acquired in such a short amount of time. "[color=a2d9ce]Alright-- I think I'm set,[/color]" she smiled, running her hands through the basket of items hanging from her arm, "[color=a2d9ce]Thank for spotting me, by the way. You'll have to let me repay the favor when we get back.[/color]" As she laid out the invitation, Callan suddenly recalled her conversation with Emma. She inwardly swatted the stray thought away like a strange scent, still smiling as she led the way towards the register. [color=00a99d]"Ooh! Pay me back with something good then, yeah?"[/color] The bored-looking cashier scanned the items as Ernie kept an eye on the price. Huh, that was more stuff than he was expecting. Did Cal need pants AND shorts? He decided not to mind it too much. She was going to return the favor and besides, it was his own fault for volunteering his card. Speaking of which... [color f7976a]"Um..."[/color] the cashier stared at the ID card in her hand, the one with the USARILN East crest and the profile photo clearly displaying the X on his neck. Her eyes flickered between the card and Ernie's scarf. The boy shifted awkwardly. Fuck. How did he forget? Something between fear and irritation began creeping down his spine. That familiar anger. He needed to get away from it. [color=00a99d]"It's debit,"[/color] he said quickly, trying hard to smile. The aggressive approach hadn't worked that Regular the night before. Luckily, the cashier caught his drift and the transaction was complete in no time. [color=00a99d]"Come on, Cal, we need to go."[/color] Ernie rushed out of the store with the shopping bag in hand, his destination being far from the little block of shops. He didn't bother turning back to see if Cal was actually following him. Callan noted the sudden shift in the air as their cover was inevitably blown. She hurried after Ernie in silence, contemplating the strange divide between 'regulars' and mages as they moved. She was already aware of what Kusari thought about them and Ernie seemed visibly agitated by the encounter just now. She had to wonder why. "[color=a2d9ce]Did something happen yesterday?[/color]" Callan asked somewhat vaguely once she figured they were a safe enough distance away, remembering his comment about the regulars here not being so friendly. Ernie paused, taking in the number of townspeople still milling around the area. Still too many. He hated hiding like this. [color=00a99d]"Did Marc tell you about the convenience store last night? I almost fucked everything by acting like an idiot. Didn't want to start a pattern here, I guess."[/color] β€œ[color=a2d9ce]Oh… no, he didn’t,[/color]” Callan muttered, recalling the less pleasant portions of her conversation with Marcus last night. She tried to decipher what exactly Ernie was implying, but figured it was probably best to leave it alone. If it was anything major, she probably would've seen it on the news. β€œ[color=a2d9ce]Well, I think we’re all set for now anyway. You wanna head back to the motel? I’m kinda curious to see what sort of ritzy place they put you guys up in.[/color]” [color=00a99d]"Ritzy isn't quite the word I'd use for it,"[/color] Ernie frowned as he recalled the hot water debacle from the night before. And the unwanted guests lurking outside, [color=00a99d]"Oh yeah, there are a lotta news guys and cameras and stuff around the motel. Hovering bastards."[/color] Another look around. [color=00a99d]"Didn't know if you wanted your face on TV when there's a good chance your home-friends could see it. I can get us past them if you want."[/color] Her eyes widened. β€œ[color=a2d9ce]Oh my Godβ€” I didn’t even think of that,[/color]” she said fearfully, glancing around as if a news crew might spring out of some nearby bushes, β€œ[color=a2d9ce]What’s your plan?[/color]” Ernie scratched his head. Fire escape could be a bad route after Brent's hilarious dealings with the journalists. Though the Arbiter had proposed another escape method that night, even if it had been a joke... The boy flashed a wicked grin at Cal. Ten minutes later, the pair were on the roof of the motel's main building, brushing off the dirt from their mini adventure. Ernie's face was cramping from how much he was beaming throughout that whole ordeal. [color=00a99d]"God, we seriously need to try that again when we get back to the school,"[/color] Ernie laughed heartily. Callan laughed along, her voice a little shaky as she pushed her hair out of her face. "[color=a2d9ce]Right. Maybe without the toaster oven next time.[/color]" The roof entrance door was chained up tight-- a barrier that was easy enough for Callan to bypass. "[color=a2d9ce]I feel like such a delinquent,[/color]" she groaned, trying not to completely destroy the door and lock in the process. [color=00a99d]"Whaaa... you've never done a break-in before? It's a handy skillset to have,"[/color] Ernie remarked, the giddiness from the impromptu flight handicapping his usual secrecy for a moment. He chuckled internally at her 'delinquent' comment. Girl had a sheltered Regular life, huh? "[color=a2d9ce]No! What the hell?![/color]" Callan laughed as the door finally opened, "[color=a2d9ce]Were you a burglar in a past life or something?[/color]" A mischievous glance to mask his relief at the lack of follow-up questions. [color=00a99d]"Oh yeah. And a janitor. And a chef. And a lion tamer. The Mars name has a very checkered past."[/color] Ernie looked over the side to admire the view, not quite wanting to go in yet. The mob of news crews could be easily spotted. Damn pests hadn't moved in days. He went silent as something crossed his mind. [color=00a99d]"Say, Cal. How come you don't want your people at home to know you're okay?"[/color] Callan walked over to follow Ernie's line of sight, stepping away from the edge after spotting the conspicuously painted vans. Aquamarine hair did tend to draw the eye-- even from so high up. Callan sighed as she answered, "[color=a2d9ce]I almost did that.[/color]" She chewed the inside of her cheek, somewhat ashamed of her previous plans, "[color=a2d9ce]I was really sad when I found out about what my parents did, but I was pretty angry, too. I considered calling everyone. Getting in touch with all my friends... my other family members... my grandpa....[/color]" Another sigh. "[color=a2d9ce]But I changed my mind pretty quick. I didn't want to cause them more trouble than I already had. I think it would've really screwed things up.[/color]" More than she already had? Did that trouble include magical demolition. Ernie hummed contemplatively, his mind absently drafting schemes involving Cal and the news vans. He stopped as soon as he realised what he was unconsciously doing. [color=00a99d][i]"No. Can you stop being an ass for two seconds?"[/i][/color] If she really had been responsible for that broken house, she was probably too ashamed to show her face to them. Or something like that. [color=00a99d]"Was it really you causing the trouble though?"[/color] he pursed his lips as he looked at the tiny people below, [color=00a99d]"I guess if you did show up out of the blue, it'd make your parents look bad. Makes sense, in an annoying way. Do you think you'll ever tell them?"[/color] "[color=a2d9ce]Well... I'm still kinda hoping they'll do it. I was going to at least try calling my parents like you suggested.[/color]" She smiled, genuinely trying to hold onto what few particles of optimism she still had about the situation, "[color=a2d9ce]At least my brother's still talking to me, you know?[/color]" Maybe not for much longer at the rate she was going. Callan frowned, remembering the messages Dom had sent her that past week. She still hadn't responded. Bad. Bad older sister. "[color=a2d9ce]Anyway, don't worry about it. I'll figure it out eventually.[/color]" [color=00a99d]"Oh, you have a brother! And he reached out to you, that's really good to hear."[/color] At least she had someone on her side. Ernie had heard too many sob stories of subnatural kids getting abandoned by their parents, with no home or friend to turn to. He was faintly surprised to find that he was geniunely glad for her but... God, the urge to drag the girl by the hair to the edge of the roof and scream that Callan Webb was here shouldn't have been so enticing. [color=00a99d]"Well, you sound better about it than yesterday. Makes me glad. Your friends and the rest of your family will be really happy to find out you're alive in one piece."[/color] It was a small gesture, but genuine. Far too rare. [color=00a99d]"I know I was."[/color] Callan smiled meekly, tossling her hair. Crossing her arms, she laughed with exaggerated confidence. "[color=a2d9ce]It's gonna take a lot more than a death beam and helicopter crash-- I can promise you that much.[/color]" She decided to omit the fact that Sander's strange shielding ability might have been the reason for her coming out of that incident completely unscathed. A thank you that was definitely overdue, but for now she'd rather avoid causing any unneccessary worry. Still riding on that strange wave of optimism, she added, "[color=a2d9ce]I'm glad you made it out okay, Ernie.[/color]" [color=00a99d]"Geez, I'll take your word for it, Girl of Steel."[/color] The boy felt something peculiar ring through him at that last statement, like sudden ripples in a still pond. After everything that happened, after everyone that made it clear that he had no reason to be alive when others weren't, it felt...nice to have someone say that. He knew it was a low bar to surpass but, man, it made him unreasonably happy. [color=00a99d]"I'm glad too. No death beams for me, thanks!"[/color] Ernie jaunted back from the edge of the roof and to the open door, grinning happily all the while. [color=00a99d]"Guess we should find you a room then. Hopefully one with working hot water."[/color] -- [hider=Bonus] "Well, I was thinking we could just timeskip," said Ernie. "Ohh, yeah. Of course. Why didn't I think of that?!" "Shh. It's about to start Cal--" Safely back at the motel, Ernie and Callan were relieved to have made it past those pesky reporters. "We should really do that more often, Ernie." "Oh, I agree Cal. I agree. Would make everything way easier, but our dumbass writers seem to enjoy watching us struggle all the time." "What a bunch of grade A assholes." "You said it." [/hider]