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[indent][indent][indent][indent][justify][color=808080]Ronnie slipped her hands into the pockets of her sweatpants before stepping out of the elevator. She vaguely remembered that floor from her slow climb up the tower the night before. She didn’t think much of it then, nor did she now. It seemed that her and Aria were some of the earlier arrivals along with two of the more broody bunch that haunted the tower. There was the one with all the tattoos and muscles that was [i]definitely[/i] the more attractive of the two. She probably would have flashed him a flirty wink or something if he actually managed to look in her direction, but he seemed more wrapped up in his own thoughts. The other guy sat silently in a chair off to one side, his gaze locked on her for a second or two before it fell to his hands in his lap. 

She spared a glance back over her shoulder toward Aria. Ronnie plastered on her usual confident smile and forced herself to take a step forward. Without saying a word, she slid onto a bench toward the back of the room and coincidentally about as far away from James as she could manage. 

Zaria hesitated for a moment, guilt churning in her stomach and making her feel sick. This was…new, she’d never felt like this before, not in this context. There were other times, times where her father made her and her brother do unspeakable things in the name of his [i]training[/i] but this was different, this was undeniably her fault, her actions alone had made James look so sad, and she didn’t know what to do. She twisted her hands together anxiously for a moment, shifting her weight uncomfortably, and then she sucked up the dredges of her courage and made her way toward him. 

The guilt and uncertainty was as clear on her face as it was in her voice, and she chewed on her bottom lip until it very nearly bled before she found the words she needed to say, but even simply saying them felt inadequate. Words alone didn’t feel like enough, but she wasn’t sure if there was anything else she could do right now. She stood beside James, leaving a respectable amount of space between them as the nail of one thumb dug into the cuticle around her other thumb. [color=00674F]"I’m sorry,"[/color] her voice was soft and strained, her eyes set on the ground. This was an awful, awful feeling, and she never wanted to see him look so crestfallen because of her again, which was just as confusing as everything else. [color=00674F]"I didn’t mean to…I-I should have let you know, you deserve better."[/color] That much she knew was undoubtedly true, James deserved better of his friends. Aria swallowed hard, nose tingling as her eyes burned. [color=00674F]"I’m sorry."[/color] It was all she felt she could say, but the sick feeling persisted. 

James adjusted in his seat as he saw Aria approaching. He did his best to put on a smile, but he knew it looked forced. He could feel the way his muscles strained to tug at the corner of his lips or how his eyes didn’t squint the right way. His hands ran along his jeans as his gaze locked onto a dried splatter of mud along the toe of his boot. [color=cb6b06]"It’s… it’s fine."[/color] He cleared his throat and ran his fingers back through his hair before finally looking up at her. For a second his gaze flicked over to Ronnie, then back up at Aria. [color=cb6b06]"I’ll uh… Teach you how to make burgers and mac n’ cheese another time."[/color] He nodded his head and looked down at his calloused hands as he picked at a hang nail.

[color=00674F]"It’s not fine."[/color] Her voice wobbled a little at the end there, stomach seeming to flip over on itself as nausea made her throat constrict. She took a slow breath in, steadying herself, and glanced toward James. She took care not to look away this time, because he deserved to see how earnest she was in her apology. [color=00674F]"I’m really sorry James, I won’t…I won’t ever do this again, you deserve better."[/color] And she meant it with every fiber of her being, because now what she was away from Ronnie and could think clearly, think back on how it all unfolded, she knew what she’d done was closer to something her father would have done, and she never, ever, wanted to be anything like him. She was disgusted with herself, because she could have at least sent a message to him through J.A.R.V.I.S. but she hadn’t. It was as much a promise to him, as it was to herself. She would be better. 

He swallowed and nodded his head, acknowledging her words. James didn’t know what to say or how to respond. While his feelings were hurt and he felt a little stupid for waiting around, it was also nothing new for him either. People had left him hanging before. There was just a part of him that thought maybe Aria was different from them. But in the end it was like he said, she didn’t owe him anything… That included her time and friendship. His chest rose as he took a deep breath and strummed his fingers against his thigh. [color=cb6b06]"I’m ok,"[/color] he said only a fraction more convincing than the tight lipped smile he flashed up at her. [color=cb6b06]"Judge is the one you really upset anyway,"[/color] he lied, deflecting the conversation in any direction that took the heat off his own emotions. 

[color=d13b00][i]Don’t drag me into your petty squabbles,[/i][/color] the spirit hissed behind his frontal lobe. 

James ignored the voice in his head as he adjusted in his seat. [color=cb6b06]"Do whatever makes you happy, Aria,"[/color] he said quietly, his voice muffled beneath his fingers as he rubbed his mouth. There wasn’t much else he could say. 

[color=d13b00]"He’s—"[/color] the voice started to scratch its way up his throat, but James coughed and forced it down like choking back sickness. Before she could ask or pry into whatever the spirit was going to say, he got to his feet and slipped past her. James beelined for the restrooms and slipped behind the door labeled ‘men’s’ without another word or glance in her direction. 

Zaria watched him go, face twisting as an emotion that felt an awful lot like hurt swelled up in her chest but…it was her fault, and she had no right to feel upset over how she’d hurt him. She looked down at her feet, the largest part of her wanting to slip back into the elevator and leave, Stark’s words from yesterday spinning around her in head. She really didn’t belong here, did she? She moved once the men’s bathroom door shut, finding a seat far away from where James had been sitting, away from the others as well. It was better for everyone that way, especially James. She still wanted to find a way to make it up to him but…did he even want that? Aria was pretty sure she knew the answer. 

The elevator doors slid open again and Myla slowly stepped out just as James walked past, disappearing into the bathroom. She took a single step forward but was stopped dead in her tracks by the familiar scent of cashmere, jasmine, and orange blossom. [i]Ronnie.[/i] The tips of her fingers curved into her palms, nails slipping into the dips of crescent shaped scabs along her skin. She knew the woman was unavoidable, but there was a part of her that hoped, in a fifty story tower, that she could avoid running into her more than once a day. It was dumb, they were all requested for training but… She sighed. Maybe Myla hoped her threats were a little more effective and Ronnie would have just [i]left[/i], as terrible as that sounded.

Theo glanced around the room briefly as they stepped in, eyes sliding over Ronnie like she wasn’t even there. One of his hands was still interlocked with Myla’s and he used that hand to gently guide her across the room, toward the opposite side of where the woman was sitting. He nodded to Tobias as they passed, offering Zaria a brief smile when she glanced at them, a little confused by the conflicted expression on the blonde's face and how she subtly edged away from them as they sat down on a bench nearby. He shrugged it off, refocusing on Myla, his thumb rubbing across the tops of her knuckles. [color=feffb5]"We could still skip,"[/color] he whispered to her, ducking his head closer to her ear so no one could overhear. [color=feffb5]"We haven’t even checked out my penthouse yet."[/color] Myla could feel the smile that tugged his lips upward as they brushed faintly over her ear.

A subtle smile tugged at the corner of Myla’s mouth as his words tickled her ear. Her cheeks flushed slightly, but luckily, and unknown to her, the bruises hid most of it. She opened the hand that wasn’t being held by Theo, revealing the small tape resting in her palm. [color=962929]"I have to give this to Jim,"[/color] she replied. Her brows then pulled together curiously with a bit of amusement. [color=962929]"Do you [i]actually[/i] think you’ll stay there?"[/color] she whispered the tease back at him with a faint smirk. 

He snorted before sighing in resignation, he wasn’t sure why but something about training felt off, he was pretty sure everything about this was going to suck in some way…probably the spidey-sense. [color=feffb5]"Not unless you’re there too."[/color] He conceded, tugging her hand into his lap so he could trace soft, nonsensical patterns over the palm of her hand, dedicating every line to memory. 

Tobias hadn’t been paying that much attention as others slowly filled the room, his thoughts sifting through anyways he could try to find the lost Drake girl without driving down every street in the county. He nearly missed Theo’s nod. As he went to return it, his eyes went wide, noticing the state Myla was in compared to the night before. Deep shades of purple and blue circled under her eyes, ran along her nose and blossomed across her abdomen below the hem of her shirt. She walked with a slight limp, favoring her right leg and he could have swore he caught a faint glimpse of stitches beneath the mesh fabric that covered her thigh. There was a moment where he considered asking but he kept his thoughts to himself and turned his attention forward.

When the elevator doors next opened, Jim Stark stepped out with his hands shoved into his pockets. The bags under his eyes made clear that he had not exactly slept well last night, nor the weeks before. His eyes briefly scanned those who were gathered about. He was sporting a simple outfit: red hoodie, gray sweatpants, white sneakers. The collar of the undershirt under his hoodie was clearly gold in color. He shuffled towards a bench away from the couples, his fingers toying with a small metal card in his pockets. He kept glancing over towards Myla, noticing just how battered she looked. June wasn’t the only one targeted, that much was very clear.

Myla’s head turned slightly and cocked to the side like an owl when she heard someone approach from the elevator. She hadn’t been in the tower long enough, been around the others long enough to learn all of their scents, the way their bodies shifted as they walked or the soft unique sounds of their breathing. She couldn’t place the person at a moment’s notice like she had with Ronnie. Something about them made her think it was Jim, although she couldn’t put a finger on why. She could feel their eyes on her, but considering how Theo acted she looked like shit… So that wasn’t much of a tell. She gave his hand a gentle squeeze to get his attention as she leaned her head close to his and whispered, [color=962929]"Is that him?"[/color]

Theo looked up from her hand, distracted from his thoughts about what to pack for their picnic and how cute her fingers were, to look up toward the group's newest waiting member. He grunted, voice a little gruffer than it had been before. [color=feffb5]"Yeah, that’s the…uh, Stark."[/color] He glanced back down at her hand, letting out a slow and deliberate breath. [color=feffb5]"Want me to give it to him?"[/color]

The elevator doors slid open again, and out stepped June. Her shoulders were slumped some, hands shoved into the pockets of her sweatpants. She didn’t bother with an actual shirt, her entire side felt raw to the touch and the brief rub of fabric against her side had made her throw up. Instead, she’d cut one of her old t-shirts into a sort of crop top, the bruised skin around the injury left exposed with a single bandage hiding the actual stitches from view. She glanced around, gaze bouncing away from Myla and then back with raised eyebrows, before she made a beeline for Jim. [color=375a87]"I can’t prove it yet,"[/color] she muttered once she’d gotten close enough to whisper to him, not sitting quite yet. [color=375a87]"But I think Phil is using training to get back at me for ruining his car and interrupting his beauty sleep."[/color] Despite her joking tone, her gaze caught Jim’s, flicked toward Myla, and then back to him, an eyebrow rising. There was a silent question in her gaze, wondering if he was thinking the same thing she was.

Jim nodded, his tone flat and tired. He looked over the wound on her side. [color=ed1c24]"I still do not understand why someone so reliant on technology is so adverse to letting a machine fix you up."[/color] He shook his head disapprovingly, the smallest smile tugging the corners of his lips at her presence regardless. He glanced back towards Myla, lowering the tone of his voice despite knowing it wouldn’t help. [color=ed1c24]"They tried going after single targets with relatively little defense. Not the move I would have made… they lost the element of surprise."[/color]

[color=375a87]"Those things are evil, I just can’t prove it yet, you’d hate them too if you got tricked into having one reset your shoulder."[/color] She muttered, pouting only a little as a small smile tugged at her lips, despite the banter she was just happy to be back beside him. June hummed in agreement at his assessment, eyes flickering back toward Myla. As bad as June felt, the other woman looked [i]awful.[/i] [color=375a87]"She has defense, I’d bet the numbers were stacked against her. I have a feeling if they were targeting me instead of Phil they wouldn’t have only sent one. It was bold to only send one for Phil too, but that guy was…"[/color] She trailed off, eyes sliding to the ground as a shudder rolled down her spine. She was trying not to think of it, but it was hard not to remember when it was all still so vivid, and she hadn’t explained how it happened to Jim yet.

[color=375a87]"They lost more than we did last night. I heard the Drake girl is still missing too. Alfred left me a post-it note, five of them actually. I’m not allowed to go looking for her."[/color] June rolled her eyes, sliding down onto the bench beside him with a grimace of pain. 

Myla’s ears were burning as she heard them talking about her, but she tried her best to ignore it. She gave Theo’s hand another squeeze. [color=962929]"No. It’s ok. I got it."[/color] She sighed softly, slipping her hand from his and used his shoulder for support as she stood up. Her first step was unsteady, the wound in her thigh twinging in protest. She clenched her jaw and took a deep breath before pushing through it. She made her way directly toward Jim, stopping a few feet away as she held out a small tape pinched between two fingers. [color=962929]"I was recording the meeting in case it was a trap and conveniently recorded my attack as well. I uh…"[/color] A soft sigh escaped her lips as she swallowed her pride. [color=962929]"I figured if anyone could make something of it, you could."[/color] She shifted her weight off her bad leg with a slight wince. [color=962929]"Sorry for what you might hear."[/color]

[color=375a87]"Are they dead?"[/color] She surprised herself, though June didn’t let it show outwardly. Her voice was monotone with an edge to it, but seeing Myla in so much pain made the hair at the base of her neck stand on end. They’d moved on from targeting their families, none of them were left to target anyhow, but now the team was in danger and they’d barely even formed. [color=375a87]"I mean,"[/color] she cleared her throat, trying to sound a little softer. [color=375a87]"The one that attacked me last night is, so…"[/color] 

[color=962929]"Yes,"[/color] Myla replied plainly, turning her attention toward June. [color=962929]"I forget the exact number."[/color] She went quiet for a second, counting on her empty hand: Roger, batons through the gut, fell through the window… Was there another one? [color=962929]"There were at least ten, most died fast… One didn’t,"[/color] she added the last fact like someone would mention needing eggs, like it was nothing but a drop in the bucket. [color=962929]"I don’t know how much you’ll get from just audio, but if you need me to give context… Just ask."[/color] She shrugged her shoulders. Myla didn’t love the idea of spending a couple hours with Jim but this wasn’t about her pride or his. They were there to solve this bullshit, which meant working together. Plus, she’d take him over Ronnie any day of the week.

[color=375a87]"Good."[/color] There was that same part of June from last night that was sickeningly pleased to know that they were all dead, but she didn’t dwell on it. [color=375a87]"Are you okay? Have you been to the infirmary?"[/color] She glanced at Jim, a warning look to not mention her own dislike for the place. Their conditions were drastically different, and Myla looked like she genuinely needed a checkup. 

Myla’s brows rose slightly, surprised to hear the daughter of Batman pleased with death. It reminded her of herself, and the way her own ideals differed from her father’s. While she preferred to shoulder the burden of murder alone, there was some solace in knowing that some people knew when killing was necessary. [color=962929]"Yeah, well…"[/color] her voice trailed off with a sigh. She didn’t feel guilt for what she did, only that she wasn’t strong enough to handle them all herself. [color=962929]"No, I haven’t. Theo’s mom fixed what she could. The rest will just take… time."[/color]

When Jim took the tape, he turned it over in his hands like he was looking at alien technology. It was an honest to god compact cassette tape. He flashed a weak smile, before quickly dropping it when he remembered she wouldn't see it. [color=ed1c24]"I'll do a spectrographic scan and see what H.E.L.E.N. can put together… after I order something that can play this thing."[/color] He slid the tape into his pocket, feeling the metal card again. He held it between his fingers as he pulled it out, holding it out in Myla's direction. [color=ed1c24]"I pulled a few strings after… yesterday."[/color] He cleared his throat, the words sticking in his throat. He hated apologies, especially when it came to stepping over feelings he didn't quite understand. [color=ed1c24]"I thought of wrapping it, but that just seemed excessive."[/color]

Her brows furrowed, confused as she hesitantly reached out to take the metal card. At first, Myla thought it was some fancy credit card or something. She ran her fingers along the top, trying to read engravings when she noticed braille, and paused. Her head turned towards Jim slightly as she read the various dots slowly. [i]Stark Industries employee?[/i] Dozens of questions raced through her head. Did he need a lawyer? There had to already be several on retainer with a lot more experience under their belts than her. How did he know she lost her job? Dumb question. The same way he was able to figure out who she was. Was this out of pity? Was it just for cover or legitimate?... Why? 

The confusion that plagued her mind was evident across her face as she lightly tapped the card against her palm. [color=962929]"I…"[/color] Myla started but could form a sentence. Her lips pursed as she chewed on the words. [color=962929]"I’m not calling you boss,"[/color] she finally replied. While her voice still held the familiar weight of seriousness and melancholy, there was the faintest hint of sarcasm that laced her words. Her lips tugged into a tight lipped smile as she gave a small single nod of her head. Then, without another word she left them and returned to her place beside Theo. Once seated beside him, she let out a sigh, releasing the tension that tightened across her shoulders. Myla swallowed and held out the card toward him silently. 

Theo had been listening in, it wasn’t his fault, superhearing and all that, but he was confused until Myla handed the card to him. It only took one glance down for his eyebrows to shoot up, throwing a surprised glance toward Jim. He’d expected maybe something like this from Wayne but…Theo glanced down, begrudgingly feeling a newfound sense of respect for the other man. [color=feffb5]"Well, damn."[/color] He sighed, handing the card back to Myla and chuckling to himself, sliding his hand back into her own out of reflex. [color=feffb5]"You’re officially the breadwinner, I suppose I need to invest in a cute apron and start making you dinner after you get home from...what do you even do? I’d imagine if he hired you on as a receptionist you’d have shoved the card down his throat."[/color] He was grinning a wide, stupid smile that Myla could hear in his voice. For the first time in months, Theo felt like maybe things would be alright. 

She ran her thumb along the braille idly, her brows still furrowed a bit as she tried to wrap her mind around all of it. Theo’s comment cleared her mental fog and pulled a genuine laugh from her. Myla couldn’t help but smile at the thought. He wasn’t wrong though. [color=962929]"I’m a lawyer. That’s how I meant Roger,"[/color] she added barely above a whisper. [color=962929]"He is [i]also[/i] the reason I got fired… Well, that and the increasing crime rates. I couldn’t juggle both. I lost my apartment shortly after, which is why I was staying with Foggy. Uh…"[/color] She sighed softly as her thumb traced circles on the back of his hand. [color=962929]"The money I gave to the cabby yesterday was all I had left to my name,"[/color] she confessed with a defeated smile of acceptance. Foggy would never let her go hungry or live on the streets, but it wasn’t easy to admit either. [color=962929]"I’m sure Stark was able to figure that all out whenever he figured out my identity. Just haven’t decided if it’s pity or an apology."[/color]

Theo glanced over at where Jim and June sat, watching as Wayne muttered quietly to the man about evil robots, or something, and the brief but unguarded look Stark gave the woman, the slightest of smiles ghosting across his face before it was wiped clear, and Theo realized a few things about the other man all at once. Fuck, was he actually going to end up liking the bastard? [color=feffb5]"An apology,"[/color] he decided, glancing back down at Myla instead of allowing himself to be annoyed at a man he’d barely ever spoken to, or thought about, until this moment. [color=feffb5]"We’re all part of the same team now, even though he’s kind of a prickly asshole, I don’t think Wayne would waste time on him if he was completely hopeless."[/color] Theo snorted, lifting Myla’s hand to press a soft and fleeting kiss to the back of her knuckles. A lawyer, he should have known, she was way too smart and way too good at winning arguments to be anything else. [color=feffb5]"I get to be the trophy hu–boyfriend, I think I could get used to that."[/color] He laughed, recovering from his almost blunder quickly enough even if his cheeks flushed some in embarrassment. [color=feffb5]"What do you want for dinner, darling?"[/color]

Her head fell slightly as her cheeks grew warm at his slip up. [color=962929]"I’m still broke,"[/color] she laughed softly. [color=962929]"Something that won’t stick to my ceiling,"[/color] she teased with a gentle bump to his shoulder. Myla spun the metal card between her thumb and index finger as she mulled over what Theo said. [i]An apology.[/i] Traditionally, she would have just preferred Stark said it versus an ambiguous [i]gift?[/i] that she wasn’t entirely sure what to do with. While she would over think it for the next week, she could worry about it later when she wasn’t about to be tossed into some unknown training. There was a second where her brows furrowed realizing she had no where to put the card. Then she reached over and slipped it into the front pocket of Theo’s jeans. [color=962929]"Can you hold this for me?"[/color] she whispered and gave his thigh a little pat. [color=962929]"I don’t have pockets."[/color]

[color=feffb5]"Of course,"[/color] Theo’s voice was a little strangled as a tingle shot from his thigh to his—no, no, he was behaving. He coughed, shifting in place a little as her hand patted his thigh, cheeks dark with the heat of his blush. [color=feffb5]"Maybe spaghetti for dinner."[/color] He grinned, thinking that he could certainly get the pasta to stick to her ceiling.

Meanwhile, Jim turned his gaze towards June, his eyebrows raised slightly. [color=ed1c24]"No thank you, didn't bother to listen about the benefits, that this gives her a cover… How am I the rude one?"[/color] He shook his head, rolling his eyes as he settled back in his seat. He wasn't doing that again.

June chuckled, patting his arm sympathetically, unable to help how soft her smile was when she glanced at Jim. [color=375a87]"You aren’t rude, honey."[/color] Well, he wasn’t today at least, and it was never very intentional. What mattered is that he’d tried, and while the levity of that was lost on Myla, it wasn’t lost on the people who really knew him. [color=375a87]"That was…it was really sweet of you, and a good idea. I’m sure she understood that, you just surprised her."[/color] June shrugged, winced at how it pulled at her side, and looked up at the ceiling instead of Jim. [color=375a87]"You’re pretty smart, Mr. Stark."[/color] Her smile was a little coy, despite the pain, as she glanced back at him.

Jim shot a confused look towards June as she spoke. [color=ed1c24]"We… we're using ‘honey’ now?"[/color] He lifted his arm awkwardly, swinging it around onto the back of the bench where June was sitting, but refused to actually loop his arm around her to pull her in. He shook his head. [color=ed1c24]"I wasn't being sweet, just practical. We need everyone focused… and we need to keep the family we have safe. Making sure her uncle is taken care of is just business."[/color]

June’s lips twitched into a small smile, and she looked back up toward the ceiling, a small hum escaping her as she seemed to contemplate his words for a moment. [color=375a87]"I’m trying to find one that feels right,"[/color] she admitted quietly, pulling a small, circular disk from her pocket. She weighed the item carefully for a moment, before tilting her head to look at Jim. [color=375a87]"Can we meet on your floor, after training? I have a few ideas I need to run by you, for the team."[/color] She shoved the disk back into her pocket, smile broken by the more serious note in her voice. She trusted Jim to understand this particular idea more than anyone else.

[color=ed1c24]"My floor? Just the-"[/color] Jim didn’t even finish the sentence before he looked away, a slight blush burning his cheeks. Of course, it would be normal to just work on something, just the two of them. It didn’t have to be weird, he was the one with the private workshop. He was working on a few projects already anyways, so it made sense. Especially now that he knew some people were still walking around with weapons from the 1980s. They could keep it professional. [color=ed1c24]"Right. Of course."[/color]

The elevator slid open again, and the tall blond man from the day earlier stepped out. Gone was his suit, he was wearing a muscle shirt and grey sweatpants, the muscles in his arms on clear display in a way that bordered on egotistical. Theo watched as the man’s gaze slid around the room, lingering on Veronica, then Tobias, then June, then [i]Myla[/i], making him tense some, and finally landing on Aria, a small and confident grin sliding across Luke’s face. He wasn’t sure why, but something about the other man set him on edge a little, it was the way his eyes slid across the women’s, and Tobias’s, bodies made him uncomfortable. He had the air of someone who wasn’t familiar with being rejected as he made his way toward the Doom heiress. 

[color=995749]"Hello there,"[/color] a smooth voice cut through her thoughts, and Zaria looked up, startled at the man's sudden approach. Her mind had been circling around James, and what she could do, a vague idea taking shape, but it slipped away from her before she could process it fully because of Luke. [color=995749]"I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure of meeting officially, I’m Luke."[/color] He held his hand out to her, and she…hesitated. The way he looked at her reminded her of the man from her arranged marriage, lecherous and hungry, and Aria shrank away from him instinctively. 

[color=00674F]"Uh, hi?"[/color] She glanced around, eyes searching but for who Zaria wasn’t sure, it…didn’t matter. She cleared her throat, crossing her arms instead of taking his offered hand. [color=00674F]"Nice to meet you."[/color]

Luke’s smile widened, clearly not put off by her hesitance to take his hand, dropping it back to his side easily. [color=995749]"Are you shy?"[/color] One of his hands slid into his pocket, posture relaxed as he stood over her. [color=995749]"I promise, I won't bite. I figured we could get to know each other, I’m always happy to make new friends."[/color] 

Anxiety coiled in her stomach, and for the first time since she’d come to the tower, Zaria didn’t feel safe. She felt like she was a hunk of meat hung out in front of a hungry animal, the way he said [i]friends[/i] leaving little to imagination for his intentions. She squeezed her arms around herself a little tighter, offering a tight smile. [color=00674F]"That’s nice."[/color] 

James stood in the bathroom with his hands tightly gripping the porcelain sink, staring at his reflection in the mirror. [color=cb6b06]"Can you behave, [i]please?[/i]"[/color] 

[color=d13b00][i]Stop lying and using me as your scapegoat, then sure,[/i][/color] the spirit replied less than amused and even [i]less[/i] convincing.

[color=cb6b06]"Liar,"[/color] he muttered under his breath before turning on the water. James let it run cold, dipping his hands into it then ran his palms over his face with a sigh. As he shut off the tap he heard another ding of the elevator and muffled voices. At least he might be able to disappear into the group and avoid socializing. He sighed and pushed open the door, rejoining the others. While he was trying [i]not[/i] to look for Aria, his gaze immediately snapped to her regardless. This time an entirely different blond sought her attention. James couldn’t remember the guy's name but it didn’t really matter.

As he walked past, heading back to his isolated seat, he couldn’t help but notice the way Aria looked uncomfortable hugging herself while a tense smile crossed her lips. James paused, his gaze lingering on the back of the man’s head. [i]It’s not my place,[/i] he tried to tell himself as he took another step forward. He nearly made it to his chair but stopped again to pinch the bridge of his nose. [i]Mother fucker.[/i]

[color=d13b00][i]Just go. We both know you want to,[/i][/color] the spirit mocked him. James sighed, glancing over his shoulder toward Aria. He didn’t know what exactly he was looking for. Untoward advances or maybe a pleading glance that asked him to intervene. He was still hurt and mad, but even locked in his own misery his protectiveness didn’t just [i]switch[/i] off. 

[color=995749]"So?"[/color] Luke went on, not noticing James, or how uncomfortable Zaria seemed. He shifted his weight, leaning a little closer to her, and she leaned back against the wall, eyes sliding away from the man, gaze catching James’s for a moment before another wave of shame and guilt made her look down instead, jaw clenching. The blond man held out his hand again, insistent. [color=995749]"Friends, right?"[/color]

Across the room, June paused in talking softly to Jim, eyes catching on the scene in front of her, a frown tugging at her lips. She glanced around at the others, at Theo who was looking at Myla’s hand, Ronnie who seemed uninterested in the room at large, and at Tobias who had been subject to Luke’s advances the night before. She grimaced, shifting on the bench, considering getting up and interrupting. Luke was…nice, she supposed, but he was dumber than a box of rocks and couldn’t take a hint, clearly.

[color=00674F]"I don’t really know you well enough, but we’re teammates."[/color] Zaria’s words were stiff, back ramrod straight but eyes looking anywhere but at Luke, her hands clenching against her sides. She felt the raised and healing skin of her burn beneath her shirt, and her gaze automatically tracked back to James. 

[color=995749]"That’s why we ought to get to know each other better,"[/color] Luke chuckled, like she was being silly. 

When Aria’s gaze found James’s he cursed under his breath. [color=cb6b06]"[i]Damn it.[/i]"[/color] He looked forward for just a second, taking a deep breath, then spun around and beelined straight for them. With a practiced fake smile and a false sense of bravado, he slid onto the bench right beside the blond man and took his outstretched hand before he pressed Aria further. [color=cb6b06]"Hey man. Didn’t get to meet you properly last night or maybe I did, I was half asleep."[/color] A forced chuckle rumbled in the back of his throat as he shook the guy’s hand. [color=cb6b06]"James."[/color]

Zaria’s mouth dropped open, surprise as clear as day across her face, and across the room June relaxed, leaning ever so slightly against Jim. Luke looked flummoxed for a moment, blinking down at the other man’s hand, before he cleared his throat and gave him a firm handshake. Aria’s eyebrows rose a little, looking between the two of them, before she looked back down at the ground. It wasn’t personal, James was just…that good of a person, he probably would have done it for anyone in the room, but it didn’t change how much she appreciated it, or how much more guilt the simple action dripped into her chest like acid on an open wound.

[color=995749]"Uh, yeah man, nice to meet you."[/color] Luke pulled his hand free, looking James up and down for a moment. Whatever he saw, clearly it wasn’t something that interested him. [color=995749]"Remind me,"[/color] his smile was tight, but friendly, a little put off about being redirected so…directly, but not quite able to find offense in it. [color=995749]"Are you the one with the demonic sidekick?"[/color] He grinned, clearly joking. 

[color=d13b00]"[i]Vengeance spirit,[/i]"[/color] the deeper voice corrected, rattling around his chest and slipping out of James’s lips like embers jumping out of a flame.

James chuckled, flashing an innocent enough smile. [color=cb6b06]"He gets a little touchy."[/color] He leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees and rubbing his hands together nonchalantly. His gaze flicked to Aria’s briefly before looking back to Luke. [color=cb6b06]"And you’re [i]Cap’s boy,[/i] right?"[/color] he asked, pointing at him casually. [color=cb6b06]"So, what does that make you? Like First Lieutenant?"[/color] While the question could have been a little passive aggressive, James’s face never shifted from genuine curiosity. It was just a simple question. He wasn’t familiar with how military rankings worked for superheroes after all.

Zaria was trying, very hard, to keep a level of composure. It almost cracked when Judge spoke up, her lips twitching, but James broke it in an instant. She coughed, covering a pointedly choked laugh, and stood up abruptly. [color=00674F]"Excuse me,"[/color] she said, voice perfectly polite, lips pressed firmly together to stop the smile that was threatening to break free, and she turned on her heel and marched into the women's bathroom. Across the room, Theo smothered a laugh as he caught the sound of her laughter in one of the stalls, knowing only a few of them would have been able to hear it, and one of them was Luke of all people. 

For what it was worth, Luke laughed at the joke. His posture was loose and open, but a muscle in his jaw twitched, a minuscule tell about how he actually felt in regards to the other man’s question. [color=995749]"That’s right,"[/color] his gaze turned, appraising as he looked James over once more, though it was clear he still wasn’t very impressed by the other man. [color=995749]"Lieutenant Colonel, if we’re being official. Still a rank beneath my father, but certainly better than First Lieutenant, and you? Did you… work for a circus or something, I can’t [i]quite[/i] remember, it was bike tricks, right?"[/color] His tone was perfectly polite, an easy going smile still set on his face, eyes bright at the banter. 

The longer James sat beside Luke the warmer his chest grew, and not the kind of warmth from when a cute girl touched his arm or batted her eyelashes at him, but the kind where the spirit grew restless, clawing at the walls of his cage. He shifted in his seat, feeling the steam billowing up his back beneath his shirt, but his smile never faltered. He even managed a small chuckle and lightly clapped his hands together. [color=cb6b06]"True,"[/color] he agreed with a nod. [color=cb6b06]"Nepotism doesn’t always pan out the same for everyone."[/color] His hands ran along his thighs as he sat more upright. [color=cb6b06]"Technically we call them [i]stunts[/i]. Not as glamorous as [i]Lieutenant Colonel[/i] but I hold over half of the world records for motorcycle stunts… On accident. Just kinda happened."[/color] He shrugged his shoulders, holding up his hands innocently with an unbothered downward tug of his lips. 

Luke chuckled, smile never slipping even as he watched the steam rise up in the air. He stretched slowly, in a leisure way that reminded one of a cat, before pushing up to his feet. [color=995749]"What would you know of nepotism, Jamie?"[/color] There was an edge of something mocking in his tone as he glanced down at James, utterly relaxed. [color=995749]"Our records indicate that you’ve been disowned by your entire family, which puts a damper on your world record, I’d imagine."[/color] He glanced toward the bathroom doors, eyes sliding a little to the left until he caught sight of Veronica. [color=995749]"I guess I’ll have to get to know Aria later."[/color] He hummed, turning away from the other man and crossing the room without a glance back, only the slightest line of tension lining his shoulders gave away how much he disliked the conversation, but he sat down beside Ronnie with confidence and swagger. 

Zaria emerged from the bathroom a few seconds later, glancing toward James, then at Luke and Ronnie, who seemed unbothered by the man's attention, and her shoulders relaxed some. She hesitated for a moment, before walking back to James and sitting with enough space for two between them. [color=00674F]"Thank you."[/color] She whispered, just loud enough for James to hear, before tucking in on herself and facing one of the walls. She could feel Luke’s gaze from across the room, but resolutely looked at no one. She needed to make it up to James, that was the only thing Aria knew for certain. 

James leaned back on the bench, letting his back rest against the wall as he let his fingers lace together in his lap. He didn’t say anything to Luke as he walked away, but kept up the false smile for a few more seconds even if the comment about his family made his blood run cold. He watched Aria return to her seat while leaving an ample amount of space between them. He wasn’t entirely sure if he was thankful or disappointed that she missed the pissing contest between him and Luke. He had a feeling that if she heard the comment about his family she might have gotten sassy, which wouldn’t have helped anything… Even if it would have made him feel better. His gaze drifted over to her from the corner of his eyes. While he was lost deep in thought, his expression was soft as he nodded his head toward her in acknowledgement before shifting his attention to a spot on the ground. 

When the elevator next opened and Jules stepped out, she quickly made her way towards an open bench. She wore a simple black tracksuit, her medium-length hair tied up in a neat bun. Her face was blank, as she was accustomed to these sorts of functions. She did offer a small smile and wave to Zaria and Ronnie as she made her way to an empty seat closer to Ronnie.

The blonde had remained quiet and mostly observant. Ronnie watched as Aria practically recoiled at Myla and Theo as they walked by which made a small smirk nearly spread across her face. The lovebirds were being disgustingly wrapped up in one another, for the most part aside from some brief interaction with the rich brains. But nothing particularly caught her attention until she watched Luke [i]attempt[/i] to flirt with Aria only to be intersected by the biker Jack? John? [i]Ah, James. That’s right.[/i] Her brows rose curiously at the final jab before Cap junior made his way right over toward her and took a seat. She caught a quick glimpse of Jules, returning the woman’s wave with one of her own before turning her attention solely on Luke. She crossed her legs, resting an elbow on her knee and her chin in her palm as she studied him. [color=217c85]"Rough morning, handsome?"[/color] 

[color=995749]"It’s better now,"[/color] Luke grinned lazily at Ronnie, leaning back some, before he offered his hand to her. [color=995749]"Lucian Rogers, may I have the pleasure of knowing your name, beautiful?"[/color] He seemed to rebound quickly enough, brushing off the more or less subtle rejection, and subsequent pissing match with James, in order to set his eyes on a better prospect…for the time being, Luke could be tenacious at best and bullheaded at worst. Of course, he remembered her name from yesterday, but it was only polite to do actual introductions before he tried to do something more fun, like invite her back to his room after the day's activities for extra [i]training.[/i] 


Ronnie pivoted where she sat, turning her body to face him with an impish grin. She slipped her hand into his and gave it a brief shake. [color=217c85]"Veronica Hardy. [i]Ronnie.[/i]"[/color] She found it almost endearing the way he just flitted from one denial to pursue something else, although he lost points for not approaching her first. But if Luke was determined enough she could think of a couple ways he could make it up to her. 

Instead of shaking her hand, he brought it to his lips, pressing a lingering kiss to the top of her knuckles, smirking ever so slightly before he pulled away and let go of her hand. [color=995749]"It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ronnie."[/color] Luke, more confident than usual in an attempt to save face after the rejection, very casually rested his arm on the back of where she sat, not close enough to touch but Ronnie would be able to feel the heat from his bicep as it brushed over her shoulder whenever she moved. [color=995749]"Are you ready for training?"[/color] He waggled his eyebrows at her playfully, clearly not quite taking it all as serious as some of the others. 

While Luke might have been trying to be a little more respectable, Ronnie was not. The moment his arm rested across the back of her seat she leaned back casually so her bare shoulders brushed against the exposed skin of his arms. Her hands casually rested in her lap as she idly bounced her crossed leg. She shrugged her shoulders. [color=217c85]"Sure, why not? Can’t wait to see how [i]completely[/i] incompatible we all are as teammates. It’ll be entertaining if nothing else."[/color]

[color=995749]"I wouldn’t say we’re [i]all[/i] incompatible."[/color] Luke offered her a lopsided grin, his eyes sliding down her body before meeting her gaze once more, one of his fingers brushing a trail from her shoulder down her arm a little, enjoying how soft Ronnie’s skin was beneath his calloused hand. [color=995749]"In fact, I’d say you and I could [i]work[/i] together quite well. Maybe we should put that to the test later, hm?"[/color] 

[color=217c85]"That depends,"[/color] she whispered, slowly turning her head to face him with a confident, knowing smirk. [color=217c85]"Do you plan on making it up to me for not coming to me first?"[/color] Ronnie blinked slowly, tilting her head down a fraction to look up at him from beneath her lashes. [color=217c85]"Because I’m [i]no one’s[/i] rebound or second choice."[/color] While her tone was flirty and light there was a faint sharp seriousness that hung on every syllable like a blade held to his throat, tempting him to say one wrong word.

Lucian titled his head to the side some, [i]really[/i] taking in Veronica for the first time, eyes half-lidded. If he was being honest, he truly enjoyed a woman who could look him straight in the face and offer up a vague threat without even blinking, it did things to him that were a little too obvious in the sweatpants he’d chosen, so he crossed one leg over the other, shifting a little in his seat. [color=995749]"I can think of a few ways I could make it up to you,"[/color] his smirk was verging on cocky, but it wasn’t without merit. [color=995749]"Haven’t you ever heard the expression [i]save the best for last?[/i] Don’t worry sweetheart, I don’t do rebounds, and I don’t imagine you’d be any man’s second choice."[/color] Luke paused, licking his lips, before tilting his head up toward the ceiling. Was he only going to strike out here? [i]What a drag.[/i] [color=995749]"Up to you, of course. I’m more than happy to work for my redemption, beautiful."[/color]

Ronnie’s gaze fell to unabashedly look at his growing problem as he crossed his legs. A pleased hum echoed behind her smirk. She reveled in it for a moment before letting her eyes slowly trailed back up his body with a soft sigh. [color=217c85]"[i]Good[/i],"[/color] she purred, a fiery dominance igniting behind her intense stare. [color=217c85]"I’m sure we can work something out."[/color] Her hand fell to rest on his leg, the tips of her fingers slipping between his thighs, temptingly close. 

Luke’s eyebrows rose, the slightest bit of color dusting his cheeks as Ronnie’s hand slid over his leg, and he cleared his throat, trying to mentally distract himself from the rising excitement he was feeling at how forward and domineering she was being. He took a moment to think about less pleasant things, like James’s face, and only spoke again when he felt he was a little more under his own control. [color=995749]"In that case,"[/color] he sat up, uncrossing his legs so he could lean closer to Ronnie, his chest nearly flush with hers as he spoke against the cusp of her ear. [color=995749]"Why don’t you come to my room after training, we can go over our…options. I’m on floor 31."[/color] 

She turned her head slightly, angling herself so her lips just barely brushed against the cusp of his ear as she spoke. [color=217c85]"I don’t make house calls,"[/color] Ronnie whispered, the warmth of her breath caressing his skin. [color=217c85]"You will take me there yourself,"[/color] she informed him, not open to bargaining. 

Luke laughed, grinning at her. [color=995749]"Yes ma’am, whatever you say."[/color] He leaned back just enough to lean his face closer to hers, their lips just barely touching. Luke’s eyes lingered on her lips, hesitating for a moment, waiting to see what she would do. He wouldn’t try taking what he wanted, not quite yet, this was too much fun anyhow. [color=995749]"[i]Whatever[/i] you want, I have a lot to make up for, afterall."[/color] Luke murmured. 

Ronnie’s smile shifted into a devious smirk. [color=217c85]"[i]Good boy[/i],"[/color] she whispered, her lips brushing his lighter than a feather with each word. 

Meanwhile, Myla shifted uncomfortably where she sat, tugging at the hem of her shirt then tucking her hair behind her ears. Anything to try and distract her from what she was hearing. Her face twisted in visible disgust, most of her discomfort stemming from the simple fact it was Ronnie. There was a fleeting moment where she wondered if that’s how she was with Theo. Her cheeks grew hot at the thought. She cleared her throat and tried to focus on something else, but in the silence of the room it felt like they were shouting and broadcasting it for everyone else. [color=962929]"Jesus,"[/color] she muttered under her breath.

Theo grimaced, having tried desperately to block out and ignore the fact that Veronica was there, but he felt the same prickle of discomfort as everyone else, moving a smidge closer to Myla out of reflex. [color=feffb5]"She’s…different."[/color] he muttered, low and quiet so only Myla who was right beside him could hear. [color=feffb5]"This is weird."[/color]

[color=962929]"... [i]Yeah[/i],"[/color] was all Myla said as she remained facing forward with a stoic, bordering on cold expression.

James, on the other hand, was less subtle. His head rested back against the wall, brows furrowed as he stared over at Ronnie and Luke from the corner of his eyes. He kept his mouth shut and his judgments to himself… Until they were practically kissing. [color=cb6b06]"For fuck’s sake. Can you guys keep it in your pants until after training?"[/color]

Ronnie slowly pulled away from Luke, cocking her head to the side as she looked across the room toward the grumpy biker. [color=217c85]"Just because you’re the only person in this tower not getting laid doesn’t mean you can take it out on me."[/color] She leaned forward slightly, dropping her voice like she was sharing a secret, even if everyone in the room could hear it. [color=217c85]"Jealousy is an ugly trait."[/color] She smirked then leaned back in her seat against Luke’s arm, keeping his large frame conveniently blocking James from view.

Zaria’s head snapped toward Ronnie, brows furrowed and lips tugged into a frown as she looked at the woman reproachfully, but all she really saw was Luke who was smirking at her as if he’d known her reaction would be conflicted and therefore amusing. She didn’t know what to do, and it made her feel restless, Luke’s confidence made her angry, and the urge to speak up made her anxious. [color=00674F]"Ronnie,"[/color] Aria surprised herself, and she shifted in her seat uncomfortably as she felt multiple people look at her. The confidence she usually had seemed to deflate like a popped balloon, and she ducked her head some. [color=00674F]"Please don’t talk to James like that."[/color] This was new, and one of the most uncomfortable social situations she’d been in thus far considering Zaria was unfamiliar with the whole friend thing. She just hoped that Ronnie wouldn’t take offense in the small request, she didn’t care what the other woman and Luke did, Ronnie had made it clear she was the sort to not commit and that was fine, but hearing her snap at James made Zaria tense. She curled in on herself further, tucking her knees to her chest and wrapping her arms around them.

[color=cb6b06]"Jesus Christ,"[/color] James grumbled at the woman’s defensive response. He honestly didn’t give a shit about her jabs, even if they were true. It only made her look more like an asshole than him. He sighed, shook his head and rolled his eyes. James’s gaze drifted over to Aria when she spoke up in his defense. He pressed his tongue against the inside of his cheek while adjusting awkwardly in his seat. It wasn’t his goal to get her involved. He exhaled then found a place on the floor to stare at. He couldn’t begin to understand what the fuck she saw in that woman. Maybe Ronnie was different behind closed doors or maybe they didn’t talk much. Either way, he wasn’t going to lose sleep because he missed the opportunity to be friends with her or Luke. He wasn’t the only one who looked uncomfortable because of the whole exchange, he was just the one who decided to say something about it. 

The quiet ding of the elevator was muted throughout the room behind James’s and Ronnie’s exchange. Imogen had slipped from beneath Magni’s hold but she kept his free hand gently clutched in her own. She took two steps forward then paused, picking up the tail end of the heated conversation. She flashed Magni a confused expression before leading them further into the room. Without a word, she led them toward one of the benches and took a seat beside June. Her expression showed her bewilderment but she didn’t ask.

June smiled brightly at Imogen and Magni, unnecessarily scooting just a little bit closer to Jim to make space for them. [i][color=375a87]"Welcome to the shitshow,"[/color][/i] she offered Imogen her thoughts up on a figurative silver platter, rather than speak aloud. [i][color=375a87]"Those two,"[/color][/i] her eyes flickered from James to Luke. [i][color=375a87]"Had the closest thing to a dick measuring contest I’ve ever seen, and now Luke and Veronica are two seconds from giving us all a show."[/color][/i] June made a face at that, wrinkling her nose and sticking out her tongue for full effect. To anyone else, she looked ridiculous, but trying to get Imogen to laugh lightened her own mood considerably. 

[color=a8f9ff]"Oh [i]great[/i],"[/color] Imogen muttered under her breath as she ran her bandaged hand along her thigh. 

Before she could say anything else, the elevators slid open a final time as Phil, looking grumpy and annoyed, and Alfred, with a warm smile, joined the rest of them on the training floor. Both men made their way to the front of the room, facing everyone while standing before the large window. 

[color=d6d6d6]"Good morning, everyone,"[/color] Alfred beamed at everyone with his usual friendliness.

Phil, on the other hand, decided to get straight to business, as he often did. [color=d6d6d6]"Before we get started."[/color] He sighed uncomfortably like he’d rather jump into the simulation himself rather than say what he was about to say. [color=d6d6d6]"While we are all adults living under the same roof, I feel the need to remind everyone that public areas in the tower are under 24/7 surveillance. That includes the [i]elevator.[/i]"[/color] He exhaled deeply, looking a little scarred and [i]very[/i] unamused. [color=d6d6d6]"I suggest keeping your sexual exploits contained to private quarters… [i]Ms. Frost and Mr. Thorson.[/i]"[/color]

Imogen curled her lips between her teeth as her cheeks quickly flushed. Her eyes went wide as she focused on a [i]very interesting[/i] spot on the ground. Even slightly embarrassed there was also a faint, almost proud smile that tugged at the corner of her lips as she peeked over at June from the corner of her eyes. There was a long awkward silence like Phil was waiting on some sort of response or acknowledgement. She sighed softly and gave him a thumbs up. [color=a8f9ff]"Next time I’ll delete the footage,"[/color] she replied with a soft laugh.

June was trying very, [i]very,[/i] hard to not laugh, but the second she caught Imogen’s gaze from the corner of her eye she had to smother the snort of amusement, turning it into a cough that pulled at her side and made her wince. It felt a little like karma, so she slid down in her seat some and didn’t look at the blonde again. It felt a little bit like they were in high school getting lectured for something dumb, which was ridiculous considering they were grown ass adults, but it felt nice to know they could still find humor in the little things.

[color=d6d6d6]"[i]Ms. Frost,[/i]"[/color] Alfred chimed in, looking slightly like a disappointed parent.

She exhaled, looking away rather than feeling worse about herself after catching his tone. [color=a8f9ff]"Sorry, Phil. I will try to refrain from having sex in the elevator,"[/color] Imogen’s voice was flat in the way a child’s would be when they were forced to apologize. She forced a smile that didn’t reach her eyes and hoped that was sufficient enough to move the conversation to [i]literally[/i] anything else. 

[color=375a87]"Huh, there’s an idea."[/color] June muttered to herself, not having considered places like the elevator. Shame Phil was so vigilant with the security cameras. That couldn’t have been comfortable though…right? 

[color=a8f9ff]"You’d be surprised,"[/color] Imogen whispered with a guilty smile. 

June couldn’t help it, she actually laughed, raising a hand to smother the noise, throwing a guilty look toward Phil and Alfred and trying very hard to look as innocent as possible.

[color=d6d6d6]"Ladies,"[/color] Phil called out, somehow managing to look more annoyed than he sounded. 

[color=375a87]"Sorry, sorry,"[/color] June raised both her hands in mock surrender, grinning at the older man in a way that suggested she wasn’t actually sorry in the slightest. [color=375a87]"We’ll behave."[/color]

[color=a8f9ff]"Sorry,"[/color] Imogen spoke in sync with June and crossed her heart for extra measure. 

Jim shot his sister a dirty look while shifting away from June on the bench an inch. His thoughts mostly consisted of self lobotomization and deep cleaning of every surface in the tower. He briefly glanced at June between them, shaking his head in disapproval.

[color=d6d6d6]"Alright then. Back to the matter at hand,"[/color] Phil sighed and pulled out the [i]same[/i] clipboard he wielded relentlessly ten years ago when the academy was still in full swing. [color=d6d6d6]"For anyone unaware, three of you have been attacked recently: Tobias, June, and Myla. That is a fourth of this team. June and Tobias were lucky because they were not the intended targets. While the circumstances behind the forming of this team are severe, things are far more dire given that [i]two[/i] of these attacks happened just last night, catching both June and Myla when they were isolated and away from the academy."[/color] He pinned the clipboard to his chest as he crossed his arms. [color=d6d6d6]"Because of this we felt the need to expedite training and focus on preparing you for the likelihood of being attacked. Alfred and I also feel the need to implement a new rule moving forward. No one leaves the tower [i]alone.[/i] The only reason Myla is still with us is because of Theo’s proximity and intervention. There is safety in numbers and we should exercise that [i]extensively.[/i]"[/color]

Phil scanned the room, making eye contact with each and everyone of them as if to drive the point home or coax out any arguments and get them over with. When no one said anything, he nodded his head and checked his papers to put himself back on track. [color=d6d6d6]"Before getting to training we feel it is prudent for Tobias, June, Myla, and Theo to recount their experiences and share anything that they feel is important for everyone else to know."[/color] He turned his attention toward Tobias who sat closest to the front, stoic and silent enough that he went unnoticed by most of the others. [color=d6d6d6]"Would you mind starting?"[/color] he asked with the faintest traces of sympathy lacing his words.

Tobias looked up with furrowed brows and a slightly uncomfortable expression. He ran his hands along his shorts with a sigh. [color=796e9c]"Yeah sure."[/color] He looked back and forth between Phil and Alfred. [color=796e9c]"I don’t have to stand up, do I?"[/color] he muttered quietly. The thought of standing up in front of everyone like giving a speech already setting his nerves on edge. 

[color=d6d6d6]"No. Just make sure to speak loud enough,"[/color] Alfred reassured him with a gentle pat to the shoulder.

[color=796e9c]"Um, alright."[/color] Tobias sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. [color=796e9c]"Two weeks ago I was in an Italian hostel with my niece, Helena. We had been following leads about my sister and brother, and any other heroes that went missing across Europe."[/color] He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees and cupping his hands together. His gaze traced the outlines of tattoos along his fingers while he spoke as a way to ground himself and keep his emotions locked away. [color=796e9c]"We were attacked in the night while we slept. They put this…"[/color] He motioned at his neck. [color=796e9c]"Collar thing on me that blocked my powers. I don’t remember how many men there were. I killed a handful before they were able to shoot me and get me on the ground. Some of them took Helena away and sedated her."[/color] He sighed, rubbing his palms together. [color=796e9c]"I managed to get one of their guns—plastic or carbon fiber, I’m not sure—I killed all but one. Kept him alive for over two days. Tortured him. But I got nothing useful. Just that they were under [i]strict[/i] orders not to kill or apprehend me because of Magneto."[/color]

Tobias clicked his tongue and looked up at the ceiling like he was trying to remember anything else useful. [color=796e9c]"None of them had any metal on them. So they knew I was with Helena. I didn’t keep the collar… I should have. But there were magic runes along the inside. I [i]think[/i] that’s how it worked, but I don’t know anything about magic."[/color] He shrugged his shoulders and clapped his hands together. [color=796e9c]"That’s about it."[/color]

[color=d6d6d6]"Thank you, Tobias."[/color] Alfred spoke softly with sympathy as he gave him another gentle pat to the arm. 

Phil’s attention scanned the room until it fell on Myla and Theo. [color=d6d6d6]"And what about you? Myla? Theo?"[/color]

Myla sighed softly as she tried to figure out what to say or where to start. [color=962929]"They caught me off guard—seems to be the common denominator."[/color] She rubbed her neck, not really wanting to relive it so soon but she agreed it was useful information for everyone to have. [color=962929]"They uh… Got close to me through an old coworker. Had been watching me for about a year, I’d imagine."[/color] [i]Rohypnol[/i] echoed through her mind, sending a chill down her spine as she recalled the sinister tone of his voice and the quiet pop of the silenced gun. [color=962929]"There were eleven or twelve of them. I don’t quite remember. I killed four. They didn’t really do anything particularly special for me, but I don’t really have powers and I’m not much of a threat."[/color]

She cycled through the events: killing Roger, unloading the gun down the hall, gutting someone with her batons, getting stabbed, throwing a guy out the window… [color=962929]"After the fourth guy, one of them pulled out some device."[/color] Her head twinged to the side as the phantom memory was still as sharp as a knife stabbing at her brain. [color=962929]"I don’t know what it was but it played a high pitched frequency that [i]regular[/i] people can’t hear. It incapacitated me until Theo showed up."[/color] Myla shrugged her shoulders, sinking into her seat a bit. [color=962929]"That’s it."[/color]

[color=feffb5]"I uh,"[/color] he glanced at Phil, looking a little embarrassed to be speaking in front of so many people. He squeezed Myla’s hand, reassuring her [i]and[/i] himself. [color=feffb5]"I was feeling a little paranoid before we split up, so Myla and I decided to use one of the trackers I’ve developed…just in case."[/color] His gaze caught June across the room, noting how the woman sat up some at that and looked almost scarily interested in what he was saying. [color=feffb5]"It has an audio device in it, and a one time use defense mechanism that’s the only reason I knew something was wrong. I got there, took care of what was left, and…yeah, that’s it."[/color] He shrugged, a little self conscious. [color=feffb5]"One slipped away, he was the lookout, I heard him talking on the phone before I went up."[/color] Theodore left out how angry he’d been, at the goons, at himself, and he didn’t mention how each and every one of them met a swift and bloody end. None of that was important to training, or to the team as a whole. No one needed to know that Theo’s temper began and ended with a single reason.

[color=d6d6d6]"And that just leaves June,"[/color] Phil found her sandwiched between Jim and Imogen and gave her a small nod. 

She shifted uncomfortably, lips pressed firmly together for a long moment as she contemplated how to explain it all. She glanced first at Imogen, and then at Jim, before fixing her gaze on Alfred. It was the familiar expression of open understanding in his gaze that gave her the strength to find her words. [color=375a87]"It started before I even realized what was happening, I was on the phone and my emotions started to…slip, I don’t really know how to describe it. I felt like someone was reaching [i]into[/i] my chest, wrapping their fist around my emotions, and twisting them."[/color] One of her hands absentmindedly rubbed at her collarbone, a grimace flashing across her face, but her tone was steady as she continued. [color=375a87]"There was a small chase, he shot out the back window,"[/color] she threw an apologetic glance toward Phil.  [color=375a87]"I wasn’t his target, Phil was. They must have pulled public records and tracked his plate, because he was surprised when it was me but…"[/color] June let out a small breath, clenching her teeth together for a moment. 

[color=375a87]"Look, I don’t know, they must have mutants working with them because he fucked with my emotions, I didn’t have [i]any[/i] control over how I felt, it was still [i]me[/i] and my body, but it was like my autonomy was stripped away."[/color] June looked at the ground, swallowing hard. It was more than the fact that she’d tortured him, it was having her choices, her clarity, stolen from her. She felt violated, like she could still feel the phantom fingers of that man’s touch [i]inside[/i] of her chest.  [color=375a87]"I think he was trying to pull the most vulnerable emotions to the forefront of my mind, that’s the only logic I can find behind it. For most people, that’s probably fear, or confusion, especially after being shot, it would be easier for him to subdue someone that way, but for me…"[/color] 

June chuckled, a hollow sound that felt foreign to her. [color=375a87]"There’s not much to share from there,"[/color] The memory was so fresh for her, how her hands had been steady as she twisted his head, his blood hot and sticky between her fingers as she shoved his face beneath the disgusting water of the rain puddle. The ugly, hungry, pervasive pleasure she’d taken in hearing him beg, in knowing that his life would end at her hands, made her feel sick. A memory of her dad rose up, unbidden, resting his hand on her shoulder, telling her [i]’We don’t kill, we have to ensure that the cycle of violence is not perpetuated.’[/i] and June knew she had to come to terms with what she’d done sooner rather than later, or it would unmake her. [color=375a87]"I killed him, whatever power he had died with him."[/color] She crossed her arms across her chest, clearly not up for sharing anymore information.

Jim lifted his arm up to finally loop it around June’s shoulders, rubbing her arm with his right hand. He scanned her expression carefully, entirely out of his depth. His eyes flashed to Imogen on the opposite side of her, hoping for some assistance or understanding. This was the first he had heard of any of this. Somehow, in all the hours they had spent together, she had failed to mention [i]any[/i] actual details of what happened. He wasn’t exactly sure how to comfort someone when they stubbed their toe, let alone when their mind was messed with and they committed murder in self-defense. Maybe he never asked, or never asked the right way, though some part of him thought that she wouldn’t have told him even if he did. So, he gently stroked the side of her arm as he said the only thing that could come to his mind. [color=ed1c24]"I… don’t think Phil has emotions, so kind of a dumb move on their part."[/color]

June leaned into Jim, a little surprised but happy for the support. She had very intentionally not brought it up to him this morning, not because she wanted to hide it…well, the weakest part of her did, but she knew better. His support meant more to her than hiding did, and now she didn’t have to wonder…she glanced at Imogen, offering a smile that looked perfectly natural, and lied like the woman beside her couldn’t read her mind.  [color=375a87]"I’m okay,"[/color] her hand patted Jim’s thigh, letting her hand stay there, and she threw him a thankful smile at the joke.  [color=375a87]"I’ll be okay."[/color] And she very pointedly did not look at Imogen again. [i]Let me have this.[/i] She let out a small breath, and turned toward Phil. [color=375a87]"Maybe he hoped to bring out more of your [i]stunning[/i] personality."[/color] June smirked at the man, who rolled his eyes at her. 

The entire time they all recounted their experiences, Phil’s pen furiously scribbled notes of anything and everything he found worth taking note. When he finished writing, he slowly looked up with a slight smile that almost bordered on sympathy. [color=d6d6d6]"Thank you for sharing your experiences. It does seem to be a common denominator that they try to exploit weaknesses and isolation."[/color] His gaze shifted between the three of them. [color=d6d6d6]"How many of you are injured?"[/color]

Myla, June and Tobias raised their hands slightly, all of them looking reluctant to admit it but they couldn’t really deny it when the evidence was plain to see. While Imogen sat toward the back of the room, her gaze briefly fell to the bandage on her hand. It was nothing serious, just—

[color=d6d6d6]"I see that, Ms. Frost."[/color]

[color=a8f9ff]"What the fuck? Does he have eyes [i]everywhere?[/i]"[/color] Imogen muttered under her breath. [color=a8f9ff]"It’s just a burn. I’m [i]fine.[/i]"[/color] she spoke up loud enough for him to hear. 

June, who had already gotten into enough trouble for one day, pressed her lips firmly together and did [i]not[/i] laugh…aloud, she was quite loud with her humor in her mind.

[color=d6d6d6]"While I know none of you will listen to me, I feel the need to recommend that the four of you sit out of training to give yourself a chance to heal… [i]properly.[/i]"[/color]

[color=962929]"They won’t wait until we’re healed. If anything it gives them [i]another[/i] reason to come after us because they know June and I were nearly killed."[/color] Myla turned her head toward Theo slightly, her face apologetic for making him worry but resolute in her decision. [color=962929]"I’d rather fight through the pain than sit around and wait,"[/color] she spoke with a calm determination. If Theo couldn’t convince her to sit out of training with [i]very[/i] persuasive means, there was no way Phil was going to be able to. 

[color=375a87]"Myla is right,"[/color] she glanced toward the other woman, and then toward Phil and Alfred. There was nothing but resolution in her gaze, an expression that had been reflected in the eyes of her father and brother under differing circumstances before. [color=375a87]"They will exploit every weakness they can find, and we’ll have to fight regardless of our condition."[/color] June caught Alfred’s eyes, and she leaned forward so the older man would look at her directly. He seemed horribly sad, though he hid it well. She knew him better than she knew anyone else in this room though, Alfred was [i]her[/i] family, and she understood why, so she chose her next words carefully, voice soft. [color=375a87]"Why do we fall?"[/color]

Alfred smiled gently at her, and dipped his head once in agreement. [color=d6d6d6]"Very well, Ms. Wayne."[/color] He sighed, and the last bit of tension June had been holding onto evaporated. 


[color=d6d6d6]"As I thought,"[/color] Phil sighed and nodded his head. [color=d6d6d6]"Well, because of these recent attacks it made the most sense to center today’s training around such attacks. You will all be randomly paired off, then one at a time sent into the simulation room."[/color] He pointed to the window behind him which showed a large and fairly unremarkable concrete room. [color=d6d6d6]"It is pretty simple. Your goal is for you and your partner to survive. The simulations have been structured to exploit any weaknesses or vulnerabilities you all possess to mimic these attacks. Which is also why we asked for you all to arrive unencumbered."[/color]

Phil’s gaze drifted around the room until it landed on the hammer in Magni’s hand. [color=d6d6d6]"You will be expected to leave Mjolnir behind when it is your turn to train, Mr. Thorson."[/color]

Magni nodded, tossing the hammer in the air before setting it down on the ground. [color=00aeef]"I do not believe our adversaries could disarm me, but I will oblige."[/color]

After clearing his throat, Phil continued. [color=d6d6d6]"For those of you unfamiliar with the Academy and how training works here, it is fairly straightforward."[/color] He stepped to the side so everyone could see through the window as she spoke. [color=d6d6d6]"This room is the most advanced virtual reality available. While you are within a simulation everything will look and feel real. If you are injured, you will feel that pain."[/color] Phil held up his hand to silence any arguments before they could be spoken. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a tiny dart with a blinking blue light. He held it up for everyone to see. [color=d6d6d6]"These are sensory darts. They do not penetrate the skin and are harmless. They stimulate your nerve endings, tricking your mind into thinking you are feeling pain. When the simulation is over they will remove themselves. However during the training they are like ticks. You [i]can[/i] remove them but it’ll do more harm than help, injure you, and cost about one hundred thousand dollars a dart,"[/color] he concluded and slipped the small device back into his pocket.

[color=d6d6d6]"The simulation does have emergency protocols to shut down if anyone is injured, doing something dangerous, or someone says the shut down word. Any death blows: gun to the head, knife to the throat, thrown off a building, etc."[/color] Phil waved his hand generally. [color=d6d6d6]"Will end the training and result in a failure."[/color] He rapped his fingers along the back of his clipboard before continuing. [color=d6d6d6]"When it is your turn, you and your partner will enter through that door and go stand on the large X in the middle of the room. Once given the all clear, the simulation will begin."[/color] 

Phil double checked his notes to see if he missed anything before looking around the room. [color=d6d6d6]"Does anyone have any questions?"[/color]

June chanced a glance around the room, taking in the varying expressions of her new teammates. Zaria seemed uncertain, but Luke was grinning like someone had just handed him a whole bottle of bourbon and told him the entire thing was for him. The emotions seemed to swing widely amongst the group, but one thing seemed the same for the majority. There was a glint of determination in almost everyone’s eyes, and she could respect that.

[color=d6d6d6]"Very well then."[/color] He flipped to a new page as he spoke. [color=d6d6d6]"The pairings are as follows: Tobias and Zaria, June and Magni, Judith and Jameson, Imogen and Luke, Jim and Myla, and Theodore and Veronica."[/color] Phil moved over to the control panel that stuck out from the side of the wall beside the door. He spent a couple minutes clicking away at buttons and prepping the first simulation before calling forward the first group. [color=d6d6d6]"Tobias and Zaria, please."[/color] He motioned toward the door.[/color][/justify][/indent][/indent][/indent][/indent]

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