002

[big_blue_boyscout]

Who: Clark Kent and Blake Belladonna descendsfromshadow
What: A chance meeting after their previous encounter
Where: A grocery store
When: A day or two before Lady Blue's theft of the Omegabase

[Technically, Clark didn't need to eat, but thanks to his mother he has a certain appreciation for good cooking. He didn't get a lot of time to actually do much cooking given the demands of his job, but every once in a while on a night where he just got to be Clark Kent he'd make something other than take-out. He was hoping tonight would be one of those nights. Between the dinosaur invasion, some of the other Omegafriends wildly changing personalities and the dozens of crimes that happen on any given night he hadn't had much time to himself. The job would always-- always come first. But even Superman needed a break every once in a while.

[He wandered down the isles of the store, picking the odd ingredient here and there, keeping one ear tuned toward the vibrant soundscape of Venture City, just in case there was some situation the others couldn't take care of. For the moment, they were on top of everything, and that got a smile out of him. A few years ago, there were only a few heroes on the street, and for every brush fire you put out there were three more springing up. It seemed like a distant memory.

[It seemed like everything was well in hand until the shouting drifted in from the front of the store. Sounds like someone got caught shoplifting. Clark adjusted his glasses, moving to the front of the store. It sounded like the situation was under control, but on the off chance that changed he'd rather be up close.]

Comments

[descendsfromshadow]

[Disappointment. That's... promising, but she doesn't drop the studying look just yet.]

Maybe, but you can't say that it wouldn't have saved everyone a lot of problems down the road. Rewriting a criminal's entire personality.

[big_blue_boyscout]

That doesn't make it right. No matter how much power you have, you don't get to make other people's choices for them.

[descendsfromshadow]

[There's a moment of silence from her before her expression softens slightly.]

I agree. I just wanted to see what you'd say.

[She looks forward again, smiling faintly for just a second.]

Thank you for the food. I'll find away to return the favor someday.

[big_blue_boyscout]

[He had a feeling.]

Don't worry about it.

[He said, waving his hand as if he's waving away the idea of it. She was in a bad place, and he was more than willing to lend a hand.]

[descendsfromshadow]

[He can say that but... she's made a note of it anyway. She'll think of something.]

So... what should I call you right now?

[big_blue_boyscout]

Clark.

[She already knows it's him, so there really isn't much of a point in trying to keep that particular genie in the bottle.]

[descendsfromshadow]

Clark.

[She repeats the name, committing it to memory like he had done some time ago, nodding to herself.]

They gave me one of those watches after the fight. ... I guess that makes me part of the team now.

[big_blue_boyscout]

[He smiles. A situation like that, he can see why.]

So you'll be staying at the Omegabase then?

[It's been on his mind, where she's staying. Like she said, there are plenty of areas in the city that are unfortunately inhospitable to Faunus, and even those probably have more of a price tag than she can afford.]

[descendsfromshadow]

That seems to be the most viable option for now.

[It's true there aren't really many safe havens for her kind here. Of course, the White Fang had places hidden away that she'd been using but those weren't particularly safe for her either anymore.]

[big_blue_boyscout]

[He nods in agreement.]

I'm glad to know you'll have someplace safe to stay.

[It's one less thing she has to worry about, which is good. She may be able to handle herself just fine, but she shouldn't have to.]

And if you ever need to reach me ...

[He raises his arm, letting his sleeve drop to reveal the watch on his wrist]

You know what to do.

[descendsfromshadow]

[It's a weight off of her mind as well. Now all she has to do is work out some way around not having any kind of income.

She looks toward his watch and nods, and then offers a faint smile.]

Well, at the very least I know who to call if I ever need to move a couch.

[big_blue_boyscout]

[She gets a laugh out of him.]

You wouldn't be the first.

[He turns, ready to let her go, but he stops.]

Have you given any more thought about what I said? About what you're going to do?