Chapter Two: Cracking Her Code
She looked so different, and he couldn't help but evaluate her from every angle. A grin pulled from ear to ear as he finally stopped his observations and stood within inches of her. He never did seem grasp the concept of personal space, but Jinx decided to let him stay where he was for now.
The hero and the villain had relocated to a rooftop of an abandoned warehouse across so that they would be free from the public's eye and their camera phones. Kid Flash had the fortune of donning a disguise, but Jinx had always shown her face. It was a decision she regretted now, but then again she never imagined herself as anything but a villain. Hindsight was a bitch.
She was slightly irritated with him to say the least; she never was a fan of being moved without her permission, especially at the speed that Kid Flash liked to travel. Still, she understood why he did it now. Playing 20 questions in the middle of a busy street was sure to draw eyes and foil whatever it was that she was attempting to do with her life.
"You look so different, but I like it. It suits you, and your eyes really pop against that color. Is that your natural hair color and style?" he mused. There wasn't a drop of sarcasm within his voice, just genuine interest. She wanted to scold him for delving into affairs that weren't his business, but the innocent look he gave her crushed any of her feisty demeanor.
"I'm naturally a very dark brunette, but I felt that black was a better fit for me. Different, but still appropriate. And yes, my hair is naturally curly."
It felt odd to speak to him in such a casual setting. She felt vulnerable without her old uniform and intimidating hairstyle. She could still cast magic though, and if he crossed the line she would happily remind him that she was still just as dangerous before.
Silence hung in the air for a moment, making Jinx rather uncomfortable. She began to fidget with the shopping bags in her hands as she stared own the hero with an expectant glare.
"…..So what are you going to do now? I'm assuming you've left that band of losers." His usual amused tone was replaced with a rather serious one. Now was not the time for fun and games. Jinx had taken a step in the right direction, and he wouldn't taint it with his typical antics. Besides, it was nice that she wasn't yelling at him or trying to escape for a change.
Now it was Kid's turn to wait for her response. He watched her eyes as they ran through a gambit of emotions. It seemed that she just now realized the gravity of her situation. She looked at him rather dazed, and formed a small frown.
"I'm not really sure. I know that sounds like a typical response, but when I left it was similar to having an epiphany. I don't want to spend my life running from the authorities and stealing from hard working people. I've been unhappy for a while, but I just repressed it and brushed it off as if it was just a phase of insecurity." Her fidgeting had turned into a wringing, providing a tell of her mental state.
Kid reached his hand out to her, gently clutching one of her wrists to stop her, and to offer some sort of contact. She looked like she needed a hug, but he didn't wish to try his luck just yet. "I'm glad, because eventually I would have had to arrest you. I can only delay doing my job for so long. More importantly though, I really did mean what I said to you when you caught me last time. You really are better than what you were doing. "
She blushed a bit as his comment before nodding. "It was embarrassing to have someone that I only knew for a day come in and tell me what I should or shouldn't be doing. I knew you were right though. I'm not saying that you're why I left, but having stranger come in and make the same observations sealed the deal for me. I just wish I had planned it better. I had some money back at the base, and some clothes. It's probably for the best though, it would have been a rather dramatic exit if I returned and then left the team."
A small frown formed across Kid's face. "Where are you staying? And how did you afford the new color and new clothes? You didn't steal did you?" His voice held a hint of disappointment, but he tried to mask it.
"I haven't stolen anything since the night you interrupted me. I had a little bit of money on me after I defeated Madame Rouge, so I wandered around the city all night and then came across a motel and holed up for the night. I went out this morning and bought the hair dye and the clothes." She almost sounded embarrassed as she admitted this, but the feeling died when she saw his expression brighten.
"You really are serious about this, huh?" Kid mused.
"Why wouldn't I be? I've never really been the type to flounder."
"No, I mean…I'm sorry. It's just that…wow…well wait a second. You must be running out of money, where are you going to stay?"
Jinx just sighed. "Nothing gets past you, does it hero? I haven't figured that out yet. I'm planning on trying to get a job somewhere, but I need to find a way to fabricate my records and what not. I'll be ok. I'm pretty resilient."
"You'll stay with me…" he announced with a little smile.
"What? The hell I will!" Ah, there was that little spitfire he knew, but he wouldn't be humoring her.
"Look…I'm not going to let you stay at some nasty motel until you go broke while you try and find yourself. If you are going to soul search, you shouldn't have to worry about where your next meal is coming from because then you'll be tempted to steal again. I promise that I'll be a total gentleman, and I even have an extra bedroom at my apartment. If you want a new identity I can help you get it, and if you want to switch sides and fight along with me and the Titans I'll give you an introduction. Whatever you want to do I'm game, as long as you don't go back to what you were doing before. Please, just treat it as if I'm repaying you for saving me from Madame Rouge. Ok?"
Her mouth opened and closed, but not a sound emerged from it. She was stunned from his statement, because it was completely true. What choice did she really have though? She only had $100 left on her, and that would easily be spent in a if she stayed another night at the motel, and bought something to eat."…..Only for a two months max, and I will do chores and housework. " She hardly sounded enthusiastic about this, but at the same time she knew it was her best option if she really wanted to make this work. Kid Flash was annoying, cocky, and overly flirtatious, but she knew he was loyal and honest.
"What? Really?" he couldn't contain the excitement in his voice as he drew Jinx in for a crushing hug and laughed a bit. "I promise you won't regret it. Now then, where is this crappy motel you were staying at so we can go get your stuff and get going."
"No need. I paid for my night already and I have everything I need in these shopping bags."
Kid just nodded as he scooped her up again, along with her purchases and bolted. Maybe he would get a chance to start over with Jinx, and maybe she would finally do something that made her happy for a change.
Jinx hated this mode of transportation because it was simply terrifying. Everything came at them so fast, and there were many instances where she was sure that Kid Flash was going to collide with some random inanimate object. He never did though. She decided to keep her eyes closed on their short little trip, which made it tolerable. She waited for him to stop moving when she finally opened her eyes.
"Home sweet home…well one of them at least." He said with a little laugh. Pink eyes blinked a few times as she absorbed the sight. The apartment was modern and clean. Dark wooden furniture contrasted nicely against dark blue walls and white carpet. It held a slight eastern feel to it, but it wasn't a theme. Art hung on various walls, and were framed with pride. Jinx was surprised to say the least.
"This isn't what I expected at all…" she trailed as she slipped out of his grip and set her bags down.
"Were you expecting the same colors as my uniform with garish mementos from all of the bad guys I've taken down?"
"Well…yeah." Jinx said with a laugh.
"That's Batman's style, not mine. When I come home I don't like to be reminded of work."
"So, why did you bring me here then?" Kid Flash could tell she was serious about her question.
"Because, you are trying to be good. Besides, you're wonderful company." He replied, a dimple cutting into his smile.
"Whatever…" she then explored his apartment without permission. She was instantly drawn to the art hanging on the walls. It turned out that it was several black and white photographs of various people, and locations. They were all beautifully shot. "Where did you buy these?" she asked.
"I didn't. I took them and developed them. It's a hobby of mine." He called out as he took her bags to the spare bedroom. When Jinx turned to reply, Kid was standing right beside her, causing her to jump a bit.
"Sorry, I'll try to move a little slower around you." He teased as he peered over her shoulder. "Oh, this one is my favorite. I took it when I traveled to Japan for the Cherry Blossom festival. "And the woman in the kimono?" Jinx cut in. "Just a random woman that was spinning beneath the tree. "She didn't even know I took it. I ran up and snapped the shot and disappeared just as quickly. I don't like it when people pose for photos. I like taking pictures of candid moments."
"How poetic of you." Jinx deadpanned.
"I'd like to think so." He mused .
The two exchanged eye contact for a moment before Jinx broke the silence. "My room?" she questioned.
Kid just lead her down the hall and opened the door to reveal a bedroom painted in dark green with dark wood and the same modern look as the rest of the house. "I can paint if a different color if you want. It'll take a few hours to dry after that."
"You could?" she asked, a bit caught off guard by the offer.
"Yep…one of the perks of being the fastest boy alive."
"Even if I wanted to paint it hot pink?"
That caused Kid Flash to cringe.
"Ok…royal purple?" she tried again.
"I can live with that color while still maintaining my manhood." He teased.
"Can…can I have a purple and brown bed set too?" she mused, giving him a slight pout.
Kid was always a sucker for women. He pretended to be put off by the idea by offering a heavy sigh before smiling at her. "And what will you do for me?" he purred.
"I'll cook dinner while you do all of that."
Little did Jinx know that food was truly the way to his heart. "What kind of food?" he perked.
"Roasted honey chicken with some vegetables and a potato?" she tried.
"Done deal. My fridge is fully stocked beyond belief. Please try not to freak out when you see the amount of food in there. I have an insanely high metabolism because of my powers. If you need any ingredients let me know and I'll get it for you. Anything else that you want for your room?" he questioned.
"Nope."
"Then I'll be back in a flash." He teased. Just as he was about to take off, Jinx called out to him.
"Yeah?" he questioned.
"Just where the heck is this apartment anyway?"
"London." He replied casually.
"England?!"
"Yep." And with that response, he was gone.
