A/N: Again, very sorry for such a late update. I really need to work on my time management.
Disclaimer: I do not own DC, CW Characters.
Broken Paths
The weekend had came and went very quickly for Barry and Monday morning was filled with moans and groans. However, today was an exception. The groans Barry were making were especially elongated as well as the sighs were louder and longer than normal.
"Gideon... remind me for the umpteenth time, why I decided to do this?" Barry asked, taunting his AI companion.
"Mr. Allen, are you feeling okay? By looking at your recent behaviour patterns, rationally you wouldn't have picked anyone, let alone agree to this interview." Gideon asked politely
"I don't... know either. Maybe do a quick check up on me... but... something about her looks familiar and I just can't put a finger to it. Check her background and contact Bruce, I may just have a theory" Barry replied, scratching his head.
"Hmm... For curiosity, are you doing this for your personal reasons or work reasons, Creator?" Gideon asked. If she could she would have a smirk planted on her face right now.
"Gideon... sometimes I wonder if I should have updated you with the human feature." Barry sighed exasperatedly
"Then you'll go insane."
"Got me there..." Barry chuckled.
Without wasting a moment, Barry kept going to search the villains whilst he had asked Bruce if he had any contacts to a woman named Kara Danvers it didn't take long for the best detective in the world to see the man of steel slightly twitch through the phone at the mention of his cousin's name. This information was passed on to Barry with ease, therefore leading to new revelations.
This of course had lead to a heated conversation with no ends as Bruce had already anticipated Barry's outburst of being foolish enough not to background check before he had accepted her as being the interviewer, followed by acceptance and a cheeky jab from Bruce talking about how they would get a long. But after he had put the phone down and started getting to work about more important matters, his thoughts were suddenly consumed.
First and foremost came the irritation. He had to work twice as hard now if not more just due to the fact of studying Kryptonian abilities and powers, making sure he doesn't get exposed in the situation as well. He knows full well that she isn't a threat, nor the enemy. But working alone as the Flash for a long time has become a norm for Barry, not to mention the extra effort and time he needs to spend just to collaborate with a team and also not yet replying to Supergirl's request.
Adding onto the irritation was his pathetic thoughts that he kept scolding himself upon. Instead of picking just any other reporter. He had to go out of his way to pick the one person who wasn't a reporter because of impulse reaction. Perhaps it was standing of power that he had got the pick of anyone, but analytically he only picked Kara because she had an aura of innocence which would have made his job easy as she looked as if she would not pry too much like the other reporters who are hardened and only cared for their reputation. He also picked her for some other reason that left him clueless and annoyed.
Secondly, was relief followed by anger. Relief due to the fact that she wasn't technically his opposition, but she had to be because he liked it as the Flash was kept as a mysterious hero. Anger which came from distrust. Barry had remembered all of those times what trust did to him. His trust. Every time he let himself get too attached to someone or just accompany them, he found out that trust had always bitten him in the back. Barry just had a strong feeling that through this week they would somewhat get closer to each other. I mean, how could you not. They would be literally next to each other for nearly the whole day and communicating thoroughly and he could easily tell that Kara was a talkative person.
Another exasperated sigh escaped his lips. It was better to move on and not think too much about the situation at hand.
Lining the time vault with lead was already enough effort as well as not having Gideon to talk to for a week would mean that he would actually have human contact. Something that Gideon was very pleased to hear. It was these times where super speed was an essential for Barry Allen's life.
Today was a new day, and the sunny and bright Kara Danvers was back. All of the unpleasant feelings from yesterday had seem to dissipate as she walked into CatCo proudly. Today was the day where she would become a real reporter. On the plus side she would be reporting something she had a passion in as well as someone she had looked up to. It was just a bonus remembering all of the nice things he had done the other day and had only made her feel even more giddy.
"Good morning Miss Grant!" Kara cheerily exclaimed while holding her coffee out as well a little notepad to take notes.
"Kiera, nice to see you're motivated since you have a lot to prove this week." Cat sighed and closed her eyes before continuing almost frowning. "Although I wished you can tone down the happiness."
Instead of listening to her added comment Kara instead smiled wider and nodded.
"Well, since you have this opportunity. Do not disappoint me, and I'm sure Mr. Allen wouldn't want to be disappointed as well."
"Yes Miss Grant." Kara said before bowing and exiting her office.
Packing up her stuff and telling Winn the little details he needed to know for this week while Kara was away, someone unexpected had gone right through the doorway.
"Iris! Not that i'm not happy to see you... but what are you doing here?" Kara said greeting her friend with a confused expression.
"Kara do not tell me that you got a private interview with the... THE Barry Allen for ONE WEEK and not even message you're only friend." Iris said with a half smile, half scold.
"Um.. I.. I - Hey! I have friends" Before she could finish Iris hadn't even acknowledge her comment and insisted started on her tangent. "I need to come with you! Even if this isn't for being a reporter I want to meet him so badly!"
"Ok... why?" Kara questioned
"Becaus-" Miss Grant had stepped out of her office to greet the outsider. "If you please excuse Miss West, my worker has to do her job and as you work for Central City Picture News, don't get any ideas about plagiarism." She snarled.
"I didn't intend too" Iris said, defeated and her head drooped which was the opposite expression she had when she had gone through the door, just mere minutes ago.
"Very well, come on Kiera. Chop Chop, don't keep Mr. Allen waiting." Cat said nonchalantly walking back into her office.
Turning back around she saw Iris still standing there with a wide grin plastered on her face. "Please?" she asked cutely but it was more like a question.
Kara just smiled back at her friends antics while nodding and walking in the direction of the exit.
Typing away on his computer while working on a component of his flash suit, he had lost track of the time, until two women around his age had waltz straight into the lab. Barry, being his usual self instantly went on high alert and was about to speed right into them until he quickly glanced at the clock and realised that it was the start of the gruelling week where he had to communicate with human life. Or in this case alien life?
Calming himself he looked over his large monitor setup and saw two smiling and very giddy faces. The assistant he had met around two days ago who he remembered as Kara Danvers, who had happened to be Supergirl, which also happened to be the woman she had been avoiding for a response. Surprisingly, there was also a new girl in her mid 20s who appeared to be Kara's friend judging by the close proximity they both were walking in.
He had addressed them cautiously but also kindly, keeping up his reputation and trying to make this week as easy going as possible. "Nice to meet you again Miss Danvers and..." he prompted for the other girl to reply.
"Iris... Iris West!" She all but squealed.
"Ahh, any relation to Detective West." he questioned but instead of staring at them he continued looking back at his computer, trying to close down the files related to his flash suit. He had met Detective West in many occasions, especially since recently working with Captain Singh and only had asked this question to buy him some more time and make conversation.
"Yes, he's my father. How do you know him?" Iris asked with a questioning frown on her face.
"We've worked together at some point." Barry replied before continuing and now turning to face Kara instead. "Is Miss West part of this week's interview Miss Danvers, or were you just inclined to bring a friend." Barry asked, it may have come out kind of rudely but Barry couldn't really control himself. Being away from casual conversations for a long a time, social etiquette was not the easiest thing to adjust too.
Kara was a little bit shocked by his tone but quickly to be more professional when handling the conversation. "Sorry Mr Allen, I didn't intend to cause more trouble, I hope you don't mind if Iris joins us just for today. I think a lot of people admire you're work and having this opportunity is a once in a lifetime experience."
Realising that he may have somewhat hurt her feelings or caused some discomfort, his tone switched to a more warm and welcoming one as he stood up from his desk and went to greet the more formally with his outstretched hand he replied with a smirk. "Don't worry about it, she can join us but i'm not going to give out every secret of facility to CatCo and Cat Grant. Only what is necessary to get you a good reputation."
Kara couldn't even formulate a reply as she blushed furiously from Barry's compliment as well as his warm and inviting tone, earning her an elbow nudge from Iris causing her to snap out of her stupor and shake his hand timidly. "Thank you"
Knowing now he was in full control of the situation Barry turned to Iris and shook her hand as well before turning back to Kara and stating. "Well, let's start with a tour of STAR Labs, also if you don't mind me asking how did you get in here?" A tour wasn't a bad start. Truth be told Barry didn't really know how to handle these type of situations but on the first day, giving away as little as possible in a simple tour wouldn't hurt since he had already packed and hidden away anything suspicious or 'Flash' related, it would lower their suspicions of STAR as well as look like an ordinary science facility.
"Well, the door was open and I there didn't seem to be much security."
"Ahh. right." Barry said, making a mental note to upgrade his facility. He was sure that he had locked everything down but most of the lab was just for practical uses and more of a training ground if he thought about it. All the magic happens at the Cortex or Time Vault, where Gideon could be activated and he would work there. The Speed Lab of course was a frequent exhibition as Barry seemed to be there 24/7 when trying out a new theory. His knowledge of the Speed Force was what he learned would be the secret of becoming one of the best heroes alive, as well as becoming the fastest man alive and learning about new powers and perfecting them was another way to beat your opponent.
On the other hand Iris' reaction was on a heavy contrast to Kara's as she nodded excitedly and shook his hand furiously, causing Barry some great discomfort.
As they were waking around for quite a while, he saw the fascinated looks of both of his new companions as he told them in minimal detail the functions of each laboratory. One thing that went through both their heads though was how empty the Labs was and that Barry seemed to be the only person in the entire construction. This had elicited Kara to ask the question that was going through both their heads.
"So... is today a day off for the staff?"
Being very comfortable and not seeing the unusual factors in his business he calmly and confidently replied. "No. I work in this one alone. I do have staff working in other cities such as Gotham or Starling. But STAR Laboratories in Central is solely for my use and interests."
Unbeknownst to two even more shocked faces staring at his walking figure, his meta human alert had rung at the worst possible time and at the worst possible place Barry could have ever imagined.
As the sirens were blaring, the amazed faces turned into two very alarmed but composed faces, whereas the Barry had a very irritated annoyed look one could see. "Excuse me... Mr Allen, whats going on?" Kara asked cautiously.
"Well we got this far... Supergirl theres a meta-human at 5th Avenue, next to Jitters." Barry commanded after his 'little' episode.
"What- what... wait? What makes you think I'm Supergirl?" Kara asked with a nervous chuckle which was then followed up by a frowning face.
Running his hand down his face, Barry further instructed. "Well are you going to go? You came here to get information about the Injustice League didn't you? This guy could be harming people right now and the clock is ticking." Barry said pointing to his watch while rushing to the cortex to somehow get some information.
Meanwhile Iris was just staring shocked. Although, she already new that Kara was Supergirl, this guy just comes along and manages to know her most guarded secret and speak out loud as if he had known for years.
As her superhero instincts now took place, Kara face had a multiple expressions plastered. "I..I- We are going to have a long chat about this after I am done and- and you are going to answer some questions. Hmph." Kara replied after getting over her initial shock and taking on a gallant assertion.
Before speeding out of the STAR Labs entrance her phone had rung and she was surprised to see that it was the DEO. She had spoken some words of her own irritation when they relayed the same information Barry had just done as she was still wound out over how someone can so bluntly mention her secret without her knowledge or even meeting said person before. However, she would never say it out loud but she was impressed and a little shocked that Barry and STAR Labs had managed to get information way quicker than the DEO and perhaps had even better systems, adding even more of her own questions.
When she had gone to the location and out of eye and earshot, it was now Iris' turn to pry some questions out of Barry. For sake of her friend as well as anything that may help to the situation at hand. Albeit, she was shocked as well but the shock turned to more excitement as she was learning about how advanced STAR Labs is. Not only was it kept in pristine condition and smoothly run by just one person none the less.
Looking over Barry's shoulder and seeing the security footage she asked. "Any information on this meta?" she had tried to keep into topic as she knew that now was probably not the best time to ask questions about Kara and all the knowledge Barry Allen has.
Slightly, impressed that she could keep her curiosity at bay, without turning to her Barry spoke. "Clyde Mardon. Multiple arrests, bank robber and was identified as one of the victims of the particle accelerator explosion. Seems as his superpower is 'Atmokinesis', the ability to manipulate the atmosphere through psychic, more specifically; controlling the weather through rain, mist storms, thunderstorms and has the ability to create a tornado or twister with supple time if given to him. If you can contact Kara, tell her to stick close and don't give him enough time to generate enough particles from the atmosphere. However, in the event that it does happen use go around the tornado in order to destabilise and unravel it."
At this point it would be safe to say that Iris was at a loss for words. Kara had been listening in on their conversation as Iris was linked up with the conversation with the DEO and her phone link was direct to Kara's earpiece that she had been recently using.
Taking in that conversation she knew the right strategy was to go straight in and avoid using abilities such as freeze breath. Heat vision ought to do the trick as light beams were fast and Clyde was sent sprawling to his feet. This was the right time to whisk away any remaining pedestrians and make sure everyone got out safely. Using her super speed and x-ray vision she had finally got everyone away before Mardon had stood back up and she had manage to knock him out with a light punch to the head.
"Wow" Kara thought. She was pleasantly shocked once again at the ease she was able to take down the meta human. Barry really did have to be a genius in order to set out a plan perfectly as well as list off all of his weaknesses and abilities effortlessly. It seemed as if he had veteran experience when dealing with crooks, especially super powered crooks. Still, even with the awe and further amazement she had for the man she needed some answers and after giving a brief description of what happened to Jonn and Alex, leaving out the fact that someone knew her secret identity of course. She rushed back into STAR Labs telling them that she had left Iris in STAR Labs as she was having her interview with the Barry Allen.
"Well good luck with it Kara and tell me all about it tonight." Alex waved goodbye, detaining Mardon in the new meta-human wing implanted by some specialists in the DEO.
Storming back into the cortex she saw Barry and Iris sitting down and talking. Even though it didn't look like a friendly conversation and the two looked to be very formal and deep in thought, she knew that there was tension in the room as what turned out to be a tour of the labs had led to the reveal of the alter-ego of a superhero.
Back in her normal clothes that she had worn before visiting STAR Labs today Kara had taken on a more aggressive stance to try to use on a tactic that had worked on multiple occasions, even though it wasn't her favourite method. Fear.
Scrunching up her eyebrows and glaring at Barry she had put her foot down and was the first to speak. "You have a lot of explaining to do Mr. Allen. I need answers and you better reply truthfully."
Mentally sighing, Barry already knew she was going to try to use this tactic. It was fairly obvious, especially being someone who is 'figuratively' indestructible as well as someone whose punch is as effective as being hit by a locomotive. He had taunted her instead by asking a very silly questions to get on her nerves while immediately stopping his conversation with iris who was now stood up as he was still sat, calm and ready. "On or off the record? Where should we start?"
Clearly knowing that the first question was a joke, she had ignored it as surely everyone with a sane mind would know that revealing you're secret identity should never, ever be on recording. It just screams blackmail from the start. "How did you know I was Supergirl?" she questioned with a frown still plastered on her face.
"Does it really matter?" Barry nonchalantly commented turning to face her.
This had started to really agitate Kara as she was now starting to lose her cool. "Of course it matters! My whole life could be ruined! You can literally blackmail me or... or worse reveal my secret identity to the public!"
Barry, still calm and collective had argued one again. "Don't you think that if I was that kind of person, I would have already done it?"
Backtracking slightly she replied. "Honestly, I don't know who you are. You can get information so easily like what you have done with Mardon it only took you a couple of minutes to identify his weakness. After all now you know me both as Kara Danvers and Supergirl, and seem so relaxed about it."
Putting a smirk to his lips he chided. "Was that a compliment... oh and how could you not be relaxed when we live in a world filled with numerous other super humans, it shouldn't be surprising to find out that someone can fly."
Kara had got even more infuriated right now as Iris had moved closer to her to hopefully calm her a little bit down. "Is this just some sort of joke to you!? This changes everything now. There has to be some sort of limit of trust that I have to keep with you. Everyone in this planet has at least heard of you and it would take less than minutes for information that you have just confirmed in these two hours to go around the world. Don't you care? My life... personal life completely is in your hands... Or is that why you seem to act so chuffed and happy right now?"
These words had struck a sharp chord in Barry as his face turned into a more serious expression when he had stood up and glared at Kara in the eye. They were both facing each other with one having a lot of anger while the other had a blank look in his face. Out of every expression the stoic and motionless gaze that Barry held when he was walking towards Kara to size her up was just 'blank'. Empty even. However, if one was looking closely a slight spark of sympathy was on Barry's expression.
After all, it was as if he was being portrayed as Eobard Thawne in this scenario, the person who had caused his life to be so dark and spiral into such depths of sadness that strong emotions and feelings such as love, sadness and trust feel so far and numb from every feeling. The person who knew everything about Barry but he knew nothing about the other man. This moment he had to solidify that he wasn't turning into him, and wasn't going to use her for his own needs. Truth be told, she would actually slow him down instead of it being the other way around.
Iris was just looking at the two and was about to utter a word before Barry had spoken in a voice which looked like could fit the most feeling she had heard him the whole morning.
"Im not happy. Im not chuffed, or cheerful or any of those things. I don't need to use you in order to get what I want, and I'm not going to waste my time talking about trust or whatever you really want to talk about. You can believe me or not, I really don't care. But if you think that I am going to do any of those things, you better think again. Sure you don't know me and you may think that I know everything in the world. I don't. Finally, I'm not saying any of this to change you're view on me or make you think I'm some good guy because... what's the point?" Barry said, not stopping or stuttering on any word that he had said, still glaring at Kara intently in the eye with the gaze showing clear honesty and empathy in those words. Confusing and stunning Kara for the trillionth time today, she had turned her head slightly to the side to avoid his gaze she replied quietly but still unsure, showing her lack of trust.
"Okay... But how do I know that I can believe you?"
Still staring intently he replied "I'll give you the choice. Pick someone else, some other reporter to do things here around STAR so Cat Grant could have her story and leave. You won't get you're gold scoop but you won't have to believe me. Or do what you intended to do from the very beginning."
"Well... why did you pick me in the first place?" Kara asked, instead of answering his initial question and when she wasn't gifted with the quick reply that Barry always seemed to have at every question. This one seemed to have struck him as she turned back and saw that he too had a confused look mixed with one deep in thought.
"If I'm being honest, I don't really know. You seem to have this aura that makes people more comfortable, and even though that I was going to have a reporter stay at my humble abode for a week, it would have been nice to talk to some company." Barry said to try and lower the tone as his cocky side was slipping back in, but it had looked like it took a lot for him to say it which made her seem sceptical.
Iris had bumped in to the conversation, knowing full well that the hard and serious tone was dying down, she had sped it up and caused the barriers to break. "Yeah! Kara definitely makes people feel that way. I'm sure we can get along, as long as you help us and we help you."
Kara finding the perfect moment to jab at this situation just replied with a smirk. "Don't try to change the way this conversation is going. We all know that you came her just to see Barry. What was that? He's so hot you were telling me last night?" It may look like it came out of ease but for some reason it took a lot for her to say that because for some reason, she kind of liked him too. Not just attracted, but that little pep talk from him just seemed to make her trust him, not really even getting the chance to know him from today which was hard for her as she found it hard to trust as well.
Barry just nervously laughed, while Iris' face flushed red and she was hitting Kara while screaming 'I didn't' over and over again, before backing away to give Kara her personal space as he had just got up in her face to talk to her more seriously and somewhat pleadingly showing that he isn't the bad guy. It was sort of more for himself to reassure himself that he was never... never ever going to turn out like Thawne.
"So will I be seeing you tommorow? Or is Cat Grant going to have to give me a call telling me to visit CatCo again to pick out another candidate?"
Once Iris had finished, she looked to the ground as if thinking of her answer before a smile appeared on her face and she looked Barry straight in the eye to reply with a very confident and impressed tone. "Looks like i'll be for a few days. Better get used to me Allen."
The chatty and comfortable nature had once again returned as Barry playfully agreed but jabbed. "Hmm. Are you sure Ms Grant would be okay with you addressing me like that?"
"Um... um.." She turned to Iris for support but came out blankly as her face was now flushed with red, so she had just ran out in what looked like lightning speed while shouting. "I'll see you tomorrow Mr Allen!"
Barry just stared at where they had excited before going into the time vault turning Gideon on, only to get playful remarks on how his mood had changed during the time he was interacting with Kara and how Gideon was so proud of him. Barry could remember one particular tease which was a threat to call Bruce about his 'development' but he knew that Bruce would have given him an earful if Gideon had done that and that was something that he really didn't want right now.
Back to work on the suit he told himself, even though today he had a smile finally plastered on his face while he was sure snapshots were being taken.
Dropping Iris into the CCPN she had stopped into the DEO to work on some more cases about the Injustice League as well as hope to get some more information from Clyde Mardon, turns out that he was just a distraction while they were plotting something near Keystone City, in which they had already contacted Jax and Stein in order to solve that mystery as strange signals have been appearing all over National City as well as activities occurring at major science and technology facilities.
Alex had asked her about how her day had went and as a sister she was ecstatic to find a bright smile on Kara's face as that was all the answer she needed, even though she went to ask for information about how the visit at STAR Labs went. Surely enough, her sister wasn't a very good liar as Kara was obviously keeping something hidden but she didn't know whether it was bad or good so she didn't pry at the moment, perhaps when they get back home she'll ask for the more intricate details.
While chatting mindlessly to Winn at the DEO as well as monitoring for any other signs or strange activities, she would say that overall... today was a good day. Bad guy didn't harm people - Check. Socialising - Check. A pep talk that was super heartfelt and another person she felt like she could trust from one of the hottest guy's on earth - Check! Check! Check! All that she needed now was a bit more communicating as Barry Allen seemed to be getting more interesting by the minute.
But of course all good days seem to come to an end. Her phone was ringing and the Caller ID was 'James Olsen'. She was still mad at James and hadn't responded to any of his texts this morning. It didn't even look like he cared as he didn't bother calling to follow up and didn't even send a follow up text.
Answering it she sighed and clear annoyance was on her tone as she greeting. "Hello?"
Not knowing or even realising Kara's tone, James replied as if nothing was wrong."Hey babe. How are you?"
Kara didn't care for the small talk at the moment because his voice seemed really irritating to her she quickly shut him down. "James is there anything you want. I'm kind of busy."
"Oh alright... Well i'm just calling to say that me and Lucy are prolonging our visit as Clark here has to stay a couple of days before Perry lets him off for vacation leave. I kind of want to meet the old pals here and say hi to the new guys as well if that's alright with you."
Kara accepting and seeing nothing wrong she answered cautiously and still agitated. "Sure... see you soon..."
"Bye love you!"
"Bye"
She put her phone down but this feeling in the back of her head made her think as if something wasn't right. After staring at her phone for a few moments she had decided to call Clark and ask him herself if he was staying in Metropolis just for a couple of days due to Perry's request. It had really hurt her feelings, but unsurprisingly Clark didn't even know James was in town. Not bothering to tell him what she was feeling right now she shut off the conversation and made a quick excuse that James was just on his way, knowing that he had been arrived there last night and it was now 10:00 pm.
'Of course James wanted to stay, he obviously wanted to get to know Lucy again'. she furiously thought. This had seemed to be taking a large toll on her as Alex had came up to her to ask what what wrong only to become infuriated as well and had sent Kara home.
Kara being Kara refused and decided that she was going on a crime fighting rampage... even going as far as Central City without really realising it and by 12:00 am when she had reached an area that had unusual electrical resurgence seemed to be being emitted as well as anything that was connected to a socket or had electricity was bursting from it spontaneously exploding. Before she made her way to move she saw a blur and a flash of lightning as her comm link started to ring and was met with Winn and Alex on standby commanding orders with DEO troops making their way to the vicinity.
"Livewire." She whispered seeing the living electricity move from place to place with her eyes managing to see things in super speed.
The red clad hero had stood next to her watching the same destruction before talking. "You seem to know who is behind all of this."
Looking up she was glad but shocked to see the Flash fighting crime once again. An ambience of familiarity seemed to emanate from his stature all the way to his eyes and a very chiseled jawline.
She was snapped out of her thoughts when he had addressed her intrepidly. "Get the civilians out... i'll think of something."
Once she had evacuated everyone she saw the Flash spinning around in multiple circles before lashing out a bolt of lightning at Leslie who had taken on her human form. Unfortunately for him, he didn't know that instead of overcharging her he had supercharged her as the surge of light had turned from a bright orange to a deafening blue that hit him straight in the chest.
"Thanks for the charge!" She gushed with delight before causing more mayhem and striking him once again causing the Flash to lay stationary on the ground. Supergirl was about to turn to her after watching the exchange but instead went towards Flash and saw the living electricity glide through the utility pole and all the cables before disappearing into the distance.
"Flash!" Kara shouted before dashing to him and picking her up. She didn't know anything about the Flash. especially his hideout since he was a very secretive superhero, so instead she convinced and insisted that they take him to the DEO until he regains consciousness.
For Barry, everything went black and the last words that he heard were the arguing between the two Danvers sisters.
A/N: A little bit sloppy, but and i'm sorry if the reveal may have came a little bit early but I hope you enjoy. I literally say this every time but I am planning to update more frequently, and I am again sorry for the long wait for the story. Thank you for the kind reviews, favourite and follows as well as the thoughts and discussions. It makes writing this 100x more fun and enjoyable!
-Ancillary
