New Chapter. Slowed down a little in the writing, I have been dabbling in my other projects. Notes at the bottom as ever.
It was a grey morning, perfect Monday weather, it fitted the mood of most people as they left the weekend behind and returned to work. GoGo arrived at her place of work in her car, a sporty custom she had worked on as a pet project after graduating. She didn't need to hurry into work to park up, she had a spot with her name on after all, but GoGo was punctual. Parking up she climbed out. The sky threatened rain and she wasn't dressed for a shower, so she locked up and made her way inside quickly.
"Good morning." The receptionist greeted, Mifune Motors racing division was a more close-knit design and build shop than the motor-factors, about ten staff worked there full time. The lobby of the building was smart but reflected the nature of the work that went on inside. Racing graphics, photographs of the team's famous cars and wins, an actual original 1920s Mifune Motors cup winning car. Some people did not like their workplace, GoGo wished she could take some of it home with her.
"Hey Zee, anyone else in yet? Oh, and is there anything I need to know?" GoGo set the nearby coffee machine to make her order (A collaborative creation between Hiro, Honey and Aunt Cass, it could make very good drinks. Everyone's workplace had one and Krei was looking to create a more affordable machine to market).
"There's a meeting added to your schedule for two pm, some of the execs are coming in for that one. Otherwise it is a normal day. Shun's already in the lab." Zee was efficient and organised, it was her job to keep all the creative types and engineering geniuses working to some form of time scale and plan. Once all that part was sorted out she took front-desk duties, apparently the best way to slack off and play solitaire while still actually working.
"Right. Buzz me when it is meeting time would you?" GoGo took her drink and walked through to her workshop. She still worked on wheels and mag-lev, only on a larger scale than those for her bicycle. Currently she was figuring out a way to make them seem like traditional wheels for motor vehicles, while also moving onto radical new spherical motive-conveyance for 360 degree movement.
It would be revolutionary.
Unless Hiro beat her to innovation with his hover-car concept. The wonder boy had made a hover-board as his project at SFIT. Baymax had always been Tadashi's and the micro-bots had a bad association all through college for him. So he had gone for something fun but with a lot of components that were useful in other applications. Now in Krei Tech he was scaling up for cars and trucks.
GoGo sat at her desk and watched the prototype sphere floating in its little dock, it made for a cool desk toy even if the larger version had a habit of escaping to re-enact Raider's of the Lost Ark all around the workshop.
"Heey Ethel." Her colleague called. GoGo scowled, Shun was not her favourite person.
"Shun. Haven't you got some brake systems to work on?" She avoided talking to him if she could, he just annoyed her most of the time and any extended conversation ended in him flirting. He wasn't a skeezy guy, but he was a tad slimey. He was an engineer too, from some other technical college, not SFIT. He worked on brake systems and despite his attitude and behaviour he was a good designer.
"I just wanted to greet my lovely lab partner." Shun wore loudly patterned shirts and brown slacks. All the time. His hair was always styled into some greaser hairdo and he had a moustache that was groomed into thin lines above his lip. He thought he was some kind of modern day Adonis. GoGo really didn't like him.
When GoGo had joined Mifune he had made every possible pass that was considered permissible by workplace standards. He'd had two warnings about his behaviour, there was always the chance GoGo would deliver a third, more physical, warning in person. As it was, she really hoped the bosses would move him to another location.
"All greeted. Hi. Now I have work, Zee told me I had a meeting later and I am busy." Brusque was easy. Hopefully he would get lost.
"I'm wounded. Though that coffee is calling my name." Shun left. GoGo was happy about that, he really could get on her nerves. She turned back to her desk.
"Camera, record. Method thirty six for the spherical bearing element begins now." It felt like her college days all over again, but this time she was being paid, not paying for it.
That was a bonus. She pulled out her tools and glared at the test sphere, it was time to get to work.
六
Hiro sat in his lab. Krei Tech had given him a whole floor for research and a full staff. He could throw together some ideas and they would sort through the fine details to whatever degree he wanted. Then he could find the final touches with ease.
It worked. It really worked. Improved batteries and power supplies. Baymax units adapted into so many medical functions and deployed into so many places. Saving lives, helping people just like Tadashi wanted.
His Micro-bots, hover technology, adaptations on the Baymaz AI - Hiro was working on plenty of projects and had handed on ideas to the talented people on his lab team too. He was happy.
"So Hiro, I see the Micro-bots have been a resounding success." Alastair said from the doorway. He had a coffee in hand. "That was an impressive rescue the other night. Is everyone okay?"
"GoGo insists she's fine." Hiro shrugged, the slightest flush of red touched his ears mentioning her. Waking up in an embrace had pulled a lot of the feelings he'd put away, right back to the front of his mind. "We've also got a lot more intact Black Ghost technology to look through. I remembered an old bot-fight move, pretty fun to watch a 013 get taken to bits like that." He grinned, mentally changing the subject.
"Indeed. I suppose that is with the Strategics though?" Krei had been somewhat disappointed when the "government boys" had come in and co-opted the team. Hiro knew the man had a secret comic collection that rivalled Fred's and had loved being the benefactor for the team. Now it was cooperative with SHIELD, so most of the better tech that was confiscated got taken by them.
"Or SFPD, they were first on scene when we finished." Hiro offered.
"Ah, no matter. The micro-bot work has been an excellent advertisement for their functionality and a great help to the city." Krei drained his mug. He was about to say more when a lab technician arrived. "Keep up the good work Hiro." He nodded and shared a wink.
六
A yellow car door slammed shut with more force than usual. GoGo slumped in her seat and laid her head back on the headrest,trying to ignore the urge to punch the dash. Today could have gone better.
The day had been like any other, mostly; work on her prototypes and watch with amusement as the sphere failed and bounced off the ceiling. Her larger width wheels were working and had hit all the targets set. She'd at least had that to present at the meeting.
Her bosses had come for a progress report and a chat about the criminal using her wheels. Her wheels that Mifune produced exclusively. They had liked her new wider wheels and seen a demonstration of their use. She had shown them the latest fixes for the spheres and the new problems those had brought.
The bosses had assured her that they were not allowing her wheels to be sold to criminals. They had said with certainty that no one could interrupt the supply line to steal any.
They had stated that the "hero" 6-yellow was the only other person with access to the wheels and "Despite the distraction tactics of the other night. There was a possibility that they were responsible for the criminal activity." They had told her not to worry and there was no suspicion on her head but they had given the investigation officer from SHIELD their verdict.
Of course she couldn't say a word.
Not one.
"AAAaaaaaaaaa Sheeba!" She thumped her steering wheel and left a mental apology to her Grandpop, Mom would have agreed with the language in this situation. Her bosses thought she had blown herself off the roof as an alibi? "Idiots." GoGo had excused herself from work early. Zee signed it off, she was good like that.
Now what was she to do? Everyone else was certainly working and though Krei was good about Hiro having his friends visit, she didn't feel like a trip to the busy lab. So there was either going to her house and feeling alone or do something she had been putting off.
It was about time to talk to some people.
六
The sky had brightened up around lunchtime so it was sunny in the park like surrounds of the Cemetery. GoGo had visited sporadically in her time, her mother and grandfather were here before Tadashi and of course she would go visit her lost friend.
She had a trio of flowers, her mother's, her grandfather's and Tadashi's. It was only polite to bring a gift. Her first stop was the pair a little further into leafy space. "Hey Mom, Pops. Long time no speak. Sorry." GoGo sat cross-legged in front of the two headstones. She placed a pink rose on her mother's grave and a red rose on her grandfather's. There was no language in these flowers, they were blooms that the two had liked while alive, so she brought them along to place on the graves. "I needed someone to talk to, I thought you guys would appreciate a visit." She sighed. "Having a superhero identity is tough. I wanted to tell my bosses exactly where to shove their idea that I am stealing my own tech." She ran her hands through the short cropped grass, trying to imagine what her grandpop would say, or how her mom would react. It was painfully difficult, they had been gone so long. "So anyway... I'm thinking of getting closer to Hiro. He's really, he's someone I want to be with. I've told you about him before remember? But I've figured some things out now and I know what I want."
GoGo stood up then. "I'll bring him to meet you one day. Might even tell Father about him eventually." Giving the two stones a formal bow, she straightened up smiling and waved them goodbye.
Tadashi would be a little harder to face, metaphorically speaking. After all, she was going to tell him that she wanted to start a romantic relationship with his little brother.
"Hey nerd." GoGo noticed a few new little tributes on Tadashi's grave, Hiro had certainly visited recently from the looks of it. There was a Medmax logo sticker next to the engraved name, that hadn't been there before. "Cute. You would have liked that." GoGo sat down, this time a little more companionably, leaning against the side of the stone with her knees drawn up to rest her chin on. "I brought a flower. Thought it was appropriate."
Of course there was silence, she didn't really expect an answer but it was still unpleasant. Tadashi had been her best friend. Now his brother was, but they both loved and missed Tadashi. She dropped the single crocus onto the grave. She'd brought one a few times now, the significance was only to her, but it felt right.
"So, I'm totally going to make a move on Hiro." GoGo said, she couldn't keep a straight face and a smirk escaped. "I can imagine your reaction, but that was you at eighteen. There's no sense thinking about the could-have-beens though." She paused and looked to the sky. There was no use lying to herself, in the intervening years, at times when today moved to become tomorrow and it was the AM and she still couldn't sleep... Thoughts bothered her. Dating Tadashi, getting closer to him. All the rose-tinted imaginings that were the tragic luxury of a relationship ended suddenly and without warning. Those little thoughts had slowly dropped away as she came to terms with losing him.
"I'll settle for a spit-take from you. Probably because Hiro is older now so you can't object." She broke the silence again, it hadn't been maudlin but it hadn't been comfortable either. "I've got to say though, if it was genes or Cass doing an excellent job; Hamada guys totally have what I want." She chuckled. "Well nerd. Good chat. I'm going to head off."
It was hard, supplying all the conversation when she was naturally the quite type. But talking to her family and her friend made her think more on the matter. It was helpful and she felt a little less stressed. Still frustrated though, as she reached her car she noticed the parking pass and scowled at the name printed across it.
Still, there was something else to do that always helped her de-stress.
六
Traffic wasn't bad when you drove home from work on a motorcycle. Hiro pulled into his garage to park and it was a quick turnover from work clothes to street clothes when all he had to do was put on a fresh T. Then he left through the front to see Aunt Cass. He still couldn't cook worth anything and he liked spending at least one meal a day with her. They had each other, though he was trying to encourage her to get dating again. Especially now he'd moved out.
The Lucky Cat Cafe still had some custom. It wasn't an event night but Aunt Cass kept the place open until six anyway. There were a few people sat around and, slightly surprisingly; with Mochi lounging on her table getting fussed, was GoGo. "Hey wonder boy." She gave a half salute and then returned to stroking the cat's head.
"Hi." Hiro took a less surprised look at her. She was sat with the chair backwards with her chin resting on an arm slung over the backrest. She seemed a little more wilted than slouching, tiredness in the posture of her shoulders and neck (Hiro had retained a lot of the information he had reviewed on Baymax's cards). Her tone hadn't been as sardonic, just rote really. Then, she was in the cafe on her own. "You okay?" Hiro took the opposite seat.
"Bad day. Got a little better but I wanted some company. Aunt Cass and Mochi fitted the bill." GoGo gave the cat a final tickle and he rolled over for some attention from Hiro.
"Hiro, you're back from work!" Aunt Cass returned from the kitchen with an order and gave her nephew a smile. Setting down the order at the right table she returned to join them, giving Hiro a hug before she sat down. "I said GoGo could join us for dinner too. The more the merrier right?" She nudged Hiro altogether too obviously.
"Yeah Aunt Cass. The more the merrier." He rolled his eyes to GoGo and was pleased to get a smirk in response.
"Now both of you! Tell me about work? Pushing the boundaries of science and technology all day I hope?" Cass looked encouragingly to the pair. She much enjoyed technological innovation now that it wasn't occurring in her garage, home and the street right outside.
六
They all ate dinner with Cass after she shut the cafe, today had been slowcooker day and she'd decided on fusion cuisine. It had been BBQ Pulled Pork with noodles. Aunt Cass was a kitchen goddess, both Hiro and GoGo agreed. The meal had been perfect and took only so long to serve as the noodles took to cook. After dinner they had chatted a while, actually catching up with each other about life and work and plans.
When it was time to leave Hiro and GoGo both said goodbye and left the cafe together. "Hey Go', um, d'you want to come over my place and watch some TV?" Hiro stopped her before she could hurry off. "Today must have been a real bummer." He'd not been pleased to hear about the Mifune bosses ideas about the tech-criminal who had stolen the wheels. It had probably been worse for GoGo on the spot at the meeting.
"Sure." GoGo shrugged non-committally, she hadn't wanted to go back to her place to be alone, watching TV was the perfect chance to start getting a little closer. Easier as it was just the two of them too, no Honey to sit with a Cheshire Cat grin and fixed gaze on them both. It was late, but it wouldn't hurt to stay out a little longer.
"Cool." Hiro led the way. Trying to resist the urge to take her hand, or to put an arm around her. She was the perfect hight and build to fit in beside him.
GoGo walking beside him despite his longer stride, was having similar thoughts. She liked how her shoulder was just about level with his upper arm, by the elbow. She wasn't some soppy teenager, but it was a pleasing thought to imagine that arm around her as they walked.
Hiro unlocked his door with a biometric scan, it was a double security. If he didn't announce an unusual guest to the computer with a normal voice then measures would be taken to protect him and the property. GoGo and the others had been on the list from the start, newcomers had to be announced or let in by some already inside. "You know, you should let me install one of these at your place."
"It's fine. Vein scanners are impossible to fake or hack through and I still say I couldn't be coerced into letting someone in. Not anyone who wants to experience carnal pleasure ever again, anyway." GoGo replied, humour and pride in her voice. GoGo and Hiro had had this conversation many times in the past. It was nice he worried for her but it was also not healthy for him. Hopefully one day he'd get the message that she would be fine and he needn't worry so much.
"If you say so." Hiro let her in ahead of him and shut the door behind. GoGo was already making herself at home when he reached the lounge. It was a nice picture, her relaxing on his couch. "Drinks?"
"A soda would be great, thanks." GoGo had removed her jacket and shoes, she liked Hiro's place. It was modern with a nod to the past and they had all helped him design it. The couch had been Fred's idea, but she could get behind it. The thing was blissfully comfortable.
It took Hiro a while to find a soda. He'd not done any grocery shopping recently and the can he had now was one from a refrigerator in his garage. When he reached the lounge he could only smile softly, GoGo had fallen asleep on the sofa. He put the soda down, glad he'd not opened it, and fetched a spare blanket. GoGo looked plenty comfortable, but she'd be grateful not to be disturbed by any cooler temperature in the night. He slipped a cushion under her head too, poor head support while sleeping would give anyone muscle pain.
If he recalled rightly, there was a set of her street clothes stowed in the basement (or secret lair as Fred had dubbed it) with a spare armour suit, just like everyone else had. Having powers that relied on a suit and gear and working in a big city meant they had installed caches of equipment and civilian outfits in their homes just as soon as they'd all started to settle into them. There would be something for her to change into in the morning anyway.
"Night Go'." He whispered before turning in himself.
So, some notes in reply to reviews:
-Ethel is a name that was a Word of God. I'm going to maybe use Leiko as a second name (as is popular) but from a complicated set of reasons and reasonings related to the race change from comics to film. While a lovely Hispanic lady like Honey has no reason to be called Aiko, people like names from other cultures (I'm British born and bred but my parents liked a Chinese name, so my sister has a Chinese name) and name their children. Though a Korean giving their child a Japanese name looks unlikely for the next hundred years (History, go find out) I have some Secret Origins planned maybe.
-Aunt Cass is Cass Hamada in my headcannon and in the cannon given by the books (The sticker book is awesome) which gives us the sad realisation that she married Tadashi and Hiro's paternal uncle (Dad's brother), same surname but no blood relation. This makes her an even more awesome lady. I love her.
-I'm so glad that a certain reviewer has not faced any sort of mental illness. The nightmare Hiro faced is just one of the many life-long issues PTSD causes. I have never had serious PTSD, just an anxiety disorder (I explored it in my Frozen fanfics, Elsa was just so very relate-able to me), however I've known some people with deeper issues. It would be great if age and life experience would mean they didn't get flashbacks and nightmares from their personal triggers.
Okay. That is all covered and now put behind us. I love criticism that helps my writing, it means I can improve and strive for better. I also like praise to feed the ego. :)
So now this chapter's story notes!
-GoGo so looks like a gal who'd build a custom car. I gave her one for fun.
-Spherical drive systems are a dream of some. Omnidirectional "wheels" are the coolest since hover-boards and flying cars. I thought it was a good place to move GoGo along to research wise. Of course, Hiro is making hover tech.
-I have a great picture of this skeezy rockabilly guy in mind for Shun. He wear's gold mirror shades outside.
-Strategics seems a good name to give SHIELD, if you didn't get it. Like saying the Feds or something.
-Sheeba is a bad word in Korean. Look it up if you like, T rating so I'm not going to explain.
-Harking back to Thoughtful with the flower for Tadashi.
-The development art had Mochi with rocket boosters burning up the cafe. I think Cass prefers science to happen outside of her home.
-I have the "Edna Mode... and friend" in mind when I wrote Hiro's security detail into his house.
So,questions and comments are welcome. Critique and suchlike also. More chapters to come and all that.