Disclaimer: I. Do. Not. Own. Detentionaire. Or any of the titles in this.

A/N: This one is kind of a filler! It happens after Outcasts Strike Back, but later in the day of the episode. This is for Nora's character development, to show how her relation with the Serpent, and Lee might change. Which side will she choose? Does anyone even care?

Well, I do. She on a date with destiny...or her destruction.

My morning had been an entire adventure. I made amends with the tazelwurm, helped Lee get back his key, stopped a half-robotic monsters (not Barrage), and saw with my own eyes the mysterious Pyramid. With my whole brain being in fighting mode, I somehow almost forgot that I agreed to meet up on my break with some guy who calls himself The Serpent!

I was wracking my brain thinking: Why did I saw yes? I don't know him! I didn't even get his real name. The only thing I did get was a stupid helmet. A pure, white helmet that I had been lugging around all day in my bag!

At lunch I sit in the detention room with Biffy, Lee and our new addition Jenny who's in trouble for committing a theft on school grounds. Biffy is working on his device to let us use our phones and internet in here, while Lee and Jenny look over the book, unlocked courtesy of the Taz himself. Which leaves me to sit at my chair quietly, while I contemplate all the possible ways this meeting could go south. If it hasn't already.

"What's her problem?" I know Jenny is talking about me, but I leave it for Lee to answer.

"No idea."

"Seriously," Biffy even stops working with his cat, "You're like a dead body over there. What gives? The taz attack run you out?"

Do I look that depressed? I haven't even gone yet! I sit myself up straight, I've never been that good at lying and I certainly can't with this bunch.

"I have a date." I tell them the sum only. They only give me confused expressions, as if I'd said 'There's also a purple tazelwurm'.

"And… that's bad?" Lee asks.

"Well, I'm not even sure if it's really a date! This weird guy I met yesterday showed up in front of my house this morning and I was rude to him but I apologized. And then my car wouldn't start and I was hurrying over here, so he offered me a ride and gave me this helmet. He got me here and asked if he could meet me again at my break. I said okay and tried to give this back to him but he said he'd get it back from me later. Then all the stuff from this morning happened, and I'm supposed to see him at the coffee shop at two later!"

I was breathing heavy, and the whole room was looking at me like I was two seconds away from blowing up.

"Again… that's bad?"

"Yes, Lee that's bad."

Biffy rolled his eyes. "Girls…"

Jenny and I both glared at him. "You're dating one." I reminded him. He growled and went back to his phone.

Jenny spoke next. "But you've got a date today, isn't that good?"

"It might be if I could be sure it's an honest date."

"What makes an 'honest date'?"

Okay that requires some thought. "Um… well, an honest liking of the other person? A fun event. Something to talk about. But that's the problem! I've told you all pretty much everything I know about this guy. He didn't even give me his name, and now I'm going to meet him later?"

"Then why go at all?" Biffy asked from his phone.

"Because I still have his helmet here. I can't use it and even if I just keep it I'll feel like I've stolen something. Plus, he knows where I live now."

A knock on the metal doors interrupted our conversation. "Open up! El Presidente is here to, uh, see all his people!" Oh, that's right. Lee told me Cam would be coming. I punched in the code and let Cam in. "Hey Cam!" Lee greeted his friend.

Cam walked right up to Lee's desk. The door was open so nobody would get shocked or gassed. "Hey ese!" they fist-bumped.

"And this is Nora." Lee gestured towards me.

"Wow," Cam said as he turned from Lee to me. "I've been hearin' things 'bout' you. All good, all good, senorita." We shook hands.

"Same about you, Cam. You've been a big help to me and Lee lately, with the protest and then the interrogation this morning. Thank you so much!"

"I'm always there for my boy, Lee. It's what I do!" Cam lifted his furry coat collar proudly. I laughed, Cam was a character!

"Way to go, Cam." Biffy congratulated him in a casual voice. "We haven't been able to get her to smile all day."

"Eh? Something happen?" Cam asked.

"She has a date in few hours." Jenny stated. She seemed already bored with Cam and went back to the book.

"Hey, hey! He's a lucky dude, whoever he is!"

"Problem is she doesn't know who he is." Lee interjected.

Do you guys really need to bring this up now?

"Like a blind date?"

Oh well, train's already off. "More or less. I met him just yesterday."

"But isn't the super cool, mystery-man the kind of thing chickitas dig?"

"Well, some but-"

"Like in every action movie, that's what grabs the eye. He's handsome, he' awesome, but no one knows who he is."

"That's in movies, books and fanfic-"

"But then the girl tries to get closer and finds out more about the guy." Biffy seemed to be enjoying this too now. Great. "Like he's a secret agent or escaped criminal or a former assassin!"

"Biffy!"

Then Jenny spoke up again. "But he's really cool to her, and she goes along with him to see his human side. She falls in love with him for that and sticks with him."

"What kind of movies do guys-"

Finally, Lee, "And happily ever after?"

"NOT REALISTIC!" I snapped the room back to attention. "And please! Let people finish their sentences around here, okay?"

They all nodded. "First of all, this is real life not a movie. Clear?"

"Clear." Came from all of them.

"Second: I already have more than enough reason to suspect this guy. For all I know he could be a philanderer."

"A what?" Cam asked.

"A guy who randomly goes around and picks up girls." I clarified. "He had a beautiful helmet already on his bike that fit me perfectly. This could be his girlfriend's for all I know."

"Do you know if he has a girlfriend?" Lee asked.

"Of course not. But Lee, can any of you think of why he had a helmet, perfect for a girl, just sitting on his motorcycle?" They started thinking about this one. That one question was what had been eating me all this time. Was I setting myself up for a good, hard heartbreak? Was the guy I'm going to go see already taken and cheating on some other poor girl? Could this be my biggest blunder?

"Uhhh…" Cam raised his hand as if to answer the question. "Maybe… he just had it because he had an ex-girlfriend?"

"Too convenient." I shot it down. But it was plausible, I had to give that. An ex-girlfriend would be a good explanation.

"What's the worst that can happen if he isn't the real deal?" Jenny asked.

"Well…" With no real answer the detention room took off with their answers.

Lee: "If he gives you trouble you could always go Taz-Tamer on him!"

Cam: "Yeah, I saw that! You got moves girl!"

Biffy: "You also have us for back up."

Jenny: "What if he likes you too? He asked you, so maybe that's something."

They were all good kids. That much was solid. They wanted me to go and have fun but I had too many reservations. The source of which was now in my two hands. So many reasons to go, and just as many not to. "Boy," I sighed, "Wish Sensei Hong had given me some proverbs-of-wisdom on dating."

"Who?" Jenny asked.

"My old instructor. The one who taught me to fight and use the long staff I have. He would always talk about balance and life." Nothing came to mind though in this case. C'mon Sensei! You've got to have left me something.

"You have no problem speaking out your true feelings, Nora. Others do, and they often find themselves isolated. It is easier to remain closed off in a private world, but it restricts the growth of the person. Alone our true potential cannot shine, interaction with others will always enrich your mind!"

What? That is not dating advice! Is it?

"I want to go…" I stared straight into the helmet's eyes, like they were real eyes. Real, blank, blue eyes. The eyes of The Serpent seemed to appear from behind them for a second. I blinked and his were gone. I know next to nothing about that guy. So let's find out! "So I'll go!" The rest of lunch detention was full of words of encouragement, mysterious book reading, and conspiracy work. When Cam left I heard him whisper as Lee pushed him out the door, "She's hot." I laughed again as Lee pushed him out the doors that slammed shut before Barrage showed up.

Two o'clock, I was walking out of the school and towards the coffee shop. I had asked Barrage if I could be a few minutes late, but he really would not hear of it. I held the white helmet under one arm, I had my phone in my pants pocket and 'long silver' as Biffy called it tucked into my bag where I could reach it. He wasn't there at first so I sat at my table and looked at the menu. I didn't read a word though.

What if he doesn't show up? That would save me some stress. I'll just stay here for my break, leave the helmet with the girl at the cashier and tell her that guy will come by later to pick it up. The helmet would be out of my hands and my mind would be clear! I was now starting to hope that he wouldn't show up. I began reading the menu trying to see what I felt like now that I was hungry again.

However, I should have known better.

"Can't decide?"

There he was in the same red jacket that he had worn this morning and before. "I, uh…um…" Yeah, I was caught off guard by this guy again. He's good at sneaking around.

He laughed and took a seat. "I told the server inside to get a cup of jasmine and earl grey. You don't mind?"

"Well, no. Thank you." C'mon Nora time to get this show on the road. I regain my composure and push the helmet towards him. "Thanks for earlier, I really appreciate that you helped."

He picked it up. He ordered tea, but if he leaves with the helmet now, the only thing I'll have to worry about is paying. "It was my pleasure. Did your kids turn out okay?"

He likes that wolf-smile doesn't he? "Yes. They're just fine now. I was really worried but the problem was solved in just over an hour. Part of it being how resourceful they are."

"Really? Is that so?" The server brought our tea. Jasmine for me, and the earl grey for Serpent and then left. Why Earl Grey? I'm pretty sure that's not from China. The Serpent kept talking as I added two sugars to my drink. "You seem to be rather fond of those students. Didn't you say they were in detention?"

I had no idea if I had told him that or not, but I stayed polite. "They are. But the school's kind of messed up and the principal is… well, he's new and doesn't really give students a chance to explain themselves. All of them are really good kids. None of them are the delinquent type, and… in all honesty I like them better than I like some of the staff."

I took a sip of my tea. "Perfect." I breathed. Dating rule: Answer a question about yourself, ask a question back. Go for it! I had actually practiced some scenario questions with Cam. He'd been a little dramatic with his character, but it had helped nonetheless. "And what about you? You enjoy your job?"

"Quite. I sort of… work for my family. It keeps me busy some times, but other times I can have whole days off."

Okay, we have progress. "That's nice. I don't really have the kind of passion my dad has for his job, so I went another way."

"Which way would that be?"

"Down the road of school counselor. I like working with people younger than me. Gives me the chance to help other people out."

"And… what does your father do?"

Should I answer that? Hm, it can't be of any real interest to him. "He's a security system designer. He makes alarms and sensors for office buildings, a lot of high-tech stuff that I just can't keep up with." I took another sip.

"He must be a busy man."

"He is and what do your parent's do?" Fair game. I told him mine.

"It's just… my mother. And she has a lot of businesses. I do not see her often."

"Oh, I see." This guy has the corner market on vague. Maybe this was a bad idea. The helmet! Ask about the helmet! I had covered that with Cam too. It was the million dollar question! "It was pretty lucky for me that you showed up in front of my house this morning." He just nodded and took a gulp of his own tea. Maybe I'm talking too much. But I'm here for answers. "I was wondering about the helmet you gave me, actually. Who does it belong to?"

"Me." He answered before taking another drink.

"It looks a little small for you." I tried to make it sound like a joke. "It's like it was made for a girl to wear. What did you get it for?"

He set his tea down and looked me in the eyes. I kept my expression innocent just like I had practiced. He burst out laughing!

"You don't think I just go around, handing out rides and helmets to pretty girls in coffee shops do you?"

"No it's just…" You hit the nail on the head? "It was a very big coincidence, you being in the right place, is all. And the helmet fit me so well."

"Let me explain." He had already calmed himself down, "I was raised by a single mother. She taught me to be a gentleman to young ladies. She is also gone more often now and I have time for myself when she doesn't need me. The helmet is for my little sister. I keep it with me in case she ever needs a ride."

Hadn't suspected a sister in all this. And that completely eliminates him being related to Lee. He has a family; a mom and sister. Now I felt stupid for jumping to conclusions with this guy. Everything at A. Nigma High may be a conspiracy, but that doesn't conclude that everyone in the city is in on one. "Oh, I'm sorry I didn't mean to suggest anything." Even though I really did. "I guess some stress has been getting to me and I've been suspicious is all."

The Serpent smiled. Not a wolf or cat-like smile, this one looked more genuine. "Then can I take you somewhere?" He held out his hand for me to take. "You still have forty-five minutes of your break, yes?" My suspicion had completely disappeared in the wake of my guilt. I had suspected him and he just gave me another chance. "I'd love to."

The Serpent took me on a fast tour around the city. He kept his pace at a moderate speed, which was still fast, but slow enough for him to point out certain landmarks and buildings around the city. "Have you been here long, Nora?" he asked at one point.

"Only about two months. We moved here when my dad got a big offer for his work. Something from Mann, Wurst and Something."

"I think I know what you're talking about! I actually work for a part of the same organization."

"Really?" So I'm out with the son of my dad's boss? Well, alright, I mean this is all for fun right? Nothing's gonna come of this. And I can tell dad I met him now.

"Yes, but don't tell your father you've met me. It might cause a problem for my dear mother."

I guess I could understand why. Social ladders suck, but they still play their part in life. "Not a problem! Trust me, Dad's well-employed I see no reason to mess with that."

In a voice I could not hear over the motorcycle he said, "I know you wouldn't."

"I'm sorry?" I called out.

"I said it's a shame you couldn't tell him."

"No sweat! Believe me he'll just be glad to hear that I went out with a friend." His motorcycle went faster. And the rush I got from the speed made this day all the more fun!

Serpent's POV

Out with a friend? Is something wrong with this one? Paid for tea and a close ride together around the city and I get 'friend'? She might be saying this to lighten her disappointment. No, this one has been blunt from the start. She even tried to get rid of me. Then when she saw me again she accused me of stalking. Miss Nora Prowler, you should trust your instincts better. I more than got her house number and birthday; I found all her personal information.

I know why she's had to change school three times and why she won't even set foot on her college campus. But this is unexpected. She should be more closed off, timid, not very social perhaps even a bit more boring. Instead she is alert, happy (when she's not ordering people to get lost), and she laughs. I almost wasn't sure if I had found the right person. But the when do I make mistakes? I laugh at the thought. But 'Out with a Friend', why say that? Hm, perhaps she still has some doubts. Good thing I snuck in and messed with her car or I wouldn't have had this chance! But it's cute that she's so close, yet she misses at every single turn.

Nora's POV

We pulled up right in front of the school at three o'clock. I had told Serpent that he could just take me back to the coffee shop, but he insisted on dropping me off. "Thanks for the ride. But you have to take your sister's helmet back in case she needs it."

"Alright, though I should have told you that she hasn't needed it for a few years now."

Boy, did I have this guy wrong. He's still a bit mysterious for sure, though I shouldn't label him as a bad guy for that. He gave me a lot of information about himself, probably more than a person usually gives on a first-

No. Nora you can't assume this was a date. He probably did this to prove I was wrong about him. Yeah, I feel guilty, but at the same time I'm glad I was wrong. "Hey, thanks for today." I told him, "And I can't apologize enough for how I acted this morning."

"I'm not mad about that. What was the emergency? Something to do with one of 'your kids' right?"

"Yeah," It felt odd for him to refer to Lee, Biffy and Jenny as my 'kids'. More like 'the kids I'm helping with a huge and weird conspiracy', but he didn't need to know that. "Lee just had his backpack stolen. And even when the person gave it back, she still got detention." The Serpent took immediate attention when I said Lee's name. "Lee?" He asked. "Do you mean, Lee Ping?"

Uh-oh, Lee's reputation isn't just in the school. "Well, yeah. I don't really know about another. I'm guessing you've heard about the Detentionaire?"

"Yes." I was too busy getting my bag onto my shoulder to notice how menacingly he said it.

"Well, here's your helmet! I don't know what you've heard about Lee, but he's actually a good kid. See you later!" I was probably late enough to get a good yelling-speech from Barrage, even if it was just a minute. Who am I kidding? I'll get it for just twelve seconds! I waved to the Serpent, who had already driven off. I have a better opinion of that guy but… nah, maybe he was just in a hurry.

The after school detention starts at 3:15, I go there first and somehow only get the 'keep an eye on them' gesture from Barrage which I curtly nod to. All three of them are seated and Barrage shuts the door. I listen until I can no longer hear his mechanical stomping and then I press 8-5-6-1 to open the door so we can talk. The first is Biffy who asks me, "So, how did it go?" Jenny leans in to hear, while Lee stays in his seat.

"It was nice. Now let's see that book." And detention went on with the topic seemingly forgotten.

If I had known the turmoil and misery that had been unearthed that very day, I wouldn't have gone. I've eaten in the teacher's lounge and forgotten the whole thing. I would have taken the bus anywhere else but that coffee shop, and taken it again to come home.

But I didn't. And I couldn't even have guessed what I had helped start.

At the Hydra Casino….

The Serpent walked into his office with his helmet in hand. He threw onto the couch as he passed by and went straight to his desk. Priscilla looked up from her nap to greet her master, but the serious look on his face told that he was in no mood for playing around. He opened a drawer in his desk and pulled out his blue and red medallion, the one he only put on for occasions that concerned his mission. It smelled awful, the medallion, as the Serpent had been told, was passed down from warrior to warrior, in essence it carried and passed on the skills of past wearers. Not something to wear on a date.

He picked up his phone and dialed a number. A woman answered the phone.

"What is it?" The woman asked impatiently.

"Cassandra! How is your day going?" He was pressing her buttons. He took great delight in the fact that he had a specialty to.

"Oh, just fine." She answered sweetly, "Except," now she became the demanding, irritated woman who was head of the Council, "my assassin has been dallying about all day instead of being where I NEED HIM!"

"Aw, I missed you too!" He knew he was in trouble. But today he had a way out of it. "But I wasn't dilly-dallying today. Well, I was at first. But I have something for you."

"If it's the location of the missing key, I already have it. My little baby-bot venture has proven useful. Unlike you. I'll send you the coordinates tomorrow."

He smiled, gesturing for Priscilla to come over to him. He took a grey mouse from out of the cage and dangled it over her head. "Oh, I have something even better than that."

"What is it?"

"Interested now? " He waved the mouse back and forth above Pricilla's head, just like he was waving his big secret to Cassandra. "I met a very interesting girl yesterday."

"I'm not interested in another one of your-"

"Now, now! Just wait, you'll like this: she is in a very good position to gather information for us. A place 'behind the lines' so to speak. She can get into places that we can't... Get us secrets that we should not know."

Cassandra was silent. A rarity, and the mouse was being held just out of Priscilla's reach.

"Tell me everything." He let the mouse fall.

A/N: Okay that's that! Was the ending a little dark?

School will be starting for me next week so it might be a while before I can update.

And the show is almost over! Oh, man suspense!

See you all again!