But I've been unable
To put you down
I'm still learning things I ought to know by now
It's under the table so
I need something more to show somehow

-Vertical Horizon

Chris D'Amico's Point of View

There was a lot to do. For starters, I had to get fitted for the costume.

Sucked.

Then I got to try out the car.

Awesome.

Then I had to go public. In the costume- perhaps the most stressful moment of my life, with maybe the exception of my failed attempt to ask Carrie out.

Sucked.

Regardless, with my alter-ego, Red Mist, was now an icon. Which was pretty awesome, but didn't get me any further up on my dad's ranking of important people.

I sighed to myself as I typed in a few other well known superheroes in my local neighborhood. Kick Ass and The Harpy. At least if all goes well I could hold my code name over Kick Ass's head. On the other hand, the girl seemed kind of interesting. She'd only shown up in one or two news reports, but apparently she and Kick Ass had instigated some kind of crazy sexual under world. The pictures that were out there of them together, drawn or other wise…well, let's just say the word Kinky comes to mind.

-/Atomic Comics/-

I glanced around the shop with disinterest. Ian hadn't been in lately, and I assume Carrie was still in Canada with her…grandmother. A few familiar faces littered the booths, but no one I knew.

"-With the masked crusader himself, Red Mist."

My head rose to look at the screen that hung above the small café. A smirk fell over my lips as a rather sexy little thing asked the guy behind the counter to turn up the volume. A hush fell over the room when he obeyed, everyone turning to face the television.

Rob nudged me subtly and I straightened up. No need to look to smug, could rouse suspicion.

"We should get going." He said, "Your mom wants us to pick up some milk on the way home."

"Okay."

I followed without pausing, the smirk rising back on my face as I passed Ian.

Ian Angette's Point of View

I didn't say anything as I passed Chris. I was growing weary of him in the light of this new super hero. I mean, the kid had the most distinct voice on the whole damn planet, did he really think we wouldn't notice? And lord knows what Carmen'll do when she finds out.

Speaking of Carrie, I'd been spending quite a bit of time at her house lately. Sandy made sure I was well taken care of, keeping me well fed and not realizing how depressed she was making me. Just like any good mother.

Turns out my father, who I had thought had always had it in for me, was actually kind of….guilt ridden about our situation. He hadn't beat me or anything whilst he was alive, just kind of forced me out of his life after mom died. I'm not sure if it really was guilt, but that's what it seemed like. Leaving me all his worldly possessions and what not.

That was nice of him, I guess. But now that the website was gaining so much popularity, I really didn't need the money. But at least I could get some better quality products…

I stalked into the back room of Atomic Comics. Passing by the new stock, I grabbed a rather large parcel from underneath a milk carton. I eyed it with curiosity a moment before opening it. A slip of paper fell from it.

My teal eyes skimmed over the words, and I clenched my teeth.

Harpy,

This should help in your fight to take down the scum that line our city streets.

-HG + BD

The paper tore easily and I found myself staring at thin white material…a bullet proof vest. I grinned, knowing just how to improve Carrie's wardrobe.

[Two Weeks Later]

So far I'd talked to Carrie about four times. Each phone called ended like this-

-/-/-

"Memaw says you're due for a break down."

"Your Memaw says dog can't look up."

"Don't doubt my Memaw, now are you gonna cry or what, Angette?"

"No!"

A shuffled pause. "Memaw says she's going to send you some albums."

"I don't want any albums!"

More shuffling. A new voice. "Now, Julie, you know never to doubt me."

"I'm not doubting you, Mrs. Dovelyn."

"Yes you are. Never doubt your Memaw. Now, just take the goddamn Connie Francis album and done with it."

"Fine."

"Is that a tone I sense, boy?"

"No."

"I think it is."

"It's not a tone!"

"Better not be. I may be in Canada now, darlin', but I'll drive up there and brand 'whiner' in your little ass."

"You can't drive up here, Mrs. Dovelyn, you have warrants."

"And you have angst, now take the albums."

"Yes, m'am."

"Good boy."

-/-/-

…. Needless to say, I was anxious for Carrie's return- if only to stop these infuriating calls.

a/N: I know its short and crappy- but an update's an update!