It Runs in the Family Ch. 24
(New Course)
Files slid across the table to one sitting across, who was for a moment enjoying the contents of their lavishing meal. Rudeness was not something they tolerated. And by the way, their eyes sharply looked, told their guest never to do it again. Even so, it would be rude not to see what was given to them. Placing their fork and knife down properly, dab their lips, pick up the files and open them.
They eyes and fingers go over each word."What is this?"They speak in a thick- deep accent.
"An opportunity."
An intrigued eyebrow slowly rises. With a nod for them to join, a chair was pulled out for their guest. Who gladly took the seat."An opportunity, you say? And what generous opportunity do you have for me now? Besides the kindness you've given."
A relaxed and amused smirk crept across their face, while their eyes held a crueler motive. One their colleague was familiar with. A devious look sparked in their eyes. Done reading the files set them down. And leans back just a bit, waving one of their men for a drink. They quickly come back with two glasses, one for each.
"I can see the details in your eyes, my friend."They speak, taking a sip of wine. Snapping their fingers and instantly one of their men place in their hand a UBS drive."Here you are. I believe you will find what is on here rather...openminded."
Taking the drive, they tuck it away."I sure that I will. Every bit counts. Now, about the new opportunity. We are in need of a new..course. That can be provided. You have the means of underground workings in many alignments. From public to disclose."
"That I do. You are aware of this. Do you need a new course or residence?"Picking up their knife and cut into their steak smoothly."Or is another transaction? I've provided you with the proper components for your friend. Is it not enough?"
They hold up their hands."Oh, no. They are quite thankful for it. In fact, they would like a new shipment. Though this time without it being synthesized."Which came to a surprise.
A deep chuckle comes from their throat."Do they not know it is dangerous that way?"They take the bite of their steak."What am I to tell my brilliant scientists? They work hard you know."
"They will be compensated, I assure you."They pause for a second."Actually, they do require some assistance. So perhaps they will be willing relocate."
The knife stops for a second."Relocate? You say? And by this, you mean..the new opportunity?"Silence and a nod was the answer from their guest."There is a saying: Scientific progression consists in the development of new concepts. I will be happy to lend them and few others. I am in need of an upgrade."
Understanding their covered up words, their guest slides a small silver briefcase over to them."That should provide a much-needed upgrade. As well some extra assistance."Snapping their fingers, a figure appears behind them. Actually, two, cloaked and covered."They will provide you with the needed security, we believe you will be receiving visitors soon and we would like it if you could...run a case study. For business of course."
"Visitors? What kind of visitors?"
A green hummingbird with a small red and white collar around its neck speeds through the sky. It's little beady black eyes darting left and right trying to locate them among the streets of people. A few who swatted at it. Not seeing any familiar faces they knew flew away transforming into a falcon for better vision. Was this even the right direction they were going? Trying to remember, when they spot a to their luck a sign.
Perching on it, read the lettering upside down. Yep, this was what they were looking for. Flapping their wings excited push off. Finding themselves in no time, thanks to speed at Rio Grande High. To get a hawk's eye view they turn into one and soar overhead at the school and students below. The school bell rings, meaning either class transition or students should be in class.
"Gar, have you located them yet?"
The green hawk hears through their collar. With their hawk vision look at the faces of the down below, spotting a few. Diving they swoop down and land on the fence around the football field and track. Where students stood dressed in their P.E. uniform. Amongst the students, they spot the faces. Which was good, now, all they needed to do was get their attention. And transforming back into a green-skinned human boy would get the attention. Just the wrong kind. So they would just have to get their attention. About to change into another form, Gar realized a familiar face was missing. Flapping to a tree drops down changing into a rabbit. Still looking at the students, who now started a game of soccer.
His nose twitching, Gar kept watching that he nearly forgot the reason he was here for.
*Oh, yeah. Better go.*He hops over on the field, trying to be careful. Fearing he'd get hurt changes into a butterfly and flutters over to them. Getting closer he realizes a face was missing.*What the?*He looks around, not spotting them at all. Decides to find them first instead.
Flutter through the school grounds, he doesn't locate them but instead finds some skipping their class. Others smoking and sharing. Getting pretty much. A couple doing couple related things secretively. But, not who was looking for. Bummed a bit he kept his search one when he suddenly stops and changes into his half-human form. Snatches the flyer off the wall and tucks it away in his suit and quickly changes back into his previous form, to switch into a falcon and soars overhead. Eagerly looking for them.
Inside he was bouncing with excitement to tell them, doing flips in the air for the good news. It was going to be the best vacation, even if actually wasn't one. Still, it was going to be in his mind.
The beach. The sand. The water. The waves. Coconut drinks with the little umbrellas. Lounging on the beach, side by side. Him in his swimming trunks, green and all. Kicking back and next to him in a yellow polka-dot hopefully as his fantasy had, a bikini.
May.
Just the two of them. Yeah, that would be great. So immersed in his thoughts he didn't pay attention to the one running down below until he heard their voice. Quickly he opens his eyes only to slam straight into the side of a building.
The shock and pain sadly allowed him to regain focus. Rubbing his beak and shaking it off staggeringly flaps up and perches on top of the build. Changing back into his half-human form. Looking around. Still rubbing his nose. Flinching from the pain, just a bit."It was...was good no one sa-saw that."
Feeling a bit of blood dripping from his nose, he sighs. Embarrassed. Carefully he pinches his nose to stop the bleeding, wishing right now he could have some of May's healing to help and a soothing pat on the head. From her or his sister. Mainly from May.
Remembering her, he remembers his purpose again. Standing up changes into a sparrow and flies back to the field. Ignoring his soring pain. Circling around overhead he changes into a falcon and squawks loud in hopes to get their attention down below. Stopping for a second to watch them engage in the sport and boy were they good.
Not a surprise really. Such perfect form, skill, and physique. It was all so effortlessly. So focus, their footing was swift. Maneuvering out the way from anyone who came to steal the ball. A natural.
Thrilled and hipped, Gar squawks loud doing dips and flips, that he went too low."Whoa!"Someone yelps, starling Gar he narrowly misses colliding into them. Though he was lucky, they weren't really. Their legs tangled together causing them to crash hard face first on the field.
*Shit!*Gar flinches seeing the horrible fall. Tempted to go down and see if they were alright.
For an incoming call to come in."Did you tell them?"Needing to answer, Gar reluctantly leaves the scene to report in.
That was unexpected, a bird swooping down and you nearly collided into it. If you didn't quickly side-step causing your footing to become tangled and you face planted on the field. It was a good thing you where much more durable than a normal person, otherwise, that would have stung. Or caused you a rather horrible head injury. Just a little dizzy from the fall, you were alright. Shaking your head and blinking your eyes to refocus your vision, stand up and look to the sky.
"Garfield?"You wonder. Still looking, when you heard running steps approaching, you turn around finding Jaime and the others coming. Also, Miss Duchess, who pushes her way past them. Even shoving the P.E. teacher back with one hand.
"Are you alright?"She asked either worried or furious, it was hard to tell. Her hands fall on your shoulder and her blue eyes scoop your body for any injuries that you might have. When she saw nothing, it relieved her. Lightly patting your shoulders."Good, good. There is no damage done. As expected of course."
That was a rather odd thing to say, Asami looks at the woman. You stay put, not wanting to be rude and look back up where you were sure Gar had been."..."
Believing you to be a bit dazed the teacher steps in."May, do you want to go to the nurse?"
You look at him and think about it for a second. "No, no that is alright. I am fine. I have handled worse."You causal say, for you to realize and quickly recap."I mean, I am quite used to it. I mean...it was not that bad. I am alright. Though, did you happen to know in which direction the falcon went?"Turning back up to the sky. Still looking for Gar.
Maybe he turned into a different animal, believing so leave the circle of concerned students and search by the fence and trees. His aura imprint was here, so he must be here still. Peering in the bushes, in a low whisper calling for him. Checking the trees calling for him. Even trying to bait him out. The other watch confused, a few look to Tye. Who tries to hide his face embarrassed.
Your behavior wasn't helping your case with being well, the teacher took it differently."She needs to be taken to the nurse."
Miss Duchess steps forward."I will take her."Before Tye or Jaime could."If that is alright with you?"Turning the to the teacher who gave a nod of permission. She hurries over, gets you and takes you away.
All eyes follow while Aami's narrow slightly. Her mind replayed what Miss Duchess said, those words just didn't sit well with her. "Teacher."She raises her hand and thumbs over."Can I help Miss Duchess, with May?"
It would be good to have a student there to explain to the nurse what happened. The last thing that he needed was being called to the school board."Yeah, sure." he gives her permission.
And she races to catch up.
It was dark until the door opened and the light was let in and lite on. Bart peers inside the fridge and rummages through the contents inside, which he found everything he needed. With fast moving hands and speed takes it out. Putting it on the counter and moves at the same speed to the cabinets taking out what he needed. Even a plate. Opening the freezer finds his favorite ice-cream.
"Crash!" he said thrilled, taking it out. Setting it down too. Looking at everything he had, smiles from ear to ear and starts. Stopping hearing a painful moan from the couch."Dude! Do you mind? Trying to make some food here."The moaning didn't stop.
Even when they turned on the television and munched on a bowl of chips as they lounged on the couch, holding an ice pack on their nose. Nothing was on, that they found interesting. Noticing Bart coming over with a plate filled with three filled sandwiches, that he sets down on the coffee table. Runs back and forth. Bringing everything. Which was: mixing bowl filled with ice-cream, topped with whip cream and chocolate syrup and nuts. Popcorn mixed with his favorite brand of chips. Three large cups of juice. A few slices of pizza and some carrots to balance out the junk food. Sits down next to the other one, kicking up his feet. His backpack by the door.
The first thing he grabs, the sandwiches and begins to eat."Maybe I might just...did I bring them?"He ponders for a second, with his mouth full."Aw, I should have asked for fruit snacks."Snapping his finger."I'll just put it down on the shopping list. I wonder if there is still some more of Coco-Lucks left?"
He looks over his shoulder back at the kitchen. When the front door unlocks and opens. Both heads turned to the one coming in. Who was utterly surprised by their presence."Bart?! Garfield?!"You look from one to the other as you stood there at your door.
Finding them both in your home, one eating nearly everything you had in the fridge while the other was laying on the couch with an ice-pack on their nose. You look from to the other, for some sort of explanation or answer.
Bart smiles and gives you a wave."Hey May. How was school?"
Before you could say anything, the others step in surprised and rather confused to find them."What are you doing here?"Jaime directs to Bart, who eats his sandwich before answer.
Licking his fingers."Well, I got out early from school," He answers casually, while you go over to Gar and heal his nose. "Thought I run over here and wait. By the way, May is there any way you could buy some fruit snacks? And some more Coco-Lucks? Cause I think you're out."He takes a bite of his other sandwich.
You finished with Gar, who was good as new."Much better."He touches it, smiling."Thanks. Sorry about earlier. You okay?"You nod."Good, so?"He leaps up and over the couch, racing to the kitchen and beings to go through everything. Opening cabinet doors along with the fridge."Got any more treats? That you've made? Cause I finished all my brownies and kind of need some more. If not, could you make some more?"
Opening your mouth to answer, Bart speaks."Wait in line, dude. Geez, May!"He gets up throwing himself over the couch."You gotta make me spaghetti okay? Wait, wait..no. Lasagna! Yeah, that's it. How about I don't know maybe three..four dishes of it? Fast metabolism and all."
Again you try to speak, but Gar does."Oh! If you're going to make him that, scratch the brownies. Make me white chocolate, banana, and macadamia cookies? Instead. Do you have any granola bars?"He opens another cabinet throwing somethings out.
It was nice how they both made themselves at home. Bart nearly eating you out of house and home. Gar carelessly going through things."Hey May?"Bart gets your attention. Done with his snack."Can I use your pool?"Before you could say anything in a flash he was in trunks and had your house key in your hand, that opened the pool.
You had to do a double take for a second. His speed and fast-moving self always got you. About to object, Gar comes hopping over."Aw! No way you have a pool!?"He exclaims leaping over the counter in the kitchen knocking down a few things. Which Jaime and Tye managed to catch."Dude I want to join! Can I May?"He turns to you.
Speechless was what you were, which they took as your answer. Both boys high-five each other."Alright!"They say in unison and race out. Leaving you with a mess, and by mess dishes from Bart and stains too. From Gar a disorganized and vandalized kitchen.
Upset at them, while still wondering how they managed to get inside. When you and only you had the key, start to pick up the dishes. Using your energy to help and levitate some of them. Asami helps you, who nearly tripped on Bart's bag and shoes. Taking the dishes to the sink, start to wash them. Eerily calm, that Asami could feel it radiate off you. Literally.
Your energy begins to emit itself around you and starts to spark. That it command silence from the others, the only sound was the running water. Tye and Jaime just helped to fix the kitchen and living room. Asami cautiously took the plates drying them off.
Fixing the living room, Tye looks over his shoulder and nudges Jaime. Getting his friend's attention and in a low voice speaks."Dude, so?"
Knowing what he was talking about, Jaime scratches the back of his neck sheepishly."I-I don't know. I mean..."He answers back doubtful, his eyes shift to the side."...It would be weird."
"And how is that?"Tye raises his voice just a bit, to drop it quickly."Well, I know not right now. But, come on. What's the worst that could happen? Besides, it's only a one-time thing."
Jaime still was unsure about what his friend wanted him to do. Tye talked to him about it back in Rome and again when he came back home. Then again at the bowling alley. And once again today, before school was out. Tye was pressuring him into doing it. Kind of trying to box him in. It was understandable as to why he wanted to do it, Jaime got it. He just wished though, he wasn't the first choice. Also, Jaime was sure they wouldn't want too, even if Tye forced them. They'd be bored. Or over analyze it. Looking over his shoulder in their direction lets out a heavy sigh. Which caused them pick up on it and look back at him. He quickly averts his eyes down.
Scratching the back of his neck was not helping, so he quickly stops before they assume something. Reminding himself they are rather sensitive to others and could pick up it. Sensing his tension his Scarab was about to react, but he stops it.
"I'm cool. I'm cool!"He hisses at it, pushing his armor back."It-It's nothing."The Scarab speaks back objecting, Jaime tries to hush it. Remembering they could understand it. The Scarab wasn't making it better.
They stop again and look in his direction, about to say something, when they hear yelps from outside from Bart and Gar."Bart! Gar!"You fly out quickly to ram right into something solid and firm. Looking up, you find another guest. "Superboy!?"
Holding in one hand Gar and in the other Bart. Dripping wet."Did Gar give you and Jaime the message?"He asked sternly looking from one to the other.
Remembering Gar slaps his face."Aw, I forgot."
Forgot? Forgot what? You look at him with a blank look. That told him, no. "What is it?"You ask carefully.