(PREVIOUSLY)
"All right!" Peter said with accomplishment as he stood next to Jamie, looking at their plan on the screen, "We have a plan, Captain."
"We've got a plan," he echoed, "Six Stones, four teams, one shot."
As they stood there, the rest of the team all stood behind the leaders and looked to the screen with their plan in mind.
And now, they were set to go by tomorrow.
***Living Room***
A little later, they all sat in the living room and enjoyed a snack together. It was all good and fun, but soon, the topic of conversation drifted to what it would be like for them in a big situation.
"I think I'd be cool in battle." Harley stated.
Riri scoffed at that. "Oh yeah, like when Tori whooped your a** two days ago?"
That caused an eruption of laughter throughout the group, even Harley laughed before he defended himself.
"Hey, hey now. It was my first time, and I gave it the best I could."
"Yeah, that's what she said," Nikki snickered, quoting Michael Scott, before leaning forward.
That remark threw the whole group into a more hysterical fit of laughter. Ava raised her hand to give Nikki a high-five, which she obliged before getting on from Torunn, Cassie, Riri, and Kamala as well.
"Think you could've done better, Nikki?" Harley asked with the hint of a challenge in his joking tone.
She shrugged. "Probably not. But you're lucky it wasn't the sword she used."
"True, very true." Torunn nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, but I got armor. So I've got some time to take her down."
"Dude, that's not gonna save you forever." Frankie added, "If you knew exactly where to strike, you could disable someone within seconds. Armor or no. Trust me. I work with a sword, so I know."
"You wouldn't be able to do it though." Torunn said to him.
Frankie looked to the princess and lifted an eyebrow. "What're you talking about? I've been working with swords for years, I know how to handle them."
"Maybe so, but you couldn't do it with mine."
"Oh why, cause I'm 'not worthy'?" Frankie used air quotes for the last bit of his comment.
"Exactly!"
"Oh PUH-lease!" Frankie laughed and waved that off, "I don't believe that, it's some sort of trick."
Then Torunn laughed and shook her head. "Haha, no. I assure you, it's much more than that my friend."
"Pfft, yeah right. Oh, 'whosoever, be he worthy, shall haveth the power.' Oh whatEVER, girl! It's a trick, I'm telling you!"
The group all chuckled lightly while Torunn gave a hearty laugh to Frankie's claim. With that, she stood and gave a smirk. "Well then please, my friend..."
The blonde princess reached out her arm and hand and soon enough, her sword came flying to her hand. Once it came to her hand, she took it and plugged in into the floor. Not too deep, but it was at least a good few inches.
She stepped back and gestured to Frankie, still holding her smirk. "..try and lift it."
All eyes went to the young Barton as they awaited his response.
He too looked to them before looking back to Torunn. "Seriously?"
Torunn nodded and gestured to the sword like a vendor at a carnival telling a customer to step right up. Frankie honestly hadn't expected it, but wasn't opposed to it. So shrugging his shoulders, he stood and walked over.
"Oh, this is gonna be good." Riri said before taking a sip of her juice.
"Frankie, you've had a tough week so we won't blame you if you can't get it up." Nikki added.
Frankie rolled his eyes at that but still laughed, as did everyone else. "Ya know I've seen this before, right?" He said to Torunn who had sat back down to watch.
She shrugged and held her smirk proudly.
Now that he was right at the sword, all eyes were once again on Frankie as he grabbed the handle of it and pulled. But it didn't budge, not even a little.
Finally giving up, he let out a strained chuckle. "I don't get it. I don't get how you do it."
"So much for being a master." Harley joked.
"Oh, well please, Harley! By all means." Frankie gestured for Harley to step up to the sword.
Without hesitation, Harley stood up and dramatically unzipped his hoodie. This resulting in more rolled eyes and "Oh boy"s from the others.
"Never been one to run away from a challenge." He cockily stated as he stepped up.
Grabbing the handle, Harley pulled up on it, but like Frankie before him, it didn't budge. But then, he had an idea.
"Be right back."
A few minutes later, he walked in with the arm and hand of his suit on his right arm.
"Whoa whoa, hold up!" Sam exclaimed, "You're using part of your suit? That's cheating, bro!"
"No it's not."
"It really is." Azari added.
Harley shrugged them off. "Well, I'm trying it anyway."
Repositioning himself at the sword, Harley lifted up on the large sword, but still gained no results. Not even when exterior mini jets expanded out of the arm and blasted with propulsion.
A little after that, Riri decided to take a crack at it and help Harley. Taking a page from his book, she too went and got and arm of her armor as well. Putting her hand just below Harley's, she pulled and her arm's jets came out too. But still nothing.
"Bro, are you even pulling?" She said.
"Are we on the same team?" Harley jokingly retorted.
"Obviously! Gotta represent. Pull!"
"Alright, let's go! Team Iron!"
They kept trying, but to no avail.
Next, Azari stepped up.
"I'm already a prince and I have a kingdom, so this would only add to my honor," He stated as he grabbed the sword and pulled. Nothing though. He tried and tried, but still nothing. "Well, as I said, already have my kingdom and my honor."
"Of course, Your Honor," Sam replied with a laugh.
Thanks to that remark, Azari chose Sam to go next. Which he did.
Naturally, nothing happened. Not even when he put on his helmet and used his Nova powers. The sword still didn't budge.
Kamala went next and stretched her arms all the way around the sword hilt and pulled wit all her strength.
It didn't come out of the ground, but Kamala could've sworn she felt it move.
Next up was Ava. She growled and yanked with all her might, but no victory.
After her was Kate who did it just for the fun of it. Stretching a little before pulling, she did her best and strained to lift the sword. But it still stood firm.
Next came Cassie and PJ right after her. For a second, it seemed like they would be the ones to lift it. But it didn't move at all.
Next, Peter stepped up, with Ava cheering him on. Hiding his blush, the Spider-Man grabbed the hilt and suddenly, the sword budged a little.
This shocked everyone, but none as much Torunn. Her face conveyed her surprise as it went from a smirk to one of worry. She waited, as did the rest, to see if Peter would lift it, but seconds later, Peter let go and exhaled a heavy breath. He hadn't been able to lift the sword.
He smiled and put his hands up humbly.
Maddie growled as he pulled at the sword, which didn't do much help. Then he got an idea. Tapping his wrist device, he turned into his Hulk-self and tried again. Veins began to bulge as he strained pulling it hard as he could His growling grew louder as he suddenly let go and let his arms go up and he roared obnoxiously.
This gained surprised and mildly worried looks from the others while Viv smiled sheepishly and shook her head.
"Too much?" The green teen joked, letting his arms down.
"Not gonna lie, you actually had me for a second with the growling." Sam said.
Maddie laughed at that as he took big step as he went to sit down.
Finally, Jamie stood and went around for his turn.
"C'mon, Cap!" Frankie cheered.
The redheaded teen rolled up his sleeves before grabbing the hilt and pulling. The sudden sound of the sword shifting from its spot caught everyone's eyes and ears, especially Torunn's.
She was truly worried that Jamie might actually lift it. But she eased a little when Jamie seemed to try harder and finally let go, humbly giving up.
Sighing in relief on the fly, Torunn covered it with a laugh. "Haha! Nothing."
"Viv, Nikki?"
But Nikki shook her head and held up her hand. "Yeah, no I'm good. I don't need that answered for me."
"I'll pass too," Viv added.
"It's crazy though how hard it is to lift it." Ava said. "Reminds me of the Sword In The Stone."
"Exactly like that!" PJ agreed.
"It's gotta be encrypted." Harley said, thinking out loud, "'Whosoever is carrying Tori's fingerprint' is the real translation, I think."
"Well that's a very interesting theory, Harley. However, I have a simpler one..." Torunn stood and picked up the sword from its spot like it was light as a stick, flipping it and catching it again, "you're all not worthy."
She smirked as she said this, which earned groans and scoffs from the others. But with it all, they were just having fun with each other, laughing and talking like friends. Like a family.
After that excitement died down, Cassie, feeling the need to say it, spoke up. "Guys?"
They all looked to her and listened.
"I just...I just wanted to say, whatever happens tomorrow...I'm glad to have met you guys."
From that, smiles and hums of approval came from the others,
"Same here, Cassie." Ava agreed with a nod.
"Yeah, it's great having you guys for friends." Kamala added.
Everyone nodded in agreement at this. With this close bond between them, it was clear that they were ready for what was coming tomorrow. They were ready to do it...together.
Reflection's flashed by on Jamie's visor as he rode his motorcycle into Washington, DC. He had left the Compound after the team had their friendly "competition" of attempting to lift Torunn's sword.
Afterwards, he felt the need for a ride. But soon, the ride turned into an important errand he had to run. Before the mission tomorrow, there was something he had to do first...somewhere he had to be.
Meanwhile, Peter was visiting a gravesite. The name on the tombstone read
'Anthony H. Stark'
Our Iron Man
Peter looked down to the grave and sniffled as he felt tears coming up. "Hey, Mr. Stark."
***Smithsonian Museum***
Jamie walked through the museum until he came to a particular exhibit that stood out from the rest.
It was Captain America.
"Hey Dad," he whispered to himself.
Walking on, he looked upon multiple pictures, information cards on the exhibits, and various memorabilia. But one thing that caught his eye was a certain exhibit that had a picture of not only his father, but his mother too.
'THE SOLDIER AND THE SPY'
'After years of partnership, Captain Rogers married fellow Avenger, Natasha Romanoff, the Black Widow. Bringing happiness and joy to not only their lives, but also to those who cherished them. Both in life and on the battlefield, Rogers and Romanoff were the definition of a power couple, staying at each other's side until their death in 2018.'
Smiling happily at the exhibit, Jamie wiped away a tear that came up. He was happy to see things like this for his parents; reminders of their love for each other. Somehow, it gave him a bit of hope. Hope that they were still together and there with him, somewhere.
Feeling the need to say something, Jamie again whispered, "Thanks Mom, Dad..." at the picture of them.
As he kept his eyes on them, a hand came to his shoulder. Turning, Jamie saw that it was a security guard. From the looks of it, he had to be in his late sixties...or seventies. Or heck, his eighties. Jamie didn't really know.
"Are you okay, son?" He asked.
"Oh, yes sir. I'm fine." Jamie replied.
"Yeah, I saw you from over there and you looked sorta down. I just wanted to make sure you were alright."
Hearing the concerned words of the elderly man, Jamie smiled and nodded respectfully. "I appreciate that, sir. Really. I guess...I get a little emotional every time I see them."
"Oh I understand. Everyone loved the Avengers. My grandkids still do and they're in their twenties. They even dress up like 'em and go to those uh, those...ya know, where they have those big events for costumes and stuff."
Jamie thought for a moment, trying to get what the guard was talking about. Finally, it hit him. "Oh, Comic-Con?"
The man nodded vigorously and pointed at Jamie in glee. "THAT'S it! Comic-Con. Yeah but I like to see them have fun. You know, you could be a good Captain America. You've got the height, the build. I think you'd sell it, kid!"
This made Jamie laugh to hear, but he was happy to hear it nonetheless. "Maybe, I don't know."
"Oh sure you could!" The man jokingly retorted, "Heck, you even look like him a little."
Still holding that smile, Jamie bobbed his head in agreement. "Yeah, I've been told. He's actually my dad...or, he was, anyway."
"No kidding?" The elderly guard looked to the picture of Steve without his helmet on and then back to Jamie. He did this a few more times before he realized it had to be. It was true. "Well I'll be damned."
Again, Jamie laughed and dramatically brought a finger to his lips, quieting that man. "Shhhh, it's a secret."
"Safe with me, kid." He winked at Jamie and gave him a thumbs up. "Hey, if you ever need anything, just let me know. I gotcha covered."
The red-headed teen nodded back to him. "Well I appreciate that, Officer- Lee. Thank you, sir."
Looking up from the badge the guard wore on his shirt, he gave one more thumbs up to Jamie and smiled again before walking away.
With that, Jamie gave one last look to the picture of his parents before he slowly began to walk on in the exhibit.
But then, he got an idea. Turning back around, he called our to Officer Lee. "Actually, sir..."
Officer Lee stopped and turned back to Jamie.
"-there is one thing you might be able to help me with."
This brought a smile to the elderly guard's face.
In another part of the Captain America exhibit, a mannequin that wore a replica of Cap's suit in 2012 from the Battle of New York had been relieved of the suit.
Officer Lee stood there looking at it worth a calm mood about him.
"Well, at least I don't have to worry about getting fired this time." He said, wiping his forehead with his sleeve and putting his hat back on.
Jamie had a smile on his face as rode his motorcycle back home. He had gone to the Smithsonian to see his dad and he had left with more than what he had hoped. This was just perfect.
***Compound***
Back at the Compound, everyone had dispersed to do their own thing. Some together, some alone.
Nikki had gone to read a book in her special place, even inviting Ava to come along as well. Though it was really to read books and talk about them, some girl talk was thrown in with Nikki also acting about Peter to her. Naturally, Ava blushed through it all.
Cassie and PJ played video games with Harley. With Scott chaperoning, of course. Maddie and Viv had a talk about things. As in the news that she wasn't really human, rather a synthezoid. Also about his feelings for her. So that was quite the conversation, but it ended with Viv smiling and accepting, kissing his cheek. So you can imagine Maddie's surprise and glee.
Torunn spent some time training, sharpening her skills with the sword, which she had dubbed "Sharpius", and with Stormbreaker. Afterwards, she called Darcy and Erik and talked with them for a while. They were happy to hear that she was doing well, making friends and about to go on a "big mission to save the universe." Big stuff for a teenager/princess.
Riri went and FaceTimed her mom and aunt, telling them how she was doing, the friends she had made, and what was going on. The best way she could put it without telling her the real reason was that they were "all going on a bit of a field trip". And that it was going to be "one heckuva time". Wasn't really a lie, and they seemed to buy it. So that worked out just fine.
Azari too called back to Wakanda to talk with Shuri and Okoye and let them know how things were, and also to see how things were back home.
Frankie and Kate were outside doing target practice, naturally hitting all of their targets head-on. Later when they settled to take a breather, they reminisced about old times when they were younger and Frankie was a bit calmer and open with talking about it.
But her next question surprised her even more when he replied easily.
"What was it like out there...alone?"
Though it caught Frankie off guard, he still obliged and answered. "It was wild. In a lot of different ways. Be it the surroundings, the people, the stuff I was up against...it was all crazy. But being here, it's the first bit of peace I've had in a long time...I can actually sleep now without hearing the gunshots, the screaming. It all fades away here...feels good to be home."
Though she was sad for Frankie with what he had to deal with out there on his own, she did feel glad hearing that he was doing much better being here with them than out there alone. It gave her more hope.
Leaning up, she kissed his cheek. "It's good to have you home, Frankie."
Leaving him in a dazed and surprised state, Kate walked off back to the Compound while Frankie stood there, still trying to comprehend her sweet gesture towards him.
Later on in the evening, Sam knocked on a door and waited for a response.
"Who is it?" He heard from inside.
"Its me. Sam."
The door immediately opened with Kamala there in her robe. Her signature smile was also there too.
"Hey!" She welcomed him happily.
"Hey, what's up? The text said get over here right away."
"Come in! Come in!"
Kamala motioned for him to enter and closed the door behind him.
"So what is it?" Sam asked again.
Coming away from the door, Kamala took a breath and answered. "Okay. So remember when you said 'give my suit some flare'?"
Thinking back to yesterday, Sam nodded. "Yeah, I remember that. Why?"
"Well, it took some thinking and sketching," She gestured to some scattered sheets of paper on her desk which had various designs for a symbol of some kind, "but I finally found one that works and fits my persona!"
"Alright, let's see it!"
Kamala smiled and proceeded to undo her robe. The action shocked Sam at first, but he did his best not to let it show. Soon, the robe was off and Kamala revealed her burkini which had a gold trim along the hem and arm holes of it. But the icing on the cake was in the form of a large gold-yellow lightning bolt that went from the neck down to the hem at the bottom.
"So...what do you think?" She said.
"Honestly?...it looks awesome."
"Really?! You like it?!"
"Yeah, its great! I love the bolt, that's your flare right there. And all the bad guys are gonna know it. The trim is good detail too. It really-"
Sam was cut off when Kamala ran, literally ran, right into him and enveloped him in a big hug. She even went a little farther by wrapping her arms around both of them, making the hug tighter and more meaningful...well, meaningful for her that is.
"Thank you, Sam." She said, almost ready to cry tears of joy, "I really appreciate your hype and support. You're the best."
As if hearing that wasn't enough to make Sam feel like a hero, it was amplified by a kiss on the cheek by Kamala. And with that kiss, Sam was back out in space. Floating happily thanks to his crush - thanks to KAMALA.
Coming back to earth, Sam leaned his head onto hers and enjoyed the hug. And not just because he couldn't move his hands, but also because he genuinely cared for this girl. More than just feelings-wise.
"No problem, Kamala. I'm happy too. You deserve it, all the support."
Hearing that from Sam, and having him in her arms, Kamala felt safe and at home. She smiled and let her joyful tears fall, all because she was happy here.
By the time Jamie got back, it was already dark. The time was 8:17 PM so things were probably winding down. He parked his bike in the garage and headed inside with his backpack in tow.
As he entered, he made his way to the kitchen and could hear voices talking. It was Nikki and Peter.
"I think she'll love it, Peter."
"Ya think so? I hope it's good enough."
"Trust me, she'll love it. Just like you."
Peter's eyes went wide and red came to his cheeks.
"'Just like me' what?"
Nikki laughed at her "big brother"'s reaction. "Peter, she likes you."
"WHAT?!"
"Who likes who?" Jamie interjected as he walked in joining them. Peter and Nikki looked to him as he stepped up to the kitchen island where they were.
"No one! Nothing" Peter exclaimed, trying to get off topic quickly. "Where have you been?"
"Went on a ride to the Smithsonian. What's going on here?"
Peter was about to object, but Nikki cut him off. "Peter made a suit for Ava and they've got a crush on each other."
"NIKKI!" Peter couldn't believe she just fired that out there. With no shame, she just said it plainly. Nikki just looked at him with a smirk and a shrug of the shoulders.
"Oh really?"
Jamie was intrigued by this. Though he already suspected something when Peter chose to go to Brazil to recruit Ava instead of him, he was still surprised at hearing the confirmation of it now. "That actually explains a few things."
"Oh boy."
"Don't feel bad, Peter." Nikki told him, "Like I said, she likes you too."
Though Peter found it somewhat hard to believe, it did make him a little more confident to hear it. Huffing lightly, he nodded at his little sister's reassurance. "Well, I just hope she like this."
"I'm sure she will, Pete." Jamie added, encouraging his big brother.
Grateful for their words, Peter smiled. "Thanks guys, I appreciate it." With that, he picked up the box and headed out of the kitchen. "You guys sleep well. I'll see you in the morning."
"Night, bro." "Night, Peter. You too."
And with that, it was just the two of them.
"Well, well," Jamie started, "our big brother's got a crush."
"I know, right! Crazy!"
"Yeah. How bout you, you seem to be doing a lot better."
"I am actually. Not as many panic attacks, so that's good."
"Yeah, it is." Jamie nodded, truly happy for his sister. "You know, if Mom and Dad were here, I think they'd be proud of how you're doing. Keeping on despite your... your-"
"Nervous breakdowns?"
"Yeah..."
"Thanks, Jamie." Nikki bumped his shoulder with hers. "But if they were here, I think they'd be more proud of you and who you've become."
"Heh. Well, I would hope so. And hey, if this thing goes well tomorrow...maybe they will be."
Jamie's words, the weight they carried, it normally would have brought Nikki's anxiety up. But this time it didn't. Instead, it filled her with hope and gave her a more open, positive view on it.
This made her half-smile and bob her head a little. "Yeah...maybe."
Hearing that positive agreement from her, Jamie smiled as well.
With that, Nikki picked up her sandwich and mug with one hand and side hugged Jamie.
"Well, GN bro. See you in the morning."
"Night, Nikki." He hugged her back.
And with that, the two parted ways and headed to their rooms for the night.
On the way to his room, Jamie passed by Torunn's and noticed her door was ajar. He paused and peeked in and noticed the TV in her room on and saw his crush watching on the floor on a sleeping bag.
From what he could tell, she was really enjoying the movie. Part of him really wanted to watch with her, but that was granted with what happened next.
"Jamie, can you come in and close the door behind you please?" She called to him, not looking away from the TV.
Jamie's breath hitched in his throat at that. How did she know he was there? Freaky. Not that he had room to talk since he was somewhat spying on her earlier.
Obeying her request, he entered the room and quietly closed the door behind him. Torunn looked to him as he did and smiled at him.
"Wanna watch with me?" She asked him.
With the nervous feeling still there, Jamie put his best chill face on and nodded. "Sure. If you don't mind the company."
"If it's you, never."
So Jamie went and sat on the floor next to her at the foot of her bed and looked to the movie playing on the screen.
"So what're we watching?"
"In The Heart Of The Sea."
"Isn't it that whale movie with Chris Hemsworth?"
"Yep!"
"Alright, cool!"
A little later into the movie, Jamie became invested. More than that, he noticed something.
"You know, I just realized...Owen looks a lot like Uncle Thor."
Torunn scrunched her eyebrows at that. "What? Nooo!"
"Are you serious? He looks just like him!"
"Nah, Dad's way taller and WAY more muscular than him. Now that kid, Thomas? He looks like Peter."
"Ok you're just doing what I did now. That kid is no where near to Pete. I mean, maybe, somewhere in the eyes or the cheek, but other than that, I don't really see it."
The two lovebirds laughed over that before going back to the movie.
After it finished, Torunn thanked Jamie. "Thanks for watching with me."
"It was fun, thanks for asking me to stay."
Torunn smiled at that and the two stared at each other for a while before feeling a certain pull. Like something deep down inside of them was calling them to do it.
Deciding to go with it, the two slowly started to lean in. Their nerves were both rattling but they kept coming closer to one another. Until finally, they met I the middle and their lips locked for the first time.
The moment they connected, they felt a spark between their lips. Of course, that could've been from Torunn, but it didn't change anything. In this moment, Jamie and Torunn felt their hearts soar as their lips shifted against the other's.
Soon, the time came for them to separate for air. They broke the kiss and leaned their foreheads together, breathing heavily for the air that left them during that special moment.
As they did, they caught one another's eyes and the blushes and smiled couldn't be stopped.
"T-Tori?" Jamie called her.
"Yes?" She replied after a moment, still trying to catch her breath.
"Do you think that uh...maybe when this is all over, we could...do something together?" He blushed.
The Asgardian princess laughed at his shyness, even though she had a considerable amount as well. But she nodded and petted the side of Jamie's head. "Yes. I'd love to 'do something' with you."
"Really?"
"Yes! I'd love to, Jamie."
The redhead smiled at her and she did sweetly back to him. And from that, they leaned their foreheads against each other once more and stayed there. They didn't plan to, but they ended up falling asleep in that position for the rest of the night. Similar to how they shared a sleeping bag as kids, but it was different now. There was more meaning behind it now, more feeling.
And like their strength and their bond, that feeling was super strong.
IT'S OKAY TO BE SOFT(PETER/AVA)
After almost an hour of procrastinating, Peter finally worked up enough nerve to knock on Ava's door.
He stood there, his nerves going off the charts. The last time he was nervous for something like this was with Liz before homecoming. But this was different. Ava was different. She was a superhero like him and he would have to hide that. He wouldn't have to worry about her getting hurt if...well, he'd still worry because he cared for her. That's only natural. But still, he didn't have to hide from her. That made it all the more special. This gave him some hope.
But that hope seem to run when he heard the knob jiggle and the door opened.
Upon seeing Peter, the latina smiled. "Hey Peter, what's up?"
"He-Hey, Ava," He gulped before speaking. "I uh, I brought you something. It's something for tomorrow."
He held the box out for her and Ava, surprised as she was, smiled and took the box. Bringing it into her room and setting it on the bed, she opened it and couldn't believe her eyes. Her jaw dropped and she covered her mouth in awe.
"Oh my gosh! Peter!" She exclaimed with excitement.
"I just wanted you to have a little more protection out there and I figured a minor upgrade would help."
"A minor upgrade? This is TOP NOTCH! I can't believe it!"
"So, you like it then?"
"I LOVE it! Thank you, Peter." And with that, she hugged him tightly.
It took Peter by surprise, but he was comfortable with hugging her back. "Any time, Ava. Any time." He replied, holding her in that embrace.
They held that hug for a while before letting go halfway to where they were still holding one another.
They stared at each other with smiles and Peter could feel his heart beating like a jet engine on his ribcage.
And Ava had chills as she felt Peter this close to her.
Not wanting to make it weird, Peter slowly let go of her and backed away.
"Well uh...I guess I..better go. Let you rest for tomorrow."
Though she was a little sad he backed away, Ava nodded and played along. "Yeah, I...I better hit the hay myself."
Peter nodded back and began to walk out before he stopped. He mentally slapped himself for stopping that earlier. Why did he? Nerves. Fear. Those were what held him back, but they also protected him to a degree. But he'd never know if he didn't try.
Mustering up some courage, Peter turned back around and looked to Ava with confidence.
"Ava...I like you."
Boom! It was out there. He'd actually said it.
Ava's eyes went wide as saucers at hearing that. Did he really just tell her that? Y-..you do?"
Peter nodded, confirming it even more.
Now all there was was to brace himself for the reaction from Ava.
Said Latina was dumbfounded by Peter's confession just now and found herself at a loss for words. But the joy of hearing him actually say it moved her to smile and breathlessly reply, "...I like you too...Peter."
Now it was Peter's turn to shocked. He just confessed his feelings to this beautiful warrior girl and she had just confirmed that she reciprocated them. It was unbelievable! Great, but still unbelievable.
Unable to speak because of overloaded joy, Peter nodded and began to walk out with the biggest smile ever.
"Night, Ava." Peter called to her before she walked to the doorway of her room.
She watched him as he walked out into the hall, even stepping out a little and smiled once again. "Good night, Peter!" She replied, and then she went into her room.
As the door closed, Peter blushed up a storm as he began to walk down the hall and got down about three doors before turning and walking back to the door.
But before he could knock, it opened and there was Ava with a determined look on her face.
She reached over and grabbed Peter's face before pulling him in to peck his lips with hers.
Letting go of his face, Ava giggled before backing away. "See you tomorrow, Petey!"
She then smiled giddily and closed the door, leaving Peter there in a dazed state.
But that dazed state didn't last long as he clapped his hands, ran up the wall and did a backflip onto the floor in a stance. This was a great night. That had just made his night.
"Thanks a lot, Nikki."
He'd never doubt his little sister again.
As he walked on to his room, Peter's mind drifted from Nikki's support to the whole group in general. Over the past week, they had bonded with each other so quickly, despite some disputes, and had made a family together. And now, they'd be doing something potentially dangerous tomorrow.
That worried Peter. He worried for their safety, more than his own. Then he wondered, what if something happened to him? Or any of them! He didn't want to leave them feeling down and out and not continue on if something happened to him.
Granted, he was hoping nothing would happen, but you never could tell. You could just hope for the best and do your best...
Suddenly, an idea popped into his head.
With his mind set, Peter went to his room to finish one final task. Something he needed to do for the team. Just in case.
