"Superian…?" Arthur started to knock—then realized how absurd it was to need permission to enter his own bedroom. "Superian…? Are….are you awake?" he asked the large huddled form on the bed. He knew it was a dumb question, but he wasn't sure what else to say. He also knew that Superian was clearly awake; he'd heard him sniffle pitifully a few times since he'd arrived.

"So what if I am?" Superian grunted flatly at the wall, "You gonna yell at me some more?"

"No…" Arthur rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly as he slowly advanced towards the bed. "Look…" He lowered his head shamefully. "Superian…" he muttered, "That was wrong of me, and—and I'm really sorry I yelled at you."

"Yeah right," Superian scoffed, "Sure you are."

"No I mean it!" Arthur insisted, "I really am, I'm really, really sorry—okay?" He sighed in deep frustration. "I-I'm just really really tired and like–" He sighed, "I'm really, really overwhelmed by a lot of things right now—"

Superian sniffled. "Yeah, well…." He sighed sullenly. "...welcome to the club."

"Look Superian…" Arthur cleared his throat trying to figure out how to begin. "We risked a LOT coming to save you, okay? AEGIS doesn't even know about it and—and I just joined the Flag Five and—and even though it's on hold for the moment, they—they probably wouldn't approve of me doing something like that, going on a mission without alerting them first but—there's some things you don't even know about—"

"I never asked to be anyone's burden." Superian still didn't turn around, but his voice was softer this time. He didn't sound angry, just defeated, and his words were spoken almost so low that Arthur could barely hear him. "I never even asked to come here in the first place—"

"I know," Arthur nodded, relieved that Superian was at least talking to him. "I don't blame you for any of this, Superian," he tried, "Nobody does, okay? You—" He struggled to find the right words. "You just–kind of got all caught up in it all….you know? We—Tick and I—we both learned about Dr. Karamazov's involvement in your case and —and he's taken full responsibility for any shortcomings. Because of his testifying and—and our testifying—the aliens let you both go free—"

"Free'?" Superian echoed, staring back at him dumbfounded. "You mean…" He stirred in the bed, turning to look back at Arthur with wide-eyed wonder. "I'm not—-a fugitive—anymore?"

Arthur couldn't answer at first. He couldn't believe how ancient Superian suddenly appeared: as the hair on his beard was easily graying, and there were almost maroonish circles tugging deeply at his bloodshot eyes. It was hard to believe he was the same person, when not long ago he'd only looked like a healthy young man.

"Right!" Arthur nodded. "You're free."

"How—" Superian struggled to sit up partially, gaping at Arthur in shock. "How did you—?"

"I didn't do it," Arthur cut him off abruptly, "Destiny did."

"Destiny?" Superian squinted with confusion.

"Our friend Destiny," Arthur allowed, "She's…an old friend of the Tick's."

"The Tick's?" Now Superian was really dumbfounded.

"Yeah," Arthur nodded slowly, "It's…a long story but—she came with us, and helped free you—and her sister, who's her twin sister, Fate—"

"Fate…." Superian muttered, "Fate…" he repeated, as though it were a secret code. Then his eyes lit up with sudden remembrance, "Oh that's RIGHT! FATE!" he exclaimed, so loud that Arthur jumped, "Arthur!" Superian practically shouted, "that was the VOICE inside my head!" Superian shook his head in disbelief, "You mean you're telling me that woman's actually really REAL?" he demanded, sounding more and more excited by the thought, "I'm not going crazy?"

"No you're not crazy—and she's most definitely real." Arthur sighed with submission, realizing he was going to have to revisit it all over again, and this probably wouldn't be the last time. "Destiny's sister was being held prisoner, just like you by Dr. Johnson. Destiny both testified on your behalf—"

"Man…" Superian kept shaking his head in wonder. "I can't believe she's real…" He let out a long sigh of relief, "Thank you Arthur," he admitted, "Knowing that…that really helps a lot."

"You know…I thought I was going crazy," Arthur admitted, "when you started communicating with me telepathically….I started getting these really awful, crazy bad headaches…I didn't know what was causing them—until we were sitting together on that pyramid in Guatemala…." Just thinking about it gave Arthur chills, and he had to shake himself free of the mental images. "I knew they were torturing you…." Arthur spoke low to the floor, "I…I just didn't know how bad it had gotten—"

"Yeah…" Superian looked away. "You guys got there just in time…"

"I know." Arthur shivered at the notion. "If—if it weren't for Destiny convincing me about your methods for communicating I never would have believed it was real. We-we never would have been able to get to you if Dangerboat hadn't informed us that he was also a spaceship—"

" 'Danger…Boat'..?" Superian echoed with confusion, "What the heck is a 'danger boat'?" Superian blinked at him in astonishment. "Sounds pretty, well— dangerous," he scoffed, "to me—"

"No!" Arthur protested, "Dangerboat's not really dangerous at all! He—" Arthur blushed. "He's actually our friend."

"Your friend's a BOAT?"

"He's an AI ship that's completely self-aware." Arthur smiled a little. "He's the one who brought us up into outer space."

"So he's not just a boat…" Superian was beside himself with shock. "He's a danger SPACE ship?"

"He used to work for AEGIS," Arthur tried to explain, "but—he doesn't work for them anymore, because well—he went rogue—just like Overkill, his—his partner—"

"Overkill?" Superian sat up fully now, incredulous. "You're kidding me right now, right?" Superian demanded, "Are you telling me you rescued me with OVERKILL?"

"Not—" Arthur grimaced, "not—exactly—" He shrugged. "He came up with us but—he didn't testify. He—he kept watch on the ship while we went inside."

"Aw man—" Superian whined as he shook his head with disgust. "You rescued me with Overkill!?" Superian groaned, "That guy's seriously unhinged!"

"Takes one to know one," Arthur smirked at him, grinning.

"Ha," Superian scoffed, but he was clearly not amused.

"Look, uh…Superian…" Arthur shuffled in his seat. "We're glad you're home, okay? We…we want to help you get back on your feet and…you're welcome to stay here until…until you're ready—"

"And then what?" Superian looked away abruptly as though Arthur had insulted him. "I'm not exactly the world's favorite person right now…."

"You know what," Arthur said as he browsed his phone, "I happen to know that there are lots of people right now all over the world who would be more than happy to know you're okay."

"Yeah right."

"Don't believe me?" Arthur held out his phone. "Check this page out."

Superian blinked as he stared down at the page. It was for a social media group online called "WE WANT SUPERIAN". Users from all over the internet had flocked to the site to show their appreciation of Superian, and demanding answers as to why he'd been missing, and when he would return. "Arthur…" Superian looked up and when he did, his eyes were shimmering. "Are you kidding me right now?"

"Thankfully I'm dead serious." Arthur lay a supportive hand on Superian's shoulder. "That's why you need to recover, Superian—and we need to alert the world that you're still here—and that you'll be ready to take action if needed in the fight against tyranny." Arthur swallowed hard. "You know, I never thanked you but…" he shivered a little. "We—we wouldn't have survived the Terror without you." He looked away, not trusting himself to look Superian in the eye. "Thank you…Superian…" he croaked, "thank you for—for saving us all—"

"Hey, c'mon, Arthur—" Superian scoffed at him. "I know I can make this 'saving stuff' look easy, but—I know in reality that it's not! I swooped in and saved you—sure—but c'mon, I'm superhuman! Give yourself a little credit."

"Me?" Arthur looked away with embarrassment. "I'm—I'm not even a real superhero. I-I didn't really do anything–"

"Hells yeah you did!" Superian exclaimed, suddenly excited, "you went right up to him and distracted him long enough so that I could freeze the sonofabitch right in his place!" Superian clapped Arthur excitedly on the back, "You saved the day, my boy! You're the real hero here—you risked your life—you actually stood up to your worst fear—the TERROR—and you lived to tell the tale!—Seriously Arthur," Superian concluded, "you're a freaking LEGEND!"

"Huh…" Arthur nodded, trying to stay humble even as a small and broadening smile played along his face, "I guess maybe you're right…"

"You better believe I'm right." Superian settled back into the bed with a self-satisfying smile of his own.

"ARTHUR!" The Tick had suddenly appeared in the doorway. "We've got company…."

"Shhh!" Arthur held his finger to his lips, silencing Superian as he followed the Tick out the door. There, in the living room, stood the AEGIS Secret Agent, John Wu—aka—his stepfather—known first and informally as "Walter". He was standing in his full official garb, clearly there on official AEGIS business—and Arthur's heart nearly leapt into his throat.

"WALTER…!" Arthur exclaimed, practically gagging in the process. "What—what are YOU doing here!?"

"Relax," said Walter, easing into the room with a small knowing smile. "You're not in trouble, Arthur—nor are you, Tick—but I AM here on urgent and important business." He looked around, as though expecting to see something—or someone. "I know," he declared then, leaning forward conspiratorially, "about Superian, Arthur."

"You…" Arthur blinked. He was still not used to seeing Walter as a stepfather, let alone a spy. "You DO?" he croaked.

"Yes, Arthur," Walter nodded, "I do. And, I know you're hiding him someplace right here…." His eyes flashed towards the hallway and Arthur shivered nervously. "However…" Walter paced into the kitchen, where he leaned passively against the counter, "I would like to know why you're harboring a known fugitive in your home."

"Well have we got a story for you!" the Tick exclaimed. "Walter—Superian is a free man—he's not a fugitive anymore!"

"What?" Walter glanced at Arthur for confirmation and Arthur nodded. "But that's not what the Bureau says!" Walter protested with shock, "how is this even possible?"

"It's a long story, Walter…" Exhausted, Arthur sank into a chair at the table.

"That's okay Arthur." Walter smiled warmly at his stepson as he pulled out a chair across from him and sat down. "Tell me everything," said Walter, "I've got the time."

So they told Walter everything—much to Walter's disbelief.

"So what You're saying—" Walter kept shaking his head in complete and utter disbelief, "is that Superian has been acquitted thanks to this Destiny person and—and Dr. Johnson is now in federal custody?" Walter echoed in amazement. "I'm going to have to ask you some questions and—I'm going to have to have something in writing—"

"I'll do you one better," Arthur allowed, "I can have Superian confirm it for you himself."

"Take me to him, Arthur." Walter stood, and Arthur led the way down the hall to his bedroom.

Superian was not expecting a visitor—let alone a secret agent in his midst. "Hey—" Superian exclaimed as he nearly fell off the bed, "who is he? Get—get him out of here!"

"It's just Walter!" exclaimed the Tick excitedly.

Superian blinked, looking dumbfounded. "And WALTER is?"

"My—er—stepfather," Arthur volunteered, "actually. He's—also a secret Agent—"

"Hello, Superian." Walter came forward, startling Superian into silence. "We at the Bureau of Investigations just want to make sure you are safe." He circled around the bed, advancing closer to Superian, who inched further away with each step. "Superian," Walter nodded down at him, "Tell me: How are your feet?"

"My FEET?" Superian stared up at the Agent in amazement. "My FEET are just dandy….it's my BACK that's in pain!"

"Oh my goodness gracious!" Walter examined Superian's backside in shock. "Who dressed these wounds so quickly for you?"

"Um…" Arthur shuffled awkwardly in place, "that—that would be Dot, actually—"

"Really?" Walter appeared impressed, "Dot did this?"

"Who the hell is Dot!?" Superian gaped up at Arthur with astonishment.

"She's Arthur's sister!" the Tick exclaimed, "She's a Medic AND a Category! And a darned good one too."

"Jesus Arthur." Superian simply sat with his mouth hung open in disbelief, "Your family might just be the strangest family I've ever met anywhere in the Universe—including outer Space!"

"You're telling me!" Arthur laughed, only to find Walter staring at him with bemusement. Arthur quickly cleared his throat as he turned promptly towards his stepfather, "So—Walter, what now? I mean—" he stammered, "now that you know Superian's safe—"

"You will have to alert Rathbone and the rest of AEGIS that he is alive and in recovery," Walter informed.

"Oh, man…" Arthur sank slowly down onto his bed. "He's not going to be too happy with us," he muttered, "...is he…?"

"Quite the contrary." Walter beamed with unexpected pride at Arthur, "I think you two are going to be elected into the AEGIS Hall of Fame!"

"The Hall of Fame—?" Arthur gaped at him in shock.

"Arthur…" The Tick joined him on the bed in shock. "What's the 'AEGIS Hall of Fame'?"

"That's the list of legends that work through AEGIS, Tick," Arthur explained with growing excitement, "they are nationally celebrated heroes—but—" He forced himself to face his stepfather. "Why would they choose US for that? We broke all kinds of protocol. We went behind AEGIS's back—"

"You saved Superian!" Walter declared with a growing smile as he placed a firm hand on Arthur's shoulder. "That's enough in the eyes of AEGIS to acquit you of any wrongdoings. You both got the job done and—I must say—with flying colors! You're both going to be international heroes!" He turned towards Superian, "that is—if Superian is okay with all of this—and makes a formal statement before the press?"

"Why not?" Superian shrugged with a grin, "That's the least I could do! These two boys risked their butts to save my ass— Least I can do is to be a little humble for my adoring public eye." He winked at Arthur with a knowing grin.

"Thanks, Superian." Arthur smiled with relief. "Maybe rest for a couple of days," he added, "so those wounds can really heal."

"Hey this bed is pretty comfy," Superian grinned, "I think I can manage it!" He was smiling at them now, with the sudden eagerness of a child on Christmas morning—and looking younger by the minute. "In a few days' time? Who knows what the future can bring," Superian exclaimed, "the sky's the limit!"

"Come on in boys."

Commander T. Rathbone was not one to take such matters lightly. "Now take a seat and listen up."
Arthur and the Tick glanced warily at each other. They sat.

"Now, normally," the Commander began, "you would both be reprimanded for deploying a mission of this magnitude. Yet I can't just ignore the fact that you both risked your lives to save one of our own! And you were a catalyst in putting away a true unlikely criminal. Both of these actions are truly heroic in my book—and goes along with everything that AEGIS truly stands for: Protection, Peace, and Justice for the masses! You both lived up to those standards, my men—and to thank you for your efforts," Commander Rathbone faced the two, "you will both be rewarded handsomely—with the Keys to the Kingdom—you will be given free full access to AEGIS headquarters as a token of our appreciation—as well as a presentation to you by the City itself."

"Oh my God…" Arthur was in shock as he stood and nimbly shook Rathbone's hands, "Thank you, Commander Rathbone! We-we can't thank you enough—"

"The pleasure's all mine," the Commander nodded, "but in the future, boys, please do inform us of any mission-like endeavors you are to take upon yourselves….we can't be held responsible for any liabilities. Understood?"

"Arthur," the Tick whispered before he could respond, "I'm all tingly and I don't know what to say—"

"Just say 'yes Sir'," Arthur grinned, "and I think you'll do alright!"

"YES SIR!" The Tick saluted.

"We will commence at your award ceremony in a week's time," the Commander announced, "which will be introduced by one Superian, who is now in recovery—" the Commander smiled for the first time at them both, "thanks to you! In the meantime," the Commander added, "you must fill out the necessary forms to commence the ceremony and the awards to finalize the motion."

"Paperwork?" the Tick groaned—only to be shushed immediately by Arthur.

"Tick!" snapped Arthur, "Hush! We can do this like before—plus–now we know your backstory, right?" he added with a wink.

"Oh right," the Tick nodded. "Commander…." he ventured, "am I still considered a Category if I am part dog?"

"Excuse me?" The Commander blinked at the big blue man in confusion. "Part what now?"

"Nevermind—" Arthur insisted as he nudged the Tick out the door. "We'll—get started on that paperwork right away! C'mon Tick—let's go—"

"I'm also part Superian!" the Tick called out over his shoulder, letting a groaning Arthur continue to push him down the hall.

"Arthur Everest!" Veranda, the affectionately known "Paper Queen" as the Tick had dubbed her, was pleasantly surprised to see both Arthur and the Tick in front of her, waiting expectantly. "Back so soon?"

"Yes," said Arthur, straightening his posture in an attempt to make himself appear significant, "we need the finalization papers for an awards ceremony."

"Well, congratulations!" Veranda smiled shyly at Arthur, who blushed in spite of himself and looked away. "What are the awards for?"

"For saving Superian!" The Tick boomed with pride.

"Oh my goodness!" Veranda exclaimed. "You mean Superian's been found!?"

"Yes," the Tick announced, "and WE were the ones who found him!"

"That's incredible!" Veranda gushed and, before Arthur could stop her, she was running right out of the cubicle and, to his astonishment, threw her arms around him, nearly knocking him over. "That's wonderful news, Arthur!" Veranda grinned, "Congratulations!"

"Th-Thank you—" Arthur stammered, not sure how else to respond (it wasn't every day that a pretty girl hugged him). "We- we weren't expecting a ceremony but—they're giving us full passes to AEGIS—" He blushed. "I—I don't even know what we'd do with them—"

"Oh, I'm sure you'll think of something." Veranda continued to grin at him. "When is the ceremony?" she asked excitedly as she returned to the cubicle and began gathering papers.

"Next Saturday," Arthur blushed, "I-I think—"

"You should come!" the Tick called out before Arthur could stop him; Arthur turned and stared at him, wide-eyed with disbelief. "We'd love for you to be there."

"Tick!" Arthur hissed, whirling around, "I don't think—"

"OMGOSH—" Veranda gasped, "I'd LOVE to!" she gushed ecstatically—and before Arthur could say anything more, Veranda pulled him into a close and warm embrace—as though they were old friends—and Arthur could feel his ears tingling as her cheek touched his. 'Thank you, Tick!" Veranda exclaimed, squeezing the Tick affectionately. "I fully accept the invitation!"

The Tick beamed back at her with appreciation. "You're extremely welcome, Paper Queen," he grinned and then winked knowingly at Arthur, who tried as hard as he could to hide his blushing face.

"You guys are a great addition to AEGIS," Veranda declared as she handed over the forms. "I'm so glad you decided to join the Team! My sister is excited for you too," she added eagerly.

"She's also welcome to come!" the Tick announced—and Arthur closed his eyes and winced heavily, trying not to groan.

"Thank you both for the invitation," Veranda smiled brightly as though she hadn't noticed. "We don't get out a lot—the job you know? But I know my sister's just going to LOVE it!" Without warning, she slid a piece of paper toward Arthur. "There's my number," she said, lowering her voice as though it were a secret, "let me know when we're done and I'll take you out to sushi!"

"Su-Sushi?" Arthur blinked. He'd never been asked to go for a meal with a girl in his life. "I-I've never had…Sushi," he mumbled, suddenly very self-conscious of his every movement.

"Do you like fish?" Veranda prompted with a smile.

"I-" Arthur shuffled his feet. "I-guess so?"

"Sure we do, Arthur!" the Tick exclaimed, patting him on the back, "what's not to like!?"

"Thanks, Tick…" Arthur muttered without trying to hide his annoyance. "OK—then—" he slowly turned and faced Veranda, "I'll—I'll see you Saturday then?" he announced as he forced a smile (and somehow tried not to appear too eager).

"Saturday it is!" Veranda nodded, smiling back at him (and he could see she was just as eager too).

He stopped in his tracks, suddenly wondering how he would be able to tell them apart, when she called out, "Oh and Arthur! I'll be wearing my pink scrunchy on one wrist so you can tell us apart!"

Arthur turned around in shock. Had she just read his mind? Then with stark realization, he remembered: Veranda and Miranda were telepathic—were they also able to communicate with others the same way? If that was the case, he had his hands full.

"Thanks, Veranda," he smiled weakly, nodding with a grin as though it were no big deal. "See you then."

Somehow Arthur managed to carry the paperwork in both hands and follow the Tick all the way to the lobby where he finally sat down in a daze.

"Arthur," the Tick stared down at him with amusement, "I think you're sitting on our paperwork."

"Tick…" Arthur said with amazement, so stunned he could barely speak, "I think I just got my first real date!"

Saturday came quicker than expected, as did Superian's recovery. Somehow, he was able to walk up to the stage as though he had no wounds at all, and smile from the podium as though it were the best day of his life. Whispers of hushed amazement spread through the crowd as most of the City was not yet aware of his return.

"Greetings, friends!" he spoke across the crowd that had gathered down at the pier beside Dangerboat's dock, "Yes! It is I, Superian. Yes, I was off-world for a while and NO, contrary to what some have incorrectly surmised, we are not being invaded by aliens—just one—that would be ME!" Superian's chuckle was infectious, as soon the entire crowd was laughing along with him. "Now, I know you are all excited about my return! But that's not the only reason you all are here-we have all come to honor and to show our appreciation of the ones who brought me back to you," stated Superian as he turned to face the honorees, "The Tick—and Arthur Everest!"

The crowd clapped in unison, roaring with excitement as the Tick and Arthur took the stage. Arthur could see many familiar faces in the crowd: his mom, Walter, his sister, standing unexpectedly close to Overkill. He was also pleasantly surprised to see both Veranda as well as Meranda in the audience as well. They both smiled and waved. He noticed that nobody's eyes were focused on him, however; they were focused on the Tick who had moved towards the podium. "I will happily take any questions you have to ask," the Tick declared, standing tall and proud before his audience, "For I am an open book and you are welcome to browse at your leisure!"

"How did you do it!?" one reporter called out excitedly, "Did you use your superhuman strength to knock out the bad guys? "Did you knock them down like bowling pins!?" another person demanded to know. Arthur groaned, knowing this was bound to happen—everyone wanted to know more about how the real superhero did it. Nobody wanted to know about him and his stupid flying suit—

"I did it not alone." The Tick interrupted his thoughts, as he turned directly towards Arthur with beaming pride, "I did it with Arthur—who is—"

"Your...sidekick?" Arthur turned away, only to find himself pulled back with gusto by the Tick himself.

"Not only my sidekick," the Tick retorted with an affectionate smile, "but my partner in fighting crime! And without whose cunning daring-does this Mission I never could have managed to complete with such success and artistry!" He placed a proud arm around Arthur's shoulder, and Arthur couldn't help but smile gratefully.

The crowd began to clap and cheer. "We also had some help," Arthur announced, "from my sister Dot—" He reached a hand towards her; Dot accepted gratefully and pulled her up onto the stage. "-and our friend Overkill," Arthur added, nodding at the vigilante, who was trying his best to appear like he wasn't there—but was called out anyway—by none other than Dot, who pulled him up onto the stage (surprising everyone with her unexpected strength). "We also couldn't have done it without our friend, Dangerboat!" Arthur directed attention towards the ship which was observing from inside his hull, "He brought us further than we ever could have imagined," Arthur smiled fondly at the ship, "and he literally swooped in and saved the day! Let's all give a hand to Dangerboat!"

The entire crowd clapped and cheered—including Overkill, who was too proud and overwhelmed in the aftermath of it all to comment.

"Thank you, Arthur." The Mayor of the City stepped forward with a Medal of Honor, which he presented to Arthur. "You and the Tick—" he handed one to the big blue man, "are hereby presented with the Keys to The City." The Mayor collapsed their hands warmly, smiling. "May you use it well."

"Thank you," Arthur managed to reply, stunned as he placed the Medal of Honor around his neck. It was an actual golden Key with an inscription.

"Chum…" The Tick turned towards him as they descended the stairs. "We're heroes, Chum!"

"Hells yeah you are!" Superian high-fived him when they reached the bottom. "Welcome home, Brother!"

"Thanks," the Tick smiled through misty eyes as he pulled Superian into a big bear hug. "..Brother."

"Arthur!" Arthur whirled around to find his mother standing not five feet from him in the crowd.

"Mom…" Arthur ran towards her and let her wrap her arms around him. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you what was going on Mom…"

"That's okay honey." Joan had tears in her eyes. "I know some things I won't know about right away," she added, voice trembling with emotion, "or—maybe sometimes I won't ever know but—I trust you, Arthur—and I know you're out there doing the right thing." She hugged him again, and he felt safe and warm in her arms. " That's all that matters."

"Thanks Mom," he managed to whisper back.

"I'm just so proud of you," she said, and she gave his arm a gentle loving squeeze before she left to go find Walter.

"Arthur!" At the sound of his name called again, Arthur turned to find Veranda standing not too far away, beaming broadly at him. He could tell it was her because she was wearing the pink scrunchy; Miranda was having what appeared to be an animated conversation with the Tick.

"Veranda!" Arthur grinned and ran towards her. "I'm so glad you could come!" This time, he was the one to initiate the hug.

When they broke the embrace, Veranda was staring down mesmerized at the Key that was now a permanent fixture hanging from his neck. "Wow Arthur," Veranda breathed, "That's an incredible award! You should be very proud."

"I am." Arthur grinned back at her. "So…" He smiled nervously at her, "Where's this Sushi place you spoke of?"

"ARTHUR!" The Tick bounded up before he could receive an answer, "They're going to have a party on Dangerboat—and we're ALL invited! You and Meranda too," he added, nodding eagerly at Veranda, who blushed and took a step closer to Arthur.

"Um…" Arthur blushed. "Thanks for letting me know Tick but—uhhh—" He rubbed the back of his neck. "Veranda and I were gonna go and get some Sushi…."

"SUSHI?" The Tick's eyes lit up. "I LOVE Sushi!" He began to skip past Arthur, "C'mon, let's go—"

But Arthur grabbed his arm, however gently, tugging him back. "Uh—no—Tick—I—I'm not sure you understand—" Arthur averted his gaze as he spoke, voice low, "I-uh—I'm taking Veranda—out to dinner, Tick…alone," he added with emphasis on the last word. He could feel the Tick's eyes questioning him, hovering like a lost puppy.

As though to make his point, Arthur took Veranda's hand in his; to his relief, she accepted, and they stood there holding hands for what felt like an eternity—when the Tick suddenly took Veranda's other hand in his own impossibly big blue one. He then knelt before her as though he were going to propose—Arthur's eyes widened with alarm, only for the Tick to bow his head before her, "M'Lady Veranda—you are in good hands with this young lad! May you both find happiness in every moment of your days." He then kissed Veranda's hand, before turning towards Arthur and patting him on the back. Arthur couldn't speak through the lump in his throat; he did let the Tick give him a big quick hug.

"Good on you Chum," the Tick whispered into his ear with a grin, "Good on you."

"I might—er—be awhile…" It was all Arthur could think of to say.

"No worries Chum!" The Tick was all smiles. "You take your time," he added with a knowing wink. "I'll leave the light on."

He then stood tall, saluting once at Arthur, then at Veranda, before swinging promptly about and heading off in the opposite direction: a great big shield of big sky blue, somehow vanishing altogether, melting and blending easily within the many different colors and faces of the crowd.

Notes:

A BIG Thanks to Everyone who's read this far- THANK YOU SO MUCH for reading and for coming along on this wild ride with me! This was a ton of fun to write. I adore all these characters so much and I only hope that I gave them the Justice they deserve (I hope I've done the Tick proud knowing how much he cares about Justice)! I had a blast with it and I hope you did too!

PS: If you liked my work here, please check out the other project I'm currently working on, The "Pushyami Gogireddi" Nanology! It's a tale of fantasy realism, magical mystery, and intrigue that takes place first largely in Ireland and then moves from there towards the UK, including England and Wales! You can find it all here at our channel ProfferandProsper:

The First Trilogy (Part 1): watch?v=MyxMLbZAfDc
The Second Trilogy (Part 2): watch?v=BL-0FUDSpiE

Stay tuned for more from Sillycritter and ProfferandProsper! :)