Chapter 8

Adam woke up with a comfortable weight snuggled against him. He cracked his eyes open and saw a peaceful looking Tempest sleeping on.

"Morning, Adam." Tempest yawned and sat up as her hand went up to her head. She looked at her arm, then Adam. She brought her hand down. "That was odd." She thought out loud.

"What was?" Adam asked confused.

"My hand just kind of went up to my hair when I woke up." Tempest said still confused.

"What's so weird about that?"

"Well, the only reason I could think of that a normal person would do that is to fix it but: one, I don't care about that. Two, if I did, my hand alone wouldn't make any difference." Tempest explained.

"Maybe your subconscious is saying something," Adam offered

"What would it be saying? That I should get a shower or something?" She asked confused.

"Maybe," Adam shrugged.

Tempest cracked up. "Then my subconscious is clearly deranged. Let's say I was to try, it would take about three and a half days of none stop washing to get clean."

"Not in Firestorm showers." Adam said in a challenging tone.

"How long would it take in there?" Tempest asked curiously.

Adam looked at her and thought about it. "About five to six minutes," He said after a pause.

Tempest sighed, "Do I have to, though? It'll feel weird."

"I never said you had to and I won't make you. There is a shower through that door though and I am going to go to my room and take one now." Adam said standing up.

"Alright, I'll see you in a little bit then and... I'll give it some thought." Tempest said before looking over at that door.

"Okay, whether you do or not there's a clothe dispenser in the bathroom as well you can pick almost anything," Adam said as he left the room.

Tempest got up and went up to the clothes dispenser. She looked back and forth between it and the shower a few times. She was not sure if she wanted to shower or not. She thought about how much it hurt when Adam tried to run his fingers through her hair and looked at herself in the mirror.

"Well, I guess there are some cons to this." She started the shower and starred at it for a few minutes still trying to decide if she wanted to get in. After a while, she reached in and turned it back off getting her arm wet in the process. She stared at that arm for awhile.

She was surprised her skin was tan under all that dirt. She turned the water back on and very carefully stripped down and got in. Adam was right, the shower got her clean in a matter of minutes, she didn't even recognize the girl in the mirror once she got out. She had to admit she was surprised.

All her scars were now very faint and less defined. Her skin was smooth and tan and her hair actually fell gracefully down to the middle of her back. She was beautiful under all that dirt.

"Wow." Was all a voice said... but it wasn't her's.

She was very happy she had wrapped a towel around her as she turned to find Adam standing there. "Sorry, I just got back and you left the bathroom door open," Adam said half afraid she would be mad.

"It's ok." Tempest said blushing embarrassed that she had left the door open so stupidly.

"I'll just leave you to get dressed and...yeah." Adam said backing away from her blushing as well.

He closed the door beside him so Tempest got dressed wondering how he even recognized her, she would have though the mirror was a picture if it didn't move.

She dressed and came out finding Adam sitting in her bed with an ipod playing in his ears and his eyes closed. Since he couldn't see or hear her. Tempest went up to him and kissed him. She could tell she had surprised him, but after a moment he kissed her back his fingers running through her hair.

She closed her eyes noticing that it didn't hurt. It felt relaxing. That in addition to the kiss. She never wanted it to end. However, the lack of oxygen said that it had to end and they separated.

"We need to find a way to fix that." Tempest said catching her breath.

"Fix what?" Adam asked smiling at her.

"That we can't kiss for very long because we need oxygen, we need to find a way to fix that." Tempest said smiling back.

"We do, don't we I'll have to get to wok on it."

"Can I help?" Tempest asked sitting on his lap.

"Of course you can, we have to build lung power first."

"Any ideas on how to do that?" She asked.

"We'll we could take up singing..." Adam said with a smile

"I guess that could work." She said slightly hesitantly. She's NEVER sang before.

"Or we could kiss more often." Adam said.

"I like that option better." Tempest said with a smile.

"Well, then lets get started," Adam said leaning in and kissing her

Before they could get very far at all, there was a knock at the door.

"Oh, come on." Tempest sighed as Isabella walked in.

"Um, Adam, who's this?" Isabella asked awkwardly legitimately not recognizing her.

"Isa, it's Tempest." Adam said as he and Tempest chuckled.

"Wow Tempest, for someone who usually doesn't clean up, you clean up good." Isabella observed.

"I know I think I'll make showering a morning thing now." She said smiling.

"You like being clean?" Adam asked holding her close.

"Now that I have you and I know there's more to you liking me than looks yes." Tempest said.

"Wait, so that's why you never washed up before? Because you didn't want someone to just like you for how you look?" Isabella asked putting the paces together.

"Yes, I wanted friends and a boyfriend who liked me for me," She said

"Wow, I guess I never really thought about it that way." Isabella observed.

"Not many people do," Tempest said.

"That's what makes that you did so special." Adam told her.

"Thank you very much," She said leaning into him.

"You're welcome but I only say what's the truth." Adam said running his hand gently through her hair. She sighed in content loving the feeling of sitting here in arms with his fingers in her hair. "You like that?" Adam asked noticing the look on her face.

"Yes, yes I do and you know you like holding me," She smirked

"Yes I do." Adam said, but even through her smile and content look, he could still see the dirt that no amount of showers, even the Firestorm ones, can clean up. Even though she tried to forcefully hide it. "You know, it's ok to miss him, he was all the family you had for most of you're life. You don't have to pretend it's ok that he's gone."

Tempest looked down slightly and tear escaped her eyes as she hugged Adam close.

Adam put one arm around her torso running the other through her hair. "There we go, just let it out, you're safe here."

"I just, I miss him." Tempest said into Adams shoulder.

"I know you do, I would too if something happened to Isabella just as she would with me and any other sibling would have." Adam said comfortingly.

"Just remember him," Adam said.

"I always will." Tempest promised into his shoulder.

"Then that's all that matters," Adam said gently.

"Will it ever get better?" Tempest asked.

"Sure it will, after time." Adam said.

"Which in the mean time will feel like forever." Tempest said sadly.

"Not if you have people with you who can help," Adam said.

"I guess you're right, which I do have."

"Exactly so learn to show all your emotions or it'll kill you."

Tempest nodded, "Alright, I promise I will."

"And I'll be right here for you," Adam said kissing her forehead.

"Promise me you won't go away?" Tempest asked leaning into him.

"I promise you I will always be here for you," Adam said.

"Well, you'll be here for me too right?" Tempest asked Isabella.

"Yeah, of course I will," Isabella said.

"Good, then I have at least two people to help me though this." Tempest said but she didn't have any trace of smile on her face.

"Come on, smile a little," Adam said. Just to make him happy, Tempest gave a small smile. "That's better," Adam said so Tempest elbowed him playfully. "Hey, that could have hurt," he said sarcastically.

"I barely even touched it." Tempest said defensively not quite getting sarcasm.

"Tempest, that was sarcasm..." Adam said awkwardly.

"Oh," Tempest said turning red, "I was never good at distinguishing sarcasm."

"Oh, trust me, you'll get better hanging around Adam." Isabella said

"Maybe for now we just need like a sarcasm sign or something." Tempest said half jokingly.

"I can make one of those," Isabella said.

Tempest chuckled, "That would be awesome."

"I'll get on it," Isabella said.

Tempest sighed and layed her head back on Adam's shoulder.

"What's wrong?" Adam asked.

"What do you thinks wrong?" Tempest asked seriously closing her eyes.

"Your brother?" Adam asked. Tempest just nodded from on his shoulder. "I'll tell you what lets get your mind off it anything you want to do today and we'll do it,"

"Alright." Tempest said but she had to think about it for a while, she's never been given that option before. She was usually too busy with stuff with Vanessa and stuff. "Anything?" She asked.

Adam nodded, "Anything."

"Well, I don't know. What do normal kids do for fun?" She asked. They shrugged not exactly being 'normal kids' either. "Well what do you guys do then?" She asked.

"Different things. How about a lake trip?" Adam suggested.

"That sounds fun!" Tempest said.

"You sure that's what you want to do?" Adam asked.

"Yeah, you would both come too right. I wouldn't just be stuck with the others alone right?"

"Of course, I said we didn't I?" Adam asked running his hand through her hair. She was beginning to wonder if she was part cat with how much she enjoyed him doing that.

"Okay, then lets go," Tempest said.

"I'll get the others you two get the snacks?" Isabella asked.

"Alright, when would we be leaving?" Tempest asked.

"In about an hour," Isabella guessed.

"Alright." Tempest said getting off of Adam's lap.

"Good I will see you both there," She said leaving the room.

Tempest held out her hand for Adam to take. He took it and they walked to the kitchen. "So, can you cook?" Adam asked.

Tempest nodded, "It takes similar skills as concocting poisons does, just... don't get them mixed up."

"Have you done that before?"

Tempest shook her head, "Never it's just an extremely important note."

"I can imagine, cook off?" Adam offered.

"You're on!" Tempest said competitively.

"Alright, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to warm up before the big stuff," Adam said.

"Alright, go!" Tempest called and they both set off to work.

"I win!" They both said twenty minutes later with 60 completed sandwiches between them. "No you didn't! I did!"

"I clearly won my thirtieth sandwich was there first," Adam said.

Tempest looked down accepting defeat. "Alright, you won."

"Really, no fight?" Adam asked cautiously.

Tempest shook her head, "No fight, you had me beat."

"Round two?" Adam asked.

"You're on! What's round two?" Tempest asked.

"Tacos." Adam said.

"Fair enough, go!" Tempest announced again.

"I win!" She said ten minutes later.

Adam looked at the tacos and sighed, he couldn't pick a fight with her when she refuses to, "Alright fine, ready for the tiebreaker then?"

"Sure what's the tie breaker?" She asked.

"Some simple snack foods, anything and everything goes, as long as it not poisonous or toxic." Adam told her adding the last part as a joke reference to her note.

"Go!" She said wasting no time.

In about twenty-five minutes, they had a true 'everything but the kitchen sink' set out. "So, who wins?" Adam asked.

Tempest looked over the snacks they both made before saying, "We both do." and kissing him. Adam laughed into the kiss as he pushed her against the wall. Having already been lifted off the ground because of her short stature, Tempest wrapped her legs around his own deepening the kiss. Someone cleared their throat behind them which they were not aware of as the intensity of the kissing continued to build.

The person got annoyed by this but decided to let them be for a little while longer. "Did you...hear something..." Adam asked between kisses.

"No." Tempest said honestly between kisses.

"Well, good one of you can hear," Said a voice behind them. They turned and found both James and Isabella.

"Sorry, I was a little busy." Tempest said turning red still being suspended in the air.

"I can see that, but if you two are done with the snacks and done licking the back of each others throats. I wanted so see if Tempest wants to come with the other girls and I to get swim suits," Isabella said.

"Well, alright." Tempest said hesitantly knowing that that probably includes Adyson 1 as Adam set her down.

"Come on it'll be fun," Isabella said.

"I said alright, didn't I?" Tempest asked.

"You just seemed nervous is all," Isabella said.

"Is Adyson 1 going to be there?" Tempest asked.

"Well, yeah she is," Isabella awkwardly.

"Which is why I'm nervous. I understand it was in self defense, I'm just not ready to forgive her yet." Tempest said looking down.

"You don't have to talk to her," Isabella said.

"Alright then, I'll go." Tempest said walking up to her.

"Great!" Isabella said pulling out a teleporter.

They vanished and appeared in front of the other girls. "Um, Isabella who is that?" Gretchen asked.

"Oh, this is Tempest, she's a poison expert that use to work for Vanessa." Isabella explained but Tempest took over.

"I only did because my brother was, but now I want to fight for you guys' side."

Behind her Isabella mouthed not to ask about her brother. "Well, it's nice to meet you," Gretchen said after reading Isabella's lips.

Tempest gave a smile. "It's nice to meet you, too."

"So, Tempest, do you have a boyfriend?" Holly asked as they all got into the car.

Tempest turned deep red, "Well… uh…"

"You do? Come on tell us who is it?" Gretchen asked.

"A-Adam." Tempest said hesitantly.

"Adam?" Holly said surprised and confused.

"Isn't he dating Felicity?" Ginger asked as none of the girls knew what had happened the other day.

"Well, he was, until he found out that she was the one who killed Katie." Tempest told them.

They all gasped in horror. "She killed Katie?" Ginger asked

Tempest nodded sadly and explained the vents to them.

"That...that..." Gretchen stammered too angry to think straight.

"Murderer? Manipulator? Bitch?" Isabella guessed angrily. "I went with all three."

"Exactly!" Ginger growled out.

"Which is why we're going to kill her." Tempest said flatly.

"Good, she needs to pay," Holly muttered. All the other girls nodded in agreement.

"Lets change the subject, it's supposed to be a happy day," Isabella said

"Right, so, you girls excited for the lake?" Tempest asked.

"Yeah we have not been their since our last Fireside Girls convention," Gretchen said

"Fireside Girls?" Tempest asked, she knows of FireSTORM but not FireSIDE.

"Yeah, it's like girl scouts," Isabella said. "Only a lot cooler."

"Really?" Tempest asked.

"Really." Gretchen said.

"That sounds like fun."

"It was, not as much as the OWCA/Firestorm Alliance though." Isabella said simply.

"Still it sounds fun," Tempest said.

"Well, we did have a fifteen year old join for the first time once before." Isabella told her thinking about First Dimension Candace.

"Why that sounds pointless," Tempest said

"Well, in her case she just wanted to get into a concert." Isabella said then chuckled, "I kept trying to tell her that I was allowed to bring guests."

"Why didn't she listen?"

Isabella shrugged, "She just kept interrupting me every time she tried."

"Oh the I hope you made her jump through hoops to get those tickets."

"Well, she did come the day OF the concert and to become a Fireside Girl either takes a week or you have to earn fifty patches so we really didn't even have to add anything." Isabella explained. "I still can't believe she actually did it."

"Just barely," Gretchen said.

"Still, that's 44 more patches then the previous record for most patches in one day." Isabella said.

"Really, who held that record?"

"Adyson." Isabella answered. "Of the First Dimension, obviously."

"Oh, okay then," Tempest said awkwardly.

"We're here." Isabella said pulling in.

"So, how does this work?" Tempest asked.

"Haven't you been shopping before?" Ginger asked in surprise.

"No, not really," Tempest said awkwardly.

"Oh well, you basically just look around at a bunch of stuff and if you see something you like that you can reasonably afford then you try in on and by it if it fits." Isabella explained.

"I don't have any money," Tempest said.

"It's ok, I could lend you some." Isabella offered.

"Are you sure?" She asked.

Isabella nodded, "Yeah, it'll be my pleasure."

"Thank you, Isabella," Tempest said.

"Now, let's get going. Shall we?" Isabella said grabbing her purse and opening the car door.

"Okay," Tempest said a bit nervous.

"Trust me, Tempest. It'll be fun." Isabella told her reassuringly.

"Alright then, lets go," She said. The rest of them got out of the car and they headed into the store.

They came into the swimsuit section and Tempest looked around nervously. "Would you like some help?" Gretchen asked noticing that she was nervous.

"Yeah I'm not sure what to do." Tempest said.

"Then come on, we can look together." Gretchen offered kindly.

"Thank you," Tempest said.

"So, first what's your favorite color?" Gretchen asked

Tempest just kind of stared off in space before saying softly. "I don't have one."

"You don't?" Isabella asked and Tempest shook her head.

"Well, what colors do you like?" Gretchen asked.

"I don't know. This morning, I took my first shower in twelve years, colors haven't exactly been high on my list either." Tempest said flatly.

"Well, then we'll start with colors," Gretchen said.

Tempest looked around at the different color on the swimsuits. "What is it about the different colors that people like more then others but it's different for everyone? It doesn't seem to make much of a difference."

"Some people like wearing one color others don't," Isabella shrugged.

Tempest shrugged, "Well, I really just don't care."

"Then we'll start with colors," Isabella said.

"Well, alright I guess but how do you exactly, pick a color?" Tempest asked.

"You look at colors and decide what you like best," Isabella said

"But none of them seem any more or less appealing to me." Tempest said looking around.

"None at all?" Isabella asked.

"Nope." Tempest said still not getting the point.

"Really, you like none of these swimsuits more?" Isabella asked. Tempest shrugged and shook her head. "You are tough to understand,"

"I get that a lot, but it's just who I am." Tempest said.

"I know, but everyone has some color they like more than others." Isabella said

"Well, I guess gray's pretty cool, it's more calm and relaxed instead of out there and extreme like the other colors." Tempest said after some thought.

"There we go we can work with that, now for the sort of awkward part...one piece or two?" Isabella asked.

Tempest thought about it for a second. "Two piece."

"Alright, good choice you have a figure worth showing off," Gretchen said.

"You really think so?" Tempest asked. Adam told her the same thing but he also said that her hair was beautiful before she showered.

"Yes, have you seen yourself?" Ginger asked.

"Yeah, but it's not really that good."

"You are kidding right?" Holly said smiling.

"No, it's not really that special." Tempest said modestly.

"Wow, you are modest," Gretchen said.

"Well, I guess if you think so. Anything else?" Tempest asked still knowing very little but what she's doing.

"Not really today, just find your size and style," Isabella said.

"Well, alright." Tempest said as she went over to a rack and started looking through it. The other girls scattered and began searching

Isabella had spotted the perfect one for Tempest, "How about this one, Tempest?" She suggested holding up a two tone grey interlaced two piece with plain straps.

Tempest looked at it, "I like it." She said smiling.

"Then try it on." Isabella said handing it to her. "There's some fitting rooms right over there." She pointed to them. "Just keep your underwear on even though they won mt when you actually wear it."

"Got it," She said walking over. A short while later, she came back with it in her arms. "It's a little too large."

"Okay, we'll go a size smaller," Isabella said.

Isabella went back to where she got the suit and looked found a size smaller. "Here you go." She said handing it to Tempest.

"Thanks again," She said a few minutes later she stepped out. "So, what do you all think?"

Despite all the girls being straight, they were positively stunned. How could someone like that be that modest? Isabella was the first to speak up, "It's perfect, Adam will love it."

"You really think so?" She asked.

"I'm certain, not that he cares what you look like, but just look at yourself." Isabella said leading her over to one of those 360 mirrors.

She did, she actually spun around and smiled. "I look pretty good," She said.

"See? I told you. So, you want me to get it for you?" Isabella asked. Tempest smiled and nodded. "Then how about you go get your clothes back on so that I could find something for myself, then we could check out." Isabella suggested.

"Right, sorry, I'll hurry," She said.

Tempest went to get dressed as Isabella looked for a new suit for herself.

While she was looking she heard two guys talking. "Did you see that girl in the grey? She was amazing, do we take her to the boss?" One man asked.

Isabella frowned, that could mean almost anything but she wasn't about to take that chance, she pulled her cellphone out and punched the first speed dial. "Bro, we might have a problem." Isabella whispered into the receiver making sure that only Adam could hear.

Instead of a response Adam appeared beside her, "What's wrong?" He asked

Isabella motioned to the men and told him what they said that may or may not be nothing. Knowing them and there's luck, the chance it's nothing is VERY slim if any.

"I'll keep an eye on them, you watch Tempest," Adam said.

"Got it. She's in the fitting room right now though." Isabella told him.

"Why?" Adam asked glancing at it.

"She was trying on a swimsuit but now she's getting her clothes back on." Isabella said simply.

"Oh, uh right," Adam said blushing.

As if on cue, Tempest came out fully dressed with the swimsuit in her hands.

Adam slipped behind the men and watched them carefully.

Isabella walked up to Tempest with a suit she found for herself in her hands. "Ready to go?" She asked.

Tempest nodded, "Yeah, are you?"

Adam saw the two men move towards Isabella and Tempest

They had gotten really close to it too but Adam had knock them both out before they could land a single finger on them. Tempest heard them hit the ground. She turned around and looked down at them, then up at Adam. "When did you get here?" She asked disregarding the men.

"About three minutes ago," Adam said.

"Alright, what did you come here for?" Tempest asked.

"These two actually," Adam said kicking one of the downed men

"Any idea who they are?" Tempest asked looking down at them.

"Idiot henchmen who kidnap girls," Adam said.

"Well, thank you for saving me but at least I always have these." Tempest said motioning to her bag. "It's basic DEI protocol to never be unarmed, that way you're always prepared for a sneak attack."

"Oh right, I guess you did not need me," Adam said blushing

"Still, thank you." Tempest said giving him a quick kiss.

"No problem. I guess I'll go and get out of your hair," Adam said

Tempest looked disappointed. "Do you have to?"

"I don't have to go if you don't want me too,"Adam said

"I don't." Tempest said simply.

"Then I'll stick around," Adam said placing an arm around her waist as she leaned into him.

"We still have to pay for your suit, though." Isabella reminded.

"I'll pay if that's alright?" Adam asked.

Tempest shrugged, "That works, either way, I still don't have any money. Isabella was originally offered to pay for me."

"Isa, let me pay and you can get more stuff for yourself," Adam offered

Isabella nodded, "Alright, bro."

"Good," Adam said smiling

"You ready?" Adam asked Tempest.

"Yeah and if the girls reactions mean anything I think you'll like it," She said.

"I think I'll like it no matter how it looks." Adam said simply running his fingers through her hair.

"I told you so," Isabella said smiling.

Tempest rolled her eyes, "Alright, you told me so." Isabella smiled and walked away.

They went over to check out. "So, did you enjoy yourself?" Adam asked her.

"Yeah, apparently I'm hot," Tempest said blushing.

"Of course you are, why do you sound surprised?" Adam asked.

"I never thought of myself as pretty, much less hot," She said honestly

"Well, you were covered in about a dozen layers of dirt." Adam reminded.

"Yet you still kissed me," She said.

"And I don't regret it one bit."

"I just wonder why. I mean, most found me disgusting," She said.

"Like I said before, you're smart, talented, nice, brave, determined." Adam listed. "Need I go on?"

"No, thank you," She smiled.

They had gotten to the front of the line and Adam paid for the suit. "Is there anything else you wanted?" Adam asked.

"Other than you? I'm good." Tempest said leaning against him.

Adam smiled "Lets get a lemonade then I'm thirsty," He said holding her close.

"Then lead the way." Tempest said with a smile.

Adam found a stand bought two lemonades and they sat and drank waiting for the others. "So, what did you use to do before you got involved in this?" Tempest asked knowing he's know what she meant.

"I was actually just a fairly ordinary kid, I pulled pranks hung out with friends," Adam shrugged. "What about you?"

"Two little kids all alone out on the street in a dictatorship where you're not suppose to leave your house without written consent? It was rough to say the least. You did what you had to to survive. Made it pretty easy to end up on the wrong side." Tempest said so only Adam could hear looking down.

"I can only imagine. When Doof fell the first time you must have been thrilled," Adam said.

"Actually, Gale and I had gotten involved about a year before that." Tempest admitted rubbing the back of her neck.

"Wow, so this goes pretty far back for you huh?"

"Yeah, it does." Tempest said before taking a drink about as awkwardly as Marko Rubio. Whoever knows that reference is an awesomely informed citizen.

"So what got you both into it?" Adam asked.

"Mostly how desperate we were at the time, like I said, what you have to do to survive. Also that he was so convince that it was our destiny to be evil since our names are both destructive natural phenomenons. Both powerful wind storms actually, just a tempest on land and a gale is at sea."

"He must have had some reason to want you both so bad though," Adam said

Now that Tempest thought about it, "Well, yeah, but I have no idea what it could be."

"Well you were skilled and he had the power..." Adam trailed off

"But… it feels like there's something else to it." Tempest said.

"Well yeah, but what could it be?" Adam asked.

"I have no idea what so ever." Tempest said honestly.

"Me either, but I'll look into it," Adam said.

"I'm sure you could find whatever it is." Tempest said confidently.

"I hope so, but be warned you may or may not like what I find,"Adam said seriously

"I know, but I have to know, no matter what it is." Tempest said seriously.

"Okay, I just wanted you to understand that," Adam said.

"I do."

"Then I will start looking into it," Adam said.

"Thank you, that really means a lot to me." Tempest said looking up at him.

"It's my pleasure," Adam said kissing her forehead.

"A little high there." Tempest said. Adam just smiled as he leaned down and kissed her.

A/N: Leave a review you know you want too!