October 2010 – the past

"Are you kidding? It was nowhere near as good as the comic!"

Dave rolled his eyes. "You say that about everything Marty. I thought they did a pretty good job putting Scott Pilgrim on the screen. I mean that was a pretty hard thing to translate and they did it really well. They actually managed to make it a lot like the comic without being a panel-by-panel copy like Watchmen was!"

Marty shrugged. "Whatever. At least that chick that played Envy Adams was hot!" He waggled his eyebrows for effect.

"Yeah, leave it to you to find the real redeeming quality in any film."

"You mock Lizewski, but I know you were wanking to her for at least a month after we saw the movie!"

"Fuck Marty, do you have any class at all?"

"As a matter of fact I have math next period, and I'll be late if you don't hurry up and finish your lunch!"

Dave shook his head and looked down at his tray, then glanced at the cafeteria line where he saw Mindy standing with her tray. She stopped and looked around for a minute, looking more out of place than he ever thought he'd see Hit-Girl in any situation.

A smile came over his face and without thinking he sat up and waved her at her, motioning her over towards their table. Mindy returned his smile when she saw him waving and started towards them.

Marty and Todd turned around to see who he was looking at.

"Who the fuck is that?" asked Marty giving Dave a strange look.

"She's just a friend. Be nice to her, ok?"

"A friend? Isn't she a little young for you Dave? I mean you already bagged Katie - god only knows how – why do you feel the need to make time with a…what is she, six-year-old?"

"Fuck you Marty, she's twelve, ok? And we're just friends. She's new here and she feels a little out of place." He gave his friend a hard stare. "Be fucking nice to her or there'll be a problem, got it?"

Marty held up his hands placatingly. "Jeez, alright big brother, I'll be nice. I just didn't realize we were hanging out with children now."

By this time Mindy had walked up to their table and gave Marty a calculating look. "I see you have an open door policy on pompous windbags in your extremely elite group of comic book nerds though."

Marty's eyes goggled. "Wh-what?"

"Wow, really quick on your feet too, aren't you Stay-puft?" She sat down beside Dave and gave Marty another look before grimacing at the food on her tray.

Dave grinned. "How you doing Mindy? This is Todd," his friend nodded and Mindy returned it with a grin. "And you've already met Marty."

She glanced at him. "Yeah, Mr. Congeniality. I'll try not to mess up your totally adult vibe with my precocious childishness."

Marty grinned despite himself. "O-kay then. I gotta give you props kid, you're a real firecracker."

Dave shook his head. "Marty? You have no idea."

Dave and Mindy shared a secret smile before digging into their lunches without another word.

May 2014 – the present

The banging on the door can only be her. Luckily my dad is at home so he answers it.

"Well, hey Mindy. What can I do for…"

"Where the hell is Dave?!"

"I…excuse me?"

She sighs audibly. "Sorry, I just really need to talk to Dave and he's not at Atomic Comics and Marty and Todd haven't seen him. Is he in here?"

"Sorry sweetheart, Dave's not here. And before you ask, I don't know where he is. He stepped out and isn't generally in the habit of giving me his itinerary. You know how young men are."

"Yeah, really I kinda don't – like, at all."

"Is something wrong? You don't need to fidget on the doorstep you know."

"I just…he said," she heaves a heavy sigh. "Mr. L., is Dave leaving?"

"Leaving? As in the city? Well now, this is the first I've heard about it, but it is about time he started thinking about his future. Between you and me I think he's been cooped up in this house for too long and it's time for him to make some decisions. He graduated months ago for heaven's sake! Why…did he say something to you?"

"He said, well he said 'good-bye'. It sounded really…final."

"Sweetheart, I wouldn't worry too much about it. I really don't know what Dave has in mind, but I'm sure when he's ready to talk he'll let you know what he's thinking. Tell you what? If I see him I'll be sure to tell him you were looking…and to make sure he knows he'd better come see you before too long, ok?"

"Yeah…thanks Mr. L."

"No problem sweetheart. You take care now, ok?"

The door closes and I wait a minute or two before peeking around the corner of the kitchen doorway. Of course my dad is standing there staring right at me.

He raises his eyebrow. "So I'm lying for you now…to your best friend?"

I shrug and slink into the living room. "I know you don't like it, but I just can't handle seeing her right now. Thanks for covering for me."

"Well, don't expect a repeat performance. What the heck are you doing telling that girl you're leaving town? Where did this come from?"

I heave myself onto the couch and shrug again. "I just…I need some space, dad. As you so tactfully put it I've been cooped up in here too long and it's about time I made some decisions about my life."

Dad sits down next to me. "I don't disagree, but from the sound of it you're not making decisions, you're running away from something. What's wrong, son?"

I play with the fringe on one of the pillows. "It's…complicated."

"It always is."

When I don't say anything for another minute he continues. "Look, that's how life is and it's only going to get more complicated as time goes on. Trust me…you've just ended the easy part of your life, son."

I slam my head back onto the couch and stare at the ceiling. "Fuck me. It gets harder? High school was a freaking mess and that was the easy part?!"

"I'm afraid so."

We're both silent for another minute.

"You sure you don't want to talk about it?"

"Thanks dad, I just need to sort it out in my own head first…maybe later, ok?"

He puts his hand on my knee and then stands up. "Alright. Just one thing."

I look up at him.

"That's a really special girl there and I think she deserves more than a 'good-bye' before you duck out of town because something's got you spooked. I think I might have some idea what's going on and frankly if I'm right it's not a pleasant situation, but that girl has been through thick and thin with you. The last thing you need to do is trash a friendship like that because of…other issues."

I cover my face with my hands. "Yeah thanks…I needed to be reminded of how special she is dad because I was totally unaware of it."

He squeezes my shoulder. "It'll all work out somehow son, trust me."

"Yeah, thanks dad."

After he's gone I continue wallowing for another half hour before I finally decide I better get out and do *something* today. If I'm really going to get out of town I better figure out exactly where I'm going and what the hell I'm going to do.

I pull out my cell and hit the speed dial. "Marty? Yeah, what's up? You got a second?"

"Shit Dave, what'd you say to her?"

"Who?"

I can actually hear his eyes rolling. "Who do you think dip-shit? Mindy. She came by on the fucking war-path - I mean more than usual - and I think when she finds you you'll be walking funny for at least a week."

"Yeah I know. Look, that's what I want to see you about. Do you have some time?"

"Heh, let me see if I can clear my busy schedule for you. Oh look, a whole afternoon has just cleared up! Where do you want to meet?"

"Somewhere she can't find me. How about Queens at that diner?"

"Fuck. That bad, is it? Ok, see you in an hour?"

"Sounds good. Thanks Marty."

December 2010 – the past

School had just let out for the Christmas break and Dave made his way through the press of students making for the exit. He saw a familiar blonde head in front of him and had just picked up his pace when he heard a voice behind him.

"Dave? Dave! Where are you going?"

He turned around to see Katie standing next to her locker, a confused look on her face. He glanced back at the door where the blonde head was just disappearing and then looked at Katie again. "Uh…I have to get home. My dad needs me for something. I'll call you tonight, ok?"

Without waiting for a reply, and ignoring the look of consternation he saw pass across her features, Dave plunged into the crowd ahead of him and finally made his way outside. Once there he cut across the school lawn in order to cut off Mindy on her normal route home.

Mindy obviously had somewhere to be, he could see that she was already far ahead of him and he stepped up the pace, stumbling against some rocks and tree roots as he ran through the small park on the corner. He tried jumping the small chain fence that bordered the sidewalk and nearly took a header when his foot got caught on a loose link. He spun around, waving his arms like an idiot until he finally stopped himself, turning full circle to see Mindy grinning up at him.

The petite girl gave him a slow clap. "Bravo, boy wonder. You ought to join the circus with an acrobatic act like that! And to think that I'll have to do without that grace and precision out on the streets."

Dave grinned sheepishly. "Heh…yeah. Actually that's kinda why I wanted to catch up with you."

"Oh? What's up?"

"Well, I've been thinking about what you said and I'd like to give it a shot."

Mindy squinted at him. "I'm afraid you'll have to be a bit more specific Dave, I've said quite a lot of things and I'm not sure what you're talking about. Is this about me telling you to start reading American Vampire?"

Dave shook his head. "No it's about that…" he looked around to see if anyone was nearby, "…other thing!"

Mindy crossed her arms in front of her chest. "Ok, you suck at charades and you even get to speak while doing it. Just cut to the chase Dave, what are you talking about?"

"Kick-Ass and Hit-Girl!" said Dave in exasperation, his arms going wide.

Mindy's eyes widened and she did a quick check for anyone nearby herself. "Fuck Dave! Why don't you just yell it in the middle of the street?!"

"Sorry!" he said in a harsh whisper. "I thought you were fucking with me again."

Mindy gave him a dubious look. "What about Kick-Ass and Hit-Girl? Are you saying you want to get back out there?"

Dave nodded. "Yeah. I mean…I've been thinking about what you said. You know, about helping people. And training. And stuff. I think, well, if you're willing to help me out, that maybe I could do it."

"This isn't a maybe kind of thing Dave. Do or do not, there is no try. You're either in for the long haul or you're out. I don't need some tourist who wants to wear spandex trailing me around. It's hard enough looking after myself out there, I can't afford to be babysitting you too."

"Understood. I'm in. I mean heck…you said yourself you could use a partner right?"

"This is going to take up a lot of your time Dave. I need *full* commitment."

"I know, I'm totally there. I figured since it's the start of the break maybe we could even spend most of our days on an, I don't know, accelerated program or something."

Mindy held out her finger. "And I reserve the right to tell you to get lost because you suck."

Dave's face was crestfallen. "But…I thought you said I had potential."

"Potential's one thing, results are another. We'll see how it goes once you're in the Hit-Girl school of vigilante arts."

Dave sighed. "Fine…you're the boss."

Mindy grinned wickedly and held out her hand. "Alright, put it there 'partner'. This oughta be fun!"

Despite himself Dave grinned along with her, though his was tinged with trepidation. When Mindy smiled like that it rarely boded well for her target.

May 2014 – the present

Marty's sitting at our regular booth, eyeing the waitress and I think he's already on his second cup of coffee.

"Decided to show up did you? What happened, did you have to make sure the tiny terror wasn't shadowing you?"

I give him my best 'what do you think?' look. "You're closer to the truth than you'd probably believe. I had to double back a few times to make sure I wasn't being followed."

Marty's eyes widen. "Shit! I was just joking Dave, what the fuck is going on with you?"

I take a minute to order a coffee and then wait for the waitress to leave before I turn back to Marty. "Things are…complicated. And I just don't need to deal with Mindy badgering me right now."

"Sounds to me like you brought it on yourself. From what she told me you kind of blind-sided her. I mean what the fuck does 'good-bye' even mean? You planning on going somewhere and didn't feel like telling anyone?"

I sigh. "Look, I kinda came to a spontaneous decision last night and I'm standing by it. I gotta get the fuck outta here before I lose it."

The waitress comes with my coffee and I smile my thanks before taking a sip. Marty is just looking at me dubiously. "Well, I've been waiting for this shoe to drop since she started dating that turd on the soccer team. I didn't think it would drive you out of the city though."

"What do you mean you've been waiting for this?"

Marty shakes his head. "Dude. It's been obvious for like at least a year that you've had it bad for Mindy."

I try and muster my most offended look. "What do you mean?! A year?! Give me a break! Mindy and I have just been friends."

"Yeah, yeah, sell it to someone who's gonna buy it, pal. Look, don't get me wrong, Mindy's totally hot now, I agree, even if she is kinda young."

I shake my head in disgust. "Right, of course. Trust you to see right to the heart of the issue Marty."

He raises his hands placatingly. "Now settle down Dave. I know you have 'feelings' for her, I'm just getting the obvious out in the open, ok? Shit, you've been closer with her than you have with *me* for years now. I mean when was the last time you guys weren't hanging out together?"

"At least half of last year actually," I say with a clenched jaw.

Marty grimaces. "Yeah, well that was an unfortunate situation wasn't it?"

I glare at him. "Yeah, real unfortunate. I guess that all feeds into what you're saying now?"

"What?! No! C'mon Dave, everyone with a brain knew that was all just bullshit spilled out of Katie's mouth, ok? And even if it *had* been true," he gives me an alarmed look when I glare daggers at him, "which I'm totally NOT saying it was, then it would have been understandable."

"Fuck, I did not come here to talk to you so I could feel worse Marty. Thanks a bunch!"

"Dave? I don't even know what the hell is going on here, ok? I'm trying, but I can't really give you much advice out of a void."

I run my fingers through my hair and close my eyes. "Yeah, I'm not even sure I know what the hell is going on myself. All I know is I used to enjoy every minute I spent around her and now I can't get near her without wanting to crawl out of my skin. And that Trevor kid? Fuck I'd gladly run his damn head through a brick wall."

"I hear you brother. He is kind of a putz, isn't he? I mean what does she see in him? Well, aside from the looks, and the athletic build, and the money his folks have, and the popularity and…um, I'm not helping am I?"

"Fuck," is all I can mutter.

There's an uncomfortable silence for a few minutes before Marty decides to speak again.

"So…where are you planning on going? Last we talked you hadn't made any applications to colleges. You think you're going to just drop yourself in a new city and start working or something?"

"It had crossed my mind. College never really seemed…important before. I had…other things keeping me occupied." I'm being purposely evasive since Marty still doesn't know about my double life. Mindy and I agreed we should keep that secret away from as many people as possible – with the exception of Katie on my part…and apparently Trevor on Mindy's. Now of course I'm thinking that asking Marty to come here was a big mistake. What the hell am I even going to tell him anyway?

"Yeah? Like what? You always were pretty damn busy…with Mindy. What the heck were you two up to all the time anyway?"

I shrug. "I dunno. Friend stuff. Hanging out. You know how it is."

"Actually I don't."

"Oh please. You and Todd are almost never seen without each other."

Marty shrugs. "I guess, but there was something different between you and Mindy, this look in your eyes like you had a big secret. I mean don't bite my head off here, but you can kind of see how the rumours got traction, can't you?"

Looking back I have to admit that yes, yes I can. And given the thoughts swirling in my brain these days maybe there was more truth to them then even I knew at the time - in thought, if not in actions. I sigh. "Yeah. I guess I can."

"So now you want to run away do you?"

"Shit you sound like my dad."

"That's me, father-figure Marty! Have you even told Mindy what you feel?"

I stir my spoon in my coffee, staring into its depths. "No."

"Why not?"

I look up at him from under my brows. "Are you kidding? So I can verify the rumours after the fact? It took me long enough to shake them and she doesn't need me making her some kind of joke or pariah in her last couple years of high school. It's hard enough without that."

Marty nods. "Ok, that's actually not a bad reason…but don't you think she'd still want to know? You're her best friend and now you just want to split. Do you think that's going to make her feel good?"

"Maybe not. But she's just got her life on track, found something normal she can hold onto."

"Normal? What the fuck does that mean? How has her life not been normal? I mean, I know her parents died and she had to live with that cop, but c'mon I'm sure she's pretty much dealt with that by now."

"It's…it's complicated Marty. Just trust me. Mindy hasn't had a lot of normal in her life and I don't want to take away what she's found from her."

"So you're not a normal part of her life?"

"I think you could say I'm one of the least normal parts of it."

"O-kay." He looks at me dubiously, but thankfully doesn't argue the point.

"So is this just me agreeing with you that leaving is the best thing to do?"

"Yeah, I was kinda hoping for that."

"Well, I'll tell you that if it'll make you feel better, but between you and me? I think that's bullshit."