Nathan wasn't home when Zoey pulled into the drive way. Thank the universe for small wonders. Warren opened his door and helped Mary slide out after him. They hadn't stopped holding hands since the mall; something no one commented on, though there were a few proud and knowing looks turned their way. The twins stayed back with Zoey for a few moments, all three of them watching as Warren lead Mary up to the front door.
"They're not very subtle, are they," Mary said, reaching into her bag for her keys.
Warren chuckled. "Considering your sister has been trying to get us together since she met me, I'd say she's handling all of this very well."
"I'm sure she's just waiting to be alone and then go off about how great a matchmaker she is and how she knew she was right." Mary unlocked the door and pushed it open but leaned back against the doorframe. "Thank you."
"For asking you out? Shouldn't I be thanking you for saying 'yes'?"
"I was always going to say yes if you asked." Warren smiled softly at that. "But I was thanking you for calming me down during the movie. This morning's visit with my mom wasn't the best and I know the twins were trying to keep their feelings more positive but I guess I needed a little help. So thank you."
"I'll always have your back."
Mary sighed. "Damn, Peace. Saying things like that could make a girl swoon."
Warren stepped closer, making Mary tilt her head back so she could see him better. "That so, Lamb?" His low voice sent a shiver down her spine. Her eyes dropped from his dark eyes to his lips. She bit her own and noticed he was looking at hers, as well. Oh, he was getting closer. She was turning her head just so when Zoey's voice called from the car, making them jump.
"Keep it PG, you love birds."
Warren shot his mom a mixed look of 'Mom! What the hell?' and 'Oh, my god, stop being like this'.
Mary blushed as Suzy whined, "They were so close!"
"That may be, but for the kill joy part of being a mom, I have to butt in once in a while." Zoey grinned out the window the driver's side. "I love you, Mary, but I don't think you'd like your first kiss with my son to be in front of your siblings and his mom."
Ok, now Mary's face was burning. Could this have gotten any more embarrassing? Zoey wasn't wrong that their first kiss probably should be better but why'd did she have to point out that it would be Warren's and her's first kiss?
"I am so sorry about her," Warren said. He had his own blush but it looked better on him than Mary's probably did on her. "Moms can be…"
She laughed. "Embarrassing and slightly inappropriate?" Warren sighed, nodding. Mary reached out and curled her fingers around his. "I don't think I mind too much. It means she cares about you, right?"
"And you." Mary looked up at him, slightly confused. "Did you miss the part where she says she loves you? I think you're already part of the family, now."
Mary's hand twitched. That part hadn't registered with her but now she looked back at Zoey, who was helping the twins out of the car. She was careful to put the label 'mother figure' on anyone, knowing that the last thing she needed was more mommy issues, but Zoey Peace apparently decided she was going to earn the title anyway. The older woman led the twins up to the door.
"Thank you for the ride, Miss Zoey," Randy said.
"My pleasure. It was great to see you all again. Would you like to come for dinner again?"
Suzy grinned. "Can we make something together? What other kinds of things do you know how to make?"
Zoey chuckled. "How about we try a stir fry? I'll prep everything and you can help put it together."
"Can I be the fire we cook on?" Randy asked.
"Maybe you try that when you've got better control of your powers," Mary said.
Randy grinned. "I'm gonna hold you to that."
She ruffled his hair as he walked past her into the house. "Let's start with roasting marshmallows consistently, shall we?"
"We'll need to put that on the list of things we take with us to France," he called.
"They have marshmallows in France," Suzy said. "It's in the American aisle. Duh."
Zoey stopped next to Mary, gently touching her arm. "I heard about your move. If there's anything I can do for you or the twins, let me know." She smiled comfortingly. "Even if it's to escape the packing and have some food you didn't make."
Mary blinked back tears, moved that there was such a caring woman in her life. Josie was a strong woman, don't get her wrong, but Zoey was on a different level. Not better or worse, but somehow deeper, given her experience with villains in the family.
"I'll do that." Mary forced a laugh. "Probably going to be up to our ears in boxes soon, so I might pop over more than you'd like."
Zoey chuckled. "The spare key's under the skeleton gnome right of the door. You're welcome any time." She squeezed Mary's arm once more and retreated to the car.
"You look close to crying," Warren said.
Mary did laugh then. "You're not suppose to point out a woman's flaws. It's not polite."
"Well, just because I like you doesn't mean I'll stop being your friend. And as your friend, I'm not polite."
"More of your brooding teenage angst reputation that totally doesn't work on Layla, me, and the others anymore?"
He shrugged. "Works on the rest of the school."
"It comes off more sexy than dangerous because now you're the part-time lead of the musical and you saved the school from villains."
Warren smirked, taking his spot back in her personal space. Oh, she could get used to that. "It's sexy, is it?"
She folded her arms and tilted her head back with a smirk of her own. "Are you getting a big ego, Warren? Never took you for the type."
"What else am I suppose to focus on when the girl I like says I'm sexy?"
That was the second time he'd said he liked her and she was slightly surprised to hear how he genuinely meant it. It made something in her chest flutter warmly. "How about focusing on our date on Monday. I don't mean to brag, but I'm a girl with very high standards."
Warren chuckled. "Then I better not disappoint." He leaned in again. Mary's breath hitched slightly. Was he going to kiss her? There were mixed emotions of disappointment and pleasure at the feel of his lips on her cheek. "Good night, Mary. I'll text you when I get home."
"You better." She sounded breathless even to her own ears.
Warren pulled away, brushed his hand against hers, and joined his mom in the car. Zoey pulled out of the driveway, both of them waved goodbye, and they drove down the street. Mary watched until they turned a corner and out of sight before sighing shakily as she leaned against the doorframe. A date with Warren Peace and butterflies in her stomach. Not a bad end to the day. It was even better when, after shoeing the twins to get ready for bed and enduring Suzy's knowing smile that she was, of course, absolutely right in her matchmaking and her sister should have listened to her from the start, that Mary received a Warren's text.
'Made it home safe. Had fun today. See you Monday.'
Her smile followed her into sleep and stayed through the night.
Mary was still riding her high the next morning as she made breakfast. The twins were glad to see her happy and, in turn, she felt happy that they were all in a good mood. It also helped that Nathan has left a note last night letting them know he had been pulled on a last minute assignment that would take up the rest of the weekend and probably the beginning of the week.
Mary helped Suzy with some baking, putting the pans in the oven and taking them out when they were done, while Randy 'helped' by licking the bowls clean of batter and stealing some of the cooler cookies from the cooling trays.
"Don't take those," Suzy said, taking a swipe at her brother's hands with her whisk. Randy pulled back out of range but had three Red Velvet and white chocolate chip cookies in his hand. "Those are for Warren and Miss Zoey. You can have some of the oatmeal cookies."
"But I don't like oatmeal."
"I put chocolate chips in them."
"Oh, like a little bit of chocolate is going to make oatmeal cookies any better."
"Are you calling my cookies bad?"
"Only the oatmeal ones."
"Ok, you two," Mary said, putting a new pan of cookies into the oven. "Let's agree that not everyone has to like oatmeal cookies. And Randy's not insulting your baking skills, Suzy. He just doesn't like quality."
"Hey!"
Mary teasingly stuck her tongue out at her brother, snatching a cooled oatmeal cookie. She took a purposeful bite as she turned back to the oven to set the timer.
"You're so weird," Randy said but he took a chocolate chip cookie instead of the Red Velvet.
"Then I'm doing my job correctly."
"So what are you and Warren going to do for your date?" Suzy asked, eyes wide and bright as she watched her sister set the oven gloves off to the side. Mary was honestly surprised she'd lasted this long to ask.
"We're seeing a movie and having dinner afterward."
"I'm so happy you're finally dating!"
"It's one date," Mary corrected, though she smiled at her sister's enthusiasm. "One date does not mean dating."
"But you two are meant to be. Trust me on this. I know what I'm talking about." Suzy straightened her shoulders with a firm self belief in her words.
"Because you've dated plenty and are an expert," Randy said.
Suzy stuck her tongue out at him. "I know things. The sky is blue, chocolate chips make everything better, and Mary and Warren are going to date, fall madly in love, become a kick butt team, get married, and have a fantastic life together being awesome. It's just facts."
"How about we just start with the date first?" Mary asked, moving the Red Velvet cookies into a container to clear counter space. She put a few slices of bread in to keep the cookies from going hard, set the lid, pushed out the extra air, sealed the container, and set it all to the side. Not once did she stop smiling at the thought of Suzy's predicted future. It sounded…perfect.
Mary smiled at Warren as she stepped off the bus. He was leaning against the retaining wall next to the main stairs, boots crossed in front of him and hands in his leather jacket pockets. His hair was pushed back out of his eyes and they lit up when she got closer. He straightened and stepped forward to meet her faster, reaching for her hand almost instantly. She blushed a little as his fingers interlaced with hers.
"Morning," he said.
"Morning." A Warren smile just for her; what a way to start the day.
"Good morning," Layla said pointedly, giggling as Mary blushed harder and Warren gave her a weak glare. The redhead, holding Will's hand just like Warren and Mary were doing, smiled wider. Mary had completely forgotten that they were there. "Are you two lovebirds excited for today?"
"For that test in Mad Science?" Zach asked. "No way, man. I'm still getting compounds mixed up. Was it the green or the blue one that sucks the energy from those with levitation abilities?"
"It's the yellow," Magenta said. "The green goes after natural abilities like plant growth and animal shapeshifting. The blue goes after water based powers. But I think Layla's trying to be cute and is talking about Warren and Mary's date tonight."
"It's finally happening," the redhead said with a grin as their group started up the stairs. "It's only taken you two forever."
"You're as bad as Suzy," Mary mumbled, stepping closer to Warren's side.
People turned to look at them; first at the "Heroes of the School", then at Warren and his dark sexy look, and finally to his hand interlocked with hers. They stared before turning to whoever was close at hand, lowering their voices as their group passed by. Mary ignored them, deciding to enjoy being with her friends. Warren was rolling his eyes at something Zach said and caught her looking at him. He smiled and she grinned back. Damn, that smile should come with a warning.
Their group broke off for their lockers and then class. Warren waited for Mary to get her books for the next class, leaning against the lockers.
"Will you come to my place after school?"
"Sure. Is your mom going to take us to the movies?"
Warren smiled knowingly. "I'm thinking we could take my bike."
Mary blinked. "Your bike? The motorcycle? Can you drive that yet?"
"I have my license and extra helmets. It's safe. But if you don't feel comfortable, I'll ask my mom to borrow the car. I'd just like to drive you to our date."
She smiled, liking the word 'date' from his own lips, but closed her locker door and stepped closer to Warren, tilting her head back. "If you think I'm missing a chance to ride a motorcycle while on a date with the guy I like, you've got another thing coming." She smirked at his wide eyes. "I'll see you at lunch." She brushed past him, skimming her hand against his as she made her way to her first period.
"As of this morning," Layla said as she took her seat across from Mary at the lunch table, "you and Warren are dating, planning to overthrow the school as the hot new villain couple, and are sneaking out into the janitor's closet between classes to make out."
Mary swallowed her bite of turkey sandwich. "How mundane."
"We're obviously making out in the teacher's lounge," Warren said, biting into a Red Velvet cookie.
Mary laughed at Ethan's shocked face before he figured they were joking. "I thought they'd come up with something more interesting. Should I be insulted?"
Magenta smirked as the others chuckled. Warren pressed his knee against Mary's under the table, making her smile.
Almost everyone in school was aware of Mary and Warren holding hands that morning. Everything after that was just the rumor mill turning away like it usually did. For Layla and Will, they said sweet things about high school couples becoming one of the best superhero teams of their class. For Warren and Mary, it was villainy or, with Warren saving the school and having his image turned around, it was hormonal teenage gossip. The whiplash one could develop from watching this all go down could be claimed by insurance. But it wasn't too bad so Mary decided she'd just do what she wanted. Like lean against Warren's shoulder as she listened to her friends' chatter. With things getting colder, Warren's heat was going to be a great asset.
"So, you in?"
Mary blinked, coming back to the moment. Will was staring at her. "Huh?"
"Halloween's right around the corner," Zach said. "We've got Trick-or-Treating, costumes, and parties. Plans have to be made."
"You're going Trick-or-Treating?" Warren said with an eyebrow raised. "Aren't you a little old for that?"
"Why do you think I'm borrowing the littler Lambs? Perfect candy beards."
"Haunted houses," Magenta said. "We need at least a haunted house and a corn maze. The creepier the better."
"My folks are planning on organizing a big Halloween block party," Will said.
"My mom's helping, too," Layla added. "She's been really excited for it and keeps jotting notes down. I've lost count of how many pieces of paper there are floating around the house."
"Some of those could be your notes for decorating the school," Will pointed out. "You do the same thing." He smiled, showing he found it endearing. Layla beamed back.
Halloween. It was four weeks away. Mary would have to get costumes for the kids but she was also looking forward to all the fun things that came with fall; the colors, the hot cider, fun scarves to keep her warm, everything. There was something peaceful about fall and Halloween was, no surprise, one of her favorite holidays.
"Fall festival," she said with a smile. Her friends looked at her. "I want to go to a fall festival, carve a pumpkin, drink cider, and take a hay ride. All the cliches."
"I'm in," Layla said.
"Me, too," Magenta said. Zach looked at her in surprise. "What? I can't like doing basic fall things? Not everything has to be spooky."
"It sounds like fun," Ethan said. "I think there's one going on in the main park at some point. I can double check."
"We should all go," Layla said. "I hope they have candied apples."
"I can never eat one of those things without caramel getting everywhere," Mary said.
"I'm gonna rock Bobbing for Apples," Zach said proudly. "Bet I can get more than Will."
"Good luck with that," Will said. "I'm Bobbing Apple champion."
"And I'm gonna take that title when I bob every last apple."
Warren chuckled. "Both of you are nuts," he said when they looked at him.
"Why? You think you can take us?" Zach challenged.
Warren raised an eyebrow. "I'm just curious about why you're so passionate about a title that doesn't matter."
"Doesn't matter? What? It's the bragging rights and the pride of beating your friends in a ridiculous game that, sure, doesn't mean that much, but it's the principle of the thing."
They all stared at Zach's passionate response and then laughed.
"So the boys will be showing off with apples," Magenta said. "What does that leave the girls? Pumpkin carving?"
"Oh, you wouldn't stand a chance against me," Mary said. "I'm a pumpkin carving artist."
"I can grow pumpkins into whatever I want," Layla said. "Obviously I have the advantage."
"I do spooky all year round," Magenta said. "Who else would could do spooky pumpkins like me?"
"My money's on Mary," Warren said. "She's got the skills." Mary blushed under the praise and smile.
"You just want to suck up to your girl," Zach said. "Magenta could carve circles around any challenger."
"My vote's Layla," Will said.
"So it's a show down," Ethan said excitedly. "Boys in Bobbing for Apples and girls in pumpkin carving. What do the winners get beyond bragging rights?"
"They get to give one friendly dare to each non-winner," Magenta said, grinning now that there were stakes. "It can't be cruel or mean but it can be embarrassing and within reason."
"Yeah," Zach cheered. "That's what I'm talking about. You all still in or are you gonna back out?"
"I'm in," Will said. "Sounds fun."
"Me, too," Layla said.
"Like I'm going to pass up on making Will do something embarrassing," Mary said, leaning on Warren's shoulder again.
"And just for that," Will said, "I'm gonna think of something extra good for you when I win."
Mary chuckled. "Whatever you say, Will."
In French class, Warren and Mary had planned on putting together a list of dares for everyone but they started off with a long test that took up most of the period. They only had the last ten minutes to themselves and only managed to get five written down. They would have continued in Save the Citizen but weren't terribly surprised when Warren and Will were pulled down to start the session off as the Heroes. Mary and the others sat on the benches, watching the two operate. They still had things to work out in their fighting but you could see the team they would become in the future. Mary smiled. They were going to do great things.
Once Save the Citizen finished up, with Warren and Will once again as reigning Heroes, they made their way to the busses. Warren easily slid his hand into Mary's as they left the locker rooms. The group was chatting about the matches and what they could do better but Mary squeezed Warren's hand, just enjoying the good mood.
They stopped next to her bus. The others climbed on and Mary turned to Warren. "I'll take care of the kids and my things, then I'll be over. Is that enough time?"
"Should be. I'll warn you now, my mom is going to want to take pictures."
"I don't mind. I'll even pose for some if she'll give me copies."
Warren chuckled. "Don't give her any ideas." He squeezed her hand. "I'll see you in a bit." Mary nodded, reluctantly let go of his hand, and stepped onto the bus.
She ignored the looks being shot her way as she sat down next to Ethan. She waved to Warren through the window as the bus took off and then relaxed into her seat.
"Nervous?" Ethan asked.
Mary smiled softly. "A little."
"Just have fun and enjoy the time."
Mary took in his knowing smile. Had he already been on a date with Melanie and so knew what he was talking about? They made a cute couple and she hoped they lasted quite some time. But she'd take his advice. She liked spending time with Warren; it was just they were calling it a date. It was supposed to be simple and fun. Of course Layla took that moment to lean over the seat and ask, "So what are you going to wear?" Because Mary had no clue.