Chapter 15: A Moment of Peace

Arc 1: Out of Shadows

*Disclaimer: I don't own any characters or anything Marvel-related, all I own are my OCs.

December 2009 - New York City

Anxiety. Anxiety was one word that was on the mind of Cedric Harvey all throughout the hours of the night. He didn't get a wink of sleep last night as the only thing that coursed through his mind was the information that his cousin shared with him last night. His mind raced for answers trying to figure out a way to stop the attack coming to the city. He couldn't find a way. There was no possible way to evacuate nearly 9 million people out of the city in time enough without causing any panic. He didn't know what the weapon was but whatever it was, he was going to stop one way or another.

Who would've known that family could be so complicated? Most of the time Cedric wasn't bothered by words but words coming from family especially a cousin of whom he looked up to growing up. It cut him like a surgeon cutting through skin to get the body. He may have been almost invincible but his cousin was seemingly the only one who could hurt him. And not just from a physical standpoint but also from a mental and emotional standpoint.

The idea of defeating him had caused more turmoil than he could think of. He didn't know how to be able to take him down without killing him. He didn't want his cousin to die. He didn't want him to die again.

Cedric was known for his analytical mind and resourcefulness, qualities that had earned him a reputation as a problem-solver. Yet, this challenge felt different—more daunting than any he had faced before. The weight of responsibility pressed heavily on Cedric's shoulders. He was just an ordinary young man, thrust into extraordinary circumstances. His cousin's revelation had thrust him into the role of a reluctant hero, the city's last hope. He couldn't afford to fail. He would not fail.

Currently the young man stood in front of his mirror watching as the snow fell from the sky on Christmas morning. A thin layer of white covered the rooftops outside, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere that contrasted sharply with the turmoil brewing inside Cedric. He took a deep breath, attempting to calm his racing heart and find a semblance of clarity amidst the chaos.

Knock! Knock!

The sharp sound of knocking cut through the silence. His heart skipped a beat, and he turned his head towards the source of the sound—the door. Curiosity mingled with a tinge of apprehension as Cedric approached the door, unsure of who could be seeking him out on this crucial morning. He looked on as his X-Ray vision peeked through the door seeing Mikaela on the other side of the door clad in a simple red long-sleeve dress that stopped short just a few inches above the knee with a black Gucci belt around the waist and a pair of black thigh-highs to go along with it.

Seeing her in this outfit nearly made him forget everything that he was going through. Cedric's mind momentarily shifted from the gravity of the situation at hand as his eyes rested on Mikaela, standing there with a beauty that seemingly lit up a dark room of despair with hope. The sight of her in that dress, her presence radiating strength and beauty, acted as a temporary respite from the anxiety that had consumed him.

He opened the door, allowing her to step inside with a box wrapped in red wrapping paper, and a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips. Mikaela had somewhat become his peace in his times of chaos as of late.

"Hey," Mikaela said softly, her voice a balm to his troubled mind. Her words carried a gentle concern, laced with a hint of curiosity. As she walked over to his bed and sat down on the edge, Cedric closed the door behind them, granting them a small veil of privacy. The sounds of muffled conversations from the two older matriarchs of the Harvey family faded into the background, allowing them to focus solely on each other.

In the dimly lit room, the soft glow of the light that peeked through the window cast a warm, intimate ambiance, accentuating the contours of their faces. Cedric's mother and aunt were preoccupied with their own chatter, blissfully unaware of the private moment unfolding between Mikaela and him.

He hesitated for a brief moment, his gaze meeting Mikaela's with a mixture of appreciation and guardedness. To reveal the true extent of his turmoil felt like stepping onto a treacherous path, one that he wasn't ready to tread upon just yet. The weight of his responsibilities and the complexity of his family situation loomed heavily in his heart, but he couldn't burden Mikaela with the full weight of his troubles.

Cedric forced a smile, attempting to cloak his true emotions. "Yea, it's just the alcohol," he lied, his voice strained. "I can't really hold my liquor, and a lot of memories just resurfaced all of a sudden."

Mikaela's eyes softened, her concern deepening as she reached out to gently caress his cheek. Her touch felt like an anchor, grounding him in the present moment. "You don't have to pretend with me, Cedric," she said, her voice a whisper of understanding. "I'm here for you, no matter what."

A mixture of gratitude and apprehension washed over Cedric. He wanted nothing more than to confide in Mikaela, to unburden his soul and let her shoulder some of the weight. But the danger that lurked within his world, the potential harm that could befall those closest to him, held him back.

A mischievous glimmer danced in Mikaela's eyes, a playful attempt to lift the heaviness that surrounded them. "Wow, had I known you were a lightweight," she teased, her voice taking on a husky and seductive tone, "I would've brought you back to this room and had my way with you."

Cedric chuckled, the tension momentarily dissipating as he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer to him. "Now you're putting ideas in my head," he whispered, his voice filled with a mixture of desire and amusement. "I'm sure breakfast can wait."

Mikaela looked up into Cedric's chocolate brown eyes, her own gaze filled with warmth and affection. "We can't, all of your friends are on the way over," she reminded him, a hint of regret in her voice.

"They can wait," Cedric murmured, his resolve firm as he leaned down, his lips hovering just above hers. The world outside ceased to exist as their breaths mingled, anticipation hanging in the air.

"You're a bad boy, Mr. Harvey," Mikaela whispered playfully, her words punctuated by the soft brushes of their lips. Each kiss carried a delicate blend of tenderness and passion, igniting a fire within them.

"You do this to me," Cedric confessed, his voice husky with desire, as he pulled back from the kiss. In one swift motion, he bent down, effortlessly sweeping Mikaela off her feet in a bridal style embrace. Her surprised yelp turned into a delighted laugh as he carried her towards the bed, their shared laughter filling the room.

As the warmth of their intimate encounter lingered in the air, Cedric and Mikaela found themselves in a brief interlude, preparing to join the others for breakfast. The disheveled sheets whispered tales of their passion, and the soft glow of the morning light cascaded into the room, casting a gentle, golden hue upon their figures.

Breathing in sync, Cedric and Mikaela sat side by side, their bodies still humming with the remnants of their shared pleasure. Their eyes met, and a contented smile curved Cedric's lips, mirrored by Mikaela's radiant expression.

"You are incredible," Cedric murmured, his voice filled with admiration as he brushed a stray lock of hair away from Mikaela's face.

Mikaela's cheeks flushed with a mixture of bashfulness and satisfaction. "Right back at you," she replied, her voice infused with genuine appreciation. "I'm grateful to have you in my life, Cedric."

The air between them crackled with a sense of intimacy and fondness. Mikaela stood up, reaching for her clothes scattered across the room, and began to get dressed. Cedric followed suit, slipping into his jeans and reaching for his shirt.

As they finished dressing, Mikaela reached over to the nightstand, retrieving an intricately wrapped box. With a playful glimmer in her eyes, she extended it towards Cedric.

"I have a little surprise for you," she said, her voice tinged with excitement. "I thought it would be nice to do a private gift exchange before joining everyone for breakfast."

Cedric's curiosity piqued as he accepted the box from Mikaela. He carefully untied the ribbon, unwrapping the paper to reveal a leather satchel-style briefcase. Its rich, dark brown color and sleek design caught his attention, and he couldn't help but smile at the thoughtful gesture.

"It's a briefcase," Mikaela explained, her voice tinged with a hint of self-consciousness. "I know it might seem a bit old-fashioned, but I noticed how you always carry around your work documents in that worn-out bag. I thought this might be a more professional and stylish option for you."

Cedric's eyes widened with delight as he inspected the briefcase. He could sense Mikaela's vulnerability and wanted to reassure her of his genuine appreciation. "Mikaela, this is incredible," he exclaimed, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "I've been meaning to replace my old bag for ages, and this is perfect. It's elegant and sophisticated, just like you."

A wave of relief washed over Mikaela as she absorbed Cedric's words. Her self-consciousness transformed into joy, and a radiant smile spread across her face.

"You really like it?" she asked, her voice tinged with hope.

"I love it," Cedric affirmed, his voice filled with sincerity. "And I love that you noticed something about me and found such a thoughtful gift. It shows how well you know me."

Mikaela's smile grew wider, and she leaned in to place a tender kiss on Cedric's lips.

Once he pulled away, he reached over to the nightstand on his side of the bed, opened the drawer to pull out a small intricate wrapped box with a bow around it.

"Now it's your turn."

With a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, Cedric picked up the second box and handed it to Mikaela. She eagerly tore away the wrapping paper, revealing a delicate silver necklace adorned with a small, intricately designed pendant.

"Oh, Cedric," she gasped, her voice filled with awe. "It's stunning. How did you know?"

Cedric's eyes softened as he took in the sight of Mikaela's joy. "I remembered you mentioning your love for moon symbolism," he explained. "The pendant represents the moon phases, reflecting the ever-changing nature of life. Just like you, Mikaela, always evolving and bringing light into my world."

Mikaela's fingers delicately traced the contours of the pendant, her touch gentle and reverent. "This is more than just a necklace," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion. "It's a symbol of our connection, a reminder that we're in this together."

Their fingers intertwined, creating an unbreakable bond.

A few moments had passed since Cedric and Mikaela left the room to join the others for a special Christmas family breakfast. The joyful spirit of the holiday season permeated the Harvey household, evident in the decorations adorning every corner of the house. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the tantalizing scent of breakfast delicacies filled the air, creating an atmosphere of warmth and togetherness.

From a distance, Mikaela stood engaged in conversation with Geoff, one of Cedric's closest friends. Her elegant figure was wrapped in a festive attire, a shimmering black satin dress that accentuated her grace and beauty. In her hand, she held a delicate crystal flute filled with champagne, the bubbles sparkling like the twinkle of Christmas lights.

Across the room, Cedric stood in the bustling kitchen, his tall frame leaning against the counter. His gaze fixated on Mikaela, his eyes drinking in every detail of her presence. The soft glow of the morning sunlight kissed her skin, illuminating her features with a captivating radiance. His admiration for her was palpable, his mind momentarily lost in a whirlwind of desire and fascination.

Amidst the holiday cheer, Cedric's mother, Kimberly, observed her son's enchantment with a knowing smile. She held a bowl of succulent grapes in her hands, her mischievous nature shining through. With a playful glint in her eyes, she plucked a grape from the cluster and, with a swift motion, launched it towards Cedric's direction.

Time seemed to slow as the grape arced through the air, but Cedric's senses were heightened. With uncanny reflexes, he effortlessly snatched the grape from mid-air, never once averting his gaze from Mikaela. The grape found its way into his mouth, a subtle display of his extraordinary abilities.

Kimberly couldn't help but chuckle, marveling at her son's superhuman prowess. "You never took your eyes off of her, how did you...?" she trailed off, her curiosity piqued.

Cedric smirked, his voice tinged with a hint of playful pride. "Super-hearing," he replied, his words carrying a touch of mystery and wonder.

His mother's laughter filled the air, a joyful sound that resonated with maternal affection. She shook her head, still in awe of Cedric's powers, as she observed him continuing to fixate on Mikaela.

As the conversation shifted, Kimberly mentioned the name that still held a place in Cedric's heart — Kala, his best friend and the object of his unrequited love. A bittersweet pang coursed through his being, memories and emotions intertwining in his mind.

"She's a special girl, Mom. I really like her, but for some reason, I just can't let her in. I don't want her to know the real me. She can't know about The Blur. She can never know," Cedric confessed, his voice laced with a mix of longing and apprehension.

Kimberly sighed, understanding the weight of Cedric's emotional struggle. With a tender and knowing expression, she took a step closer, bridging the gap between them. Her touch on his arm imparted a comforting presence, a silent reassurance that a mother's love brings.

"Son, relationships are hard, but they can also be incredibly rewarding," she began, her voice imbued with maternal wisdom. "If you don't let her in, if you keep hiding a part of yourself, there's a chance that she may never truly know and love the real you."

Cedric nodded, his expression revealing the melancholy that lingered within. "I know, Mom. It's just... she's not..." he trailed off, struggling to find the right words.

Kimberly's eyes held a hint of sadness as she listened, empathizing with her son's enduring attachment to Kala. She understood the depth of his unrequited love and the power it held over his heart.

"Son, you can't compare every woman to Kala," Kimberly gently advised, her voice carrying a blend of compassion and gentle admonishment.

Cedric's gaze shifted, his eyes locking with his mother's, the weight of his unspoken emotions simmering beneath the surface. "I can't help but compare every woman to Kala," he admitted, his voice laced with vulnerability. "But Mikaela... She's different. She makes me feel alive in a way I haven't felt in a long time."

Kimberly's touch on Cedric's arm became even more tender, her voice filled with a soothing reassurance. "Love is not about finding a replica of someone from our past," she imparted, her words carrying the weight of experience. "It's about discovering someone who complements and challenges us in new and beautiful ways. Mikaela has her own uniqueness, and you have the opportunity to create something special with her."

Cedric's gaze softened as he absorbed his mother's words, the truth of her wisdom seeping into his heart. He turned his attention back to Mikaela, his eyes filled with a mixture of longing and hope. Perhaps it was time to let go of the past and embrace the possibility of a new connection.

"You're right, Mom," Cedric finally admitted, a glimmer of determination shining in his eyes. "I shouldn't let my fears hold me back from experiencing something wonderful with Mikaela."

"I know I am," she said, making him playfully roll his eyes. He took a deep breath, ready to face his fears and open himself up to the possibilities that lay ahead. As he watched Mikaela from across the room, his heart swelled with a mixture of nervousness and excitement.

Just as he was about to gather the courage to approach her, his mother's voice interrupted his thoughts once again, her words carrying a mischievous tone.

"Word of advice, for you two, if you're going to be doing what you're doing behind closed doors just make sure, you're quiet so we can't hear you," his mother said making him nearly choke on his drink as she walked out of the kitchen towards the rest of the family leaving Cedric standing there shocked and perplexed at her statement.

Cedric's cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and confusion as he tried to process what his mother had just said. He glanced around the room, hoping that no one else had overheard her remark. Mikaela, who had been engaging in conversation with Geoff, turned her head towards him, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

Her eyes twinkling with amusement, Mikaela took a step closer to Cedric, her champagne flute held delicately in her hand. "What was that about with your mom?"

Cedric met Mikaela's gaze making a huge smile curl on his lips. "With a shy smile, he replied, "I have no idea, but I'm sure it's nothing we need to worry about. Shall we join the others for breakfast?"

Mikaela nodded, her playful smile widening. Hand in hand, Cedric and Mikaela walked towards the rest of the family, ready to embrace the holiday cheer and the new possibilities that awaited them.

Joey/Kala's Apartment

Back at the apartment of Joey and Kala, Kala stood in front of a mirror in their bedroom looking at her chic long-sleeved brown dress that fell short just a few inches above the knees with a pair of black wedge heels. Kala's reflection in the mirror revealed a confident smile as she admired her outfit choice for the Christmas party. The chic brown dress hugged her figure in all the right places, exuding elegance and style. She adjusted the sleeves, ensuring they fell gracefully along her arms, and gave her reflection a final nod of approval.

As she slipped into her comfortable black wedge heels, she couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement coursing through her veins. The Christmas party promised to be a night filled with laughter, joy, and perhaps a touch of romance. She glanced at the clock on the wall, realizing it was time to join Joey in the living room as he was waiting for her.

Kala walked out of the bedroom and proceeded to make her way into the living room. The anticipation of the evening's festivities building with every step. The faint sound of holiday music wafted from the living room, where Joey had set up a playlist to set the mood for the celebration. The apartment, adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations, radiated a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Kala found Joey waiting by the door, his own attire perfectly complementing her outfit. He wore a sharp suit, a festive red tie adding a touch of holiday flair. Joey's eyes lit up as he caught sight of Kala, and he couldn't help but offer a loving smile.

"Looking absolutely stunning, Kala," he exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine admiration.

Kala blushed at the compliment, her smile widening. "Thank you, Joey. You look handsome as always," she replied, playfully adjusting his tie.

"Before we go, I have a gift for you," Joey said earning a raised eyebrow from Kala.

She was already thrilled about attending the Christmas party, but the surprise gift added an extra layer of excitement.

Really? You didn't have to get me anything," Kala said, her curiosity piqued.

"I couldn't help it," Joey said as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. He handed it to Kala, anticipation evident in his eyes. With a mixture of excitement and wonder, Kala carefully opened the box. Inside, nestled on a bed of satin, was a delicate silver bracelet adorned with a pendant in the shape of a star.

"Oh, Joey, it's beautiful," Kala gasped, her eyes sparkling with delight. She delicately held the bracelet in her hand admiring its intricate design.

"I wanted to give you something that would remind you of the magic you bring into my life," Joey explained, his voice filled with sincerity, "Every time you wear it, I want you to remember how special you are to me."

Touched by Joey's heartfelt gesture, Kala leaned in and gave him a tender kiss.

"Thank you, Joey. This means the world to me."

With the bracelet collapsed along her wrist, Kala felt a surge of feelings and appreciation for Joey. It was a tangible symbol of their connection and the joy they shared during this festive season.

Jason sat in the lab looking on with a frown on his face. The thoughts circulated in the cybernetic mind of his. He was hurt. Hurt by the sole man that everyone seemed to dub their hero. Their Champion, The Black-and-Blue Blur. But Jason knew the man that donned the cape. He knew Cedric Harvey himself. After all that bastard was his cousin. And for as long as he knew him, Cedric always had his abilities. He always had his powers. It was always about him. He was the chosen one. But he didn't save him. He didn't try. Cedric turned him into this. Cedric caused him to be like this and he was determined to make him pay for it. But as much as he wanted revenge and retribution, he couldn't allow his mother or his aunt to pay for Cedric's sins.

"What's going on that head of yours?" asked Sebastian Del Sol as he walked into the lab clad in a simple pair of black jeans with a red v-neck and a black leather jacket.

"Revenge," Jason answered simply. Sebastian let out a sinister chuckle as he clenched his fist.

"You must really hate him," Sebastian siad as he leaned up against the wall folding his arms looking on with a raised brow. Jason looked up from his intense gaze with the metallic floor and lock eyes with the fiery deviant who called himself Inferno in the field.

"Is that a statement or a question?" Jason asked looking up with a sneer not wanting to be bothered from his sulking.

"You tell me," Sebastian said with a smirk.

"I do. More than you can ever know," Jason said leaving it there and leaving it up for interpretation as he went back to sulking. Sebastian opened his mouth as he was about say something else but the sound of metal clanking made him turn his head to the source of the noise as Jason looked up and did the same.

"Revenge is not yours to seek, I will rip the flesh away his body and I will crush him into oblivion for what he did to me," Adam said clenching his metallic fist as it started to glow and radiate a vibrant shade of red hue.

Jason heard making him look up with a sneer as Adam Pierce looked at him with a frown. Half of face was a cybernitc one just like Jason's. A lot of Adam's design was based on Jason's however Adam wasn't powered by Ryonite. Jason wasn't really sure what he was powered by, he just knew he had an insane amount of power with an insane energy reading.

Sebastian let out a sinister chuckle as he watched Jason stand up to his feet. Jason and Adam walked towards each other in the center of the lab, the lab tht would act sort of as their home as they hid from everyone and everything. Jason stood tall at 6'6 making Adam slightly have to look up as he only stood at 6'3.

"What me and him have is personal, so I suggest to you, stay the hell out of the way!" Jason said with aggression in his voice.

"You think you're the only one with a bone to pick with him?! You're not I will kill you right here, right now if it guarnees me my shot at revenge against him," Adam said not backing down from Jason as Sebastian watched on clearly entertained by these two.

"Gentlemen, Gentlemen, Gentlemen. We should be coming up with a plan to work together not sit here and fight over who gets to kill him," everyone heard in the room watching as the billionaire CEO of Maverick Indsturies, Miles Maverick walked into the room clad in a black overcoat with a black suit with a button-up with the top 2 buttons unbuttoned. The evil mastermined who came up with this plan walked into the room

"Now I propose an alliance between the both of you to take him down," his voice calm yet commanding as he walked towards these two metallic titans,

"Jason, you possesse something that none of us have, you know him better than anyone else. You have a way to weaken him. Weaken him enough to the point," Miles said as he looked at Jason before turning his attentions to Adam. "where we can hurt him. Together, you two can do something that no one else on this planet has been able to do in the short amount of time that he's been active. You two on the same page, creates an unstoppable force. A force that will show the world that The Monarchy are here and that it will be the true powerhouse of the world."

Miles turned his gaze to lock eyes with Sebastian who looked on with a smirk on his face. Jason and Adam exchanged glances, their animosity momentarily put on hold as they considered the proposition. They both shared a common goal, even if their motivations differed. Taking down Cedric Harvey, The Black-and-Blue Blur, had become an imperative not just for themselves but for those who had suffered at his hands.

"Fine," Adam finally conceded, his tone filled with begrudging agreement. "But remember, Maverick, I won't hesitate to eliminate him if he stands in my way."

Miles Maverick nodded, acknowledging Adam's warning. "Understood. But for now we need to worry about the plan as a whole," Miles said turning his gaze to Sebastian.

"I picked the locations for the missile launched. They're automatically plugged into the launchers so when the clock hits 12, they automatically launch and lock on to the coordinates," Sebastian said as Miles nodded along with a sinister smile grazing his lips.

"Perfect. And the detonator?" Miles asked curious about all the details of his brillant plan to show the world the true strength and power of the Monarchy.

"Right here," Sebastian said as he tossed Miles a phone like device. Miles caught the device and examined it looking on with a confused frown.

"It's simple, I'm pretty sure someone of your intelligent can figure it out," Sebastian said as Miles simply looked on with a smirk as he started to let out a sinister chuckle. Together they were all going to wreak havoc, destroy The Black and Blue Blur and show the entire world who the Monarchy is.

Everyone was back at the Harvey penthouse enjoying a holiday party. Cedric's mother's boyfriend, Paul had just arrived a few minutes ago and was being swarmed by beautiful Kimberly Harvey. Vannesa was deep into a conversation with Mikayla, something that Cedric had tried his best to ignore but thanks to super hearing, it was becoming increasingly difficult. Everyone was here with the exception of the lovely couple of Joey Adams and Kalani Rose. But Cedric couldn't really worry himself with the absence of his best friend or at least one of his best friends because he was too busy entertaining Geoff and Emmett as they were deeply in a conversation about what Jason told Cedric yesterday.

"So he didn't give you anymore information? Like anything about what the threat was? Besides the fact that it's going off at midnight?" Emmett asked british accent apparent as Geoff and Cedric looked on both men deeply focused.

"Unfortunately no, I was really just shocked that he gave me the information at all," Cedric said as Geoff nodded.

"From what you told me, he hates your guts but if he felt the needed to give you some information, this shows that the old Jason might still be in there," Geoff said as Cedric took a deep breath and looked down at his feet.

"You think there's a chance I can try to talk to him and talk him off the ledge?" Cedric asked looking up to look at the two men who had sort of become his brethren on his path of being a hero. But the man asking this question right now wasn't just asking from the perspective of a hero but asking from the perspective of a member of family just wanting to save his cousin. To do what he was supposed to many years ago.

"I don't know man. You can try but there's no guarantee that he'll listen. But I gotta ask, if it boils down to it and you have to make the move to end it, are you going to do it?"

"It won't."

"But if it does?" Emmett asked.

"It won't." Cedric answered this time more firm as he clenched his fist while Geoff and Emmett looked on. Tensions were high between the two at the moment but these tensions subsided when Cedric looked up to see Kala and Joey walking in.

"If you guys will excuse me," Cedric said excusing himself from the group to go greet the couple. Emmett and Geoff watched as he walked on both men looking on with worry in their faces.

"You think he'll do it?"

"I don't know but I hope he does for the sake of the city and the people involved," Geoff said turning to face ⅓ of the partnership.

As Kala and Joey entered the party, they were greeted by a wave of warmth and familiar faces. The air buzzed with conversation, laughter, and the faint jingle of Christmas tunes playing softly in the background. Kala's eyes scanned the room, taking in the vibrant atmosphere and the mingling of guests in their festive attire. Eyes scanning the room for a familiar face, Cedric's face, the face of her best friend.

"Kala, Merry Christmas," Cedric said standing before her with a warm smile on his face.

"Cedric," she exclaimed, a delighted grin spreading across her lips as two would embrace one another with a friendly hug as Joey looked on face obviously filled with a hint of jealousy. As the two would pull apart, Cedric turned to Joey and offered a handshake.

"Merry Christmas, Joey," Cedric said with a small smile on his face. He may not have liked the fact that Kala was dating anyone else but he refused to allow that to make him a asshole.

"Merry Christmas," Joey replied as he shook hands with the young man. Kala smiled as she watched the two men in her life shake hands with one another and be cordial.

"I'm pretty sure there are a ton of other folks that want to talk to you guys so I'm going to move out of the way and allow you guys to mingle. Have fun!" He said stepping out of the way, giving them space to enjoy the party.

Kala and Joey exchanged a glance, both feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. It was Kala's first time attending a Harvey family holiday party in a longtime and Joey was eager to make a good impression. They made their way further into the penthouse, mingling with guests and engaging in friendly conversations.

Cedric watched them from a distance, a bittersweet feeling settling in his heart. He was genuinely happy for Kala, but a part of him couldn't help but long for what they once had. The memories of their childhood adventures, their shared dreams, and the unbreakable bond they once shared.

But he was with Mikayla now and as much as he loved Kala and always will, he had to give that up for Mikayla's sake.

Currently Cedric found himself retrating to a quiet section of the penthouse leaning up against the balcony railing. Throughout the night Cedric found himself drawn into conversations with family and friends. He put on a charismatic facade, laughing and engaging with everyone around him, but his mind remained preoccupied. Thoughts of Jason, the impending threat, and the weight of his responsibilities weighed heavily on his shoulders.

How could he be celebrating a holiday when there was a threat out there? A threat that he didn't know if he could truly stop.

Lost in his thoughts, Cedric was startled when a soft voice broke through the silence. "Cedric, mind if I join you?"

He turned to see Mikayla standing beside him, her eyes filled with concern. "Of course, baby," he replied, offering her a small smile. "I was just taking a moment to gather my thoughts."

Mikayla leaned against the railing next to Cedric, her gaze fixed on the city lights twinkling in the distance. She turned her gaze to focus on the man who had been the subject of her romantic interest.

"You know you can talk to me right babe?" She said as he brows furroed as she looked at him with honest concern. He reached out and gently squeezed her hand.

"Yeah, I know. I'm okay, I just got a lot on my mind, that's all."

"Okay, well whenever you're ready I'm here."

A small smile crept it's way onto his lips as he leaned in and gave her a peck on the cheek. The two would stand there hands intertwined as they gazed upon the city in silence. The minutes would pass by like seconds until they were interrupted again.

"Cedric," he heard making him turn around to see Kala.

"Can I borrow him for a second?" Kala said turning to Mikayla. Mikayla took a deep breath and nodded before waking on to the inside as Kala walked towards Cedric standing next to him, leaning the balcony railing gift wrapped in her hand.

"I wanted to give this to you earlier but I thought it'd be better if we did our own private gift exchange."

Cedric looked at Kala curiously, a hint of anticipation in his eyes. "A private gift exchange? Sounds intriguing," he replied, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Kala handed him the beautifully wrapped package, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"I hope you like it," she said, her voice filled with warmth and sincerity.

Cedric carefully unwrapped the gift, revealing a blue journal adorned with gold cursive initials—CH. His heart skipped a beat as he realized the significance of the gift. It was a symbol of their relationship, a testament to the memories they had shared and the bond they had formed over the years.

His fingers traced the engraved initials, a mixture of emotions swelling within him. "Kala, this is... incredible," he said, his voice filled with genuine appreciation. "Thank you so much. I'll cherish it always."

Kala smiled, her eyes sparkling with joy. "I'm glad you like it," she replied, her voice filled with warmth. "I thought it would be something meaningful, a place for you to write down your thoughts, your journey whatever you choose to put in here.

Cedric's gaze softened as he looked at Kala, gratitude shining in his eyes. "You always know how to touch my heart, Kala. Thank you."

As their eyes met, a silent understanding passed between them. Feeling a surge of emotions, Cedric reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, velvet box and presented it to her. She looked on with a raised brow.

"Kala, there's something I want to give you," Cedric said, his voice filled with warmth. He opened the box, revealing a delicate pocket watch nestled inside. The watch had an intricate design, and on the cover, there was a small compartment with a miniature photograph of Kala's grandmother.

Kala's eyes widened in surprise and her breath caught in her throat. She gently took the pocket watch from Cedric's hands, her fingers trembling with emotion. Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at the photograph of her beloved grandmother.

"Oh, Cedric," Kala whispered, her voice filled with gratitude and love. "H-How did you?"

My grandmother meant the world to me, and this watch with her photo... It's the most precious gift I could have ever received."

Cedric reached out and gently wiped away a tear from Kala's cheek. "I knew how much she meant to you, and I thought having her close to your heart would bring you comfort and strength. And I had to bribe your sister," he said softly that last part earning a chuckle from Kala.

Kala nodded, her heart overflowing with emotions. "Thank you, Cedric. This gift... it means everything to me. I will carry her memory with me always."

The pair turned back to face the city looking out amongst the lights with a smiles on their faces.

"This has truly been a great Christmas but there is only one thing lift that would truly make this the greatest Christmas."

"What?" he asked, brows furrowed with a mix of curosity and seriousness. He may have just been permanently delegated to the best friend spot but he was going to do everything in his power to make sure she had good Christmas.

"An interview with him," she said with a wishful smile as she looked up at the sky.

"With who?"

"Who else? The Blur," she said turning to him, "I've been studying him for years. Wanting to know every little thing there is to know about him. An interview with him could do wonders for my career, I could take off big like I dreamed of."

The wheels in Cedric's head started turning as he started to think. If he gave her this interview, it could not only do wonders for her career but he could give her something that no other man no matter what will ever be able to give her.

"I'll be right back," he said as she looked at him with a confused frown on her face.

"Okay," she said with a small sense of skepticism as she watched him move quickly to the inside.

Cedric walked through the living room, seeing his friends and partners in his heroic journey, Geoff and Emmett.

"Hey, can you guys do me a favor and keep Mikayla busy? I gotta head out and do something so just keep her occupied."

"Yeah, we got it," Geoff said looking at him with a skeptical look on his face.

"Everything good bruv?" Emmett asked, concerned with a frown.

"Yeah, just keep her occupied," He said before making his way towards the door but before he could hit the door, his mother stepped in the way looking on with a confused frown on her face.

"Everything okay, baby?" She asked with a look of concern on his face.

"Yes mama, everything's good," he said bending down giving her a kiss on the cheek before he proceeded to walk out the door with his mother looking on with a frown.

As Cedric stood on the other side of the door, he walked with a sense of urgency towards the elevator. He was going to press on the button to request a elevator shaft but he had a much better idea and walked towards the stairs.

Over on the balcony, Kala stood there still eyeing the sky. This was a moment of silence in which she enjoyed from her rather chaotic lifestyle. Her trance on the sky was cut off when she saw a bright blue light out of the corner of her eye. She turned her head and saw a floating figure high above her.

She gasped and she looked on, shocked at what she was seeing. She turned her head to look inside and saw that everyone was occupied with their own thing. The figure floated over to the roof of the building she was at disappearing from her view.

Kala felt a desire, a need to scope this out and see what it was. This could be her big break. This could be The Blur!

Kala walked inside the penthouse and walked to her boyfriend who was engaged in a conversation with Vanessa and Kimberly. Kala walked towards her boyfriend and kissed him on the cheek making him break away from the conversation to turn to face her.

"Be right back, gonna make a phone call real quick," she lied.

"Ok, everything good?" He asked with genuine concern.

"Yeah, I'm fine," she said with a toothy grin before she turned and walked out of the penthouse and made her way to the roof of the building.

After a minute of going through the elevator and make her entrance to the roof. She looked around, looking for the floating figure she saw earlier to see if the figure was up on the roof or if she was imagining things.

"Hello, Ms. Rose," she heard making him snap her neck as she saw the floating figure just a few feet away from her, cape flapping in the wind. He was real. He is real. The man she had been idolizing her entire career stood right in front of her and he was most definitely real.

Her eyes trailed up and down taking note of his muscular figure encased in the black and blue suit he donned as he did his heroic deeds. Her eyes trailed to his face taking note of his appearance. She couldn't shake the feeling that he looked almost exactly like Cedric just taller and buffer.

"After a ride in the elevator taking her up to the highest floor in the building and a few flights of stairs, she was walking through the door leading her up on the rooftop. She looked around with a confused frown until her gaze focused on a hero. The hero. The Black-and-Blue Blur stood on the edge of the building looking over the city as his caped flowed with the wind.

"It-It-It's you." She stuttered with excitement.

"Yeah, it's me. I heard you've been looking for me."

"How do you know my name?" She asked as he smiled looking down at the ground before looking back up at her.

"I'm a very big fan of yours Ms. Rose, I've read all of your articles. Including the ones about me back in Chicago."

"So you are the Chi-Town Phantom!"

"Yes, ma'am, I am indeed. That was me in my your younger days. I took a brief break but I came back to help not just Chicago, not just New York but the world. But in order to do that, I had to step out of the shadows and into the light."

"You everyone has been looking for you. Everyone in this city. Chicago. Everyone around the world, you're wanted by ever major media outlet."

"I am? Didn't even notice," he lied, he knew he everyone wanted an exclusive with him but he had to make sure that the world found out who he was when he was ready and not a moment sooner.

"Yeah, I bet. You've been a pretty busy man. Saving everyone that needs it."

"Everyone needs a guardian angel. I'm just happy I could be there to help."

"If everyone has one. Who's yours?"

"I'm not ready to reveal that just yet but in due time, maybe I will."

"I have so many questions."

"Well, ask away. I'll answer what I can," He said as he put his hands together while he took a step closer to her.

"What's your name?"

"Can't answer that," he said as he looked down at the ground before looking back up at her, "Really that's up to you, I'm pretty sure you can come up with something better than the Black-and-Blue Blur."

"I'll try. How old are you?"

"Over 21."

"Married?"

"No, not yet."

"Girlfriend?"

"No, not at the moment. But if I did, you'd be the first to know about it."

His statement made a small smile curl its way onto her face.

What's your favorite color?"

"I'm pretty sure you can answer that one, Ms. Rose," He said as he kept his gaze focused on her, looking her directly in the eyes. She let out a nervous giggle as she ran a hand through her hair.

"Blue, duh. Where are you from? Are you from Earth? Are you from New York?"

"I was born and raised here on Earth. I wasn't raised in New York but I was raised in America, I can assure you that. Let's just say I'm blessed with lucky genetics giving me these abilities. My parents raised me to help people whether I can or can't. Over the years, I've seen a lot of men, women, and children get hurt and if I can help it, I want to stop that pain. I want to make sure that people can live safely and happily. I want to make the world a better place. Some people would call me a hero. I would just say I'm a guy that's doing what's right."

"How big are you?" She asked making him tilt his head a bit as he looked at her with a confused frown. She let out a nervous giggle once again as she realized the question she was asking and how it sounded. She didn't mean it in that nature but that is kinda what it sounded like.

"I'm sorry, I meant how tall are you?"

"About 6'3."

"How much do you weight?"

"215, maybe 220."

"Is it true you can see through anything?"

"Yes anything with the exception of lead. Lead has some properties in it that block my sight of vision."

"And you're impervious to pain?"

"As far as I can tell, yes."

"And you can fly, right?"

"Yes, I can. Ms. Rose, I just have one question myself for you, if you don't mind," He said as he looked at her. She looked at him with a bewildered look on her face as she tucked some of her strands behind her ear.

"Have you ever flown before?" He asked.

"In a plane?"

"No, Ms. Rose, not in a plane, I want to show you something, " He chuckled as he held a hand out for her to grab. Surprisingly, Cedric was more confident being the Black-and-Blue Blur than talking to her as Cedric. She looked up into his eyes and grabbed a hold of the hand. She gently stepped onto his boots, placing her feet on his toes. He pulled her close to him and started slowly floating off the ground. He looked and watched as she started looking down at the ground.

"It helps if you don't look down," He suggested making her look back up at him once more. He held onto her as he flew through the air giving her a bit of insight on what he experienced every day. Being able to share his ability to switch her was just as rewarding as having them. He rolled over in the air lifting Kala in the air, making her smile as she felt the air colliding with her skin.

He floated above the city that was lined with taxis and a variety of cars on the busy, bustling streets of the city that never slept. At night it was almost like a light show. A light show that the average human would not expect to see unless they were on their balcony looking out over the city.

"This is what you see every night?" She asked as he looked down at the streets.

"This and much more," He answered as he kept his gaze fixed upon her. She changed her gaze from the streets back onto the man who held her close as he floated in the air.

"Where to Ms. Rose?" He asked with a smirk.

"Back to the building, we met."

"Fun, right?" He asked with a smile as he released his grip on her. She slowly did the same lingering to feel his touch.

"Yeah, I see why you love it so much."

"Well, Goodnight Ms. Rose and Merry Christmas,"

"Goodnight and Merry Christmas," She said as he floated up in the air still focusing on her before he quickly bolted up in the air quickly flying away as she marinated her gaze upon him until he could no longer be seen by the naked eye. She had just had her first interview with The Black-and-Blue Blur. She knew from this moment forth, everything was about to change.

A/N: Damn this have been a lot to write and it has taken me alot longer than originally intended. I will say this, this is the final chapter before the final battle of Arc 1 and the next chapter will be the final chapter of Arc 1 and then we get to move on to the juicy stuff. Hopefully you all enjoyed this chapter and this arc for the most part, if you have anything you wanna see for Arc 2 let me know and I'll try to get to it.