AN: Alright, Chapter Seven is here. Sorry it took so long. I'm finally at the part I wanted the story to be at so I can probably pick up the pace on my end. I will avoid burn out to the best of my ability, it's why I bounce between a bunch of stuff. As always, a big thank you to BlueNine for beta reading and editing. and a big thank you to every reader for being incredibly patient with me.

"I think that's a really pretty name," I say to her.

"Thanks."

We both stand around awkwardly for way too long. "Say," I start, "do you wanna hang out sometime?" I need more friends oh my god.

"I'd like that," she says. "I really only talk to my sister and two other friends."

"I'm gonna let you two hang out," Cranial says. I hear the portal open before they say, "Your indeterminate probation period is over Genesis. Have fun with your friend."

Then the portal closes. "Did they just leave you here?" Amelia asks me.

"I… I think she did," I respond. "I guess that means they trust me enough not to do stupid shit.. I'm gonna swap out of my costume so we can hang out properly."

I watch her turn away hastily to give me some privacy. Damn that's cute. I just use Knight's Clothing and instantly swap to my street clothes. Black skirt and tights. White shirt. Gray hoodie. My default outfit. She turns back around after the flash of light. "Ta-da," I say. "I'm Willow." I pause. "Um, are you okay being out this late? I just realized it's past midnight."

Amelia gives me a nervous smile. "Nice to meet you, Willow," she says. "It should be fine. My parents know I work graveyard."

"Okay, sounds good. Know any good places that are open this late?" I ask.

"I have a friend who works at a bookshop, one that's open till really late. I can take you there and introduce you?"

"Sure, that sounds fun." I say. I like books; it's been a while since I've read decent quality books.

"How long are you gonna be in Brockton?" she asks as we make our way out of the hospital. After she spoke with the doctors and took her decontamination shower.

"Hmm, I don't quite know," I start. "But, I do want to help. I have Toybox's permission to help the situation here. You know, with the Nazis and all."

"Wait, seriously?" her voice is a near shout.

"Yeah, I'll probably end up killing them. Good thing Toybox is already considered villains and the Empire is blacklisted." I try to finish with a joking tone.

"Good," Amelia's voice is hard. "They deserve what they get. You'll probably need help, and as much as I would like to recommend New Wave but the adults in our group don't do a lot anymore."

"I didn't expect you to be that honest, but I do get it. Trans girl in a Nazi controlled city."

We make our way to her friend's bookshop, making small talk on the way there. About favorite foods, colors and the like. It's fun. Time seems to slip by, but we eventually get there. I will defend that purple is the best color till the day I die and beyond. Amelia opens the door, and I hear a bell ring above the door. Oh that's cute. It's a cute addition to a building. Upon entering, I see a very cute girl at the desk registar. She's reading some sci fi book, and glanced up at us before putting a bookmark in. She's got LONG black hair, soft brown eyes, and glasses that I think frame her face perfectly. She's got a slightly baggy shirt on, but not baggy enough to hide her figure. She's got a runner's build, I think. She's muscled but not overly so.

"Hey Tay," Amelia says.

"Ah, Amy?" the named Tay asks.

"Yup. Willow, this is Taylor. Taylor, this is Willow."

"Ah, hi…" I trail off, curse you anxiety. And y'know, being shy.

"Amy, good job making a friend. Hello Willow, it's nice to meet you." Taylor says.

I try to actually speak, but making friends is hard. Especially when I'm not Genesis. Fucking selective mutism. We learned about this wonderful problem after about a month and a half. My inability to properly talk to people unless they know about my alter ego.

Taylor is quick on the uptake though. "Selective mutism?" I nod. "That sucks, but I hope to make you comfortable around me."

I pull out my phone and open the notes, to type out a message. "How old are you anyway?"

"I'm 16," she says.

I nod, typing out another message. "I feel bad, not being able to properly talk to anyone, especially if they're younger than me."

"I hope to do my best to help you get around that. I did help Amelia and our other friend, Emma, get through that." Taylor tells me.

"T-t-thank you." I stutter hard.