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It's a late fall Saturday night in midtown Manhattan, or early Sunday morning. The glitterati of New York have come out for a secret party atop one of the many buildings of Midtown. It's a weekly gathering of sorts, know the right people, get the right password, and you can get in. Which means it's easy enough to crash if you keep your ear to the ground. Or if you know the 'right' people.
A band plays a myriad of oft-not heard tunes from across the pond — a sound that reverberates and vibrates across the New York skyline. A bar, set up along the west side of the building is weirdly open. Someone sponsored this party — who is in question. Not that anyone bothers to ask.
Small, bar-height tables with black tablecloths line the area of the rooftop, beckoning people to stand over them and chatter about whatever they want — when they talk over the band.
A long buffet is adjacent to the bar — again begging the question: who sponsored the spread?
Dressed down for the occasion in a pair of black slacks with a matching jacket and a tight ponytail, Sue Storm lingers in the entrance behind her much more confident brother. This is definitely not her scene. "Where did the food even come from?" skeptically her eyes squint as she shoots him a concerned look.
*
During the day, Danny usually tries to at least pretend to be responsible. Trousers, blouses. Business. But at night? At night, there are two options. One involves a mask and some less friendly areas of town. The other is like this: glitzy, entirely irresponsible, and showing way more skin than is strictly ladylike.
There were boots with the scandalously short bright green shift dress when she arrived, but Danny's already shed them in favor of going barefoot, a drink in her hand as she asks someone about the music. "What is this? Sounds different!"
*
On the other hand, Johnny Storm is all about this scene. It's fun, and that is in short supply lately.
"Never ask who paid for the food," he asides to his sister, standing with her in his own black slacks and a bright red dress shirt, the collar undone and sleeves rolled up to his elbows. "If they wanted people to know, trust me, there'd be no way to miss it."
Without asking, Johnny reaches back to snag one of Sue's hands, grinning brightly as he tries to drag her further onto the roof. "Now c'mon. You're not gonna have any fun hiding back here."
*
Akihiro certainly isn't part of the glitterati, but he does seem to have a knack for accidentally meeting famous people. That may be how he got up here, or he happened to catch the password with his superior hearing. Regardless, he's here now, and the hand rolled cigarette between his lips makes it clear he's here to party. Even if he sticks out a little in his greaser attire.
"It's from across the pond. Gonna be big when the mainstream gets ahold of it, trust me." Akihiro answers for the person near Danny, flashing her a wink. "Wanna smoke?" he asks politely, lighting the cigarette between his lips up.
*
ROLL: Sue +rolls 1d2 for a result of: 1
*
There's a *PFFFFFFFFFFFFRT* as a blast of fire suppressant foam soars past Johnny and Sue. "Ayiyiyiiy, someone's on FIRE!" crows a Latino voice, before breaking into uproarious laughter— a noise echoed by a handful of lookers-on. Roberto tosses aside his fire extinguisher and grins at Johnny unapologetically, stepping towards the other man with his arms spread wide. He's Trendy with a T— tight bell-bottom pants, a startlingly bold paisley shirt with a high, open collar, and a fitted foliage-green jacket that matches his trousers. His shoes are even fashion-forward, with a chunky heel and a long pointed toe.
"John-NY Storm, the Man on Fire, mae irmao!" he says, in fluent Portugese. He grabs Johnny in a hug, kissing the man's cheeks enthusiastically with a brilliant, white grin splitting his swarthy features.
"I am /glad/ you are here my friend, there are three ladies sitting just over there who I have been /priming/. /The/. /Pump/ on," Roberto says fluidly, working an imaginary handcrank. "All stories about Johnny Storm, and they are DYING to make your acquaintance."
*
There's a slight change of pressure. It's not something most people would notice, but those who were especially sensitive to certain things such as the flow of chi, those 'born to strange sights, things invisible to see', etcetera, then they might notice that something isn't quite right.
And, over there, near the center of the area, there may be a sparkle or two of tiny purple sparks.
*
Sue's eyes narrow at her brother as she's tugged further onto the roof, "But what if someone had the foresight to think to poison it or — " but it's already too late to finish the thought. The elder Storm has been inducted into whatever mayhem the party promises. Of course, Berto's fawning over her brother earns a sharp lift of Sue's eyebrows.
It's at that moment, for better or worse, that Johnny loses his sister's hand. Sue takes a step backwards, nearly sinking back to the wall to resume her childhood as a wallflower, only to literally back up, perhaps too far, towards Akihiro and Danny. "I'm so sorry!" her hands lift apologetically as her eyes widen.
*
"You know, I'm going to start thinking you're following me," Danny smirks over at Akihiro, waving off the offer of a smoke. No judgement, just not her thing. "On the other hand, you haven't been boring yet, so I'm not sure I can complain." Which is right about when the storm that is Roberto breaks on the other side of he roof, drawing her attention.
"These things aren't usually boring, though. Case in point." She aims a thumb over toward Storm and DaCosta, which leaves her hand free to catch Sue as she stumbles. Lucky Sue, at least Danny isn't likely to cop a feel. "Nothing to apologize for," she smiles swiftly. "Part of why I lost the shoes." There's something tickling at the back of her senses, but in such chaos as is already present, she can't quite put her finger on it yet.
*
Any words of caution Johnny might have offered to Sue are forgotten when the fire suppressant foam goes zinging past him. Releasing her hand, Johnny whips around in surprise, blinking once — and then he's letting out a delighted cackle, throwing his arms wide in time to catch Robero in an embrace.
"Berto! Why am I not surprised to see you here?" Johnny says happily, grasping his shoulders and beaming at him. "I can come and say hello, but I'm afraid I am spoken for this evening."
That's when Johnny turns and realizes that Sue has gotten away from him, and his expression falls flat. He just assumes she's fled back towards a quiet corner. Sigh. "…she really is terrible at parties." He is, for now, oblivious to the sparkling overhead.
*
"I'm too busy to follow anybody." Akihiro says with a dismissive wave, "But I try not to be boring. If I leave without showing you a good time something is clearly wrong." He takes another drag from his cigarette before a wild Sue appears.
"Nothing to worry about doll." The teen offers an easy smile, before offering his cigarette. "How about you, wanna hit?" Surely nothing could go wrong. "Place seems kinda exclusive. Like I stumbled up onto a roof full of celebrities or something."
*
ROLL: Sue +rolls 1d2 for a result of: 1
*
"Tcch, ay-ah," Roberto snorts, gripping Johnny's bicep and gesturing at a array of three lovely ladies, standing in a close triangle. He whistles sharply at them and gestures at Johnny with his free hand, like he's showing off a game show trophy, and the girls break into a peal of approving giggles and welcoming smiles.
"Es bueno, irmao, we'll let them sit and stew a while," Roberto whispers to Johnny. "Always good to leave them wanting a bit, eh? Did I see you come in with someone?" he inquires, craning his neck around. "You know the rule about these parties amigo, if you don't improve the ratio of hombres to chicas when you show up, people start getting /worked up/."
*
The sparkles suddenly grow numerous and turn into a veritable shower of purple lights before they erupt. A portal appears, showering the place with bright purple light. There is the sound of the wind bloing through the trees, but it only lasts for a moment as a truly bizarre apparition jumps through the portal.
The Cheshire cat emerges, dressed in olive green swimming trunks and a white T-shirt.
"WOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO!"
He lands on the floor with a woop, a surfboard tucked under his arm. The landing is quite acrobatic and graceful, but the moment after is quite awkward as Keith processes the fact that…
"… wait…"
He stares at Sue. Then at Danny. Johnny. Then at the whole area.
"This isn't Pismo beach…"
*
The hand does grant Sue some stability followed by an easy smile. "Thanks. Fortunately — " she looks down at her high heels. It's fortunate she's used to wearing them, but it doesn't mean they give her the most stability just the same. " — I'm generally light on my feet." She shoots Danny a grin. "I'm Sue."
Her head turns towards Akihiro and the offered drag. A glance is cast over her shoulder towards Johnny and she hmmms quietly. Her eyes narrow slightly, but Akihiro is given a big grin just the same as she examines the cigarette, "Will it make me sick?" But even as the question is asked, she glances back to her brother who is busy with his friend.
But as she's contemplating the narcotic, a cat shows up out of nowhere — aiming to be on the beach. Sue casts the cat a rather odd smirk before glancing back to the cigarette, "That must be very strong. I didn't even — " She squints. "Huh."
*
"Danny," the blonde introduces herself, offering a hand over to Sue with an easy smile. "Nice to meet you, Sue. This is Akihiro, I've got no idea what he's doing here, but he's usually a pretty good time. I don't vouch for whatever he's smoking, though," she grins even as Vorpal makes his arrival.
So that's where that tingling was coming from. She pauses for just a moment, tilting her head as she gets a sense for him before she apparently decides he's not a threat. "Still a party!" she calls over, raising her glass in salute.
*
Johnny can't help but roll his eyes when Roberto shows him off like a trophy, but he still turns to offer the trio of ladies a winning smile and a wave of his fingers. It is, after all, only polite.
"Yes, Roberto. With my sister, who is off limits," Johnny says to his friend, giving him a good-natured elbow in the ribs. But before he can say anything else, well… there's a flash of purple and a new party guest.
Johnny blinks owlishly at the Cheshire Cat from his spot next to Roberto, lips twisting to one side, then the other. 'Huh' is right. Pismo beach? "'fraid not," he says lightly, thinking a moment before he points towards the bar with a nod of agreement with Danny. Still a party. "…but we do have drinks."
*
Akihiro starts to say something about his cigarette, then Vorpal appears. "Hey there!" he calls over, waving to the cat. "Don't know his name, but he's alright. Saved me from some sort of weapon project, so he's good in my books." Now his attention turns to Sue, "Nah, it's not too strong. I heal fast, so I don't get a buzz, so I don't waste my money on the stronger stuff."
*
"Dio…" Roberto's eyes go a bit wide at the sudden arrival of the Cheshire. "That's far out, man. Damn, I shouldn't have tried that stuff that Michelle put in my drink," Roberto says with a rueful grin, peering into his empty cup. He tosses it aside and whistles approvingly at the party trick. "Damn, that's a neat trick, jefe. C'mon, lemme buy you a drink— Hey, drinks on me everyone!" Roberto calls, to a chorus of applause. "Because of the groovy cat with the party trick!"
He drifts towards the bar, turning and cocking a brow and a grin at Johnny as he sidles up towards the narrow serving area. "Off limits, huh? That sounds like a /challenge/, Johnny boy. Where is she, she gotta be prettier than you— /someone/ the family must have got the good looks," he says with a sniff. "And hopefully, a personality."
*
Keith looks around, bewildered. The Rabbit hole closes behind him and he nearly knocks someone with the surf board as he turns around to get a better look at things.
"I am so sorry," he says, clearing his throat. "I seem to have… er. Where am I again?"
He gives Berto a sheepish smile and rubs the back of his head. "Er… yeah. Party trick. That's what it is… that's why I showed up in my…" he looks down at himself. "Trunks. Totally. Was expecting a -pool- party."
He tries to make a recovery, but nobody is that smooth. "Where should I put this?" he says, gesturing to his surf board.
*
"Nice to meet you both," Sue glances between Danny and Akihiro. "Quite the turnout." Because it has turned into a rather busy gathering. "Seems like a strange place for a party. How did you both hear about it?"
The cigarette is eyed longer than most would deem necessary as Sue contemplates this. A pensive glance is given towards Johnny. Being responsible has had its merits, yet tonight specifically she wanted to not feel responsible for once. With a very slight uptake of lips, Sue brings the cigarette to her lips and takes a slow drag on the cigarette. The smoke is held in her lungs for a beat before she slowly blows it out with a cough.
*
A party? On a rooftop? Well, that calls for a rock man to be present. At least for a little while. Finally finding his way to the address that got scribbled down for him, yet a third member of the Fantastic Four makes an appearance on the rooftop, this one being a little less conspicuous than the others. The tallish, rock of a man that is Ben Grimm, or 'The Thing', manages to find his way all the way to the rooftop, gazing about for a familiar face.
*
"Friend of a friend, the usual," Danny grins to Sue. "I've got a friend who tends bar over by Broadway who wasn't able to get the night off to work this party, so he had to offer the gig to someone else. I told him I'd come and make sure there drinks weren't nearly as good as his," she winks, taking a sip from her own glass. "That may not be entirely true," she admits, considering the drink. "But it's rude to tell a man when someone else's performance is better. They get so delicate about that."
*
"Roberto, I'm serious! If I introduce you, you have to promise to treat her right." Johnny hurries along after Roberto and towards the bar, casting a thoughtful look in Sue's direction. As big a lothario as his friend could be… maybe a smooth talker like him wouldn't be such a bad thing to expose her to.
Except. Johnny narrows his eyes suspiciously and lets out a startled "Aish!" as he pivots on his heel, dropping Roberto like a bad date in his rush to return to his sister's side. He's making a grab for the cigarette before he's even within arm's reach. <Seo! What are you doing?> he sputters in Korean. <You — what if someone from the college — aish!>
God help him. Johnny has been forced into the role of Team Buzzkill. He's too distracted to even help the nice cat find a place for his surfboard. Rude.
*
"Heard the password, so I had to check it out." Akihiro admits shamelessly. "And I prefer giving it another go, no point in getting delicate when you can get better." The teen grins, at least up until Johnny comes up. "Sorry doll, didn't know your dad was at the party."
*
"Your eyes betray you, amigo," Roberto says, grinning at Johnny conspiratorially and gripping his shoulders in both hands, squeezing twice. "Don't ever play poker with anyone but me, they'll clean you out before the second hand."
He retrieves his drink before the thronging horde can get to the bar, watching with bemusement as Johnny ruins All The Fun. "Oye, just put it by the door amigo," Roberto tells Vorpal. "Then come join us!" Is this his party, or is Roberto just one of those people who's always got a solution for everything? The Brazilian's head bobs in syncopated rhythm with the music on the radio, gliding along in Johnny's wake towards Sue.
Johnny lunges for Sue, and in the chaos, Roberto suddenly appears next to the woman, resting his palm against the wall behind her and giving her a sly, knowing sort of grin that's enigmatic and swaggeringly confident.
"Ola mis amigos, welcome to the party," Roberto says, addressing Danny and Akihiro as well. "Looks like you came with the right idea in mind— you got anymore of that amigo?" he inquires, gesturing at the blunt being fought over.
"Roberto de Costa, encantado, buenos noches," he murmurs, offering Akihiro a handshake— then, quite shamelessly, offers Sue and Danny each a kiss of the hand.
*
Danny earns a sparkly smile from Sue at the explanation and Akihiro is passed his cigarette once more. The not-very-strong drugs are working their magic and taking just a stitch of the tension out, "That sounds like as good a reason as any to come to a party." She chuckles lightly at the performance joke only to nod at Akihito's explanation and get cut off by so much Korean scolding. And being called doll. Huh.
Sue's eyebrows draw together sharply at Johnny, but she lifts a single finger, a universal sign to give her a moment. She twists towards Akihiro and notes, "I'm not anyone's doll. I'm not anyone's secretary. I'm not a two-bit science Barbie cajoling her male colleagues into sciencing for her. I science for myself. Thank-you-very-much." There's a twitch of her lips. She may be kind-of-lecturing, but it's oddly peppy considering the content.
She turns on her heel back towards Johnny <You wanted me to loosen up! I'm looser — > she actually cracks a smile. <Relaaaax. Breathe the air. Everything is fiiiine. Enjoy the scenery and — > Roberta is next to her. Puzzled her head cants towards him, "Hello." There's a quirk of a smile at the introduction. "Sue Storm. Nice to meet you Mister de Costa…" Her smile actually grows.
*
Keith sets the surfboard by the door at Roberto's suggestion. For a moment he looks like he's considering bolting, but that would be the epitome of rudeness after crashing the party in such a spectacular fashion. Join us, the man had said, so join them he does. The man seems to be the obvious host of the shindig, he has that whole air of confidence going on.
"Keith. Keith O'Neil," he adds after Roberto introduces himself, essaying one of his trademark grins. It isn't as dazzling as it usually is, mostly because he is still stinging from the embarrasment.
"Hey, you look so much better than the last time I saw you," Keith comments to Akihiro, showing how flexible he is by squarely putting his foot in his mouth almost immediately. "The missing eye really wasn't your look… er, we really should catch up."
He coughs, and wishes he had gotten himself a drink to hide behind. The cat shoots Roberto and the rest of the guest an apologetic glance. "I hope I didn't cause too much of a commotion."
He peers at the bar, and considers getting himself a drink. He's not certain this would be a good idea… he is quite sure that Mai Tai he had before he jumped was solely responsible for his missed Rabbit Hole.
*
Talking, even perhaps scolding, in Korean? There's only two people that Ben knows personally with which that would happen. He looks around And so it is! His teammates and friends. The lumbering rock man walks toward Sue, Johnny, and the rest, raising a rocky hand to wave.
"Greetings, one and all" The rock-man's voice rings out in his approach. Patting Johnny on the back, he looks at the group. "I hope I'm not interrupting the fun?" A grin crosses his lips.
*
Danny leans back a bit when Johnny comes in and starts scolding, quirking a brow over at Sue. She knows enough to recognize it's an Asian language, but it's not one of the ones she knows. Sue's response, though, earns a wry smile. "Now that's what I'm talking about," she nods sharply. "Although I'll be honest, I get more useful information out of the secretaries than I do out of the board," she snorts.
"Danny Rand," she introduces herself to Roberto and - by extension - Johnny, not pulling back from the hand kiss. Although her hands are surprisingly callused for one of the spoiled rich set. "Da Costa. Based in Brazil, right?"
*
The look that Johnny gives Akihiro is… well. Sue didn't even need to hold up her finger. He just closes his mouth, holds up both hands and takes a small step backwards to let her do her thing. Sue's got this one covered all on her own.
Johnny waits very patiently for Sue to return her attention to him and then he's folding his arms, looking exasperated. <You are fully capable of relaxing without help,> he tells her dryly, but he does smile as he holds up a finger. <Leave it at that one, okay? Any more and Reed will smell it on you when we get home.> He raises an eyebrow at her.
Aaaaand in blows Hurricane Roberto. Johnny rolls his eyes and drops his face into a hand, which means he completely misses seeing Ben coming before there's a big rocky hand patting him in the back. He stumbles forward a half-step, eyes wide in surprise. "Ben! Don't tell me Reed's up here somewhere too. …seriously. Don't. Please."
…wait. He's forgetting something. He gives Danny and Keith a very sheepish look, coughing quietly. "Johnny Storm. Sorry. Hi," he says lamely. At least he makes Roberto look better?
*
Akihiro raises his hands defensively. "I got in the habit of calling all the ladies doll. Trust me, I give lectures about that kind of shit all the time. Know plenty of women that are smarter than me, and a few that can kick my ass. Which is saying something." he shoots Danny a knowing wink at that part.
"Yeah, you'd think people would learn to stop putting bullets in me. Appreciate your help back there, pretty sure I would have actually died if that place filled with water." The teen doesn't seem too offended by the missing eye comment. And then there's a rock man. "Nah brother, it's all cool." He takes a drag from his handy-dandy marijuana cigarette and offers it to Ben. "How about you, you want a drag?"
"I feel like I should know these names." He reaches up to rub at the back of his neck. "But, I don't keep up with who's who, you know?"
*
Roberto's brows rise up and almost dance a jig at Sue's scathing reprimand of Akihiro, and into her silence following, he looses a completely uninhibited laugh of approval. "Dio— Johnny said you were smart, but he definitely left out the very best part," Roberto applauds Sue, grinning back at her broadly. "Me gustamucho— the only thing better than a beautiful woman is one with a coraco forte— strong heart," he says, beating his hand against his sternum once, before giving Sue's upper back a quick stroke with his palm.
Is he still holding Danny's hand? Seems so, because he flickers a grin back at the woman, holding her fingers like a bird perched on his knuckles. "And you, you know the De Costas?" he says, preening with a bit of familial pride. "Si, es mi padre— my father," he explains. Is his accent a bit thicker of a sudden? Only Johnny would know. "I am Roberto, and please, /Roberto/ is more than enough, Senor de Costa is my father or when I'm apologizing to the local magistrate," he says with a big, self-effacing grin.
Then Ben saunters up, and his eyes bug again. "Madre de Dios, you're a big one," he chuckles at the rock man, forced to tilt his chin up to look him in the eyes. "You must be Ben Grimm, I've heard of you from Johnny here— como estais, Roberto de Costa, at your service," he says, tilting his head in something like a lazy suggestion of a bow.
*
"Secretaries are great," Sue agrees with Danny, "But I'm not the secretary. Not anyone's secretary. And I'm tired of people asserting otherwise." Akihiro is given a wry smile, "Women aren't dolls. They're people. And calling them such diminishes their value." Her nose wrinkles. "Whether or not they are brighter or can kick your ass, no one wants to be compared to someone's play thing. It's creepy." She smirks to punctuate her point.
A single finger is raised back at Johnny.. <Reed wouldn't mind. Probably.> Sue replies to Johnny. <But he would notice! Because sometimes he notices thing~> It's then that her head turns. "Ben!" Sue seems awfully happy to see everyone's favourite Rock-Man. "When did you get here?" Her head tilts inquisitively before she's pointing back at Johnny <He didn't come with us, did he? I don't remember that.> There's a momentary frown over her features.
The hand at her back, no matter how fleeting, causes Sue to issue Roberto a smile, "You make a girl blush! But thank you," her fingers tuck a stray hair behind her ear.
*
Keith watches Roberto at work, briefly distracted from Akihiro's reply. He blinks and then returns his attention to Akihiro, "-it was nothing, least I could do, man. You still around, y'know, the area? I'd love to talk sometime about all of that crazy stuff." Because he hasn't been to any of the debriefings because he's not part of The Team.
But that doesn't mean he can't be curious.
When Ben arrives, the cat looks at him for a second, and feels relieved that there is someone at the party who is just as unusual as he is.
Granted, he was still the only person here in a fricking bathing suit, but at this point the Cheshire has decided that conjuring up an illusion of other clothes would be to admit defeat. He gives Ben a polite nod and a grin, but then he whispers to Akihiro's remark about names, "Well, I don't know about our host," clearly thinking it was still Roberto "or the lady, but you gotta tell me you at least know the Four," he says quietly, nodding slightly in Johnny's direction. He snapped up the name right away, of course. Some high profile party he has crashed, turns out.
*
"Ha!" Comes Ben's gravelly laugh. "Reed? Here? You're more likely to find him in a…a…in an interdimenional tunnel or something." He shakes his head, an amused glint in his eye. Taking a wiff of the cigarette as he's about to accept it from Akihiro, he instead hold's up his hand in a 'no' gesture. "No thank you, but thanks for the offer, but I might try my hand at a few beers first." He seems sincere, no judgement. Or not much, at least.
His attention is turned to Roberto for a moment. "Roberto de Costa? Pleasure to meetcha! I may be big, but what I lack in being small, I make up for in even greater personality." He laughs a little, winking. He's not surprised that his name is known. After all, he did say that Johnny had mentioned him. Plus, being famous can do that sometimes too.
"Sue! My favourite non-doll scientist! Just don't let Reed know I prefer you over him." He evidently caught at least some of that conversation. Giving her a playful wink, he smiles "Oh, I just got here. I wanted to check this out, when I heard about it!"
*
"Akihiro specializes in creepy," Danny winks at the mutant, taking a drink. "But he means well. And is forgiving. That counts for something." She did break his jaw that one time, and here he is not holding a grudge.
"Sure," she answers Roberto. "Rand-Meachum Enterprises. We ran a few contracts for materials through your father's company, I think it was for a…rail project?" Frowning slightly, she shakes her head, dismissing it. "Not important, this isn't business time anyhow." The hand on Sue's back gets a look, measured, but when the other woman doesn't protest, neither does she. Especially now that the big guy's here.
*
"Fair enough." Akihiro allows with a nod. "Though I think you're giving that speech to the wrong person here." Regardless he tugs a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket and offers it over to Roberto with his free hand. "Help yourself. Always have plenty." He tucks his own cigarette between his lips and rubs at the back of his neck.
Vorpal gets a nod from the teen. "Well, you saw the place. All you missed was them pulling my claws out to test my healing factor. Guess they were gonna bond that metal to my bones like they did dad. And Fantastic Four?" His brows furrow slightly. "Not a clue. But where I spent the last four years we didn't really have a lot of magazines to read."
*
If Ben is here, then Johnny can relax. A little. "Don't let him sweet talk you too much, nunim," he says to Sue, indicating Roberto with a tip of his head. "He's one of my friends." As if that warning should be all the information she needs. Because… honestly, it kind of is. He points at his own eyes with a pair of fingers, then towards Roberto. He's watchin' you.
Johnny rakes both hands back through his hair before he turns towards Keith, grinning lopsidedly. "To be fair, there are only three of us here," he says lightly, glancing to Akihiro. "And it's honestly kind of novel not to be recognized for a change."
*
Keith grins at Johnny, "Well, to be fair, I just wasn't exactly at my most observant after crashing a party half-naked and all. I wasn't expecting there to be fricking celebrities in front of whom to humilliate myself." He now waves at Ben, "I'm Keith. You missed me humilliating myself. No encores."
He gives Akihiro a look, and shudders. "They removed you…" he growls quietly, and then adds "$#@$ers."
Bad topic, though, not a topic to bring up at a party. He tries to change the mood by adding, "Yeah, don' go for the 'dolls' thing, or you'll get Gloria Steinemed for being a Cesar Romero. Or at least that's what I assume happens. I've never done the dating thing."
*
Roberto plucks a cigarette from the pack, but disdains the lighter— he snaps his fingers and a flare of heat comes from his fingertips, searing the cigarette to life. Seems that this is one progressive party, with people barely blinking twice at Ben Grimm, so— the normal reservation on superhuman talents seems gone, too. "Mucho gracias senor," he tells Akihiro. "All this frippery and I forgot to pack my smokes," he admits, gesturing down at his outfit— which probably retailed for more than a week's wages.
"Rand-Meachum— Ah! Daniella Rand, I presume?" he inquires, eyes dancing in pleasure. "Bueno, how very good to meet you formally. Someone pointed you out to me at a formal event in… I want to say, Virginia? a few years ago," he says, waving a hand dismissively. "Some special conference my padre dragged me to, but it is very nice to meet you under less formal situacion," he grins.
He flashes a tight smile at Sue. "Good! Making a woman blush, is my superpower," he says, conspiratorially. "Means I have awakened her to a truth about herself, and as any dancer knows, you must be honest to speak the language of music. There is no room for deception on a dance floor," he says, holding his index finger to his lips mysteriously.
*
"They grew back." Akihiro assures Keith, lifting his hand and letting his claws extend for a moment, before retracting them once more. "And I just sleep around. But, I'm a Howlett. I mean, my dad's the Wolverine. I'm gonna live for a long time. I'd hate to get attached to somebody and then outlive them." And then a sad sigh.
"I should look for a new place to live while I'm at it. Those kids will just get hurt around me." With a shake of his head he seems to lighten up a bit, tucking the cigarette pack back away. "Pays to be honest. Especially when you're with company that can hear your heartbeat."
*
Ben gets a winning smile, "I know where I stand in the pecking order." Mischief, however, reflects in Sue's eyes. "I will always be first in your heart," she grins brightly. "At least, in some ways," she shrugs and her smile shift some. A glance is given to Johnny and then she nods at Ben, "Yeah, I'm guessing Reed is still in the lab. Working on applications of dangerous technology. For something." She waves a hand. Shop talk. Ugh.
But then she's admonished to look out for Roberto. "Johnny," Sue levels a look at her brother, but she's still smiling, <believe it or not I can take care of myself. I've been doing it for quite a while.>
Roberto earns an easier grin followed by a shake of her head, "Interesting~" She virtually sings. "So, do you use your superpower for good, or for evil?" She sucks on the inside of her cheek, "A person, if at all possible, should always use their powers for good." Her head cants inquisitively, "And are you a dancer?"
*
"I prefer Danny," the blonde smirks at Roberto. "But yeah, that's me." But Sue is flirting, and Danny is definitely not going to get in the way of that. She looks like a woman who could use some good flirting, after all.
"Hold on, did you say ripping out?" she turns back toward Akihiro. "What kind of people do you owe money to?"
*
"Nice ta meetcha there, Keith!" Ben raises his hand in greeting, smiling. It is nice to be in a place where he's not stared at constantly. Other than the Baxter Building, that is. "Don't worry. I won't make ya embarrass yourself again. I've got two others I can do that to, easily enough." He waves in the direction of both Johnny and Sue.
"Of course! It's not like continue to find the best brew of coffee for Reed. He probably wouldn't even notice the work I've been putting in to the coffee search!" Ben grins, shaking his head in amusement. That friend of theirs!
"He should definitely be using those powers for good." Ben glances between Sue and Roberto, a gentle smile upon his face. "Because if he used his powers for ill, he'd have to answer to the Fantastic Four!" He laughs heartily. What? Rocks like to laugh!
*
Akihiro snorts a laugh, "I didn't owe them money. They're in the business of making weapons. They did it to my father, and when they caught wind of me, they tried to cash in on our mutation again. They weren't counting on people noticing me going missing." Another slight pause, "Well, they didn't know I was there. They were looking for somebody else. But I got out, and that's all that matters."
*
Johnny just meets his sister's look and raises both eyebrows. <I know. But you're usually sober,> he notes in an equally warm voice. He lightly thumps Ben on the arm with a fist as he turns in place. "Stick with her for a minute, buddy. I'll go get you a drink." He's pretty sure even a party like this will have the kind of cheap booze the big guy likes. One way to find out. Taking a deep breath, Johnny steps away from the group to go check out the selection, cheeks puffing up. Gonna be a long party.
*
"I need to find a place myself. They're letting me stay with them for the time being but… I d'no, it feels like I'm taking advantage. Being homeless kind of bites it, though, I agree… "
Keith goes silent when Akihiro answers Danny. "And I got tangled up in the whole mess. Next thing I know I'm getting shot at and meeting new and interesting people who want me dead- wait, you're growly guy's son?" he looks at Akihiro for a few seconds, and then huhs, "No offense, but you're a lot easier to approach. He scares the crap out of me."
He smirks at Ben's remark about Roberto's powers, "I seem to have stepped into the twilight zone of sorts. It's like everybody around me has been exploding with hormones as of late. Is it something in the water or something? It ain't affecting me one bit."
*
"Seems like a lot of people could use a place," Danny muses, taking another sip of her drink. "New York City's not the most friendly real estate market. As evidenced by people shooting at you when you're just looking at a completely vacant property," she snorts, indignant. "Really bad choice on their part, though. That just guarantees I'm going to buy the place just to piss them off."
*
"Yeah, that's my dad. And he's at least seventy, so I think he might just have realized what I'm starting to." Akihiro lifts his shoulders in a slight shrug before nodding at Danny. "Just wait till I go have a talk with them. Think they'll calm down a little bit." He puts what's left of his joint out on his tongue and tucks it into his cigarette pack. It's subtle, but his demeanor has changed and the smile he had at the ready for everyone is nowhere to be seen.
*
"I'm not going anywhere!" Ben tells the youngest of his compatriots, looking between Johnny and Sue. He grins at Keith and shakes his head. "Don't worry, young Keithy-cat." Yes, he took the Keith's name and tried to make it sound like 'kitty'. "I'm not exploding with hormones. Only thing I tend to explode with these days is dust!" He grins.
*
"Wholly for evil purposes," Roberto assures Sue, still staying comfortably sidled into her proximity. His grin belies his words, twitching and dancing merrily. "I can light cigarettes and make women blush on demand," he says, fingers flicking near Sue's jaw to push at a few stray tendrils of hair, but not /quite/ making contact. "Ahah, see— my gifts at work already!" he teases her.
"But, senor Grimm," Roberto says, looking up at the towering rock-man with his most beguiling and disarming smile. "You cannot think I am sincere, I hope, I am just one more son of Brasil making his way in the world," he says, putting a palm to his sternum. "I find myself enchanted with this lovely woman and you surely cannot find fault with me for, ah, being allowed a bit of mystery?" he inquires, flicking a knowing, companionable wink at the big Ben Grimm.
"And, si, senorita— I am a dancer, though it might be more accurate to say I am a child of Brasil and a scion of Rio de Janeiro— so, I do not know how to /not/ be a dancer. They say it is in our blood and our music, and one beats to the rhythm of the other," he informs Sue, thumb and finger tapping out a syncopated rhythm on his breastbone.
He catches Keith's sotto voce and clears his throat for the fellow, leaning towards him across Sue's personal space a few inches. "If you are concerned about the water, be sure not to let Michelle near your drink," he murmurs. "Her little eyedroppers have some… mm.. eye-opening chemicals, you see."
*
Poor Johnny never even makes it to the bar before he gets distracted. He peers over the edge of the roof and whatever he sees makes him swear under his breath. He looks over his shoulder and pitches his voice to carry at least as far as Ben's… ears. Where are his ears? Whatever. To Ben. "I gotta handle something! Stay with Sue!"
And then Johnny Storm leaps off the roof.
There's a solid five count before FLAME ON! wafts up on the air and there's a flash of light, and then a humanoid fireball goes tearing off down the street leaving a brightly-flickering trail in its wake.
*
Keith frowns and reaches out to pat Akihiro's shoulder. "You know… if you ever need some backup, just say the word. You found my hole useful once, you'll never know when you'll need it again, right? You know where to find me."
He turns to Danny and smirks, shrugging "Lots of people need homes all over. Kids getting kicked out because they're mutants. I got kicked out for being a 'bona-omi' by my old man. Living on the road isn't as much of a pain in the corybungus as dealing with the people we've had to deal with recently, y'know?"
And then, flaming man flies away in a display of fire and woosh. "… is it Saturday already?" Keith comments, reaching for a drink.
*
"They didn't strike me as the talking types," Danny chuckles to Akihiro, leaning back against the bar. "Or rather, they seem like the sort who mostly speak money. Buying the place might get the message across. Either way, I've got a few investments on that side of town I've got my eye on. And if it cleans up the neighborhood in the process, then all the better."
*
<Aish. I can handle one hit> Sue watches Johnny retreat to go get a drink. Even without contact, the motion to push hair from her face causes Sue's cheeks to redden. "Hmmm." She can feel the heat in her cheeks, "Evidently you do have a way about you. And your powers work with or without much effort." A sheepish grin is cast towards Ben followed by a shrug. There's no question Roberto is charming.
Her brother's exit earns a twitch of a frown. "I… should…" she flicks Roberta another smile. "I really should play catch up," she points to where her brother just retreated. "But. If you are so inclined," her lips purse, it's possible she'll live to regret this when she's sober, "you can call me sometime." And with that, she's glancing at Ben. "I'm gonna catch up to Johnny — " she steps onto nothing and flies albeit slower after Johnny on an invisible force.
*
Akihiro turns his attention towards Keith. "I like to swing brother, but not quite like that." He does flash the man a grin, before he looks back at Danny. "Oh I know how to speak their language. I got real good at it." He moves over to lean next to her at the bar, "You wanna tag along and chat with them?" He does look back at the cat-man, "But I appreciate it. I try to work alone as long as nobody else has any reason to tag along. I heal fast, not everyone else does."
*
"Just to be safe, I'll be keeping my eyes on you, Mr. de Costa! You and your charm." Ben tells the Brazillian. There's a smile on the rock-man's face, but his words sound rather serious. It's difficult to tell if he's joking or not.
Sighing when Johnny calls out to him, Ben calls out, "Where in the blazes do you think you're…?" But he's gone. There's no use. The Torch has left the rooftop! And now Sue's leaving? "What in the invisible step ladder is up with you two?!" He frowns and shakes his head. "The Storms. God help me I love 'em, but sometimes I wonder!" He murmurs to himself, shaking his head and looking at the floor. Turning his attention back to Roberto for a moment, he says, "So, from Brazil, huh?"
*
"Adios, senorita," Roberto murmurs, watching Sue fly off with a speculative look. He turns his attention to Ben, though, flashing a grin at the big man. "Si, Rio de Janeiro," he confirms. "If you've never been— the heart of Brasilian culture," he assures the rocky fellow. "Dancing, music, vida— life," he amends. "The coast, the river, the bays— people from the world over come to Rio, a true melting pot."
"But, my big amigo, it sounds as if there's talk of some excitement," Roberto says, eyes glinting as Akihiro and Danny conspire. "Are you two abandoning the party for more entertaining venues, then?" he inquires.
*
Keith looks at Akihiro with a puzzled expression for several seconds, wondering if he has missed anything. He shrugs and assumes it was probably his imagination.
"Well, if you're sure. Just remember that I do have my uses, as I can go anywhere in the world that I set my mind to."
"Except Pismo beach," he admits, and adds "Ancient curse. All of that."
The cat walks over to the bar, then, to refill his drink, just in case Danny and Akihiro wanted to sneak off somewhere. And he wanted to see if he could get a Mai Tai, maybe.
*
"Do I want to? You bet your ass I want to. Do I think it's a good idea?" Danny pauses at that, raising a hand to wiggle it from side to side. "That I'm not so sure about. Danny Rand's an irresponsible heiress who doesn't know when to keep her nose out of the business, after all."
But then Roberto is listening, and she turns back with a smile of her own. "Way too early to be leaving the party, no matter how entertaining the venue. Did you scare off the Storms?" she teases.
*
"I've never been, but hey! You never know. Maybe someday I'll get a chance to head on down to Rio de Janeiro. Sounds nice!" Ben tells the Brazilian. "Sounds like the kind of place I've been missing my entire life!" Looking toward the bar, as well, he nods to Roberto. "If you'll excuse me a quick moment."
Walking to the bar, he glances to Keith. "So. A cat, huh?" He taps the bar in an absent-minded manner. "That's neat."
*
"Unfortunately I don't have silver tongue." Akihiro informs Roberto with an easy smile. "Just iron in my bones, and apparently having claws isn't nearly as attractive as I thought it was. So I try to keep those hidden." He raps his fingertips idly against the bar, "And I haven't gotten shot tonight. So I think I'm fine staying here a little longer."
*
"The Cheshire cat, mind you," Keith answers Ben after he orders his drink, "Probably heard'a me. They made a movie with me in it. Didn't look anything like me. Do I look roly-poly? The nerve."
He leans against the bar. "So. One of the Fantastic For. That's pretty boss. I'm not used to keeping this sort of company."
*
"That's half the fun of being a debauched trust fund child," Roberto tells Danny, clucking his tongue. "Being irresponsible and sticking a nose into things one oughtn't." A waitress brings a beer by and he snags it, taking a quick sip.
"My friend, we all have our talents," Roberto assures Akihiro, soothingly. "I've had days where I'd have traded a smile and a clever word for claws and a, erm… more durable face," he says, flashing a grin. "There's a time for war, and a time for peace alike— I'm sure when war strikes, we'll be calling on you readily," he says, tilting his bottleneck towards Akihiro in toast.
*
"Akihiro." Danny reaches out to clap a hand to the mutant's shoulder. "If the fact that no one has shot at you tonight is an improvement, then we really need to look into improving your general quality of life." A drink, and she grins. "Or at least your sneaking skills. It might reduce the shooting." She turns a sidelong glance on the rest of the gathering, considering. "Seems like I showed up at the super hero party tonight, didn't I?"
*
Ordering himself a beer, Ben looks back to Keith. "Cheshire cat?" His rocky brow furrows for a moment before realization starts to sink in. "Uh, like in um, in Alice in Wonderland, right?" He asks after a moment. "Yeeaaahhh!" He smiles wider. "I saw that movie back in, what was it? Nineteen-Fifty-One?" He chuckles softly, gently lifting his beer and taking a sip. "You look nothing like the Cheshire Cat in that movie." He laughs, shaking his head. "Who'da thunk you were real? Well, it's a mighty fine pleasure to meet ya, then!"
He gives Keith a little nod. "Yep. The Fantastic Four. That's me and my friends! The company itself isn't so special, I'd say. Or…well, it's not the fact that we're the Fantastic Four. I'd like to think it's the fact we're good people that makes our company so good to keep." He gives Keith a little wink. Maybe he's just playing with the cat. After all, he would have thought it to be quite something, back in the day, if he'd hung out with people like the Fantastic Four.
*
Akihiro puts a finger through a bullet hole in his jacket. "I'm always in the wrong place. Some kid tried to kill me and run my pockets in central park a while ago. Guess he wasn't expecting me to get up from a bullet to the head." He orders a whiskey for himself, downing it rather quickly. "It's almost like my family is cursed to be dogs of war."
*
Roberto examines the bullet hole and whistles low, touching his own jacket in mirror of Akihiro's gesture. "Dios," he grumbles. "I cannot say I've ever been shot, though I've been mugged once or twice," he confesses. "I can't say as I want to, either— lacking your rather spectacular abilities, mi amigo, that would leave me off the dance floor for more weeks than I care to contemplate."
*
"The pleasure's all mine, Ben. I meant the whole 'hero' company thing," the cat receives his drink and waves it to indicate the general population of the party. "I don't do that. Or at least I didn't do it. I pick up a chick and a little girl hitching a ride by the side of the road and suddenly you're up to your ears with everybody else's problems. Can't walk away 'cause then you'd feel like a right heel. Specially if something happened to them, right? And then more stuff not related to that happens. Like a bus is taken hostage, or religious extremists try to kill mutants in Times Square…" and he stops there to sip a drink, because then he starts realizing he's gotten more media exposure than he's comfortable with.
*
"How did you let someone get close enough to put a bullet in your head?" Sure, Danny, blame the victim. Classy. Her drink is empty now, though, and she sets the glass aside, still looking around. "I somehow manage to avoid getting shot on a daily basis. Although the more time I spend looking at real estate in Hells Kitchen, the less likely the record seems to be to hold."
*
"They say helping others is its own reward." Ben responds, sipping on his drink. "And it's true. Helping people can give you a sense of…of…" He pauses, sipping his drink while thinking of the right word. "It can give you a sense that there's good in the world." He rumbles gently. "But being a 'hero' certainly isn't easy. Whether you're constantly in the spotlight or not, expected to be there to help when called. And when you're not? You're to blame when all goes goes. Heck, even if you are there and things go wrong, you're still to blame. It's a double edged sword, but I wouldn't change it for the world." He tells the cat-person. "But then again, I'll see how I feel in a decade or two, huh?" He laughs. "I've only been at it for a couple years!"
*
"In the last two weeks alone I've probably had between eight and nine-hundred bullets in me. Most of that came from trying to sneak past a group of armed guards." Akihiro admits before turning to Danny. "Kid was anxious, I gave him the benefit of the doubt. Gonna stop doing that."
*
Roberto shakes his head at that remark. Danny and Akihiro are clearly on an entirely different level of casual violence than the dapper Brasilian man is accustomed to. Finding his beer not to his liking, he steps away towards the bar, joining Ben and Vorpal and resting an elbow on the ledge with an easy grace.
"So— my feline friend," he inquires of Keith. "You can just …" He snaps his fingers. "Be anywhere? Pismo beach is quite some ways away… what about South America? Or Europe? Can you go anywhere in the world so easily?"
*
"Okay, whether or not you get better? That shit is not good for you," Danny waves a hand in Akihito's general direction. "That is way more iron than you need in your diet." Maybe she's not so much with the casual violence, but she clearly doesn't get easily scared off by the weird. A faint smile quirks as she watches Roberto move down the bar, a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. "Damn. Ran off another one."
*
"Some reward," Keith chuckles, sipping his Mai Tai, "I started off trying to get as far away from people as I could and now I can't shake 'em off…" he trails off as Roberto joins them at the bar.
He takes his question in stride and answers evenly, "Of course. Was in London last week, actually. There's some pretty far out stuff going on out there. Yer from Brazil, right?"
He focuses for a second, and then a hole opens up on the other side of the bar. It's a very good view of the Christo Redentor, looming over Rio de Janeiro. A breeze comes through the dimensional opening, carrying the scent of Guanabara Bay … and the humidity. The portal closes.
"It's all about the Rabbit Hole, Alice," he responds, giving Roberto a wide big grin. "Ain't that the ginchiest thing you've seen?"
*
"I've definitely not done much better." Ben nods. "People are always going to want your help now, it's just how life is. And when you're so recognizable, like a cat person or a rock person, it's easy for them to point at you and say, 'Hey! Help me, you goof!' Or…or something like that."
When Roberto joins them, Ben smiles at the man, giving him a nod, and listens to the questioning of Keith. He blinks when Keith opens up an actual portal. "Whoa! That's definitely something way out there, my cat friend!"
*
"I don't go out looking for it usually." Akihiro says with a shrug. "And they all run off sooner or later. Gotta keep moving or it'll get you down." He tugs another cigarette out his pack and lights it up, "Be nice if this did anything for me."
*
Roberto whistles low, crowding into Ben to sniff the fresh air coming off the bay. "Dio mio, that is… just a little slice of heaven," he exhales, closing his eyes and losing himself in sense memories for a few moments. Daringly, he sticks his hand through the portal, marvelling as he's unharmed. The portal closes, and he shakes his head. "Far out, catman, that is just… one hell of a trick," he admits. "You ever want work, you let me know," he says, digging in his pocket for a crumpled and much-abused business card. It's clear he doesn't pass them out much. "You come talk to me about putting your talents to work, and I can start you at fifty thousand dollars a year— with benefits," he adds. A veritable fortune.
*
Keith blinks, looking at the card, and then looking at Roberto. It's not that he's unfamiliar with the concept of wealth, having come from a wealthy family. It's the offer being made right on the spot.
"And… what exactly would I be doing?" he asks cautiously.
"I wasn't really paying attention concerning what you… er… do, Mr…. DaCosta?" Yes. Dacosta, that's it.
*
"That's what you think," Danny wrinkles her nose at the cigarette. "I know it sounds hokey, but drugs aren't going to make things better anyhow. You're just as well not getting anything out of them. All that really matters is your mind, your body, your soul, and how they all work together. When the balance is right, when everything inside is ready? Then everything outside flows from it."
*
Shaking his head, Ben looks amazed. "That was truly something." He tells Keith. "Would either of you happen to know the closest payphone? I realized I need to call into Doctor Richards about something, before I forget. But…" He looks to Keith. "I've got more questions!"
*
"De Costa," Roberto says, correcting Keith with as meticulous air. "Transporting goods and people, of course. You could replace my chauffeur and pilot, not to mention moving goods from Rio to America— do you have any idea how difficult it is to ship electrical components from Brasil to Los Angeles?" He shakes his head.
Sensing Ben's withdrawal, he does the unthinkable— he offers the giant rockman a handshake and a bright grin. "Vaya con Dios, amigo. It's downstairs and a block east. Do, uh, put a good word in with Sue for me, eh?" he says, laying an index finger along his nose. "Johnny, I am sure, will be singing her songs of my debauchery, but a good friend in the corner could go a long way."
*
"Well, at least I have a good body then." Akihiro reaching up to scratch lightly at his bearded jaw. "Rest of it needs a little shine. If I even have a soul." He proceeds to crush the cigarette regardless, apparently taking at least that much to heart.
*
"… that's a good offer, alright," Keith says, reaching to pocket the card, and then he stops.
Right. Swimming briefs. "I'll… just hold on to this," he says, gesturing with the card, because he knows that putting the card in his briefs would send the totally wrong message. "And the nearest payphone? Just a block down, Ben."
The Rabbit Hole opens, showing the street corner in question, and he grins, "If you've got more questions, I could always drop by that fancy building o'yours and we can have coffee or whatever."
Because he will take any excuse in the world to visit that awesome building, too.
*
Reaching out his hand, Ben gently takes Roberto's in his. "Been a pleasure." He looks the man over as he considers the request regarding Sue. "I'll…think it over. But she's a grown woman, smart. If she's interested, she'll let you know." He tells the man, giving him a little smile. Turning to Keith, he gives the cat a little two-fingered salute. "Feel free to come around! If you do drop by, hopefully Reed's around. I bet he'd find this ability of yours very fascinating." With a little wink he stands and makes to move through the portal. "This is so much easier than flying." He can be heard saying.
*
"I'm not sure if that's a psychological question or a philosophical one," Danny smirks back at Akihiro. "Like, do you think it slipped out with one of the bullet holes? Or are you wondering if you ever had one? No need to answer," she adds, holding up a hand. "It's a pretty deep question. But so far, from what I've seen, you've got enough good in you for there to be a soul behind it." Pushing a hand through her hair, she steps back from the bar with a lazy smile. "Think I'm gonna go dance. But I'm sure I'll see you around."
*
"Maybe." Akihiro allows, pushing upright. "Maybe I'll talk you into trouble some day. Be something for people to talk about." He offers a smile and a wave before turning and heading off. Once out of view his smile drops and his brows crinkle in thought, and it becomes easier to see the resemblance he bears to Logan.
*
Roberto salutes Ben in return, lounging against the bar with Vorpal. "No commitment, my friend, just a friendly offer," he assures the feline. He watches Akihiro turn away to brood, as Danny drifts towards the dance floor, an appreciative brow cocked at the heiress.
"It is something I have often mulled over, the use of our gifts," he explains to Vorpal. "Construtive ways to employ them, beyond merely violence. If you could predict the future, would that not be the perfect person to keep on staff to hedge against the stock market— or even predict tropical storms and other disasters?"
*
"You make a good argument, Mister De Costa." Keith sips on his Mai Tai and hums. "It's certainly a good point." And there was the extra bonus- with that kind of money a year, he would be basically working for someone far richer and more successful than his father.
And that idea is just way too delicious, far too sublime to pass up.
"I do have some friends I want to protect and help when they need me…" he never thought he'd be saying something like that. "As long as this doesn't require me to turn my back on them when I'm needed… consider the offer accepted."
He could even afford to give Brunhilda some much-needed maintenance. That thing was brand new, but he had been putting some heavy mileage on it… because he was a teenager. He could go anywhere he wanted to with just a thought, but while that was convenient it was nowhere near as cool as riding a fine piece of motorcycle… that he had stolen from his father when he kicked him out of the house.
He had it coming.