Hanging Out...

Posted on Tue Dec 12th, 2023 @ 10:54am by Carter McMillian & Jaclyn Morrison & Unawakened Kai Irving

Mission: Drake Academy
Location: Drake Academy
Timeline: Today

After the interview was finished, Carter met up with Jaclyn and Kai as they started back to their assigned room in the dorms.

"Hey!" He called out as he moved to walk next to Jaclyn.

Jaclyn looked up from watching her feet as she walked. “Oh hi” she said calmly. She figured he knew where they had been.

Kai gave him a wave and a smile.

"So," he began with a friendly grin. "There's still a good amount of pizza left, if you're still hungry?'

Kai grinned “I am” she said brightly. She looked at Jac. “I am so good for pizza.”

Jaclyn nodded. “Sounds good. I didn’t get much chance to eat it last time.”

Carter grinned again. "Well, we could either go to the common area, or I could bring it to your room?"

Kai tugged at Jac. “Common Room Jac!” She suggested, eager to meet the other students.

Jac sighed and nodded. “Very well Common Room it is.”

Carter nodded, then started to guide them towards the common area in the dorms. "You'll find that nearly everyone has had a bad day in their rooms. Don't feel bad about it. Heck, I nearly melted mine down before Mom gave me my suit."

"Do you have to wear it all the time?" Kai asked as they walked and Artemis sniffed the ground as they walked.

Lifting his covered hands, he replied. "Just the gloves actually. Though, when I activate my powers, the nanosuit covers nearly all of my body, save for the top of my head and my face."

“Yeah your hair went into flames.” Kai remembered. “Does it hurt?”

Carter smiled down at Kai and shook his head. "Not at all. It just feels like me. The gloves are needed to keep my powers under control, and the suit helps me harness my abilities. It also acts as armor when I'm in a fight."

“Very cool,” Kai replied.

Jaclyn was listening to them speak but it didn’t look like she was listening. She was good at that due to her stepmother's attitude. She seemed to shrug deeper into her hoodie and as they reached the building where the dorms were, she calmly took the lead from Kai and scooped up Artemis.

"Do you wanna feel?" Carter paused as he looked down at Kai. "It's okay. With my suit, my flames only cause damage when I expel them."

Kai smiled brightly "If it's okay with you." She said politely.

Carter stopped walking and turned to face Kai. After thinking a command to his suit's AI, the nano armor began moving up his arms from his gloves. In roughly three seconds, his entire body, save his face and the top of his head, were covered in the strong, yet flexible, armor. From the top of his head, a flame ignited, making him look a bit like a human torch.

Smiling softly, he knelt down and tilted the top of his head toward Kai. "Go ahead. Feel it. So long as I'm not fighting, I can mostly control the temperature of my flames." He closed his eyes and concentrated. He then reopened his eyes and nodded. "Should just be a little warm now."

Kai slowly reached out and touched his hair with a smile. “So cool,” she said.

Jaclyn listened and watched carefully as Kai and Carter interacted.

When Kai was done, Carter looked over at Jaclyn. "You wanna try?" He gave her a shy grin as he spoke.

She considered it and then shook her head. “No, I don't want to risk it. My powers are still raw” She didn’t want to hurt people and their powers might react differently.

If Carter was disappointed, he had the wherewithal not to display it in any fashion. He closed his eyes and a few beats later, his flame was extinguished and his nanosuit retracted back down into his gloves.

After opening his eyes, he stood up and grinned. "Who's hungry?" He asked both girls.

Kai grinned back, “me”

“Sure,” Jaclyn replied quietly. “I will just let Artemis go to the bathroom first and see you inside.”

"Alright," Carter replied with a soft grin. He then offered his right hand to Kai. "Let's go, kiddo," he said with a friendly smile.

Kai nodded and took his hand. She glanced at Jaclyn and allowed Carter to lead her inside.

Carter stole a quick glance back at Jaclyn as he led Kai inside. As they entered the building, he started to ask the young girl an important question. "Now, Kai…do you like mushrooms on your pizza…." Then the door closed behind them, leaving Jaclyn and the puppy still outside.

Jaclyn meanwhile let her puppy go and followed her off to the small park area. As Artemis sniffed and did her business, Jac let her mind wander. She had a few options really, nothing though would be safe, and maybe here would not be safe either.

"I know that look," a teenage boy's voice said softly from off to Jaclyn's right.

Jaclyn turned around and found herself looking at another student. “Uh.. sorry?” she asked confused

"Georgie," he said, placing his right hand to his chest. "We met briefly, the other day, at the cafeteria?"

“Oh yes” Jac did remember. “You are one of Carter’s friends. Was I walking in your way?”

Georgie shook his head. "Not at all. I was just saying that I recognize the look that was on your face just now."

“Oh?” She asked curiously. “Seen it before?”

Nodding, Georgie stepped closet and knelt down to greet Artimus. "Yeah. I had the same look when I first got here." He scratched the puppy behind her ears as he spoke. "As you can imagine, my awakening was a huge shock. I was at my best friend's tenth birthday party when it happened." His eyes took on a far away look. "I can still hear the screams when I stop and think about it."

“It's easy I think for those who have lived with meta’s to simply accept things.” Jaclyn said softly. “For those who have never had any contact or even expectations... it is harder.”

Georgie nodded again in agreement. "My parents didn't even want me around anymore. They were terrified by what I had become." He got a bit quiet as he talked about his painful past.

Standing back up, he looked over at Jaclyn. "Please don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to say that we have the same background. I know you went through a worse hell than I did. All I'm trying to say is, I hated that I was different. Sometimes, it still hurts. However, the friends I have made here, the teachers I've learned from, they all have helped me. I know that I will never be what I was before. So, I train to help others, both like us, and not."

He took a breath, then added. "I know you want to get out of here. I know you don't want your powers. Just….give them some time to help you build your own control over your abilities." He gave her an understanding soft grin.

Jac nodded “I will keep your advice in mind.” She said to him as she turned with slight trepidation to the dorm room. “But it's hard to see a light at the end of the tunnel.”

"I know," he said as he walked with her, though making sure not to crowd her any. He didn't need to use his heightened senses to tell that she was feeling uncomfortable. "In the beginning, I wanted to just end things. Almost did in fact. However, the Headmistress found me and saved my life. Even then, I still wanted to run away from here. It all seemed far too good to be true after all. But, after a little while, I could tell that everyone was who and what they claimed to be." He tapped his nose and grinned. "Hard to trick this, even with telepathy. The nose always knows."

“But even paradise had its snakes,” Jaclyn said softly. “I was so headed for my own life before this happened.”

Georgie nodded again. "I know. Though, so far, I have not come across any snakes here. And I've been here for a couple years now."

She shrugged. “Well I will give it a few days more,” bending down she scooped up Artemis as they entered the building.

“That’s all anyone is asking.” He gave her a friendly grin as they entered the dorm. “Now, I gotta get to class. I hope I see you guys later.” He gave her another friendly grin, then moved off towards the school itself.

Jac watched him go and then turned to follow the path to the common room to find Kai and Carter.

As soon as Jaclyn entered the large common room, Carter saw her and waved her over. There were a few students also present, some in clusters, others alone. All seem to be either studying or relaxing with a game of one kind or another.

As she approached, Carter stood up and pulled out an empty chair for her. Not in a weird, hovering way, but in a normal, respectful one.

Jaclyn smiled slightly and took the seat. “Thank you” she said softly.

When Jaclyn sat down, Carter gently slid her chair in some. "You're welcome, he replied just as softly. Then he looked between the two girls and asked, "So, there's fresh pizza on its way," he looked at the clock on the wall to his left. "Should be here in a few minutes actually. While we wait, what would you both like to drink?"

"Is there soda?" Kai asked curiously.

Jac shook her head though.

"Is there soda?" Carter asked incredulously, though he had a friendly grin on his face. "Of course there is! Tell me, what's your favorite?"

Kai thought about it. “I like Fanta,” She admitted.

Carter grinned. "So do I. I like the pineapple flavor, but orange is my favorite."

Kai grinned at him. "Same" she said. "I don't like the grape flavor at all."

Carter nodded as he responded. “Yeah, grape isn’t my fav either.” He then looked over at Jaclyn and asked, “If you don't want soda, we also have plain and flavored seltzers as well.”

Jaclyn considered it and shook her head again, “No I will be fine with Water.”

Nodding, Carter replied with a soft grin. "Ice?"

“Sure” Jaclyn said with a nod. “Sounds good.”

Carter nodded and grinned, then turned and made his way to the counter that held various drinks and snacks. As he started to return with three drinks, the pizza delivery arrived. A few teachers and students carried in nearly two dozen pizza boxes, with the various toppings available spread throughout the delivery.

"Ah!" Carter exclaimed as he gently placed the drinks down, handing Kai hers first, then Jaclyn hers, his eyes lingering on hers a bit as he spoke, "Here you go," he gave her another soft, boyish grin. Then, he looked between the two of them. "So, what slices would you ladies prefer?"

Jaclyn motioned for Kai to go get hers first and Kai moved off to join the line of students gathering at the pizza.

"Carter, I want to say thank you." She said, taking a chance. "I appreciate the help you have given us."

After watching young Kai head off to get her serving of pizza, he turned back to reply to Jaclyn, a handsome grin on his face. "You're welcome, Jaclyn." He shrugged slightly as he continued. "I just want you and Kai to feel safe, wherever you two decide to go." While he would prefer it if they stayed, he would not do or say anything to pressure Jaclyn in any way. That would not be fair to them, and ultimately, would definitely drive her away.

"Whatever the two of you need, all you need is to ask. I'll give you my word." He finished speaking as Kai returned to the table. Looking down, he grinned. "That looks like a delicious few slices you have there, Kai."

“Yeah it's rare for me to have Pizza. Have not had it in years before coming here.” Kai said honestly. “You both should get it before it runs out.”

Carter grinned at Kai's excitement. “You'll find that you'll be able to have nearly everything you've missed having, here.” He looked over at Jaclyn. “What can I get you?”

“Just margarita, thanks,” Jaclyn said with a small smile.

Carter dipped his head in a slight bow. “Coming right up!” There was a happy smile on his face when he replied, then he turned away and made his way to the table that held nearly two dozen different pizza boxes. While he waited in line, he stole a glance back at Jaclyn, his cheeks blushing slightly as he smiled again, then looked back in front of him.

Kai sat down and began eating her pizza. “So you staying?” She asked curiously to Jac.

“Still thinking it over.” Jac admitted calmly.

“I like it here.” Kai said casually.

“That is very clear.” The older girl replied. “They like you here. You will be safe here Kai.”

“You too.” Kai replied between mouthfuls.

Jaclyn shrugged. “We shall see.”

A few moments later, Carter returned, carrying two boxes, one larger than the other. As he set them down, he opened the larger box, revealing half a margarita pie and half (what kind did Kai get again?). As he sat down between the two girls, Carter opened his box, revealing a slightly smaller, personal-sized pizza. He had chosen buffalo chicken as his toppings.

Looking at Kai and Jaclyn, he grinned. “I'm the only one here that likes buffalo chicken pizza, so the shop always sends a medium-sized pie for me.” He pulled off a slice and held it up to both girls. “Wanna try?”

Kai shook her head, mouth full of Veggie delight.

“Nope. All good with mine.” Jaclyn said as she picked up a slice. “Boring I know. Oh that reminds me, Carter, is there a phone shop around?”

Grinning softly, Carter replied. “Nothing boring about it, Jac. I mainly eat this one for the higher calorie count. After I awoke and my powers started to take hold, my metabolism kicked into high gear. I eat nearly four times as many calories as is normally recommended.” He took a bite of his slice, chewed, then swallowed before speaking again. “If I don't, my body will consume itself…and it's theorized…that when that happens, I'd go critical, like an exploding nuke.” He sighed softly and shrugged, then took another bite.

“So I have to basically eat six to eight hours a day. Not all at once!” He chuckled as he realized how the statement had sounded. “Throughout the day.”

Kai smirked, “Bet the food bill is huge.” She quipped.

“It can't be good to eat that much food, surely?'' Jaclyn asked curiously. “Isn't there another way that you can get the calories without eating so much? Supplements and such?”

Carter grinned as he looked over at Kai. “It can be at times, but, mom always seems to make it work.” He then looked over at Jaclyn, shaking his head sadly. “While supplements are good for a short term measure, I burn through them even faster. I need the calories of real food.” He took another bite of his heavy slice, finishing it with a heavy pull of his soda. “Of course, one plus of my heightened metabolism is that I can't get drunk or drugged.”

“Lucky you”: Jaclyn said “Drugs are not nice”

Realizing his error, Carter blushed slightly, his cheeks and neck turning a shade or two darker. “I'm sorry…I didn't mean…”

“It's ok. Life happens Carter” Jac replied before taking another bite.

A soft sigh escaped Carter’s lips and he took a beat to collect himself. Then, after putting a soft grin on his face, he asked, “So, what do you two think about the place so far?”

Kai grinned. “It's pretty cool.” she said. “It must have been great to grow up here”

Jaclyn meanwhile continued eating. She had no real opinions as she was still considering her options.

Carter noticed that Jaclyn hadn't replied, though he could see the uncertainty in her eyes. It was a look he had seen many times before, from other survivors that had been rescued from various HYDRA camps and labs. He knew that, with kindness and patience, Jaclyn might grow to love this place of safety.

They ate together for a bit then Kai took off to run around with other children her age.

Jac was happy to see that happen.

After clearing everything away, Carter returned to the table, bringing Jaclyn another beverage. He smiled softly when he saw Kai playing happily with the other young kids. “The younger kids always seem to bounce back faster than the older ones, after they are rescued.” He looked over at Jaclyn, his expression showing concern for her. “I apologize if I came on too strong earlier. I won't lie, I do find you very attractive, both physically and mentally. I can get a bit…” he grinned softly and chuckled quietly at himself. “...hot-headed at times. I hope my actions don't affect your decision to stay or leave. I only want you to be happy and safe.”

Jac listened as he spoke and then nodded. “I understand, I am still trying to figure things out.” she looked at him. “You never answered me about the Phone shop.”

His features softened at her words and understanding, then he realized his earlier error. “Crap! I'm sorry. Yeah, there's a shop over on the corner of Main Street and Washington Ave. Mel's Electrical is the name. It's run by old Mister Melvin Woerz. He's a retired World War II Coast Guard veteran, who used to be a radio operator. After the war, he even used to build and race MG's. He's a great guy, you'd like him.”

“Thanks, I will go check it out.” Jac finished her slices and tied up her rubbish. “Kai is fine by herself so I am slowly leaving her to be herself.” She stood and put her rubbish in the bin. She paused. “Walk me to the shop?”

Carter smiled and nodded as he stood and cleaned his own trash away. He then turned to Jaclyn and held out his left hand to her. “C'mon. This way.”

Tentatively, She reached out and took the hand he offered. “Lead on.”

~OFF~