thunderbolt

"I don't know...can you?" I respond, noticeably confused by the image before me. She's a young woman with a child and dog in tow. If I didn't know any better, I'd think I was still in LA. "I was looking for Zoe and I heard the commotion from your place." Regardless, I'm not one for judging appearances. She's probably a single parent like myself. So, maybe I can make the most out of this.

"I thought it might be her, but it's you. Not that there's anything wrong with that." I slide my hands into my jean pockets and shrug as I look at the tiny child with a awestruck expression. "My name's Noah by the way. Jacob's cousin." The barking continues and I'm not sure what I'm suppose to do next. Bonding with other parents has never been a strong suit of mine.

It isn't until Troy runs from the room to where I am that the noise kind of dies down. "A DOG!" He yells, right before getting on his knees and gesturing for the dog to come toward him. My face reddens, unsure how to stop Troy from keeping me here any longer than I should be. "I'm sorry about him. He loves animals."

"Hi, I'm Troy. Nice to meet you, ladies." Eight years old and already acting like a ladies man. He even winks at the woman and extends his hand to her while using his other hand to pet the dog. Multitasking at its finest. Meanwhile, I'm still wondering why this woman is dressed in her costume. Was she the Super Babysitter? I'm not sure if I should even ask. I won't. I think it's better if I ignore that detail.

"My dad is cooking dinner for a lady. Are you her?" My eyes widen and I look down at Troy. I'm unsure as to whether I should laugh or yolk this boy up by his collar.

@catalina_liafador

"Look, I understand things are different now." I'm trying to reassure my son that everything is fine, but he doesn't make anything easy. He's stubborn like his mother, but I'm not going to let this attitude fester. Not on my watch. "We're living somewhere new and you will act like you got some sense. Am I clear, Troy?"

"We wouldn't be here if I didn't think it'd benefit us." I don't mean to be harsh. I'm only trying to be his father, but Troy doesn't make it easy for me. He's always acting like he needs to be consulted before decisions are made. The boy is eight years old and he once tried to negotiate a mortgage settlement.

"You'll still be going to school in LA. You'll still have your friends. The only difference is that daddy will be bringing you to Luna Island when he's on business." This is as far as I'm willing to explain myself.

Troy, however, is much smarter than he wants me to believe. He doesn't know I've noticed him listening to me with his head hung low whilst mentally connecting plot points from the last month together. From Jacob resurfacing in my life to my late night conversations with his mother. I know that Troy knows this is much bigger than business, but I refuse to enable to this bad habit of him thinking he's an adult.

"Do you understand?" Troy nods his head before crossing arms and attempting to give me the silent treatment. It's a valiant effort, but it always ends with him falling asleep.

"Now get yourself off the bed and clean your face. We have a guest coming soon (@feral_nova). So, rapido!" I clap my hands twice and he knows what to do. I, however, don't move until I hear the bathroom sink's water run. Once he's started, I make my way to the door hoping to greet an old friend with open arms.

---------------

"Hello?" My voice echoes across the emptiness of space and it's kind of a bummer, because I thought I told Jacob to tell Zoe about me. I mean I don't think my message could have been any clearer, but I guess he forgot. At least that's what I'm choosing to believe. With that in mind, I should probably go back inside. I should cook dinner and pretend like I'm not irritated. Except that I don't do what I should.

"Is anybody there?" Instead the faint voices of from the neighboring apartment draws my attention and I'm left wondering who else lives on Luna Island. If it isn't Zoe and Jacob, then who was it? That's why I touch up my appearance by adjusting my white t-shirt and combing my fingers through my hair before knocking on that door.

I briefly cover my mouth, coughing to clear my throat as I prep for whomever waits on the other side.

"My name is Noah..." I'll introduce myself, but I'll be unprepared to be stunned by @catalina_liafador

Republic of Venezuela - 2015

"Supreme, I'm mutant and proud." Noah detested the notion that he would think anything less. To him, his mutant gene was a blessing he thanked God for each and everyday. The problem, however, was the way the Supreme wanted him to use that blessing.

"I refuse to be your pawn. I won't allow it." He pressed his palm against the glass encasement, behind it was his dignitary uniform, and it took every part of him to look away. It was a testament to his courage to leave the states, but it was also a heavy reminder of the bad things he did for the Supreme. He couldn't live with the thought of this being the legacy he left behind, but he'd do it anyway.

"So, consider this my resignation." There was so much on his mind. None of it entirely to blame on the schism within the Republic. In fact, what troubled him more was the news of the United States' freshly elected president. Clarice Michelle Pierce, his ex-girlfriend was running the nation and the son wrapped around her arm looked like his own reflection.

"I'll see myself out." As much as he appreciated the opportunity to better his life. As much as he cherished the semblance of family the Supreme Chancellor gave him, Noah always knew he never belonged here. The life of political intrigue may have made his father proud, but it only saddened him. His sense of belonging had no closure, but he found solace in knowing he might have a son to share his life with.

Drive Thru

"Jesus Christ, Jacob. What are we doing here?" The question is rhetorical. In fact, I'm not sure why I even asked. I knew something was up the moment his eyes perked up the way they did.

"Scratch that. What are we going to do here?" It doesn't take a telepathic incision to see an idea spark inside Jacob's mind. I know I shouldn't have enabled him, but I've always had a tough time saying no to him.

It kind of reminds me of when I first moved to Los Angeles. I had just taken Jacob in. He was brash and fast, but I think he was still mourning his parents and sister. Living with him was difficult. Out of guilt I let him get away with a lot, but I loved him like a brother.

I still do.

So, having him back means the world to me. That's why I decided to tag along on this adventure. I refuse to lose him again. I'm just thankful my neighbor didn't mind watching Troy. Owing her dinner is something I'll have to stomach later on tonight, but it's better than letting an injured Jacob get caught up in some nonsense.

"I can't imagine that it's anything good." I park the car some feet away from the museum. I make note of the fact that we were lucky enough to find parking before rush hour after pulling the key out of the ignition. I step out of the car, slamming the door shut as I stare at the Museum of American Heroism.

"Troy likes coming here. You should take a guess at his favorite hero, @last_guardian." I strike a signature Last Guardian pose and I like to think I'm doing it pretty well.

"Matter of fact...I think he'd be pretty interested in knowing what that hero plans on doing next. I know I am."

@shanana said:

@arenaceus_: yeah. just send me a link to the character and whatnot. i'll let you know when this officially goes live :)

@general_issue: I'm Closure....

@joey_destroyer_of_worlds: i think we should be good. i'm just waiting for at least two or three more people before i hit the green light on this. i'll be sure to keep you in the loop :)

@joey_destroyer_of_worlds: i think he'd be good. he's strong and as long as you don't write him as someone who's overpowered as in unbeatable than we should be great.

just lemme know.