Conversations
As they were finishing up their shopping, Peter realized he finally had a moment to talk with Dr. Irons about what had been working around in the back of his brain for a while now.
“Carol, did you say you were an expert on metahuman abilities?”
“I have a PhD in Metahuman biology. Not quite the same thing, but that’s also why Cyrus and I worked so well together.”
Fortunately, Peter had just put on a pair of sunglasses, so Carol couldn’t see him roll his eyes at the mention of Prof. C’s name. He began rummaging through the pile of clothes he had set aside for her to try on, and tossed her a bright pink top. “Ok, I think you might still be able to help me out. I noticed while we were in that pocket dimension for the vampire. Oh wait, you weren’t there for that.”
“Nope, I wasn’t with you all. I was killing anything that was trying to get me or Seven in the Nether realm.”
Peter set down the sequined pants he was admiring, and looked over to her. He wasn’t sure how to react to this. He didn’t really have much of a grasp on who Seven really is, or what any of the Nether realm stuff was all about. “Oh, that’s ok, cause I noticed it when we met you and worked with Freedom League Dark in those other pocket dimensions, too. Anyway, I noticed that opening up my portals felt…I dunno…different? Like I was trying to do something left-handed or something.”
“Are you referencing every time you opened a portal in a pocket dimension, or just the final big one with Seven’s assistance?”
“Hmmm…yes? It seemed like any time we weren’t ‘here,’ my powers felt a little ‘off.’ They still worked fine, but it was just…different. I’ve never really given much thought to how my powers work, but that’s made me curious.” Peter pursed his lips ever so slightly. He was uncomfortable with asking for help like this, and hoped she wouldn’t draw out much more.
“Ah. So maybe you should spend time with your powers and ‘feel them out’ per say? I can take a blood sample and see if anything shows up? Possibly compare it to previous results, if anyone has done that here?”
Peter paused. He worked hard to maintain his expression. He pretended to be studying the waist of the pair of glittery jeans he had just pulled out of his pile of “maybes.” He needed her help, but this wasn’t exactly what he had in mind. “I dunno. Maybe? Like I said, I’ve never really examined the how of my powers. I’ve practiced with them and developed them, sure. But I’ve never really questioned them. One day I just had them, and haven’t really looked back. All of that is really just to say I have no idea where to get started? I just assumed there would be some kind of fancy sensors and machines that go ‘bing’ that super nerds have to figure this stuff out?” He chuckled, hoping to lighten up the mood a little.
“But yeah, a blood sample sounds good. No stranger to those! Heh, all the other samples were done at a Planned Parenthood though, so I don’t think you’ll be able to get any for comparison.”
Carol put her hand to her face and sighed deeply. “Well, it will be helpful if you aren’t rude to the current ‘Super Nerd’ you’re trying to get advice from.”
When she looked back at Peter, she saw he was unusually flustered. The sunglasses had slipped down his nose to show his eyes. “What are you talking about? Nerds are awesome! I’m dating a super nerd! Well, I am until he dumps me, which I give about another week, maybe? Eh, that’s a whole other thing.”
“Ah, well… wait, why do you think you’re going to be dumped by your…… um…. what do you have?”
Peter blushed. Crap, this was NOT the direction I wanted this going! “I dunno. I think I have a boyfriend? We haven’t really put labels on it.”
“AH! Boyfriend! Wonderful!”
Peter wasn’t really sure how to gauge that particular response. He desperately wanted to find a way to change the topic. “Yes, for now. He’s probably super pissed about us being gone for a week without warning though. He never messaged me. Oh well, that’s how it goes.” He held up a pair of strappy sandals for her to consider.
“I won’t pester you with a lot of the questions… but why do you think he will break up with you?”
Shit, he thought. “I mean, cause he’s probably pissed off…I would be.”
“Communication is always #1 in all relationships…. I’m sorry you’re afraid. I’ve, obviously, never met him, but I’m sure a simple conversation will help smooth out any ruffled feathers. Does he know you’re a super?”
“Oh yeah. He’s Ethan’s best friend, and basically an honorary Storm Breaker.”
“He knows you’re a Storm Breaker, he’s best friends with Ethan, and you BOTH disappeared for a week? I’m sure the boy is smart enough to figure out you were both saving the city/world/multiverse. But if you want to be a negative Nancy about it all, go right ahead. I still think you should talk to him and let him know how you feel.”
“I’m sure he’ll reach out if he wants to.”
“Or… you know, because communication is a two way street, you could reach out first.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Why isn’t she getting the hint? Let’s move on, please, he wondered.
“But I’m guessing you’re scared to do that?”
“Psh, no. Like I said, he can talk to me any time he wants to. I’m not the pushy type.”
“Mmmmmm…. that’s not what this sounds like. But it’s what you are telling yourself. The relationship isn’t just on his shoulders. You have to share that weight too…”
Peter grimaced at the top he was holding up to himself and tossed it to the side. “So, where do you want to get started with these tests? And when? Tonight’s no good because we’ve got that Longbowz concert some of us are going to, but I don’t really have plans this weekend.”
“I’ll take time to pull your files and read up on your biology first. I can get blood samples anytime, it doesn’t have to be tonight. When we get back to the tower, let me pull your records and see what might already be in there. Have you practiced in the big ‘Danger Room’ thing at the tower?”
Finally, he thought with relief. “If you call repelling that invasion on our first day practicing in the danger room, then yes. Oh wait, you weren’t there for that, either.”
“Yes yes. Always assume, for now, that I wasn’t around and I don’t know much of anything.”
“Some folks wanted us to feel welcome in the tower when we first moved in. Not a big deal.” He shrugged.
“Oh goodness. There’s so much more that needs to be done then. You should start at the basics and not just fly off into the deep end…. or portal to the bottom of the ocean.”
“Cool! Thanks, Doc!” Peter slid the sunglasses back up his face, and slung the glittery jeans over his shoulder.
“I REALLY like this suit. I think I’ll get it. I’ll wear it out next week for work.”
“Oh, good taste. That’s delicious,” he said while making a chef’s kiss gesture. Then, with a grin that was both sincere and mischievous, he said, “Prof. C will love it, too.”
Carol blushed fiercely. “I didn’t think about that… I’m not used to having him back.” She knew Portal could see the tears beginning to well up in her eyes.
“Please excuse me for a minute,” she said as she ran back into the dressing room.
Well, shit, Portal thought to himself. I wanted her to feel awkward or annoyed, not cry.