The path to be a hero

[SakuraAlkaid]

Just as she began drifting back to sleep, Mariah's cell phone rang from underneath her pillow. She immediately grabbed it, her heartbeat twice as fast as it had been mere seconds before. When she noticed that it wasn't Damien's number, however, she began to calm down. They never used other numbers when they needed to contact her, so she knew without a doubt that it couldn't be them. At least there was that. Did that mean it was Alex, though? Had he seen her in the crowd earlier? Her nerves returned, although for completely different reasons as she answered the phone.

"Hello?" she asked as she held the phone to her ear, her voice soft with a faint brush of sleep to it.

[kai the pkk]

Alex: ( as he heard her voice he jumps abit when he remembers what happened yesterday between them) s-sorry it's Alex... I didn't meant to wake you up is this a bad time I was just wondering if you wanted to grab dinner later but if this is a bad time I can allways call later ( he felt like an idiot if he woke her up then felt like he maybe shouldn't have called) well you have my number so you can call me back whenever if you can't or don't feel like talking right now ( he laughs lightly trying to play off his embarrassment)

[SakuraAlkaid]

It could have just been that Mariah was talking to Alex through the phone for the first time, but he seemed more embarrassed than he should have, and it brought a light laugh out of her that she hadn't expected.

"You're fine, dear, don't worry. You didn't wake me up. Not really. I just wasn't expecting a phone call, so you caught me a little off guard, is all..." She sat up with a stretch and leaned against her headboard before continuing, mentally trying to figure out how she was smiling when she had had such a horrible day. "Um, as far as dinner goes, I.."

She unconsciously traced her fingers over her cheek while trying to decide what to do. A professional makeup artist could only hide so much of the red, and the swelling, while it had gone down quite a bit, was still pretty noticeable. He would know upon first glance that something had happened. Could she blame it on the day before? A late reaction to being hit yesterday? Maybe...

"Dinner would be nice, actually..."

"Just give me about, oh, twenty four hours or so to get ready," she thought, mentally beating herself up already.

[kai the pkk]

Alex: ( he gets a big grin) allright cool so I'll pick you up Score sweet ha take that subconscious! 7if that's okay or if it's easier if you want I can just meet you there or something?

Girl: ( sitting on the couch next to him) told you you should call her this is what happens what you listen anyway so where we you take her?

Alex:( he looks at her) Uhh anywhere in particular miri?

[SakuraAlkaid]

"Seven, right," she replied as she looked at her clock. "That might be long enough to try to make myself somewhat presentable... If I start now, anyway." She jumped out of bed and began searching for the small makeup bag that she rarely ever used. The only thing she used on a daily basis was eyeliner and mascara, but that wouldn't do her face any good unless she made her eyeliner so thick that that was all he could focus on. That would just make her look even more like a mess, though, which she hoped to avoid.

"As for the location, why don't you surprise me? You've been in town long enough now to know where a good handful of places are, so go ahead and pick one. Any place will be fine, I promise. Just let me know if I need to dress up or anything, of course."

[kai the pkk]

Alex: yeah okay how about a place that's Abit more casual I'm not talking black tie or anything but you know alittle not more than casual how's that sound ( as he awaits her answer he goes into his closet and drawers as he looks through something's) so I'll see you at 7 allright? The girl keeps bothering him but then starts holding up different clothes) allright so yeah I'll pick you up At 7 yeah?

[SakuraAlkaid]

"Sure thing. I suppose I'll see you then," Mariah said before hanging up. She had a lot of work to do and not a lot of time. She had an outfit in mind already, which allowed her to skip a large step, but then again she was having to do a lot more makeup than usual. She took out her base and went to work trying to make it look natural and still cover the large bruise on her cheek.

As soon as she finished with her makeup, she went into her closet and grabbed the outfit she had planned to wear: a dark teal dress that fell to her knees, black tights, and a pair of black heals. Simple enough, yet formal without being formal. Exactly what she needed. She had the bruise all but hidden behind a layer of base with a hint of blush on the higher arch of her cheekbones. She hated wearing even that much makeup, but it was all she could do for now. She didn't feel like explaining to Alex why she had a huge hand-sized bruise on her face.

She looked into her mirror for the last time and sat back on her bed, pulling her hair over her shoulder once more, where she began loosely braiding it. "Please let me have some sort of positive to my day... Please..."

[kai the pkk]

Alex: so then how's this?

Girl: too casual I mean you want to let this girl know your atleAst trying to look good rather than not caring when your around her besides hmm here I'll help


---

Aaron: (walking through the city)...man the Champ wasent at the ad what a bummer I was hoping he'd show up but I'm surprised it doesn't seem like their are any huge crimes going down today maybe I guess the herpes are taking the day off or atleAst it seems like the first responders are out And about today...

---

Alex: he decides on a plain dress shirt though his sleeves were rolled up to his elbow with a stylish tie that compliments his outfit Along with a sweater vest with proper pants and a pair of black sneakers) As he finishes up it borders past casual making it the perfect outfit for the place he had in mind) allright ( he adjusts the tie) nice?

Girl: as nice as your gonn get what nothing with your hair? It's sort of messy ( she looks at him as he goes to leave) if your sk confident and after talking to her why am I still here? You stil can't forget About what happened to me can you?...

Alex:.... ( he hesitates and then ends up leaving with his dog tags under his shirt and his keys in his pocket as he leaves Abit early to get alittle fresh air the girls comment unsettled his nerves Abit)

[SakuraAlkaid]

"Come on, Miri. Wake up. Just wake up."

"Hmm? Oh, right... That dream again," Mariah thought as she sat up again. She glanced at the clock and realized that it was almost seven, meaning that she had only been asleep for around fourty-five minutes. "I guess I overexerted myself a little yesterday. I probably should have just said no to this dinner, but after yesterday and earlier, I... I just wanted some sort of comfort, I guess.. Is that really so bad?"

She stood and walked into the living room to wait for Alex in the dark, hoping that everything would go alright for the rest of the night, but mentally preparing herself for the worst just in case.

[kai the pkk]

Alex:( he eventually found himself at Mariah's apartment allright then I have a good idea for tonight ( what the girl said before came back) damn...( he shakes it off as he knocks on her door and be waits for her to answeruh-oh time to calm down and relax ( he breathes softly)

Girl: you need to learn to relax

Alex: I'm not dealing with you tonight

[SakuraAlkaid]

When Mariah went to open the door she heard Alex talking, but when she opened the door there was no one else there. "I guess he's having the same kind of day as me," she thought with a soft smile. "Anyway, hopefully I did a good enough job with the makeup. If not, it's too late to go back now... Here goes nothing."

"Good evening, Romeo. I thought you said it wasn't formal, yet here you stand before me all dressed up. I'm starting to feel a little under dressed already," she teased, although she was honestly a little surprised at his appearance. It made her very glad that she had decided to go on the more formal side of things. "Should I go and change really quickly?"

[kai the pkk]

Alex: no no its fine you look incredible I honestly feel quite silly and now realized I'm Abit over dressed yeah Ot is a bit much isn't it when I now see for myself ( he glances at her face as he notices something off but decides it might just be her makeup) anyway you ready to go ( he glances to his side quickly and notices the girl is gone) I mean I am Romeo what kind of Romeo would I be if I didn't get all dressed up and go all out I dot look too ridiculous do I?

[SakuraAlkaid]

His attitude was utterly contagious, and she couldn't help but laugh a little. She closed the door behind her and laid a hand on his shoulder reassuringly. "You're fine, Alex. I like it." She took her hand back and smiled, softly brushing her hand down the plait falling across her right shoulder to make sure it was still smooth.

"Damien said he'd be watching me, so I'd better try to keep an eye out for him while we're out. The last thing I need is to have him go back to Luca with proof that I've been lying. Based on what he said today, he'd probably kill me next time, and I really don't think I could take him alone. Much less if Damien helped... Why am I even thinking like this? I'm supposed to be having a good time tonight..."

"And thank you for the compliment, by the way. I'm ready whenever you are, though, and since you're surprising me with the location, feel free to lead the way."

[kai the pkk]

Alex: allright ( he smiles at her as the two begin walking towards the restaurant although they pass by Aaron and the Alex gets a strange feeling of nostalgia ) sorry my bike is Abit of a wreck since yesterday and "zetman" was seen riding it so I don't want to blow my secret identity ( they soon arrived at the restaurant and it's a pretty fancy restaurant that had a romantic atmosphere about it that surprisingly wasent one of the ones Mariah had showed him his first day here) what do you think romantic enough am I right? ( the two of them walk inside as they get seated on one the rooftop tables that overlook the city it was dark enough that the lights of the city formed a beautiful mixture of colors) what do you think?


----

Aaron: *yawn* ( he stroll ls out of a bar) oh come now it's only 7 you guy are boring!!!! Onto the next bar

[grave robbing adept rogue]

It had been a busy day for Zalthorn, he had manage to furnish a new costume that placed the cat's eyes on his chest instead of his helmet, everything other aspect of his old costume was gone. The old red and silver colors were now black and green and followed no particular pattern. The actual clothing seemed strange, the most obvious feature being a short poncho that reaches halfway down his back and around his chest, this is where the cat's eyes are placed glaring at whats in front of him. His pants were long, still covering extra mags but now there were holsters holding the M9's on his hips. A latex mask covered his entire face and his hair was dyed black. the poncho covered the upper portion of a tight shirt, one that stretches to fit the wearer tightly. I never was a fan of hair dye, I guess I'll have to deal with it until something changes in this world. Only then can I return to my old name. Zalthorn folds his arms under his poncho, it barely covers them. He walks along a sidewalk with no destination in mind, the people he passes stare and whisper to each other but they don't dare address the man before them in fear of a rogue power user.

[kai the pkk]

Aaron: ( he notices a man run past him in a hurry)...hmm?

Woman: stop him!

Aaron:...dont worry gorgeous I got this for you! ( he runs after the man as he he remains on the mans tale even though the man manages to Climb up to a roof) dammit slow ( he runs past zalthorn as he continues to pursue the man) come on atleAst make this Abit difficult I haven't had to do somethin like this in years I forgot how much I hated running

[SakuraAlkaid]

"It's beautiful..." Mariah gasped as they were seated. Somewhat surprisingly, she had never been to the restaurant even though she had been in Sternbuild City for quite some time now. She tried to keep herself from looking around like a child in a toy store, but it was hard as the scene was absolutely beautiful. She managed to do it, however, by looking back to Alex. "You certainly know what you're doing when you plan a surprise, Romeo. Consider me completely surprised."

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

Luca walked the backstreets of the city with Damien at his side as the sun began setting. They were completely silent on the outside, but the conversation inside their minds was bustling.

"What do you think about our little angel, Damien?, because I'm starting to feel as if she's trying to slip away and I believe you know how I feel about that..."

"That I do, sir, but I'm starting to agree with you. Do you have something in mind to make sure she stays in line, if I may ask?"

"Patience, Damien. I'll reveal my plans when, and if, they become needed. You know that."

"Yes sir..."

[kai the pkk]

Alex: ( he smiles when he sees her reaction) what you didn't think I can be so romantic did you? yeah well you were worth it Miri to be honest that's not all ( he looks at his watch as a soft smooth melody begins to play pver the speakers placed on the roof only increasing the relaxing atmosphere as he looks around and notices their they only people who have a table) woul you like a dance before we sit and eat? ( the waiter stops by as he reads off the specials)

---

Aaron: woah watch out! ( he leap frogs over luca and he flips over Damien in the process in pursuit of the purse snatcher as he takes the purse snatched) oh up sorry about that you 2 you okay?

[SakuraAlkaid]

She couldn't help it. Mariah giggled lightly and shook her head. "You're too much, Alex. You really are." When she calmed down again, she nodded in reply to his question and smiled. "I must admit, this is probably the most romantic thing that's ever happened to me. Your nickname's quite befitting."

"I'm so glad I chose to come... I needed this after the day I've had. I really did..."

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

Damien clenched his fist at his side as the man jumped over the two of them, but Luca quickly reminded him to calm down with a simple hand movement before the man could turn around again. "It's fine, Damien. He's no threat to us."

"We're fine," he replied casually in reply to Aaron's question, although he was discretely assessing the situation at hand. "Looks like a simple robbery. Nothing too important..."

[kai the pkk]

Aaron: nothin too important? How one I had to do this where we're the heroes what is simple crime too little a threat for them to handle? whatever this little bugger was quite the hand full to deal with ( he picks the man up by the shirt) anyway you two should be more careful this is a bad part of town right?


----

Alex: now that's hard to believe a beautiful woman like you( he takes her hand and leads her to the center of the roof as the two begin dancing slpwly to the music and he gazes into her eyes) like I said yesterday I want to make you happy Miri and don't worry if your getting hungry we can order after this dance if your getting hungry ( he laughs playfully as he glances put of the corner of his eye to notice the girl sitting at a table as she waves to him)....