Quoted By:
<span class="mu-r">“We should do this again sometime. There’s nothing better than a good, old-fashioned team-up.”</span> you said, clapping a hand over Gwen’s broad shoulder. <span class="mu-r">“Keep in mind though, I’ve got an image to maintain. <span class="mu-i">’Dashing rogue’</span>, <span class="mu-i">’mysterious thief’</span> and all that noise.”</span>
You couldn’t exactly tell under her face-mask, but you were pretty sure that she was giving you a wry grin. <span class="mu-g">“Do people actually call you those things, or do you just wish that they did? Because I haven’t heard anyone on the Helicarrier describe you that way.”</span>
You made an exaggerated, wounded expression, reeling back as if slapped, and placing a hand over your heart. <span class="mu-r">“Then you must not be talking to the right people. Haven’t you heard? I’m a downright lovable underdog! I’ve got some major street cred that you’re discounting here.”</span>
Gwen rolled her eyes, but instead of giving you a sarcastic or mocking look, she seemed genuinely proud. <span class="mu-g">“Well, whatever you or ‘the streets’ might think, I thought you were pretty damn heroic today. ‘Dashing rogue’ or not, we really helped save some lives today. And you can hide it under as many layers of sarcasm as you want, but I know you feel good about that too.”</span>
You just shrugged and refocused your attention on Abe. She probably deserved a better answer than that, but that damn smile of hers was just too disarming. It wasn’t like you didn’t care about your city at all. It was just that you thought people like her and Abe were much better suited to the role of savior.
Besides, there were way too many heroes living in this damn city to begin with. Even without you swinging in to save the day, these people would be fine without you.
—----------
Shortly after backup arrived, you said your goodbyes and fled the scene before anyone could get too interested in your presence. You were confident that the two of them could handle things without you, and you needed to make a call to Sam anyway. It was time for you to start figuring out what you would do with your alien visitor.
—--------
<span class="mu-b">“Hello?”</span> Sam answered.
<span class="mu-r">“Hey, Sam. How’s it hanging?”</span>
<span class="mu-b">“Huntsman? I’m, uh…good. I’m doing real good, actually!”</span> he said, sounding genuinely glad to hear from you. <span class="mu-b">“I can’t thank you enough for getting me and my little sister out of Chinatown. Things have really been heating up over there from what I’ve heard.”</span>
Sounds like he just managed to avoid being caught up in the gang war that’s been brewing over there.
<span class="mu-r">“Well, I’m glad you’re doing alright. How’s the internship?”</span> you asked, slightly adjusting your position on the side of a building as you did so.
<span class="mu-b">“Oh, this place is amazing! I’ve seen superheroes, aliens and gods pass through here, and the technology is incredible! It’s gotta be like…10, no…<span class="mu-i">15</span> years more advanced than what everyone else has got! Maybe even more!”</span>
(Cont.)
