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<span class="mu-r">“She calls herself ‘Sister Shock’, and she’s actually a huge fan of yours.”</span>
Abe’s eyes widened a bit at that.
<span class="mu-b">“A ‘fan’, huh? That’s a refreshing change of pace. Most people who know me want to pound my face into the pavement.”</span> he said in a casual tone. <span class="mu-b">“Nice to meet you, Sister Shock. That’s a cool name…and a cool costume. Did you make it yourself?”</span>
He gave her an appraising look. Ember nodded eagerly, the digital pupils in her visor turning into hearts.
<span class="mu-r">“Uh-huh, yeah…”</span> she muttered, in a dreamy sort of voice.
She was lucky that her mask covered the lower half of her face, or else your brother would be able to see that she was currently drooling all over him. Or maybe he could sense the genuine affection and admiration she felt towards him. You wondered whether that made him feel uncomfortable, or not.
<span class="mu-r">“Oh! I love your costume too.”</span> Ember added quickly.
<span class="mu-b">“Thanks. I’ve spent a lot of time learning how to sew and clean spandex in order to maintain this thing.”</span> he said, stretching the fabric around the black spider on his chest. <span class="mu-b">"It's probably the hardest part of the job."</span>
<span class="mu-r">“I promised her that you’d take her web-swinging if she came out to help the Morlocks.”</span> you said, surprising the both of them. <span class="mu-r">“Is that okay with you?”</span>
Abe looked between the two of you curiously.
<span class="mu-b">“Sure, why not. It’s not everyday you run into your biggest fan.”</span> Abe declared, holding a hand out to her.
Ember stared down at it for a few seconds, and reached out to tentatively grasp his hand, as if she expected it to disappear if she gripped too hard.
With a sudden tug, Abe pulled Ember close to his chest and wrapped an arm around his waist. She let out a strangled yelp, but everyone chose to ignore it.
Abe stared up at the sky, watching as the dark clouds that Storm had summoned were receding from the park, allowing sunlight to break through once more.
<span class="mu-b">“Lucky for us, it’s perfect web-swinging weather.”</span> Abe said.
He and Storm exchanged a quick wave, before he glanced back down at Ember. She was staring up at him, barely moving, and probably not even breathing.
<span class="mu-b">“Relax. I’ve got you.”</span> he reassured her with a wink. <span class="mu-b">“Even if your hands slip, mine won’t. But if it makes you feel any better, hang on tight, and try to enjoy the ride.”</span>
Miraculously, the tension in Ember’s shoulders seemed to melt away after hearing Abe’s words. It was probably his powers at work.
<span class="mu-r">“Okay…”</span> Ember said, half-giggling, and meek as a puppy.
<span class="mu-b">“Then off we go! Be sure to keep your hands in the vehicle at all times.”</span>
Abe shot a webline at a nearby tree and pulled the two of them into the air, letting out joyful exclamations the entire time. And you were pretty sure you could hear Ember squealing on the way up.
(Cont.)