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Colby half expected her to hiss some obscene comment at him and tell him to get lost, especially as he attempted to read her expression to guess her answer, the outcome of said assumption not being positive. She certainly looked as though she was going to kick him to the curb. Finally however, her surprising reply came and broke a grin across his lips. "You got it, M'Lady," He replied, perhaps a touch too brightly, but then nerves did that to him. He glanced over towards the short queue up to the counter, about to rise from his chair when caught a further murmured remark. So... She WAS ill. His smile faltered slightly, and he looked back to her with bright blue eyes.
"... Heh... I guessed as much. No offence," He spoke softly, his expression shifting back to one laced with concern. "... Is that why you're doing this?" He felt as though he didn't exactly need to be any more specific then that; She KNEW exactly what he meant. He then held up both hands defensively. "Wait, wait. I know, you need sustenance and a warm beverage before you start spilling the answers to deep questions to a stranger." He moved to stand up, pausing as he glanced back down to her. "My name's..." Again, a further pause; Should he really tell her his name? ... Well, it was unlikely she'd make any connection if he just gave her his first... That surely had to be fine? Knowing his name might get her to open up a little more. "The name's Colby."
Although she didn't outright state it, it was fairly obvious by how she slinked back into her chair, her answer again as simple as her previous one had been that it had finally sunk in. Colby smiled wearily at her, before it dropped again, his expression a mixture of concern and unease. What now? She clearly was disenchanted with their conversation, likely wanting nothing more then for Colby to take his leave; And as stubborn as he usually was, he remained seated, lightly tapping his fingers against his cup; The warmth was heating his hands. "Yeah. Me too," He commented softly, again using a quick reply to cut the silence as he considered his options. He finally met her gaze.
"... The latte payment enough for a little talk, or, ya know, do I have to extend to a cake and large coffee?" He asked, managing a gentle grin, before sighing, bringing on hand to his hair and running his hand through it. "Just thought it was better we at least know a little about each other before we..." He trailed off. He still hadn't really considered the physical repercussions of his choice; His Family, of course he'd considered, but the idea of actually getting beat up... He;d been in fights before, just not a organised one. "Look, I don't want to pry, but you don't exactly look well."
Colby was unsure on how tactful he needed to be. Was it better to dance around the whole thing, or to simply come out right and ask? Colby opted at this point to take a moment looking the young woman over; She was pale, and not just skin pale. There was a touch of illness to her complexion, as though she was recently unwell or was becoming so. That overall concept wasn't aided by the heavy dark circles under her eyes, the clear lack of sleep showcased in her gaze. Colby's frown furrowed a touch further; He recalled the manner in which her hands shook as she took hold of that frightful pen, signing it with a slight quiver. If she was unwell, why had she thrown herself into such a violent situation as no doubt they would find themselves in? Perhaps the same reason he was... Desperation. His gaze widened as he reply came, short, to the point, but seemingly califying his assumption. Was there no more option for her then throwing punches for cash?
He remained quiet, his bright, sunny smile now only weakly displaying on his lips as he took a sip of his beverage and processed the small information. "... It is kinda pricey," He mumbled, less to continue the line of conversation and more just to break the silence as he mused on how to proceed. He took another sip, noting how she was swallowing her coffee down as though she didn't know when she was getting another. "... So. You, um. Happen by the Sliverlight?" He chose to go the slightly direct route, hoping bringing up whee they'd signed up would trigger her memory.
The woman, eyes bloodshot and bags under them so heavy they were more suitcases, reached out and took the drink without a word. Still, Colby had made his offer perfectly clear, so he assumed the taking of the drink meant he was free to take the seat. He kept a warm smile on his features as he sat down, folding one leg over the other comfortably as he settled in; Although a tad nervously... He was going on his own assumptions here that she'd have no reason to blackmail him if she DID find out what family he heralded from. He kept quiet a moment, taking a small tentative sip of his steaming coffee, waiting for some form of recognition from his companion; Perhaps she didn't remember him? She had been more keeping to herself then the majority of people present... Perhaps he needed to break the ice. "So... I'm going to start with a pretty lame question, but hey, gotta start somewhere, right?" He grinned, tapping his fingers lightly on his still held cup before placing it down on the table. "You come here often?"
It was a basic one, but hopefully it would serve to begin what might become an uneasy conversation. Maybe this wasn't a good idea... But then again, if he intended on throwing a punch her way, he- His train of thought came to an sudden halt at those set of words.
Throwing a punch her way.
A wave of guilt swept him, and his smile dropped, the boy hurriedly taking another sip of coffee; His brows knitting together uneasily as he dropped his eyeline. Remember who this is all for... A few bruises would be worth it if... If it saved Luxanna... On others, or on himself. Although he fully intended to avoid as much physical fighting as he could.
Colby returned her affectionate gesture gladly, already used to the manner in which she generally greeted people. He pulled the table's unoccupied chair out, seating himself down still sporting his infectious grin, caught from her own smile. "Well, who wouldn't get up early if it meant grilled cheese AND my company?" He teased playfully, mirroring her pose, folding his hands in front of him of the table, cocking his brow. "Well, Miss.Archer, I have already looked up the menu and selected ahead of time, like a true food connoisseur." He spoke as though this was something to show off about, although it was all done in good humour. He then blinked with wide eyes, mocking being startled by her choice as he fanned himself to copy her. "Gravy AND cheese? Be still my beating heart!" He then placed his hand over the specified muscle. "I, have gone for a different flavour. Welsh rarebit. Some dish from the UK I believe? Although the gravy and cheese combo MIGHT tempt me."
He then laughed a little at her comment; They had seen each other only a day or so ago, and of course had spoken online. He enjoyed her company; She was fun, light hearted and made him smile... She was cute too, which was always a plus. "Aww, did you miss me? Counting down the days?" He joked, resting his elbows on the table and propping his chin on his hands with a smile. "Seriously, though... Not much has gone on. Not really. I just-" He paused then, his smile slipping for just a fraction of a second; The recent little illegal document he'd had to sign flicked through his mind's eye. Best leave that whole incident out of the conversation... He'd not been contacted yet in regards to actually participating in a fight, but it was only a matter of time. He mustered his grin back. "Ya know. Same old. What about you though? Settling in okay? I mean, this place grows on you. AND there's the benefit of fancy grilled cheese, so that's more then enough to feel at home, right?"
When the offer of his hand seemed to do nothing but make things worse, Colby quickly pulled it back; He was eyeing her with a concerned gaze, one mixed with unease and discomfort at being in an uncomfortable situation he wasn't exactly used to. Another wave of guilt washed over him and he glanced back towards the school, wondering if at this point it would be best for her if he took her to a member of staff... They were trained for this sort of thing, right? He tugged a little at the sleeve of his hoodie, biting the inside of his cheek; He felt worse for just palming her off onto someone else. He flinched again as she swept into a fresh rush of tears.
"Look, Maggie, it's going to be okay, I-" He tried to sound comforting, smiling gently before he paused, having just realised what she'd said; She'd been waiting here for HOURS. What if something had happened to the guy? Surely it was unlikely that someone so devoted to her would just abandon the poor girl in the cold... "We'll find him, okay? We'll find him, see what's up, or we'll find you a teacher-" Again, he found himself pausing, as a rather odd visual caught his eye. He stared, wide eyed at the figure just behind the redhead. WAS THAT... SHERLOCK HOLMES. He darted his eyeline to Maggie, then back to the figure. He blinked rapidly and shook his head. The figure remained, clad in period costume with a look on his face that was almost as though he was judging him. "... Maggie, I-... Um...-" He laughed nervously, gesturing behind her. "... There's... There's a Sherlock... Sherlock um, Holmes, is behind you...?" He had a vague knowledge of her ability, but had never seen it being used.
Colby had always made friends relatively easily. He had little inhibition when it came to greeting new people, so when a cute British girl stumbled into class trailing the scent of warming incense and a smile that was positively catching, he was more then happy to make her feel welcome. Finn had been more then happy to banter with him, a few playful comments tossed here and there and Colby was sure she considered him a friend; Especially when they happened to stumble onto the subject of food. Colby had always had a keen interest in locating interesting restaurants or cafes offering up something different then the usual eateries (Over half of what he followed on social media may be food related), and while he often dragged various people from his friend circle to these places, they rarely showed the same level of enthusiasm; Except for Finn. At the mention of this newly opened gourmet grilled cheese business, Colby could barely contain the delight in his voice when she invited him to join her in testing it out.
With his hand still shoved into his pockets to ward off the chill of the winter air, Colby pushed open the door with a light shove from his shoulder, stepping into the warmth with a relieved sigh. The smell that greeted him was quite simply stunning, and he took in a deep breath as he pulled his hands out, removing his gloves as he flexed his fingers in an effort to warm them up. He glanced round, for a moment wondering if she was late, when his gaze fell upon his classmate.
"And what brings a pretty lady like you here?" He teased playfully as he approached, his lips pulled into a sunny grin. "And here I thought I was ganna be the first one here for our grilled cheese date!"
Colby's warm smile was gone with a flinch, slightly startled by her reaction. It was however quickly replaced by a softer, more concerned expression. "Woah there Miss.Detective, there's no need to-" He held both hands up to his chest defensively, before he paused, tilting his head slightly; Leon? He wasn't quite sure who she was talking about, but it was fairly sensible to assume this was who she'd been waiting for. Was Leon the one who he'd often seen her with, the one who supported her? Colby lowered his hands slowly, for a moment stuck like a rabbit in headlights was he mind raced with what to do. He hated seeing anyone cry, and knowing how she was and the fact he may have triggered it with how he approached her made him feel immensely guilty. "... Um. Okay, okay, don't cry, we can sort this. Where did you last see him? Maybe we can find him together?" He offered, his sunny smile slipping back onto his lips as he offered her his hand.
Being closer now, he could see how the icy weather must surely be close to painful rather then just merely uncomfortable; She'd been out here a WHILE. Where WAS this Leon? He surely couldn't have forgotten about her? The idea of this poor, scarlet haired girl left waiting out alone in the freezing courtyard... Was just kinda harrowing. "Hey, we'll be detectives! The case of the missing Leon! So I guess this makes ME your temporary Watson?"
The air was growing steadily more icy as late afternoon crept in, Colby bracing himself for the cold air with a sharp intake of breath as he stepped out from the warmth of the Academy to the chill of the courtyard. He wrinkled his nose in discomfort; The quicker he could get into town and into the comfort of a cafe the better... His cheeks and the tips of his nose and ears were already turning a fine shade of red. Breathing out a soft sigh, which raised in a gentle cloud of air before him, Colby shoved his gloved hands into his pockets and made his way across the paved stone. He however paused, blinking over at where some small movement had caught his eye; A cascade of scarlet curls teamed with the delicate blue of her matching ensemble informed him clearly who it was. Colby's brow furrowed slightly, as he glanced back towards the Academy doors; He was certain he'd casually looked out of the library window earlier towards the courtyard and had seen the same figure... That had been some time ago. How long had she been stood there? Was she waiting on someone? That someone was either very unfashionably late or not coming at all. He looked back to her; Her pale features were clearly touched with the deep red of cold. What kind of person left a lady out in the icy air like this?
"... Miss.Sherlock, are you waiting on your Watson?" He grinned brightly as he approached. "I don't know about you... But I think they might have stood you up."
"... Hold on a sec, I didn't order a latte...?" Colby lightly poked the coffee cup, tossing the server an apologetic smile. The girl puffed her cheeks out in a flustered manner, checked the receipt before apologising a little too much and getting to work preparing the boy's correct order; Clearly she was new, and the early evening rush of post work and school customers was testing her freshly taken in training. As she hurriedly completed the drink Colby's gaze drifted across the small coffee shop, a throng of customers and conversations, the warming beverages a small reprieve from the winter outside. His eyeline however paused on the figure of a woman he was certain he recognised, sat alone, her head bowed and seemingly purposefully avoiding eye contact with anyone who passed by. Colby immediately turned away from her, again facing the counter as a rush of unease swept him. He knew her. Well, more he had been in her presence the once, but that one time had been quite illegal. He was certain she was the one who'd signed up first, who'd been so desperately eager to join their secret fold with shaking hands. What if she recognised him? Told his Dad, told Luxanna...? He furrowed his brow. Again, that seemed unlikely. What benefit was it for her to rat him out? The entire operation would have to shut down, and she seemed so strangely desperate to join... She didn't fit the usual burly guys trying to prove themselves, nor did she act like she was particularity confident... If he remembered correctly, she practically sank into the background of that meeting, as though she wanted to be as invisible as much as he had.
The young boy was taken from his thoughts by the placement of another cup in his line of vision, and a further apology from the coffee clerk. "... I still didn't order the latte though," He smiled brightly, only to have both drinks pushed towards him, the first mistake a means of apology. Well, it was a free drink. With a nod of thanks Colby took both, now turning to face the heavily occupied shop. There was little seating to begin with, and the rush had taken all save for one; And that was directly opposite and sharing a table with Miss.Mystery. For a moment, he considered leaving, taking both cups with him rather then risk her finding out exactly who he was; But instead, he paused, watching her. Why HAD she signed up? ... They'd likely be fighting each other at some point anyway... So, surely it made sense to build bridges? He took a deep breath, and dodging round tables, made his way over to the window table where she was sat. "... Um, hey," Colby grinned, holding up both cups. "SO. There's only one seat free, and I come baring means of payment for said seat. Server made my drink wrong, do you like lattes?"
Colby pulled a mock horrified expression at his sister's comment regarding becoming an actual adult. He may be of age but he was still in school, with most "adult" responsibilities a few years away from him. He did occasionally wonder if it would be a shock to the system. "Me? An ADULT?!" He gasped, placing his free hand on his chest. "Can you imagine me filing taxes and wearing some kinda suit? Going to work, 9 to 5?" He pulled another face, before his expression faltered slightly. He'd been kind of trying to delay the inevitable, but he knew he couldn't avoid confronting their Father over the whole why his face was bruised up thing.
He slipped off the arm of the chair, and finished off preparing the drink to go. Once he was done, he tossed his sister an uneasy grin. "Come on... Out of the frying pan, eh?" He headed towards the door, a small flurry of nervous fluttering beginning to fill his stomach; A mixture of unease at telling his Father, and part worry that the group of young men he'd so offended would be waiting somewhere round some corner. He wasn't really too concerned with himself... He could handle a fight or two, and when in doubt, his ability made him a frightfully fast runner; But his worry was directed towards Luxanna. He would never forgive himself if something he did got her hurt.
The air filled with the warming aroma of the coffee as it's scent unfurled across the room. Colby kept a soft smile as he proceeded to finish off their drinks, distributing the beverage between the take out cups. At least her day had gone smoothly... He did find himself worrying about her when she was at work; The club's security was usually pretty decent, but that didn't mean his sister didn't have to deal with a fair few drunken idiots with more alcohol in their system then sense on the odd occasion. He took two drinks lids and slotted them on, before approaching her chair and sitting down on the arm of it, moving the cup from side to side as an indication for her to take it. "My day? You mean besides my act of heroism? Hmm," He smiled softly, looking upwards as though musing on events that were more far amazing then he was about to state.
"WELL. Let me tell you Lu, it was a thrill a minute. Forgot to eat breakfast, was late for my first class, HAD remembered the homework for the second so that was all good.... Got an A on my biology project..." He was honestly proud of that, and it could be heard in his voice, the playful sarcasm dropping a touch. "Although my day's biggest achievement was finding out some new bakery had opened up today which meant FREE SAMPLES." He took the first warming sip of his own coffee. "So bar the whole... You know. Me defending the innocent but getting punched in the face, it's been about a 8 out of 10 kinda day."
As Colby pulled away from the document he paused, having been caught off guard by the woman's words. A small flicker of unease rippled through him; It was bad enough he was doing this at all, but now that it was obvious the organiser knew who he was... The absolute most important thing in all of this was to conceal his actions from his Father and Lux... Would this woman think to blackmail him, or to inform them of his actions? ...No. Both seemed unlikely, given the woman's personal stake in the whole operation; What benefit was it to her to blackmail him or tell his family at this stage, when she wanted fighters and wanted to keep it all rather hush hush? Still, how had she even known his last name? Mind you, it wasn't like she was without means... Perhaps it was simply a further effort to keep this unhanded business under wraps, by finding out all she could about her employees. Didn't mean it wasn't just a touch unnerving, though.
"... Cross, of course, how could I have been mistaken?" Colby grinned, slipping in a little light knowing sarcasm. He hesitantly moved back to the paper, before hurriedly correcting his signature as roughly and almost unreadable as he could; Just in case anyone else signing it thought to take in the names of other combatants. She may not need to use his family ties against him, but that didn't mean someone else wouldn't. "... Guess your people do recon on "employees" eh? Although don't mind me taking that as upmost flattery that you'd remember my name."
Colby attempted to clean himself up as best he could, but he couldn't quite disguise the obvious wound to his lip as slight bruising began to seep purple into his skin, along with a similar colour around his poor knuckles; Still, he cleaned the blood off, and tried to make himself as presentable as possible. He did pause to check his injury in the bathroom mirror, flinching slightly as he delicately pulled his bottom lip down to evaluate the damage; It would heal relatively quickly, although he wished his ability knew how to deal with the sting of cut lips as rapidly as it knew how to deal with cell damage caused by that very mutation.
He soon took himself, cleaned up, into the small staff lounge area. Flicking his sister's locker key between the fingers of his uninjured hand, Colby gave a soft sigh as the coffee from the certainly fancier then average (by which it produced a fairly decent cup) machine came to a steady brew. He leaned a little against the small side table the machine sat on, rubbing his forearm thoughtfully as the room gradually filled with the warming scent of the beverage and the sound of bubbling water. The ache that had flared up with the use of his ability was dulling, having been aided by the warm waters of the bathroom. He'd only been running on his mutation's enhancements for around a minute anyway, a time frame which usually meant a relatively quick recovery. He was brought from his musings by the door opening, a bright smile sweeping his features. "Just about," He confirmed, gesturing towards the coffee pot. "Think I was going to leave without some o' of the best staff room coffee in downtown? ... Mind you, I've only tried this one, but still. Pretty high honour from yours truly." He grinned, and flinched slightly from the dull sting, before he went about quickly preparing two take out cups of the brew.
"... Sooo, How was your shift? You know. Before I burst in unannounced." He was trying to make light conversation, but the inevitable conversation with their Father was playing on his mind.
To say this was really bad idea was perhaps quite the large understatement.
Colby was hyper aware of those around him, of the clearly physically impressive persons gathered which of course likely far outranked him in terms of mutant badassery. As much as he wanted to cast a quick evaluating look to his perhaps soon to be opponents, he was trying to be more concerned with making himself as invisible as possible. With his hoodie up and pulled close to his face and hands shoved into his pockets, he hung back as the others pushed forward, seemingly all too eager to sign themselves up. The last thing he needed was to be recognised, the police Detective's kid... Especially given the whole quite illegal aspect of the proceedings. Which of course, would bring most to the question of why. Why was Colby Cross in some out of the way conference room being commanded to sign a disclaimer.
He took in a deep, shakey breath, watching as a young woman scrawled her name. Her hand shook slightly. Was she nervous? He wasn't certain. But as much as quite a large amount of himself was firmly stating how truly bad of an ideas this was, a greater part of him knew that despite the obvious faults with his decision, he needed to do this. The Academy was far from going to let him push himself to his limit, and given how his ability seemed to trigger... If he wanted to understand it, research it further, for Luxanna... He needed this. Even though he could already feel the weight of guilt settling on his shoulders. He moved forward when he saw an opening, determined to get it over with, taking the pen and going to write his name. He puased for a fraction of a moment halfway, before hurriedly finishing it off.
Colby Kendal.
Well, he couldn't exactly write "Cross" now, could he?
"I'm guessing this doesn't come with a dental plan and health care?" He spoke lightly, casting a grin at the formidable looking woman who seemed to be the central organiser of the whole thing.
