A Walk in the Park

•••

"And that's why I think it's important to consider the implications and intent behind your actions. Because we look at good actions like saints, even if you've got bad intentions, but bad actions are always seen shitty even if you have good ones," I explained, taking a bite out of a granola bar I brought for breakfast.

"That thing must really be brain fuel because this is the most enthused I've seen you in weeks," William remarked, a soft smile forming on his lips.

Our feet hit the ground in tandem as we walked, making our way downtown. I had practically begged William to hang out with me, in part to make up for how much I'd been missing out, but also because I was in desperate need of a friend.

I was doing a lot better, but it still hurt to think about the loss of my team. It wasn't anything I could talk to William about, but to just know he was there with me was enough. If he had an aura, it would be yellow. Or maybe a really friendly orange.

"Yesterday was a pretty good day. This morning hasn't felt too bad, either." I smiled, a tangible upward infliction in my voice. Stretching out my shoulders, I crossed each arm through the other as I walked.

"This is why you have to sit with me at lunch. Imagine how much better your life would be!" William pressed, a self satisfied smile filling his lips. "One day on 'lunch with William'. Your life is good."

"I'm glad I caught the new wave early," I joked. "I'd hate to be put on a waitlist. As far as sitting there again... I'll think about it."

I had already thought about it. I was definitely coming back.

Not just for Mark, but because I realized it was the chance of a lifetime to get quality time in with William, without so much commitment to the day. When villain activity was peaking, a good example would be now, it was easy to miss talking to him. Seeing him at lunch created an instant win-win.

I guess I hadn't realized how much I was missing out on by eating off campus for lunch.

"You'd better," William chirped. "I think you'd be a great addition."

"I do, too. Maybe we can start creating potions in our milk cartons again," I suggested with a laugh.

"I bet I could convince Mark to drink it for a dollar."

"I wouldn't even smell that for a dollar. I think you're underestimating the bacteria in that stuff. Doctors would pay thousands for a sample."

"Don't lie to me. You're too curious, you'd smell it for free. And I think you're severely underestimating the value of a dollar to a teenage boy. It'll build his immune system."

We continued walking, talking about various topics and ideas. The most prominent was William's current suitor, Rick. William had nothing but praise for him, and it made my heart swell to know he'd found someone worthy of his love (on the condition William wasn't sugar coating). Nobody deserved the world more than him.

The wind blew gently through our hair, pushing away the temperament of the beginning fall heat as we walked. Leaves rustled alive and birds chirped as we breathed in the crisp air. Beautiful was the best word I could use to describe it.

Still, the minute we passed a relatively clean park bench, William was eager for a breather.

"Can we sit down for a second? I love walking with you, but don't you think it's a little early for cardio?"

"It's noon," I stated, eyes flicking to William's watch. Nonetheless, I followed his lead. Breaks were never a complaint of mine.

"Too early," William repeated. He plopped down onto the bench, allowing himself to get comfortable.

I filed in next to him, careful not to sit in what looked like wet bird poop. I squeezed myself to the far side of the bench like William might have a severe case of cooties.

"Alright, alright. I have to ask. You've heard all about Rick, but I haven't heard anything about you," William remarked. He pointed a finger toward my chest accusatorially.

"You've heard tons about me," I said, placing a hand on my chest.

"Not about boys," William elaborated. "I can't talk to Mark about this stuff the way I can talk to you. Anyone you've got your eye set on?"

I shifted nervously in my seat, hesitant to answer. I was afraid that's what he was getting at.

"Well, I guess there's someone..." I trailed off, looking straight ahead, going out of my way not to reach William's gaze.

William shot up immediately, high alert. With the energy he suddenly contained, it was definitely not too early for cardio.

"But!" I shot him down before the bombs could drop, "it's not a crush, rather a general interest. I think he's someone I'd like to know. And cute."

"Any hints as to who? Please don't say Todd."

"It's Todd."

"No way (Y/N). Quit pulling my leg," William badgered, shaking his head.

"Maybe a little. Can I give you a hint? Saying it seems too... real."

"Games are fun. I like games."

I thought for a second, underprepared for the trivia I set myself up to provide. "You know him," I blurted, the first thing to come to mind.

Way to go, genius.

"That could be, really, half the school," William remarked.

"You sit with him at lunch every day," I elaborated. I knew that was a dead giveaway, but I couldn't think of anything else William would be able to guess. As much as I didn't want to say anything, I wanted him to know.

"Oh!" William exclaimed. I swore I'd he had been drinking something he would've done a spit take right then and there. "You like Mark?

"Not like-like," I immediately corrected. "He just seems like a person of interest."

"Well you'd better step into the ring soon and make him a person of interest in you because it seems suddenly the whole school's into him," William stated, resting an arm on the top of the bench.

"I've been picking up on that a little," I confirmed, remembering the conversation at once.

William shrugged. "You've still got a good shot. Sure, you've got tough competition, but you've got something they don't have."

"My natural charm? A B+ in chemistry?"

"What? No. You've got me!"

"That's the thing though," I explained, trying to sort out my feelings in a way William would correctly interpret. "As of right now, I'm trying to be in the friend zone. If anything happens, I want it to be organic. Obviously I wouldn't mind if you helped, but I need to do this on my own."

"Strong and independent. Got it. Just know you've always got me in your corner," William said with a nod. "Might help you to have his number, though."

"Thank you, William, really," I said smiling. "I hope Rick really is the guy I'm hearing about — he sounds perfect for you. You deserve nothing less than."

"He absolutely is..." William trailed off dreamily. "Wait a minute, I'm supposed to be hyping you up."

"We can do a little trading," I replied, nonchalant.

"You drive a hard bargain, but I'm willing to compromise if you help me weigh some of my college options," William offered. "There's this one, Upstate, I think you might be interested in. I've been looking into it a little. And not just because Rick goes there."

"That's what someone who was looking into it because Rick goes there would say," I noticed, holding up a finger.

"Actually, it's a really nice school up-state. Ironic name, right?" William explained. He paused for dramatic effect, and added, "There's also a pretty cool guy who may or may not go there. He's definitely not called Rick."

"Alright, I'm listening," I replied, leaning in. "Tell me more."

Tell me more he sure did. It was 6:17 by the time I was walking home, after a relatively drawn out goodbye, and I was thankful to have superhuman stamina or I might've passed out right then and there.

The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky a beautiful golden hue. It was a perfect evening for a quick stroll home.

One of the perks of being super is you didn't have to worry so much about walking at night. Strength especially was extra security.

Still, I always had a fear in the back of my head I'd encounter someone stronger than me. What if I met a gym bro?

As I watched the sunset, keeping a watchful look out for anything suspicious, something did catch my eye.

I stopped, shielding my vision from the sun and squinting as I looked at a blue figure in the sky. I blinked hard twice in disbelief, unsure if I was suddenly hallucinating.

A bird? Maybe a plane?

It was totally Invincible.

He was flying around, just above the height of the smaller sky scrapers, likely patrolling for any disturbances. He was fast, too. I knew he had some speed, but the kid looked even quicker from far away.

He looked as competent as Omni-Man.

For a moment, he seemed to get closer and I wondered if he was going to do a flyover of the park. Instead, he paused for a moment, just above a tall skyscraper, before flying away.

It could've been a trick of light, but I could've sworn he waved. Fat chance it was at me, but the little skip my heart did was a guarantee.