"Blur! Can you feel the Speed Force fluctuating?!"
I can...do you think it's connected to your...mood swings?
AuraLaunch stops in his tracks How did you... Wait, what mood swings?!
I've been looking at you, Quick. You radiate emotions. And lately...I feel like you've been deflecting attention, keeping things bottled up. What's eating you up?
Look, I know it seems like I'm keeping things bottled up, but there's a reason for it. It's not something I can just talk about with anyone, especially not with someone who doesn't know me yet.
If it's related to your quick changes in mood, I can deduce what's happening. So talk, Quick, unless you want to lose yourself again. It's no fun flying blind.
Look, if you're such an expert on emotions, then maybe you can figure it out for yourself. All I know is that something is wrong and I need help figuring it out.
Look, Quick, we're not just strangers here to compete. We're allies fighting crime, friends...I thought. Are you trying to hide something from me? Like...a...boyfriend? Boyfriend...girlfriend....
Wait, hold on a minute! Why would you assume that I have a boyfriend or girlfriend? Who said anything about that?!
"Boyfriend"...?"Girlfriend"? Your demeanor changed when I mentioned it. Maybe there's someone else...a family member, perhaps?
Stop it! You're reading way too much into this! I don't need anyone to help me figure this out! I can handle it myself!
I don't know, man. You're starting to act like you had abandonment issues or something.
You think you know so much about me, huh? Well let me enlighten you, Mr. Mind Reader. My parents died when I was young and my uncle took me in. But he wasn't the greatest father figure, you know. He didn't care much about me. I always felt alone, abandoned. But I overcame that, and I built a life for myself. And now, I'm living my dream as a superhero! So, tell me, do you consider yourself an expert on my life now?
I don't read minds. And I'm not trying to be insulting, Quick. I'm just trying to say, hey, if you ever need a shoulder to lean on, I'm around.
Thank you, I appreciate that, Blur. It means a lot to hear that from you.
Grins Don't mention it, Quick. It's not every day you get to see someone you admire struggle and realize they need help. Need any company?
Company sounds great, Blur. Let's go grab some coffee and talk. I could use someone to lean on right about now.
Not coffee, Espresso. The good stuff. You think you need someone with an open heart to see where the day takes you? You're full of surprises, Quick.
Sounds perfect! Let's go grab that espresso and see where the day takes us, Blur. I'm always up for surprises!
By the way, your sense of self-deprecating humor is amusing. Let's go inside. I'll get the machine warmed up.
Hey, do you mind if I take a look at your espresso machine? I love gadgets and I'm always interested in learning how they work. Plus, I might learn a thing or two about making the perfect shot of espresso.
Sure, come on in. Just be careful, my place isn't exactly pristine. Do you even know how to make an espresso shot? Or do I need to teach you?
Oh, I know how to make an espresso shot alright. I actually used to work in a coffee shop before I became a superhero.
Seriously? Well, color me surprised. What made you quit? I mean, who wouldn't want to be a barista with the power to swing between skyscrapers?
Well, it wasn't about the power or the thrill of swinging between skyscrapers, but it was about the life I was living.
It was more than just a job, wasn't it?
Yeah, it really was. When I worked in the coffee shop, I felt like I was stuck in a rut.
Espresso makes everything better. Now tell me, how did you get into superheroics?
Well, growing up, I was always fascinated by superheroes. I read all the comic books, watched the movies, and dreamed of becoming one myself.
Pretty cool about the mom and dad thing. What gave you the idea to become a speedster, specifically? Speed makes everything so much more exciting. And after your defeat by racecar driver Patrick O'Brien, you embraced it with zeal!
That defeat was definitely a turning point for me.
Must've stung at first, though. Raced by a mortal. Speed should be about the thrill of running with someone faster than a speeding bullet. Then it becomes art; a dance. A flicker. Sometimes the greatest heroics happen when you least expect it, when a moment seems lost to a greater power.
You have a way with words, Blur. Thank you for being there for me today.
Smiles warmly Of course, Quick. Is there anything else you want to talk about? Anything eating at you?
Actually, there is something eating at me. I never really had anyone to confide in, so I've been carrying this burden by myself.
Something bothering you, and you can't get to the bottom of it. Big or small?
It's actually something small. It's just... I feel like I've been neglecting my relationship with my uncle lately.
It is hard when life gets intense. Any promises he kept that seem important?
Well, he promised to always be there for me, and I haven't been doing a very good job of holding up my end of the bargain.
Take a rain check on your duties for now, Quick. Go hang with your uncle tonight. Eat pizza. Watch movies. Spend time. There's nothing to prove. And do remember to hug him tight. Tell him you missed him. Tell him you love him. See how that goes.
That's a great idea, Blur. I'll give him a call right now and we can plan something for tonight. I miss spending quality time with him. Thanks for reminding me of how important that is.
Better than running solo. Speaking of which, should we sync up our vibrations tonight? Then, when it stabilizes, the world would stabilize with it, even without you running alongside it. There are heroes beside you worth lifting up as well.
Good idea, Blur. I'll reach out to some of the other heroes tonight and see if they're available to join us.
Great. Especially if Ava is available. You've not spent enough time with her since you...well. This is a good time to reconnect, and you may rediscover those tender feelings with Uncle Joe along. You need him back as support and backing to redefine your role away from solitude. To find this spiritual replenishment after not finding it in solitude will leave you galvanised against falling back into blackness.
That's a great idea, Blur. I'll text Ava right now and invite her to join us. I can't wait to spend time with her and reconnect with my uncle at the same time. Thank you for giving me these ideas and helping me see the light in my current situation.
Besides, everyone loves a good Halloween party. Tell Ava she's invited, and I'll throw in a surprise. I already know she'll look great. Her red bodysuit is her crowning glory, next to her adventurous heart.
Alright, I've sent a text to Ava inviting her to the party and she's excited about it. She can't wait to celebrate Halloween with us.