I think about light energy but heavier. I can’t really explain it. But when I focus, the world takes on that weird whiteout effect. “This is unbelievable,” I say, spreading the energy out around me and seeing the world inverse, in black and white like I do when it’s dark. “I had no idea I was doing this before.”
“So much of what you do seems to come naturally. Maybe that’s why holding back your powers makes you sick. You’re actually giving yourself some sort of heat poisoning or, God, I hope not, radiation poisoning.”
“If that was the case, I’m pretty sure I’d be dead by now. I think my body must self-regulate by forcing the outbursts.”
He nods. “Yeah, yeah. That makes sense.” He’s lost in his thoughts for a moment before bringing himself back to me. “What are you doing now? I can’t actually tell if you’re doing infrared. Stupid normal eyes. Dammit. I wish I had my equipment.”
He runs a hand through his curls and the reality that awaits us back in the testing facility seems to settle in.
“I’m not doing anything. Just me.” I shrug.
He steps forward and cups my face. “There is nothing ‘just’ about you.”
I blush and a second later say, “I guess you’re right.”
He looks at me, eyebrows raised in question, still holding my face close to his.
“I am a superhero.”
He grins so goofily I have no choice but to lean in and kiss him. It’s a quick, chaste kiss but I do it so freely I can’t help but smile too.
“So you feel a little better then?” I ask.
“Yeah. I still need to go break the news to Ken, but things suddenly don’t seem so bad.” He touches me now with no hesitation. I don’t fight it either.
Ugh. Ken. Maybe I should tell him about the weird sexist comments, but Nathaniel has enough on his plate and I don’t want to make things worse for him because of Ken’s old-school thinking. Instead, I decide to keep him happy and in the moment.
“I’m glad I was able to distract you with my freak-out.”
“I will need a lot more distraction.” He comes closer and kisses me again, longer this time. It’s soft and gentle. His tongue grazes mine and I have no fear. I could not hurt this man. My feelings for him are way too big.
He steps back, looking as dazed as I feel. “Okay. Let’s head back before someone comes to investigate the light show.”
He grabs my hand and holds it all the way back to the building. I squeeze back and my smile never leaves my face.
