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Planted firmly between Dan and his newest nemesis is Petra, her usual serene expression replaced by a rictus of unadulterated contempt. Blue eyes smolder with fury, tiny hands curling into fists that tremble at her sides as she peers over her shoulder, making sure the object of her affection is unharmed. The look on his face is a mixture of admiration and surprise. Petra's heart swells at the sight, but there will be time for that later. For now...
❝I'll say this once, so listen, and be sure you listen well,❞ she utters, somehow managing to keep an even tone despite the ire bubbling in her gut. ❝Don't touch him. Don't look at him. Don't even think about him. If you have a problem with him, you have a problem with me. I don't think you want that.❞
As if to add weight to her words, Petra lets her eyes fall shut. When they reopen, the entire galaxy seems to be reflected in them, wisps of stardust billowing from them in copious amounts, earning wide eyes from Dan and a look of alarm from his adversary.
❝What the fuck?! Stay away from me, you crazy bitch!❞
Petra watches with a slight smile as they turn on their heel and run, nearly tripping over themself in the process. That smile fades as she turns to Dan, immediately moving to check him over for any injuries, much to his discomfiture.
❝You aren't hurt, are you?❞ she asks in a much softer tone of voice, canting her head worriedly.
❝I'm... I'm fine, yeah. You didn't have to do that, y'know,❞ Dan grumbles in response, shoving his hands into his pockets. He can't bring himself to meet her gaze, embarrassment burning his cheeks. In an attempt to gain some semblance of control over the situation, he squares his shoulders and scowls, huffing out a sigh. ❝I can handle myself just fine, thank you. I'm not a child.❞
Petra brings a hand to his face, tenderly cupping his cheek, which only causes the color there to darken until it rivals the shade of her skirt. ❝Of course not. My looking out for you doesn't diminish your strength, you know. We're a team, Dan. Your battles are my battles.❞
Dan swallows, tugging at the collar of his shirt. A new type of warmth ignites in his stomach, filling him with a sensation he rarely, if at all begrudgingly experiences. He's still getting used to having someone who's willing to put their well-being on the line for him. It's different with Chris. Getting Chris to do anything for him is like pulling teeth, and when the big lug does help him, it's almost never without bitching and moaning. To have someone listen with rapt attention and admiring eyes is... not unwelcome, but certainly unprecedented. He's not sure he knows how to reciprocate, but he knows Petra's patience is boundless. He's not sure how he ever lived without it. He's grateful.
❝Yeah, well... s-shut up. Don't put yourself in danger like that again, stupid, especially not on my behalf. If we're a team, you should stand beside me, not in front of me. Capiche?❞
Petra hums contentedly, wrapping her arms around one of Dan's, giving it a light squeeze. ❝All right, I can't argue with that logic. I hear you loud and clear.❞
Dan clears his throat, managing an awkward smile. ❝Good. Completely unrelated question—have you always been able to do that?❞ he inquires, gesturing to her eyes.
❝Oh!❞ Petra flushes a deep red, gaze quickly returning to normal. ❝I-I was going to tell you, but I wasn't sure how you would take it, and I was so focused on keeping you safe that I wasn't thinking, I-I...❞
❝Are you an alien?❞ Dan asks, getting straight to the point, as always. It's something Petra has always appreciated about him, but in this instance, she wishes he had a bit more tact. Nonetheless, she nods, twirling a strand of hair around her finger.
❝Um... sort of? Is... that an issue?❞
Dan shakes his head, waving a hand and rolling his eyes. ❝What, you think you're the first alien I've met? Don't be daft. I've seen worse, plus, you're on my side, so as long as it stays that way, I approve. You worry too much.❞
Petra sighs, leaning against him with a breathless chuckle. Her relief is palpable. ❝Well, most people find it off-putting, so I wouldn't have blamed you if it changed things.❞
❝Yeah, well, I'm not most people.❞
Blue meets green as both parties chance a glance at one another, just as quickly looking away before tentatively locking eyes again. They study each other, reveling in the other's presence...
And quick as a flash, Petra steals a kiss, leaving Dan speechless. Bright red and clearly embarrassed, the dark-haired man fidgets, taking Petra's hand after a bout of hesitation. Petra squeezes it in return.
❝Good. I wouldn't want you to be.❞ ♡