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“It’s not fair.” The red-headed teenager complained for what Emily idly noted was the third time in the last minute.
Privately she agreed with the girl, having a perfect replica of oneself being created that was identical in every way, besides hating the person you held dear, had to be immensely unpleasant.
An even more private part of herself rooted for her Ward, even against all Thinker analysis reports, she would much rather have an endless supply of additional parahumans that favored their creator rather than wish to kill them.
Unfortunately, at the current moment, there wasn’t anything concise enough to truly determine which one was the original and which was merely a clone.
“Ms. Barnes.” She interrupted the repeating rant, cutting through the teenager’s agitated words with all the interest of someone who had better things to do, which frankly was true.
“I have listened to your concerns and fail to see why this is a matter you had to bring directly into my office when Miss Milita is the current Protectorate-assigned handler of the Wards.”
Emily, of course, knew why. The patriotic Cape had a certain fondness for children in general that barred her from understanding how to handle this rather delicate situation in any sort of feasible capacity that would leave the far more hostile version of Emma Barnes satisfied.
“They. Were. Making. Out. In. MY ROOM.” Yelled said far more hostile version of the Ward who decided to call herself ‘Shadow Shocker’. The name seemed absurd in her eyes, but the PR department had argued in favor since they could pair it neatly with Shadow Stalker, not that those plans went anywhere ever since the other Ward had vanished without a trace.
“I will advise Miss Milita to go over the fraternization policies among the Wards.” Emily replied almost on autopilot, just about fed up from listening to the consistent and ever-repeating complaints for the last twenty minutes.
“But—”
“You are excused.”
Shadow Shocker tried to continue the one-sided monologue but was cut off, finally getting the hint and sinking through the floor with a grumble. Her figure dispersed into a sharp cloud of crackling electricity that got sucked away into the building’s electrical infrastructure.
With a sigh she took another sip from her coffee, making herself a note to contact Miss Militia later. Regardless of her personal thoughts and opinions, there were clear-cut rules that prohibited certain levels of intimacy on base, and it wasn’t like the two supposed offenders wouldn’t see each other when off duty.
“—making out in my room,” I finished relaying the best parts of the conversation that occurred several floors above, imitating the wild flailing of hands to the best of my ability. If the giggling was anything to go by, I had done an accurate enough impression.
“Oh, and she left, doing that weird cable surfing thing you love to do.” I dodged the pillow swipe at my head, retaliating by letting myself fall on top of her and earning an ‘Oomph!’ in return for my troubles.
"Think we should finally relocate?” I asked while snuggling closer to her, burying my head between her neck and shoulder.
“Nah, I bet she’s going to the gym for at least an hour.” Emma, my Emma, replied without worry, one arm wrapping around my back and pulling me closer to her.
“Mmm,” I mumbled, inhaling the rich floral scent of her conditioner. “It’s a shame she doesn’t have anyone to spar with.”
“Yeah, venting some of her frustrations would probably help her a lot.” Emma laughed, teeth flashing sharp, just barely visible from the corner of my eye as I turned around a bit. I was so glad her sharpness was never aimed at me, I had firsthand experience of just how painful it could be.
“So, want to continue?” She asked, cupping my chin before I could answer and pulling me into another kiss. I let myself melt into her embrace, following her lead as our lips danced together.
Emma was a great kisser, not that I had kissed anyone else, and she always made me think of happier times before my life had seemingly taken a turn for the worse.
First I lost my mom, three years later my best friend, and then, as if the universe had to hammer the point home, I lost my dad while I was recovering in the hospital. It was my fault, I didn’t realize how much he meant to me until I lost him.
But even despite everything, I wouldn’t give up my current life for anything in the world. After years of torment, not only did I get my best friend back, but we had become even closer than ever.
“Whatcha thinking about?” Emma pulled me out of my thoughts with a tap on the forehead, a smile spreading across my lips as I looked at her.
I definitely wouldn’t give her up for anything.