Emily rode the bus beside Jeff. Bear sat at her feet his head resting in her lap. Minho was still fighting with the school to get approval to switch back. He was furious. Director Janson strategically wasn't in the office and then never answered emails or phone calls and it was time for them to go. He was furious about it.

"Hey, Em?" Jeff poked her, "you okay?"

"What? Oh...oh ya. Jeff I'm okay." She smiled.

She had been going over the conversation with Grandpa and Papa Lee this morning. He wanted to keep it hush hush for now until it was a set thing. But she couldn't help but smile. Minho had praised her all the way to school. She still couldn't believe her future had been secured just like that. In a second she had her future locked down.

"You have had that same goofy smile since you pulled up with Minho this morning. What happened?"

"Nothing Jeff. We just had ... A good morning."

"I'm sure you did." Jeff wiggled his eyebrows.

She gasped and smacked his arm. "No! Eww don't be gross! We were talking about graduation and university stuff."

"Uh huh. Okay. Whatever you say Em." Thomas peeked over the seat with a big grin. She rolled her eyes. These boys were terrible. She needed Sonya. But unfortunately Sonya wasn't in the advanced Bio. And Minho was stuck at school. And now she was stuck with these boys.

"Children! Settle down and sit down!"

Thomas rolled his eyes and sat back. Emily glanced over the back seat. Director Janson had insisted on coming with them, and Emily couldn't help but feel uncomfortable. She had seen Minho at lunch and he said the practicum was really cool. They got to do some hands on stuff, but said it was lonely without his class and said Miss Mary was the better teacher.

Mr Issac has told Jorge and her over the phone that Beetle and Blade would be accompanying them, but they weren't anywhere to be found. And Emily felt very uncomfortable.

She slipped her phone out and glanced at the screen. Jorge had finally texted her back.

Was there a reason for them not being there?

No. Janson said they weren't going to show up on time then we can't wait for them, the class needed to get going. Janson is here instead.

Is he now?

Ya. It's weird Papi. I'm... really uncomfortable. Something doesn't sit right with me. He's creepy.

Well we can't do anything with creepy. Unfortunately.

I know. But seems weird.

Yes. I'll talk to Sam Isaac.
Stuck with the others and keep your eyes open. I can't imagine he would do anything.

Thanx.

The bus pulled up and they all filed out, following Miss Mary into the hospital. Bear was right by her side. They started with a very in-depth tour. The hospital head gave them the tour, explaining everything and what they do there, it's more of a research hospital, allowing students to do their practicum, they also were known for more experimental treatments. Emily was fascinated. They were walking down a long hall with the hospital head and Miss Mary at the front. Emily was at the back, she had stopped to read the plaque about Grandpa Lee. Bear waiting patiently for her.

"He's an interesting man." Said a voice right in her ear.

Emily jumped, and spun around. Director Janson stood right behind her. She stepped backwards immediately, putting space between them. And her arms instinctively wrapped around herself. Bear stood up, trying to cue her.

"He's quite kind actually." Emily mumbled.

"Yes...yes, I forgot you were living with the Lee's." He nodded thoughtfully. His eyes seemed off, her uncomfortableness spiked. Bear started to walk around her legs.

Emily nodded slowly. Her head tipped down, trying to his behind her hair. She really hoped he would stop talking to her.

"How is that going?"

"Fine. Good. Great. They have been a wonderful host family."

"Indeed. And...and these rumors I've heard circulating my school ..?"

Emily's face went bright red and she looked up stricken. "What...? What rumors?" She stammered. Bear let out a warning growl.

"Oh I'm sure you've heard them. Your an intelligent young woman."

"Sir...what are you talking about?"

"I do hope that a smart and well behaved girl such as yourself would not be... using herself to get what she wants. It's most... unbecoming of a young lady." His voice was soft, but it hit her hard in the chest like an arrow full of poison.

As he spoke Emily felt her blood pressure spike. She took another step backwards. Bumping into the wall behind her. She glanced down the hall. She had lost the group and she was alone in the hall with Director Janson and he was looking at her with something in his eyes that she couldn't place and it made he scared. Bears ears went back.

"I- I think I should go. I've lost the group." She whispered.

"It's fine. Your with me."

"No really...I'm missing the tour." She went to leave, but the Director stepped infront of her, blocking her exit.

"I would hope that a young woman would not be trying to escape a conversation with her superior. I'm your Director of the school and-"

"And should be encouraging her education Janson." A deep voice barked down the hall.

Emily's head whipped around so fast she felt something crack. Walking towards them was none other than Papa and Grandpa Lee. And-

"Minho?" Emily asked. Bear let out a small happy wood when he saw Minho.

"Hey Em. Let's go find the group."

He took her backpack from her slung it over his own shoulder and took her hand. "Come on I know where they are. I took this tour this morning." He said and threw a nasty look at Director Janson.

"What is going on? I had this student with the other group!" Janson said, his beady eyes narrowed.

"Yes...you did. Another reason I wanted to speak with you. Run along Emily. Enjoy WICKED. And we will see you at super. Janson, come with me, I'd like to discuss a few matters regarding your school and policies. Sam Isaac is on his way as well. We can take up this conversation in my office."

Grandpa Lee said, his voice was full of authority Janson had no choice but to listen. Considering this was the Lee's company, the Lee's were the biggest sponsors of the school, and they had a lawyer on the way. Janson narrowed his eyes even more his jaw clenched but he remained still and silent.

"Come on, Emmy." Minho whispered and pulled her down the hall. Emily glanced over her shoulder and Papa Lee winked.

They rounded the corner and Emily looked at Minho who had a smirk on his face.

"What happened?" She whispered.

"Well you told Jorge Janson kicked Beetle and Blade off the trip, Janson was coming instead and he was being a creep. And after all the klunk you've been through, Jorge was worried. He called my dad and Sam...and my dad was already pissed with the school... Sam lost it when he found out Beetle and Blade weren't there... And when my dad got the call he was at the school trying to have a meeting with Janson. So...he picked me up and we came here."

"Well thank you for coming."

Emily still felt shaken, she didn't have much interaction with Director Janson, but when she did she always got the impression he liked power too much and enjoyed being difficult and resent anyone who held a power over him, like Sam Isaac and the Lee's.

Emily shook her head and held his hand tight. Minho took her back down the other hall and down the stairs. On the next level they found the rest of the class. Minho and Emily joined the back of the class.

Thomas did a double take. "Dude, what are you doing here?" He whispered.

"Long story."

"Min? Dude when'd you get here?"

"Shh. This is important." Minho scolded with a smirk. Emily snorted, and slapped a hand over her mouth. Miss Mary looked over at the commotion.

"Minho?" Miss Mary asked.

"Hey Miss Mary. I have a note." He pulled a paper from his pocket and handed it to her. She unfolded it and read the note a smile formed in her face. "Excellent. Welcome back."

"Thanks Miss Mary. Good to be back." He nodded, "also, my dad and grandpa are having a meeting with Director Janson."

She just nodded, her face blank, but Emily swore she saw her lip twitch into a small smile before it disappeared.

They finished with the tour and had a break. While they were sitting around the cafeteria in the hospital Janson, and the Lee men came back accompanied by another person.

Janson nodded at Grandpa Lee and he walked away. Grandpa Lee caught Emily's eye and winked. He then waved her over. Emily got up and slowly walked over, she slid around Janson with her head down.

"Ahh Emily. How did you find the rest of the tour. He placed an arm around her shoulders and pulled her into a side hug.

"It was fascinating. I didn't realize how much if a research hospital this was. It's so cool! Giving new doctors and nurses a bit of experience and develop their skills!"

"I'm glad you like it." Grandpa Lee grinned.

"Emily, I'd like to introduce you to the head of the research my colleague, Dr. Leavitt"

The older man held his hand out, "I've heard quite a bit about you."

"Oh...good things I hope." Emily smiled shyly.

"Indeed. Ki, here, said you had the ingenious idea of looking at the brain instead of the bone marrow."

"Yeah...we were talking about how some of the early symptoms manifest itself as a form of early set dementia, which makes me think it starts in the brain and stays there, hiding behind symptoms like cancer."

"Well, I'll be damned." Dr. Leavitt shaking his head in disbelief.

"I told you." Papa Lee grinned at his colleague. "Emily we are going to sit down with Jorge later this afternoon and work out some more details, but this is happening!"

Emily smiled shyly at the men, feeling her stomach twist in nerves and excitement.

"It was great to meet you Miss Fitz. I'm sure we will be in touch soon." He held a hand out and Emily shook it again.

"Well see you at home Dear." Grandpa winked.

Emily nodded and went back to the guys, practically skipping and squealing.

"So?" Minho asked expectantly.

"Ahhh!" Emily squealed. "Minho!" She did a small little happy dance. "That was Dr Leavitt, your dad's collauge, at the reasurch and medical development."

"No way! Emmy! That's so shucken awesome!" He smiled so big his dimples showed and his eyes disappeared. "I'm so proud of you!"

"Wait...what happened?" Gally asked, leaning forward.

"Ummm..."

"Your looking at the next WICKED reasurch development intern!" Minho smirked.

"What? No shucken way!" Jeff gasped.

"Emily! That's so amazing! Whoa!" Clint grinned at her.

"She helped dad discover something this morning before school, just chatting over coffee!"

"What?"

"Ya, something to do with the Flare and it was a huge possible breakthrough." Minho bragged.

The guys all gapped at her, she looked down and felt her face heat up. Minho placed a hand under her chin and lifted her head. She looked into his eyes, they held such love and pride, she felt her heart skip a beat.

"Head up my princess." He whispered. "That crown is gonna slip."

She smiled at him.

The rest of her afternoon was better. Minho, Gally and Jeff stayed close to her after she explained quickly what happened with Janson. Gally stiffened and his hands formed fists, and refused to be further then an arms length. Minho and Bark were so close she kept tripping.

"Guys!" She hissed at one point, "I can't walked! Space please!"

But she didn't mind too much, it was quite sweet. She also noticed Grandpa Lee and Dr Leavitt popped by a few times "just to see how things were going."

Janson stayed at the back, looking like he was sulking. Ja son left her alone and didn't say much, but she always felt his eyes on her back. But with the guys and Grandpa Lee and Dr Leavitt and Miss Mary, plus the nurses who were now showing small groups different jobs in the rehabitation centre, Janson had no way of getting close to her.

She enjoyed the day and was excited for tomorrow. They were in the research labs and were going to be assisting in some actual reasurch. Emily was practically vibrating on the bus on the way back. Minho chuckled at her.

"I'm so proud of you. Seriously Emmy!"

"Thanks Minho." She grinned at him. "But..." She started and then stopped.

"But? But what?"

"I feel...bad. Like this opertunity should be yours or something, it's your grandpa and dad...it's your family company. I feel like I'm maybe stepping on your toes."

"Emily Victoria Fitz!" He said suddenly serious. She flinched slightly. All the playfulness gone, his eyes grew hard and the muscle in his jaw clenched.

"This is your area of expertise and your passion. This is what your good at! This is what you wanted. I enjoy it, I like science, but it was never something I wanted to pursue. So no. You didn't step in any toes. Grandpa isn't a sentimental guy, he sees someone with amazing potential, and he's going to do what he can to keep you." He turned to her fully, and took her hand and squeezed it affectionately. "So don't you ever feel bad for me when you make a huge accomplishment or an opportunity like this! Do you understand me? I'm proud of you! So shucken proud. Now everyone will get to see how amazing you are!"

Minho held her gaze for a second, his dark eyes intense and demanding, no smile or playfulness, "your allowed to be proud of yourself and brag a little. My ego can take it."

Emily bit her lip to keep from smiling.

"And besides," he suddenly smirked and leaned forward, placing his forehead on hers. "when your running the company in a few years it will be Dr and Mr Lee. I'll be the arm candy, and you'll be the smoke hot Doctor."

Emily burst out laughing. Making Minho smirk. He rubbed his nose on hers and grinned.

"That's better." He tipped her head up and he kissed her quickly, just as the bus pulled up to school.

Emily said goodbye to Minho, Gally, and Thomas. And met Sonya and Newt. They were going to Sonya's to study for their English test. And the guys had another football practice.

She would be happy when. Playoffs were done. Another two weeks.

~•~

Ooo. Smart little cookie.
What do we think of kinda creepy Ratman?!

Grandpa and Papa Lee to the rescue! 🙌
Also, protective GalPal! 😍