Freya's POV:

After our meeting ended, everyone pretty much dispersed. Sylvester and Pat offered to take Jakeem home with Mike since he insisted to tag along and Beth got picked up by her parents.

Barbara decided to make dinner in the kitchen leaving Courtney, Yolanda, and I to help out, much to Courtney's reluctance. I finished my job, which was peeling and cutting the potatoes, and since Barbara didn't have anything else for me to do I decided to walk out on the front porch in hopes of looking at the night sky.

Unfortunately, I realized soon enough that the stars are covered due to the dark clouds and once I sat down, it began to rain.

I didn't mind though. Something about the rain sometimes made me feel at peace. And with the way things were left off after our team meeting, I needed something to clear my head or at least distract me.

"There you are." I turn to the door, watching as Yolanda stepped outside with another jacket in her hands and shut the door behind her. "Why are you outside? It's pouring out here."

"I wanted to look at the stars." I say as she drapes her jacket around my shoulders before I sheepishly smile, putting my arms through the sleeves and turn to the skies once more. "But it started to rain the minute I came out here and I didn't want to go upstairs again."

I feel her wrap her arms around me from behind before she rests her chin on my shoulder. "Well then come sit with me. I have a feeling these next couple of days are gonna take away our free time."

I start to smile. "You think so?"

"Mhm." She kisses my shoulder with a chuckle. "Of course. When do we ever get a break? Plus, you're tense."

I playfully scoff. "Tense?"

She tugs me backward with ease and I take a seat first on the bench. Instead of sitting beside me, she lays down across with her head on my lap, moving my arm around her chest and interlacing my hand with hers. "And I wanted cuddles so get comfortable."

I let out a chuckle, tracing random lines on her arm with my thumb. "Yes ma'am." I quietly say, leaving us in silence as the only sounds heard are from the rain hitting the pavement, occasionally hearing a car or two driving past the houses.

Every few moments I couldn't help but look down at Yolanda with a smile.

Despite everything I did in my life, how did I get so lucky to find someone that likes me for who I am? If you asked me a year ago if I saw myself being in the position where I am today, I would've laughed at your face.

Well maybe just stare but you catch my drift.

I lost count of the number of times I've held her hand, but this time the contact feels different. This simple moment right here, transformed into something that I'll remember not just for the stars that were unfortunately hidden by the stormy clouds, but for whom I shared it with.

Growing up and being around Larry and Paula most of my life, I never understood what true love meant. Mostly because witnessing their little antics and remark or two made me want to vomit ninety-nine percent of the time while the one percent I simply tolerated it. It sort of played a part in wanting nothing to do with being in a relationship and finding it to be utterly pointless and weak.

But now...I don't think of it that way anymore. And not just because of Yolanda being my girlfriend, but the other relationships I built with my friends, Maria, Courtney's family, and surprisingly, The Crocks. The love and security they emotionally and physically show me proof that it's not weak and pointless at all. I never want to take it for granted ever again.

Not only does it feel fulfilling, but it's a bit terrifying if you think about it. One moment, you can feel on top of the world where nothing can stop you until eventually...something pushes you down. Who knows, maybe they push you down hard enough to where you stay down.

I can't imagine the possibilities of things I wish I could've done or said. Or, things that I shouldn't have said or done.

I look down at the girl in my lap. I like her so much that I'm terrified of what's to come for us. She had dozens of reasons to leave and it scares me that I'll mess it up again. I can't lose her because I...

I stiffen in realization. Oh.

This is what it feels like.

"Can I ask you something?" Her voice broke me away from my thoughts.

"You just did." She swatted my hand and I chuckle. "I'm kidding. Go ahead."

"Is the reason why you wanted to come out here because of when they brought up about the Ultra-Humanite being the killer? It looked like it got to your head." I stop tracing random lines on her arm and she sits up from my lap in concern. "Tell me. What's going on?"

I push myself to sit up as well. "Am I dumb to think that Ultra-Humanite isn't working by himself?"

She tilted her head to the side. "I mean, it's smart to think of other possibilities. What made you think that?"

"I get that the damages to The Gambler's trailer could be done by a huge ape practically tearing apart a trailer to shreds. It makes sense. What doesn't make sense is the stab wound. Wouldn't he have just pounded him to death?" I emphasize before I shook my head. "Even more, the motive to killing the Gambler doesn't make sense."

"I don't get it."

"Think about it. Sylvester says that the Ultra-Humanite and Dragon King made it their mission to take the JSA down back in the day. Before the ISA formed, The Gambler was on his own so why didn't he go after him back then? He would've been dead and if it was during his time in the ISA, I think he would've gone after the others."

"You think someone else is pulling the strings?"

"I mean, wouldn't it be a bit hard to hold something sharp if you have the size of an ape's hand? Anything bigger we would have been able to tell."

"Well, Sylvester and Pat did say he was a scientist so he might have found a way to make sure the evidence didn't come back to follow him."

"Okay and let's say he did," I say before I raise a brow. "but wouldn't have someone seen a gigantic albino ape put up the surveillance cameras all over town and in our houses?"

"Unless...no, I got nothing." Yolanda mumbled but my heart sinks in discomfort, causing me to look to the side. "What?"

"What if we're thinking about this all wrong?" I quietly ask, meeting her eyes in reluctance. "We're assuming they barely put up the cameras. What if the person barely decided to work with Ultra-Humanite and activated the hidden cameras now. Maybe they've always been there?"

"But how?"

Before I could answer, my phone rings from my pocket and I quickly pull it out. On the screen, a pending group video chat with Artemis and Crusher's name flashes across.

"One second." I whisper to Yolanda who nodded and I click answer.

On one side of my screen, it showed Artemis's excited-filled expression inside her room and the other screen showed Larry and Paula. To my surprise, it was clear they were still walking around town since I caught a glimpse of the rainy-night sky.

"Hey!" Larry greeted as Paula waved with an 'oh, hi!' as well.

"What's up Artemis?" I ask.

"Dad, Mom, Freya, I got in!" Artemis excitedly spoke up, causing my eyes to widen.

"What?"

"Mr. Morrison was at tryouts, a-and oh, my God, I'm going to Nebraska!"

"Holy shit!" I cheer, excitedly patting Yolanda's leg as Paula and Larry scream in joy.

Paula pumped her fists in the air with a squeal. "Congratulations!"

"Oh, my God, our kid is the first female quarterback in college football!" Larry announced with a proud smile.

"Yeah, we knew you could do it!"

"I knew you'd kill it at tryouts. They would be idiots for not taking you, Artie." I add in with a sigh. "I'm so proud of you!"

"Congratulations, Artemis!" Yolanda added and I scoot closer to her so that they can see her. "I know how badly you've wanted this from what Freya's told me."

Artemis's eyes light up in surprise. "Hey, Montez! Thanks!"

"Hey, look, we're on our way home. We're gonna see you soon. We are gonna celebrate tonight by feasting on that cake Paula made for Freya!" Larry quickly kissed the camera with a sigh. "Mwah!"

"We love you guys so much." Paula added with a beaming smile.

"We love you! So proud of you."

"Love you too! I have to finish up this homework assignment but I'll see you guys later." Artemis waved at the camera. "Bye!"

The video call ends and I shove my phone in my pocket before I tug Yolanda's arm to stand. "Oh—! Freya—"

"I saw this in one of your movies once." I laugh and pull her to walk down the porch steps to stand in the rain, feeling the cold droplets finally hit my face.

"What are we—woah!" I pick up Yolanda by her waist and spin us around, causing us to laugh in delight as she kept her hands on my shoulders. "Freya!"

"Blue Valley, I'm proud to say that I'm finally at the happiest point in my life! " I cheer, spinning us around a few more times until I finally stop. She takes my face in her hands, her eyes piercing mine. With a grin, I slowly lower her to the ground and press my head against hers. "And every day, I..."

I pause which causes her brows to furrow in confusion. "I what?"

This could have been the moment to say it. To say the three infamous words...but I don't think it's time yet.

I bump my nose against hers. "Every day I've fallen more and more for you, Yolanda Montez. You gave me hope again."

Her eyes soften into adoration. "I fall more and more for you too, Freya Nelson. So much." She leans in further, closing the gap between our lips. The kiss is soft and gentle, feeling her weave her fingers through my hair.

The moment falls away softly as I finally withdraw, unfazed at the fact we were practically soaked from the rain at this point. She raises a careful finger to my lips and traces it lightly across them. "And kissing you always feels so refreshing." She hums and I couldn't help but smile beneath her touch.

Maybe I didn't have to be afraid of things looking up for me. I have a great group of friends, a solid friendship with The Crocks, a wonderful and amazing supportive girlfriend, and against all the odds, I have my mom with me.

Judging from her expression, I could see something cross her mind and I tilt my head to the side in confusion. "What?"

The corners of her eyes crinkle in amusement. "They made you a cake?"

I shyly scratch the back of my neck, guiding us back to walk up the porch steps. "They sort of overheard my conversation with Artemis about you and I being a couple. I guess sort of to commemorate that they support our relationship? They decorated it this morning with these rainbow sprinkles."

"That's so sweet of them. Unexpected, but still sweet."

My phone rings again and this time, the video call comes back on again with just Crusher's name flashing across the screen. "Oh, it's them again."

"I'll let you talk to them alone this time. I'm gonna go change into warmer clothes since...you know." She says, pressing a quick kiss against my cheek. "Come inside when you're done?"

I nod. "It'll be quick." Once she goes back inside, I click answer and their faces pop up again. "Hey!"

"We got caught up celebrating for a second but we forgot to add that you should bring Yolanda over! Is she there?" Larry asked.

I quickly shake my head. "No, she just went to go change but I'll ask her if you want?"

"Yeah! It'll be nice to get to know her more instead of just knowing her as Wildcat." Paula lightly chuckled.

"Yeah. I'm sure she'd like that."

Larry opens his mouth to add something but his eyes flicker downward in confusion.

The camera moves slightly downward, showing that he bent down to pick something up until it goes back into position, showing their confused looks.

"What's wrong?"

"What the hell is this?" Lawrence scoffed as he looked to the right.

"What do you see?" I quickly ask, taking note of their defensive demeanor as they squatted down and seeing Jordan's mural down the street behind them.

"Someone wants our attention." Paula spoke seriously.

"If they're looking for trouble, they're gonna be sorry they got it." Larry sternly stated before he looked back at the camera. "Freya, you think we can have a rain check on that cake?"

"I don't mind at all but what's—"

"This won't take us long." Paula reassured. "Be safe."

"But--"

The video chat ends, cutting me off from my sentence which causes me to let out a sigh, leaving an unsettling feeling in my stomach. 

Someone's POV:

ONE YEAR AGO

Heavy footsteps approach from behind. "Is it done?"

I click on the filed tab and open the documents for him to see the medical data. "There were a lot of pieces and melted ice to work with. But--"

"But is it done?" He harshly interrupted.

"With the limited equipment I have and not wanting to risk ruining his form," I slowly look over to the pile of ice and water we collected. "it's up to him to form his consciousness. All that I could do is help and monitor his healing process."

"And how long will that take?"

"At this rate, including for him to put his cells back together instead of just ice while working on our other patient," I shrug. "Give or take, maybe more than six months? I still have to run--"

He lets out a roar and slams his fist into the wall above me, causing our surroundings to rumble at the impact but I stay still. "We don't have six months!" He growled as he menacingly leans closer to my face. "Unless...you are simply wasting my time and lying about your true intentions, Doctor."

I turn to him with a glare. "My loyalties are with Jordan. How else do you think gave Jordan the idea to get his revenge for his wife?"

"And yet, Project: New America failed." He tilted his head to the side.

"Which is why Jordan had a fail-safe just in case things didn't work out in the Injustice Society's favor." I emphasize. "He sent me to find you."

"Is that right? I can work my way around this world without anyone else's help. I go by many names, after all."

I raise a brow. "And how did that play out? You need me." He snarls in response. "With Jordan out of commission, the only way we can get him back is by taking it one step at a time."

"And I assume you have a plan?"

I grab the file from beside the computer and open it for him to see a job application, showing a bright green 'APPROVED!' stamp on it. "I already have the first step in the door."

"I don't understand."

"They have the proper equipment to help me get Jordan back on his feet. I'll be under supervision for the next few months so until they trust me, it will take time to get samples and use their equipment without them suspecting me for ulterior motives."

"And then after?"

I pull aside the paper, revealing the person's file Jordan put together. "We continue with Jordan's plan and go after her next."

He slowly nodded. "I underestimated you."

"You may be a scientist, but you are not the only smart one in this pair." I remark, collecting the papers together and push away from my chair. "And if you dare underestimate me or question my motives again, I'll skin you in your sleep."

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

A/N:

Decided to add cute little moments between Yolanda and Freya before hell lets loose <333 iykyk but then again...you don't :D

~Cimbello