"Come on, it's just one date?"

"I'm sorry Jane, but I can't. You'll have to tell your friend I'm not interested. It's just not possible."

"Oh come on, Kat. You'll break his heart. Besides, you need a romantic life. You haven't been with a single soul in all the years I've known you. You never even had one of those stupid middle school relationships!"

"It's just not practical, Jane. I have responsibilities that are too unpredictable to maintain a relationship on top of it. It would just end in heartbreak for us both, or I'd have to tell him my identity to maintain the partnership. Which as you already know, isn't an option."

Her voice was still kind and gentle regardless of the exasperation in Jane's, but the next few carelessly spoken words as Katerina went to gather her things stuck somewhere deep. It touched a part of her that created a combination of hurt, anger, and shock at the words being said.

"You can't keep hiding forever you know. Eventually you'll have to let someone in and stop making excuses just because of-"

Jane cut herself off while her hazel eyes widened, she had no clue what had possessed her to say such a careless thing over something she was barely even upset over. She was just worried about a friend after all, not a reason to bring up something that broke many rules the two had created in their friendship.

She could practically feel the lines being crossed by her own tongue that had betrayed her.

"K-Kat I'm... I'm so sorry. I don't know where the hell that came from, I didn't mean to upset you, I swear."

Katerina's voice was so hushed and quiet with a shakiness to it Jane could feel punching her in the gut as guilt ran through her veins.

"It's okay. I know you mean well. Just- please tell your friend Gabe that I can't make it. I'm sorry."

She grabbed her coat and excused herself only moments after, not giving Jane any chance to say more.

Ah damn it. Why did I bring that up? Stupid mouth. She's already stressed out of her mind all the time between work and constant superhero work, crossing that line isn't gonna do anything to help that.

Feelin sour from guilt and worry, Jane sighed before starting on the dishes, hoping that when Katerina came back, the two could have a more productive talk about how worried she was about her friend burning the candle on both ends with NO social life to balance it.
_________________________________________

Kat found herself walking the streets with her large brown coat bouncing against her legs as she did so. She didn't really have any destination in mind, but she knew where she didn't want to be.

Logically, she shouldn't have been upset. She knew her friend was just worried about her and was trying to give advice about her romantic life, but it still hurt hearing words she had never expected almost slip Jane's mouth.

The two never discussed that. It was the one thing Katerina just couldn't talk about. It may have been quite a long time ago that it had occurred, but it did still affect her greatly.

It was the real reason she was as timid, shy, and passive she was now; even if her alter ego was anything but.

Hey Daddy? Is... Is mommy coming home?

He had a dead look on his unkept face that could crush the spirits of anyone around him. He always looked like that after his wife had left, just as the cup of brown liquid always remained in his hand.

"No. She's gone."

That was when it started, and even to this day she could remember his hoarse, slurred, emotionless voice saying those three words.

No, don't think about that. It doesn't matter anymore. It was a long time ago, a-and I have too much going on to allow myself to be consumed in my thoughts.

She took a deep breath of the cool air before huddling her jacket closer as she continued to walk. Partially from the chill, but also from the looks she was receiving by many men going up and down the streets.

She never felt acceptionally attractive, however after a certain point she couldn't deny men's reactions to her. Her blond curls, bright emerald eyes, and pale face were looked at by many in a way that made her uncomfortable. Although, how they looked at her figure itself was even more embarrassing. It was usually why she wore baggy clothing, even as a hero.

It was a white almost jacket type cover that was pared with leggings to match that covered almost every inch of her body from prying eyes.

Katerina still believes that's where the odd confidence always came from in her other personality.

The Savior was quick, witty, thoughtful, bold, and courageous. Because no one saw her as a piece of meat, they looked at her with eyes of admiration or disgust in the case of her enemy. Both much better than the glances on the street she faced as small, pathetic, shy Kat.

There's a coffee shop just up ahead. I'm getting quite cold, maybe I'll get a cup of cocoa? That sounds nice. I'll bring one back for Jane too since I walked out on her. She must feel so bad, I know she didn't mean to hurt me.

Within another block, the shop came into sight as she held the door for an elderly man before walking in herself. Finding someone already there in front with black hair in a messy cut, and blue eyes that looked more grey and lifeless than she had seen before.

There was something off about him, something almost sad or worn down.

He looks just like father...

Letting the elder go in front, she wanted patiently in line with anxiety soaring through her for a reason that was quite unbeknownst to her.

He's just another customer like me. I shouldn't be acting so silly. This must just be earlier emotions coming back with a random trigger to cause it. I'm fine, everything is fine.

Practicing the breathing she had learned from Jane, she tried to stop the panic attack rushing to her while trying to find some sort of distraction.

T-This place looks nicer than last time. Renovations maybe? Good for the owner. This place is quite lovely now. I-I'm sure they get plenty of business.

Trying to make her thoughts distract her further, she was snapped out of her thoughts by hearing that same man thank the person working the register stiffly before heading towards the door.

His voice is familiar.... I can't place it though. Perhaps I'm just imagining things. He looks like he was cut from stone. Quite handsome, but completely hard like marble. I wonder why he has such a grim look about him? Mayne he's having a bad day... I feel bad for him.

"Next!"

Snapped from her thoughts as the line had come to her, she placed her order shakily while her thoughts continued to lead her back to the man she didn't know she had met many times before.

Again, didn't edit and this was slightly challenging to write. I'm so sorry! 😣

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