Electric Storm

Chapter 7.1: To the Stars

I've just arrived home after another night of crime fighting. There's a huge grin on my face. We did well tonight: saved a cat stuck in a tree, prevented several bike thefts and finished the night with a sandwich from delmers. We haven't discussed what nearly happened the other night, not that we've been in a similar situation. It's ok though. I've come to the decision that I don't actually like him. I just got caught up in the moment. 

'Tony, just for once could you stop working!' Mum shouts loudly at dad. Here we go. 

'What was I supposed to do? You weren't home 'til nine!' Dad yells back. 

I roll my eyes and put my headphones on to drown out the bickering. It's been the same all week. 

I'm sure it's fine. 

Purple and black lightning dances around my fingers. I watch mesmerised by the little light. 

A door slams shut. 

'Oh don't you dare storm out on me!' Mum shouts. 

I shove my pillow over my head. This is making me sick. 

'And where's Katy been tonight? Hmm?'

Mum doesn't know about Rogue. For obvious reasons. They start shouting again. Mum's always mad at dad, I don't know what about, but they haven't stopped arguing. A tear slips down my cheek.  What if they break up? What am I supposed to do? I truly believe that this might be it. As I cry into my pillow, I reach out to the one person who will help.

'Katy? Are you ok? What happened?'

'Mum and dad are fighting again.' I murmur into my bed. 

'Don't follow me.' The door slams shut. 

Loki looks at me, troubled.

'I just needed a friend. I don't want to be alone.'

He nods slowly and climbs onto the other side of my bed.

'It's nice to see your guitar is back out. And that picture.' He points out.

I smile at Pietro. 'I finally had the courage to do it.'

'I knew you would. So,' he grins mischievously, 'what is up in the life of Katy Stark?'

I fold my legs in. 'Mmm... I'm no longer looking for Spiderman.'

Loki's mouth opens. 'Did I hear you correctly?'

'Yep. I haven't told dad about it.'

'Are you still going out as Rogue?'

'Yep. Chocolate?'

'Please. So why no longer search for Spiderman?'

'Can't do it.' I reply, shoving a piece into my mouth. 'He doesn't deserve to be ruined by becoming an Avenger.'

Loki stops for a second. 'You still don't want to be an Avenger?'

'Nope. And I wouldn't wish it on anyone.'

'Right.' He stares ahead. 'And you are sure I cannot change your mind?'

'Yes. I told you I don't want it anymore.'

'But you used to be so excited about being one!'

'That was when I was a kid. I'm fifteen now-'

'-a teenager-'

'-yes, but perhaps in those three years I grew up. I've been through enough. I told you, I'm done.'

'Ok then.' He sighs loudly. 'Look, I love our talks, but I'm worried that you don't have your own midguardian friends to talk to.'