Just Friends?

Chapter 11: Apologies

It was Connor's bedtime. He was already tucked in under the covers and his mom was sitting at the foot of the bed.

"So how did things go with your friends earlier today?" she asked. "Did you guys manage to talk things out?"

Connor sighed and shook his head. "They didn't even wanna talk to me. I tried my hardest to explain myself, but they just ignored me."

"Oh, sweetie." Christine gently stroked her son's hair. "I have an idea - to cheer you up, how about we all go for a picnic lunch in the park tomorrow? How does that sound?"

Connor gave her a small smile. "Mommy I'd love that."

"That's my Catboy," she said, booping him on the nose. She kissed his forehead. "Sleep tight Connor, I love you."

"Good night, Mom," he replied. "I love you too."

Cuddling Mr Meow, he turned to face the window and closed his eyes. He waited until he heard the sound of his mother leaving his room and closing the door before he opened his eyes again. The moon was already shining in the sky and the stars were sparkling.

He felt something hop onto his bed, so he sat up. It was his pet Alley Cat. "That's right, buddy," he told her, getting out of bed and holding up his arm with the blue amulet on it. "Time to transform."

Meanwhile, Amaya was pacing in her room, recalling what had happened earlier that day.

"Why did I do that?" she asked aloud, hugging her elbows. "I was supposed to talk  things through with him, not avoid him!" She groaned out loud.

And that was when she spotted the red glow coming from her amulet. "Huh, a mission?" She held up her arm and looked at the moon outside her window. "Looks like it's time to be a hero!"

At HQ, all the heroes gathered around the table as usual. "Okay, what's the mission for tonight?" asked Lilyfay, their newest recruit.

"I saw a Romeo sticker on a lamp post at the park earlier today." Catboy nodded towards PJ Robot who pressed a button on the computer. The monitor lit up and showed and image of the lamp post with the sticker on it. "I'm not exactly sure what he's up to this time, so looks like we'll have to do some investigating. Any volunteers?"

Owlette's arm shot upwards as fast as lightning, nearly hitting Ice Cub. "I'll do it."

"Alright then," said Catboy, his eyes lighting up. This was his chance to talk to her one on one and make things right. "I guess I'll come-"

"Ice Cub and I will come with you, Owlette!" Gekko offered as he shot an icy glare at Catboy. Ice Cub did the same.

Catboy's ears drooped, but he tried his hardest to keep his calm face on. They had a mission on their hands; there was no time for things to get personal even if it was concerning his girlfriend. "Um, okay then. If you guys need backup don't be afraid to call the rest of us."

Owlette nodded curtly and headed off towards the hangar, Ice Cub and Gekko trailing behind her. Newton Star, Lilyfay, Bastet and An Yu exchanged glances and looked towards Catboy, who was staring at his feet.

"Is something wrong, Catboy?" asked Newton Star.

Catboy looked at the remaining heroes and shook his head, forcing a smile. "No, not at all, everything's great! I just... I'm a bit dizzy. If you guys need me, I'll be resting in my room." He walked off.

"He's keeping something from us," said Lilyfay.

"I'll go talk to him, cat to cat," Bastet suggested. "An Yu?"

The dragon girl nodded and together they headed towards their leader's room, where he was lying in bed, facing the window overlooking the view outside.

"Catboy, if something's the matter, you know you can talk to us," said An Yu, sitting on the foot of his bed.