The Intervention

The Tension

I desperately want to repay this alien who has lifted my spirits with his mere presence and if spending time with humans is what he needs, then I don't see why I shouldn't volunteer specially when being with him brings such joy to me.

"I believe we can." His gaze seems to linger on the features of my face as he says this and I close my eyes against his shoulder. The knowledge that I will be meeting him often fills my heart with happiness, I wrap my arms around his waist and hug him tightly.

Jesus, he's solid muscle! I am barely able to squeeze him! The density of his body makes me feel like a porcelain doll next to him, no wonder J'onn has always touched me gently. Although I somehow can't imagine him ever being violent or aggressive, I know that he's more than capable of it. A superhero's job description is basically public approved violence in capes.

I gently ease back from his chest to look up at him, thinking of him being violent triggers my memories of violent men in my life. I'm lost in my memories but they're now trying to place J'onn into each scenario, somehow he doesn't fit. Him shouting at me in blind fury or him violently barricading me against a wall in anger don't seem right even in my head.

J'onn must've been trying to get my attention. I snap to reality to find myself facing him, his hands at the back of my head pulling me up to face him.

"Look at me." His voice guides my unfocused eyes from staring at nothing to locking eyes with him.

"Look at me, you are safe. Breathe."

A shuddering breath leaves me and I focus on J'onn, his fingers at my neck giving me something to ground myself to as I breathe to match the up and down movements of his chest. I can't even bring myself to be embarrassed, I feel unhinged. J'onn must've heard my thoughts, his movements are undeniable cautious and projected, making sure I can see everything he intends to do before he does it. His hands gently slide to my shoulders and pull me to his chest, his cape coming up to completely envelope me. I tuck my knees under me and close my eyes, absorbing the calm steadiness of J'onn.

My mind starts thinking about what happened and how I ended up going into a near panic attack. J'onn quickly puts an end to that by squeezing me to him.

"Do not think," his baritone voice commands me. "your fears merely tried to claim you. You are safe now."

The mortification I feel is monumental, here we were having a perfectly normal conversion before I stumble into mental minefield only to have this savior alien pull me out of it. If I ever prided myself on being strong, its definitely been taken down a few pegs. J'onn, being the telepathic alien that he is, has obviously picked up this thought of mine and wastes no time in trying to assure me that I am by no means weak. However, he must be able to feel my lack of conviction as I nod along in apathetic agreement to him.

Just weeks ago I had my emotions under control, I would take a blade to my wrist yes, but I didn't panic by any means. J'onn seems to be exuding strength as he tenderly strokes my hair effectively distracting my thoughts as my mind latches onto the soothing sensation. Being calm I notice the sunlight fading away into night and I suddenly realize that its getting late. The park is no place to be after 7pm. Sure being with a superhero would ensure that no harm will behalf me but after 7pm the more base and amoral aspects of human life come out to play and I have no intention of exposing this gentle alien to such inelegant views.

"J'onn, shall we have dinner and a walk if you have no plans for the rest of the day?"

J'onn looks at me for a moment then releases me from his arms and cape with a smile.

"My day is clear for you unless an emergency comes up, dinner sounds like an excellent idea."

He rises and offers his hand to pull me up to my feet. I fold up the blanket and he returns it to my hiding place. We make our way back to my car and J'onn dons his disguise again as we go. To anyone looking we'd just appear like s normal couple, walking close by, smiling at each other and stealing glances.