MCSM: Deceiving Perfection #5

Part 2 (Radar)

"And then I agreed to go." Radar mumbled, face buried in his hands, "I'm gonna die. That's all there is to it. I signed myself up for death."

Carrigan sighed, "You'll be fine." She had concerns herself,  but she had full faith her boyfriend would make it back. She dipped her fry in the fry sauce and ate it. She looked up at Radar. He put a fry in his sauce and just mixed the sauce, one hand still covering his face. She felt bad for him.

Carrigan stood up, and went around the table, standing by his side. She ran her hand along his back comfortingly. "I know you're stressed, but you don't need to worry. The stone curses those people because they have bad intentions. They want to use it for fame, for money. You, on the other hand, don't even want it. You're going because you want to keep your friends safe." She knelt down beside him and removed the hand covering his face, squeezing his hand, then with her other, turning his face to meet her gaze. "The fact alone that you're going to protect the people you care about makes you a hero, and you're already one. And if there's one thing I've learned from you and the Order, it's that you guys can always find a way out of the worst situations."

Radar smiled, feeling a twinge better. It was true. Last time they got into a load of danger, Jesse was on the verge of death, and the others were at a risk of permanent enslavement. Or death. Who knows what Hadrian and Mevia wanted with everyone else. It was an awful experience. He shuddered at the memory of Jesse bleeding all over, Lucas bawling, begging her to stay. Jess seething with hatred toward Hadrian-

But. Some good came out of it too. That same day, Radar became a true hero. He defeated Mevia one on one, fair and square. And, that's where he met Carrigan. He looked back up at her. He didn't know what he'd do without her. Ever since their return she'd been by his side. He even got her sister Delcie to approve of him.

"Hey Radar!"

Carrigan and Radar turned to see Cassie, "Jess asked if I could tell you that you guys are gonna go to 'THE PLACE' next Tuesday." She was obviously annoyed, "He refused to tell me where though." She approached the couple and sat down at another chair as Carrigan returned to her seat, "Can you tell me?"

Radar looked at Carrigan. He didn't realize it was top secret. Guess he shouldn't tell anyone else. "W-well, if Jess said no, then I'd better not go against his word."

"Pfft." Cassie crossed her arms, "You guys are no fun."
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The next week flew in a flash.
It was Tuesday.
Everyone in the group had said their goodbyes to their close ones, set up the group to watch over the town while Jesse was gone, and here they were, just waiting for Lucas.

"Where is he? He's taking FOREVER." Petra whined. Jesse laughed, "He'll be here in a minute, he's just a little paranoid at the moment. He just HAD to go home and get some extra supplies for defense."

Jess scoffed, "Well I'm ready to go." He jabbed Petra's side. She leapt back, "Oh so we're gonna pass time fighting, eh? Good idea. Come at me!"

Radar lifted his hand as though he'd say something, then shook it off. They always sparred, there was no stopping them. Petra launched a punch at Jess' jaw. He dodged to the side, grabbed her balled fist, and threw her over his shoulder. Radar and Jesse winced. Petra scoffed, "Good one." Jess reached out to grab her, but Petra dove under his arms and sped around him. She leapt into the air, landing on his shoulders, putting him in a headlock with her legs. As he reached up to pull her off, she grabbed his arms. Jess purposely dropped on his back.

"The way those two show each other they love each other is very.. peculiar." Jesse said, amused. Radar gulped, "How are they not hurting each other?"

Lucas entered the room, but the sparring couple didn't seem to notice. They were back on their feet, and Petra kicked Jess square in the chest. He flew back- right into Lucas. The two crashed to the ground. Jess sat up. "Who broke my fall?" He looked down to see he was sitting on a crushed Lucas. "Wow Lucas, you weren't kidding. This does always happen to you! How funny!" He and Petra began dying of laughter, Jess remained sitting on a defeated Lucas. Protective of her husband, Jesse shoved Jess off of him and helped Lucas up. "There is never a dull moment with those two." Lucas rolled his eyes. Radar nodded in agreement.

"Well." Jess swung his duffel bag over his shoulder, "Now that the gang's all back together, let's go!"

"Okay Fred." Jesse mumbled.