“We’re making a lot of progress” Rebecca continued, a massive grin pstered across her face. “I think I solved the bleedoff effect and Kelly is authorizing more testing tomorrow.”
Nicole nodded along, working on her test essay as her best friend continued her expnation that Nicole couldn’t hope to follow fully. She was content to let her best friend gush, as it was always a delight to hear her be so animated about something she was passionate over. Most of the subject matter went clear over her head, and they both knew it, but Rebecca was good at keeping it to a level that she could engage with.
The TV was on in the background, but the audio was nearly muted. More background noise than actually being paid active attention to. The focus was on a new Ranger team to emerge in Nevada from the attack. No doubt the Vegas Strip was practically salivating at the idea of a new attraction. She knew that LA was sending a Ranger to meet with them, and she couldn’t help but wonder if they were like her own team, abnormal in strength and soon to be a target.
Meanwhile in more local news, Nicole had long since grown tired of being one of the common subjects of the evening coverage. Between her now official job with the fire department, and the renewed Syn attacks, she was once again the center of the news cycle. Especially with all the specution over her new gear. Even then, such coverage had all grown routine in the two months since that fateful battle that nearly cost her life.
Being a Ranger wasn’t all it was talked up to be, it was gmorized by the media in a way that she detested. Nicole was just happy she had friends that understood what that meant. Rebecca never once made a big deal of it unless Nicole brought it up first, and she always knew to keep it respectful.
“Any projects you can actually talk to me about?” Nicole asked. “Anita was talking about something on the phone when she dropped off my new armor the other day.”
“Oh right,” Rebecca said with a blush. “Yeah, can’t talk too much, but it might be something that would interest you.”
That sounded intriguing, but Nicole wouldn’t pry. That was one of the downsides to the deal she had made with Sincir Industries. Technically Becca had been scouted for a research position and was still getting credits for her course for it. It was obviously Syn tech reted, but most cutting edge research these days was, at least according to Becca.
Instead, Nicole hummed and considered once again switching majors. She wasn’t finding the course work fulfilling and she couldn’t help but think about how she might not live to see it put to use. Rangers didn’t die often, but it still happened, and those who fought the Syn understood that it was a losing battle.
Any invader that could cross the stars would leave humanity hopelessly outmatched in any form of conflict. It was only the coming of the Rangers that spared humanity a swift defeat. Learning that those very powers might be the reason for the invasion in the first pce was especially disheartening.
What hope did they have for the future if they were nothing more than an experiment for this alien threat? Would they actually conquer the pnet should they prevail, or would humanity be reaped in full for resources and the few survivors that slip through the cracks be left with a doomed world?
“How’s Grace doing?” Rebecca asked, looking up from her work once more. “I swear you spend more time with her than me these days.”
Nicole’s responding smirk was sharp. “Like how you spend so much time with Colin? We’re dating, spending time together is part of that.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Becca said, rolling her eyes. “Just not used to you dating is all.”
“She finally helped me see that I am beautiful in my own way,” Nicole said softly. “I endured years of people telling me how ugly my muscles made me, but she practically worships them. I… It’s nice, you know, to feel appreciated for my looks and not just my personality.”
Rebecca got up and came around the table, pulling Nicole into a crushing hug. “Dummy, you were always beautiful.”
Nicole rexed into the embrace of the girl that was the closest thing she had to a sister. Acceptance of how she looked hadn’t been an overnight thing, and she was still hesitant to wear dresses, but she had abandoned the baggy sweats that once framed her wardrobe. Her current spaghetti strap tank top and athletic shorts were a testament to that.
“Speaking of Grace,” Nicole said, “we are meeting up with the others for her birthday.”
“Finally twenty-one?” Becca asked with a grin. Nicole nodded and Becca practically squealed. “Oh, that’s gonna be such fun. Make sure you’re designated driver for her and all that.”
“I know how it works,” Nicole said, rolling her eyes. “And don’t worry, we already cleared it with her roomie, we’re crashing there tonight.”
Rebecca huffed. “Just move in with her already, it’s not like money is an issue anymore and I practically live with Colin these days.”
That much was true, and Grace did spend more time with her than at her own dorm thanks to Becca’s new arrangements. Would it be a good idea to get an apartment together when they both still attended the college? Sure, she got a stipend from Sincir Industries for her donation of the morpher and testing experimental gear, which meant money wasn’t a problem for the first time in nearly a year.
That was also disregarding Becca’s own sary which Nicole specuted was more than considerable given what she was working with. Half the reason Nicole moved into the dorms was because Becca needed a roommate she would feel safe around. With her all but moving in with Colin it was less needed, but keeping the dorm would only be prudent in the event they needed a pce to stay on campus.
Plus there was Grace’s roommate to consider. She would need to find someone new if Grace moved out and stopped paying her part of the rent. Technically they could keep paying it as well, but Nicole didn’t know her all that well and Grace rarely brought the girl up. Hell, Nicole had only met her in passing and didn’t even remember her name!
No, it was too early to think about all that.
“Someday,” Nicole said instead. “Ugh, this essay. Maybe after a nice evening with Grace it won’t be so maddening.”
“You’re just looking for an excuse to duck out early,” Becca teased. “But hey, at least this form of insanity sounds enjoyable. I may just call Colin up since I’ll have the dorm to myself tonight.”
Nicole paused as a devious thought came to mind. “Just remember to disinfect any surfaces you two get busy on.”
“Always,” Rebecca said brightly, unaffected by the banter. “Let me know if you two end up at a hotel because you were both too smashed to make it back here.”
“Hasn’t happened yet,” Nicole yelled back brightly, making for the door as she clipped on her belt, then made sure to grab a certain case on her way out. There was no telling if the next attack would stick to any sort of schedule so it was best to be prepared at all times.
“Day’s still young,” Becca got in just as the door shut.
Shaking her head, Nicole could only ugh at how Rebecca always had to get in the st word. She really did love her friend, and was so thankful to have her in her life. Making her way through the halls, Nicole arrived a few moments ter in the parking lot and could only smile at the woman leaning against one of the cars.
She had her dirty blonde hair up in a short ponytail while wearing a fnnel jacket and jeans. Beautiful and casual all at once, Grace personified her name. Nicole waved and her girlfriend spotted her, a smile splitting her face as she waved back and ran over. Grace was quick to stow her phone, and Nicole dropped the case as she jumped into her girlfriend’s arms and let out a delighted squeal when said girlfriend gave her a quick spin.
She was still giggling in delight as Grace captured her lips in a delightful kiss that sent shivers down her spine.
Grace pulled back, a dopey smile on her face as she held Nicole aloft with ease. “Did someone miss me?”
“Every moment we are apart,” Nicole answered.
“Sap,” Grace said affectionately.
Nicole pushed forward, resting her head on Grace’s shoulder. “Yours.”
Another kiss followed, then they separated, Grace opening the passenger door for Nicole and she hopped in. Grace vaulted across the hood, getting a snorting ugh from Nicole as she hopped in the driver’s seat and started the car.
“Are you ready for this?” Nicole asked.
“I mean, it’s my first time,” she started, then devolved into giggles.
Nicole rolled her eyes. “Yeah, yeah, third time you’ve made that joke this week. It’s just karaoke night at a queer bar. At least you’ll be able to get drunk.”
“True, but you can still appreciate the atmosphere,” Grace said, patting her leg.
Nicole had been looking forward to this night for the past two days since Kay brought it up after one of their training sessions and insisted on it once she realized that it overpped with Grace’s birthday. She was hoping it would help everyone keep her mind off of the coming attacks and death that would come from them.
With her now full certification, Nicole was starting to see more work outside of her Ranger gear, and more of the darker side of the job. Nicole wasn’t sure if that was going to be a long term career for her, but she was enjoying the work, even when things went bad.
Her first motorcycle wreck had been a sobering experience, and she could easily have pictured herself in the victim’s position. Then there was the time she pulled a child from a burning home who wasn’t breathing. Poor girl didn’t make it, and Nicole had to take some time off and saw a therapist about it. Even with the worst of it, watching someone clutch their loved one in raw relief, knowing that it was thanks to you that they made it out alive? Those moments were just so damn fulfilling.
Grace had completed the volunteer course, and was basically on call, but Nicole was in it for actual employment, even if it would only be part time until she finished college. It was funny, thinking long term when they were Rangers. It was almost insulting that she now wanted to live when she had finally nded in a situation where her apathy to life meant she would get her wish.
Now, she had friends, family, and a girlfriend. She would fight like hell to protect any of them, but more than that, she wanted to live for them. Nicole wanted to see the future, see where things went with Grace, and maybe someday grow old with the girl she loved. That was looking oh so impossible, but then again, she had done the impossible and injured the enemy General.
She had proven that even the invincible could be brought down with the right tools.
A sharp flick to Nicole’s ear startled a yelp out of her, she turned a sour gre upon her girlfriend whose eyes were still on the road.
“No brooding,” Grace said. “We’re going to have a good time dammit, so save it for after we get back home.”
Nicole grumbled, then heaved out a heavy sigh. “Sorry, just thinking about the future again.”
“It’s okay. You asked me to point out when you were starting to get mencholic, so that’s all I did.”
“Thanks,” Nicole said, leaning over to kiss her girlfriend on the cheek. “I just worry, what with the promised return of regur attacks. I’m expecting them to drop hell on us any day now.”
“And we’ll meet them head on,” Grace said with unwavering confidence. “Rangers hold the line, and we’ll do just that, each and every time.”
Nicole smiled, though it was a brittle thing. She wanted to believe those words, but she still had nightmares about almost losing Grace. The memory of Bartran standing over Grace, ready to strike her down, still haunted her nightmares. Even thinking about it was enough to fre up the phantom pains of her nerves nearly fraying at an atomic level. She wasn’t eager to repeat that experience, but would do so in a heartbeat if it meant saving the lives of her friends.
She just hoped that Grace would forgive her if she ever did.
The club itself was less club and more a quaint hang out spot that kept the volume to tolerable levels, which Nicole was grateful for. As appealing as going to a proper club with the heavy bass might be, she worried that it might lead to some unpleasant fshbacks for some of their group. Being a Ranger wasn’t a pleasant experience, and despite all of their power, it didn’t mean they always managed to save everyone.
Watching children be cut down when she was so close to helping would always haunt her, or the time that a father shielded his son from a machine to buy him a few short seconds more. Scenes like that were becoming all too frequent, and she was starting to be desensitized to it all.
Nicole didn’t like it one bit.
A gentle squeeze drew her attention to Grace, whose hazel eyes sparkled with concern. Nicole tried to wave her off, but she was determined.
“Just a memory,” Nicole muttered. “From the first time.”
That she morphed.
The moment that had changed her life for the better was marred by blood and death, and would always be a tainted source for her. Being happy and alive was great, but the cost was so high, and she often questioned if it had been worth it. Looking at Grace, she wanted to scream to the world that yes, it had been, but that felt so selfish of her.
More so, Nicole felt guilty about those feelings.
How dare she allow herself to take a tragedy that happened to others and use the results to cim happiness for herself. She knew such thoughts were stupid, that she shouldn’t feel shame for her own joy, that the past was set in stone and couldn’t be changed.
Anxiety and PTSD was a bitch.
“It’s a shame that Devon couldn’t make it,” Jeff said, poking at a pte of boneless wings. “Kinda kills the whole ‘team outing’ thing we had pnned for this party.”
Nicole shrugged, attacking her own wings with gusto. He hadn’t exactly blown them off, but it was getting fairly obvious that he and Anita were starting to hit it off. The problem was that there was a good chance that she was just using him as an ‘in’ with the team. Still, the bastard was skipping out on a teammate’s birthday party and that part was what had her irritated.
“His loss,” Grace said, gesturing with her beer.
Jeff had been smart and arranged for a friend from their Hema group to act as their driver for the evening. He was one text away, which meant both of them were drinking as they pleased. It did make Nicole feel out of pce given she had only just turned nineteen herself shortly after she wounded Bartran and bitch spped Guiana.
Being the baby of the team was a bit of a downer all on its own.
“Oh shit, the stage is clear!” Jeff said, grabbing Kay by the hand. “Fingers crossed they have it!”
“Anything but a pony song,” Grace groaned.
Jeff and Kay both stuck out their tongues as they hurried up. As the pair began to go through the list, Nicole snuggled up beside her girlfriend, content to enjoy the moment. Then the music started up and she felt Grace actually stiffen up.
“Oh no, not this one,” her girlfriend muttered, cupping her face in her hands.
Nicole didn’t recognize the song, which meant it was probably from a ter season. Then the duet knocked everyone’s socks off as they started to sing. She’d heard them enough in the car going here and there, but it always caught people off guard how good they sounded together. Their voices were amazing, and she could only sit there and listen to them belt out a childish song together.
Nicole cheered for Kay and Jeff as they exited the stage once they completed their duet. The entire club seemed at a loss, but cheered anyway, even as Grace continued to groan beside her. Jeff diverted towards the bar for a moment, likely for refills and Grace seemed to take that opportunity, smming her hands on the table
“Come on,” Grace said, grabbing Nicole by the hand. “Mics open, let’s go bust out a song.”
“I am not nearly drunk enough to get up on that stage,” Nicole said even as she wiped the sauce from her mouth.
Next thing she knew, Kay slid a gss over. “Some liquid courage.”
Nicole eyed it, her gaze narrowing as she did. “Pretty sure that’s illegal.”
“You’re fighting for the fate of humanity,” Kay said dismissively. “I won’t tell if you don’t.”
Eyeing the cup as if it were poison, Nicole stood abruptly. She knew that with her issues, it wasn’t a good idea to try any substances, especially not one that impaired people to that degree. No, she wouldn’t be drinking anytime soon regardless of justification.
Then, Grace snatched the gss and downed it in one go, smoothly setting it back down with a wide grin and a knowing wink. “What? I’ve been to a few college parties, I know how to handle my liquor.”
Dammit, Nicole could just kiss her right then for that.
“That’s the spirit!” Kay cheered. “Now get your asses up there and embarrass the shit out of yourselves. Have some fun!”
Shaking her head, Nicole followed Grace to the stage, unwilling to break contact as they went. Holding Grace’s hand felt like the lewdest gesture ever, given how the entire room could see them. That expined all the jokes about holding hands, she hadn’t fully understood them until they were aimed in her direction.
When they got up on the stage, Nicole froze at the sight of dozens of people paying attention to them, then gulped when she saw the song that Grace queued up. Her eyes widened as she turned, swallowing heavily as she did.
“Um, are you sure?” Nicole asked.
Grace grinned cheekily. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
Then the music started, and Grace led off with the first part of the duet from one of her favorite movies growing up. Nicole was entranced by the gentle sounds of Grace’s voice, and it occurred to her that she probably sang for the church she grew up in. So enraptured was she, that Nicole almost missed the start of her own part.
She started off, her own voice nowhere near as melodic as her girlfriend’s, and the butterflies in her stomach were quick to fade as the pair fell into their parts, and Nicole found herself uncaring of everyone watching, because she only had eyes for Grace. As the song wound down, she was lost in those deep brown eyes of hers.
A sharp whistle snapped her out of it, and she realized with more than a little embarrassment that the entire establishment was cpping for the pair.
“See, that wasn’t so bad,” Grace said.
Nicole elbowed her pyfully, which promptly turned into a spot of wrestling that ended with them almost nose to nose. The moment hung, as though the very air were charged, and Nicole knew she needed to do something special. “Happy birthday,” Nicole whispered, then looked her directly in the eyes. “I love you.”
Grace’s eyes teared up and Nicole knew she hadn’t said it too soon. “I love you too, dummy.”
Capitalizing on the moment, Nicole threw caution to the wind and pulled her girlfriend into a searing kiss and to hell with what anyone else thought. The cheers morphed into wolf whistles, but she didn’t care, all that mattered was Grace.
Pendragoon
