"I'm guessing you two met at school?" Ms. Hardy got straight to the questions as soon as we sat down. The couch's cushions were really comfortable to sit on. What made it better was Felicia resting her head on my shoulder as her mom sat across from us.
"Yes, ma'am," I answered.
"Same class?"
"Same class."
She watched us with a smile, pushing back a loose strand of her ash-blonde hair. "And what are your plans for the future?"
To hear the familiar question again, I decided to go into more detail. I didn't want to hide anything from her mom, so I could trust her with me if things developed further between us. There was no doubt in my mind about the development; I just wasn't sure how fast our relationship would progress. If it went any faster, the two of us would be dating by tomorrow!
"Allow me to be straight with you." I adjusted my posture and stared directly into her eyes. "I have powers. My goals are far more grand than going to some college."
Ms. Hardy's eyes widened.
"I see. Given these powers of yours, how grand are the goals you're talking about?" She asked plainly. I thought I might get a stronger reaction from her, but after the initial shock, she recovered quickly.
"My sole goal is to protect the Earth and my loved ones who live on it. That is the main thing I'll be working towards. As for civilian life... I have skills related to finance and the stock market, so I'll do that to pay the bills."
The last part wasn't a lie. Back in my original world, I really did obtain those skills.
"I'm glad you aren't naive enough to solely focus on this hero life. But go more into detail about the life you want. Do you want to join the Avengers? The Fantastic Four?"
"Unfortunately, those groups, while I may work with them, won't be where I go. Some things require methods that aren't in their gray zone." With a subtle hint, I made my point clear without saying too much.
"Are you seriously telling someone in law that you might..." She didn't finish her sentence. Her lighter green eyes met mine, full of interest in them.
"Whatever you wish to assume, but whatever it takes to protect what I want." I felt a little energy flicker inside. My vision was flooded with information my brain didn't need to process right now, so I tried my best not to focus on it. The only issue was that the sudden overload was giving me a headache.
"Look at his eyes, dear! I can see why you were attracted," she said, stunned as she looked at me. Felicia jumped off the couch curiously. Her face flushed pink as she put her palms to her face, shivering in place.
"H-Holy shit... I need to change!"
I really wanted to laugh at Felicia's antics, but I held back. Taking a deep breath, I refocused my mind, calming the energy flowing within me.
"Sorry. Got a little worked up there," I said.
"No need. I can see you mean it, and as an adult, I appreciate the people like you who understand that some threats need to go."
"What?" My eyes went wide this time. This was the last thing I expected to hear.
"Don't get me wrong. I would prefer that you not, but I've seen a lot of people. Some who are truly scum and don't change. For lack of better words, they are a waste of space."
"Mom?" Felicia didn't even seem to expect her mom's perspective on the matter.
Ms. Hardy ignored her daughter.
"So do me a favor and make sure I don't have to deal with the overly wicked. I'm tired of wasting my time dealing with them. I would rather deal with people who actually are going to change for the better."
The room was silent.
"Sure. But I doubt you'll need to-"
"I beg to differ! You know a perfectly good defense attorney, and you don't expect to use me or my connections? Especially when dating my daughter?"
I got her approval, which was completely irrelevant to the conversation. But this was a big win for me! There was no need for me to worry about it in the future.
"Yeah, you're right. I'll try my best to give you less work!" I nodded with the biggest smile on my face.
"We aren't even dating yet!"
"You hear her?" Ms. Hardy laughed at her daughter as she walked off to the kitchen. Felicia just stood still, not knowing what to say as her mouth opened and closed repeatedly.
'I'm glad I told her mom the truth.' I really felt relief. I could lie easily to those I hated or didn't trust. I could tell a white lie if it truly wasn't hurtful. But for something like this, especially to someone I might get with, I couldn't lie for the life of me. It would stress me out, amongst other things.
"Wait... what if she finds out about me?" Felicia whispered.
"Then so be it. Just don't let her down; it'd be best to tell her so you can work freely. With her words just now, she might let you have less of a curfew."
"Or she'll worry her heart out?!"
"No worries; I already know, Felicia."
Ms. Hardy was as quiet as a ghost when she returned. Even I didn't notice her come back!
"What?!"
"Julius, mind if you visit us another time? It's perfect that me and her have this talk now."
"Yes, ma'am." I got up, but instead of just walking off, I hugged Felicia as she had done for me earlier. "I'm sure you'll feel a lot better after this. You have a really good mom."
Before I let her go, I felt a wave of boldness. With everything that i already felt and her mom's clear approval I decided to take a step in deeper waters.
Chuu~!
Kissing her cheek, I let her go and left to run some errands.