14573/The Return

The Return
Date of Scene:	01 April 2023
Location:	Apartment 4B (Bart's Apartment)
Synopsis:	Bart and the cats are happy to see Emiko
Cast of Characters:	Bart Allen, Emiko Queen

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Bart Allen has posed:
Bart Allen had to work the previous night so after his ten minutes or so of sleep, he is back up. Time to take care of the animals, so after spending a bit feeding and giving the caged animals some attention. He is now washed up again and starting to get some food out for Huggin and Munnin. They two cats are rubbing against his shins as he moves to get a container out of the fridge. Yep Bart makes food for his animals himself. Studying to be a vet has it's advantages.

Emiko Queen has posed:
It's been a long time since she stood in front of this door. Too damn long. But it had been a necessity, to protect many of the things she had gained in a proper family and close friends from being ruined by her, ah, 'professional life'. Ugh, thinking of it like that made her wrinkle her nose, thinking of it like just a job didn't help any. That was almost too impersonal. No, lets just put that aside for now and move on to what will hopefully be more pleasant times.

After taking a breath to recompose herself, Emiko reached up to rap her knuckles firmly against the apartment door. KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

Bart Allen has posed:
Bart Allen 's brow raises a bit wondering who it is. Maybe it is the girl scouts, they do know they usually make a good sell with the young man. The two cats stop circling his feet, and both head towards the door, with a soft meow. Bart hmms and will set the food aside "What got you two curious?" He says to the cats, and moves to open the door. HE does not overly worry about the peep hole or the cats getting out as he is faster than them, but seeing Emiko there does leave him flat footed for a full second or two.

Emiko Queen has posed:
Two seconds is not very long. But it can also be an eternity for one of the fastest people alive. Two seconds is also long enough for an assassin to make their move even without super speed.

"Hello!" Fortunately the only move Emiko makes is to grab Bart in a big hug. A firm embrace that's also a reminder of just how strong this otherwise small woman is. "I missed you."

She looks down as Huggin and Munnin grace her ankles with their own rubbing greetings. "Yes, I missed you two as well," she adds with a laugh, letting go of Bart and crouching down to give both the cats appropriate head pets.

Bart Allen has posed:
Bart Allen hugs her back. He ponders a million things in those few seconds. Should he kiss her, should he ask if she is back for good. Should he check the surrounding four blocks for assassins. And that is just a few of the things to go through his head. No, he will play it cool yea Bart the cool guy,.. right." Um hey you." He is smiling though it seems she is back. He steps aside, and says come on in, everything good?" He asks, figuring that lets her tell him if there is something he needs to di but also can mean so much more.

Emiko Queen has posed:
Emiko Queen rolls her eyes as she stands. "You can relax, no one is following me." She steps through the door, giving the cats a moment to follow before pulling the door shut. "Yes, I checked the vicinity, just to be sure." There was no such thing as being too cautious. It made it easier to relax afterwards. And she knew he'd think of it, even if he didn't outright ask. "Yeah, everything is good. I'm sorry, I didn't originally expect to be gone so long, but there were... extra steps needed," After a moment she gives a hapless shrug. "... Well, you know why I was gone and couldn't readily contact anyone back home. Let's leave it at that and move on."

Bart Allen has posed:
Bart Allen hmms and nods his head a bit as the cats come in to start to give her attention, Bart will nod "You want something to drink or eat?" And before she can answer he is off, and back with some of her favorite snacks and drinks. "I am glad your back." He tells her.

Emiko Queen has posed:
Emiko Queen starts to answer but of course by the time she's about to say it Bart has already gone and gotten it. This is what happens when you date a speedster. But that he remembered her preference is touching regardless. So instead of an answer her response is just a polite "Thank you," as she accepts them. "I'm glad to be back too!" She pauses for a drink. "And dealing with -those- issues reminded me of why I prefer it here." She reachs over to put an arm around Bart's... midsection, because she doesn't want to awkwardly reach for his shoulders. "With the family and friends that actually care."

Bart Allen has posed:
Bart Allen will lean in and hug her back and says "Well it is good your back, I ended up moving back here, figured it made more sense than me staying at your place, but did go by on occasion make sure no one messed with it. " He thinks for a moment, and says "Oh and I know ya left some funds for the center, but was able to talk to Damian, and got them to cover the majority of it, so it is still coming along well."

Emiko Queen has posed:
"That's probably was for the best. If anyone was going to come looking for me, it would of been there or in Sterling. Plus someone had to look after the duo of troublemakers." Cue the pair of cats doing their best to look absolutely innocent, because that's how cats function. Look harmless. Strike when least expected. Like nature's own tiny assassins. Probably in part why she likes them.

Emiko munched on her snacks a bit. Was it convenient he had some of her favorite handy? Hoping she'd come back eventually? Or because it reminded him of her? Could be any of those. Or all of those. In the end it just matters it meant he was still thinking of her, extended absense or not. "That's great! Good to hear that project is still going strong." She waggles a finger at him. "But if you think for a moment that means I'm not going to help still, you're wrong."

Bart Allen has posed:
Bart Allen chuckles and says "Well, I know ya like the animals almost as much as I do, so not surprised you want to help. " He smiles at her, and sits down beside her. He is trying not to buzz about. "So I take it your back for a while, that is good to hear." He tells her. "Plan on helping around with the outsiders or the titans?" He asks her.

Emiko Queen has posed:
"I still need to let the groups know I'm back in service here, but yes. Of course I'm going to resume helping. When not keeping an eye on Ollie." Emiko laughs softly. "He keeps promising-slash-threatening he's going to give me a job with the company. I insist on not wanting favortism. He says it's just to provide experience... and he's probably right, but I'm still going to give him sibling grief for it." She wipes her fingers of snack crumbs on her side, then reachs over to pat Bart's cheek. "But I wanted to let the people close to me know first. I hate having to break ties like that, even temporarily, but it was necessary protection. I don't want to lose big brother or you like I've lost others." Pause. "Or never really knew at all, in father's case."

Bart Allen has posed:
Bart Allen nods, and reaches to take her hand and says "Well your not going to loose me, and if you miss place me, I show up again really quick." He jokes a bit to her, and says "Everyone will be glad to hear your back, oh Terry and Gar are engaged, happened the other night on Themyscira. I actually got to go, they made a special thing where some guys could be there for Terry's 21st birthday

Emiko Queen has posed:
Emiko Queen aaaaaws. "Good for them! Shame I wasn't back yet, I'll have to give them well wishes when I can." She was going to ask how they did it on Themyscira but the explaination of 'special arrangements' is enough. "That's a cute pair, the chesire cat and someone that can be any feline in the animal kingdom."

Bart Allen has posed:
Bart Allen says, "I am not sure how Kian will fit into it yet, since they have been a trouple, I am sure it will get figured out. So, you have any plans you want to do now that your back for sure?""

Emiko Queen has posed:
"They'll work it out, if they didn't have plans already." Emiko flicks her fingers through the longer portion of her bangs idly to keep them out of her actual vision. "I am just getting matters settled back in order first. Then I will see where I am needed. Between the Titans, the Outsiders, and Ollie-sitting I doubt I will have a shortage of things to occupy myself. Honestly? After the months of professional assassins, black market dealers and yakuza enforcers, I'm kind of looking forward to dealing with super powers, weird science and rediculous thematic criminals."

Bart Allen has posed:
Bart Allen says, "Oh speaking of the titans and criminals. We have Jinx living with the titans, as she is trying to turn over a new leaf. She is not the biggest fan of me, I let something slip, and she thought I was making fun of her."

Emiko Queen has posed:
Emiko Queen has to pause a moment and think. Being the sort to keep track of a tactical info also means there's a lot to shift through. "Ah, yes, the bad luck girl," she finally murmurs with a nod. "Trying to reform, that's good." Then after a moment she frowns. "But also makes her a target for previous alliances. That is... a familiar situation. I will see if I can help any." Then the hint of a smirk comes back. "It's okay Bart, I'm sure it's a side effect of being a speed demon that sometimes you speak faster than you think," she teases.

Bart Allen has posed:
Bart Allen says, "That and sometimes, I think about something and don't think that it is not something other people know yet. Mind you I am pretty sure things are not exactly like they were in the history records, but seems the major high points are at least pretty close.""

Emiko Queen has posed:
"-That- is something I can't say I'm familiar with, outside being with you." Emiko leans over to give his cheek a playful quick kiss, then gets up from her seat. "I've still got a few other things to take care of. Make sure I'm back up to speed with everything." Pauses to give both cats a few more pets. "But it's already feeling like being back home after seeing you guys again." That applies to both Bart and the cats.

Bart Allen has posed:
Bart Allen smiles and stands and will walk with her, if she is heading towards the door. He will smile and says "Well we are all glad your back too. If you want I can bring them back over to your place once your settled back in. I am sure they will be glad to be back living with you." He does not mention him living with her, they will talk about that at some point but he aint pressing it.

Emiko Queen has posed:
"When you have some time." The irony of saying this to a speedster is not lost to her. Its more likely intentional. "The company will be nice." If she means the cats, him, or all of the above is a little more vague this time, but also likely playfully intentionally phrased that way. Especially when she turns to give him a wink before slipping out the door. "See you later~!"

Bart Allen has posed:
Bart Allen will watch her leave, and gives it a few minutes before "Woooing" That she is back and pulling his "Red Arrow is the Best Arrow T-shirt from the back of the closest.