18905/Healing Hands in Bushwick

Healing Hands in Bushwick
Date of Scene:	23 August 2024
Location:	Mutant Town Clinic
Synopsis:	Aria Quit
Cast of Characters:	Aria Seraphine, Joshua Foley, Eddie Brock

---

Aria Seraphine has posed:
The mid-afternoon sun casts a muted glow through the windows of the Mutant Town Clinic, giving the slightly worn waiting room an almost nostalgic ambiance. The air is thick with the scent of antiseptic and sweat from the many patients packed into the small space. The room is filled with murmured conversations, the rustling of papers, and the occasional cough or groan of discomfort. The chairs are an eclectic mix, accommodating the varied sizes and shapes of the clinic's mutant clientele -- from the sturdy cinder block seat to the platformed cluster designed for the very small.

Aria steps into the clinic alongside Joshua, drawing curious glances from those waiting to be seen. Her light, golden-brown hair is pulled back into a sleek ponytail, accentuating her sharp features and the faint, ethereal glow that surrounds her. Dressed in chic black shorts, a shimmering pink blouse that catches the afternoon light, and a pair of black wedge heels that give her an extra three or four inches of height, she exudes an air of casual sophistication. Despite that outward appearance, though, there's a subtle tension in how she holds herself -- a wariness in her eyes as she takes in the unfamiliar surroundings.

The receptionist, a no-nonsense woman, looks up from her computer as the door swings open. Carla's graying hair is pulled into a tight bun, and her sharp, hawk-like gaze softens considerably when she sees Joshua. "Well, look who finally decided to grace us with his presence," she calls out, her voice a blend of warmth and exasperation. "Doc Winters has been asking about you. Something about a new procedure he's been wanting to run by you. We could also really use some help with the patient load if you're up for it."

Carla's words are clipped but not unkind. She's used to dealing with the kind of people who need a firm hand -- patients who get pushy when they think they can get an inch. She offers Aria a brief, appraising glance, her expression neutral but not unfriendly. "And who's this? Don't think I've seen you around here before," she says, more curious than accusatory.

Before Aria can respond, the door to the back swings open, and a nurse with bright green skin and short, curly hair steps out. "Mr. Daniels?" she calls, her voice cutting through the low hum of conversation. A man with scales on his arms and neck rises from one of the sturdier chairs and follows her through the door, leaving the waiting room one patient lighter.

Aria smiles coyly at Carla, her grip on Joshua's hand tightening slightly as she takes a small step closer to him. "I'm Aria," she says, her voice soft but steady, the warmth of her aura seeming to radiate outwards. "I'm just... here to help where I can."

Joshua Foley has posed:
Joshua steps into the clinic, the familiar mix of antiseptic, weariness, and resolve hanging in the air like an old companion. The muted sunlight filtering through the dusty blinds adds a nostalgic warmth to the scene, almost softening the stark reality of the overcrowded waiting room. For a moment, he's caught between two worlds-the one where he's just Joshua, a kid who grew up far too fast, and the one where he's Elixir, a healer tasked with mending wounds the world barely acknowledges.

But today, he's not alone. Aria's presence at his side is both grounding and surreal. She's so distinctly different from the clinic's usual patrons, with her poised elegance and glowing aura. The contrast is almost jarring, and he can feel the curious gazes of the waiting patients on them both. Still, her presence is a comfort-a lightness that tempers the heaviness he often carries walking into this place.

Carla's voice snaps him out of his thoughts. He smirks at her quip, the corners of his mouth tugging upward as he meets her familiar, no-nonsense gaze. "You know me, Carla. Can't resist being fashionably late when there's a patient load waiting," he jokes, but there's genuine warmth behind the words. He's aware that beneath her gruff exterior, Carla's one of the few constants in this clinic; a steady presence in a place that's always on the edge of chaos.

When Carla's attention shifts to Aria, Joshua feels Aria's grip tighten, a subtle signal of her own apprehension. He squeezes back gently, offering silent reassurance. He knows this world is new to her-the uncertainty, the desperation of people in need of something more than just medical care: but she holds her own. Her introduction is soft, but it carries the same quiet strength that drew him to her in the first place.

"Aria's here to lend a hand," Joshua says, stepping in smoothly as the nurse calls another patient to the back. His tone is casual, but there's a hint of protectiveness beneath it. "She's got a way of calming people down, and trust me, that's half the battle some days." He offers Carla a knowing look, one that says he's seen too many patients come through those doors needing more than just a bandage or a stitch-they need a reason to believe things can get better.

The clinic continues to hum with life around them, mutants of all shapes, sizes, and states of distress. Joshua can feel the weariness pressing in, but he's used to pushing past it. He gives Aria a brief, appreciative smile. Her presence is a reminder that even in places like this, there can be moments of warmth, connection, and maybe even hope.

"Let's get to it," he says, a hint of resolve sharpening his voice as he looks around the room. There are people to heal, and Joshua knows better than anyone that in Mutant Town, the work never stops. But with Aria here, it somehow feels a little less lonely. "I'm ready for the first patient, Carla. We'll be in exam room 1."

Eddie Brock has posed:
Eddie Brock steps into the clinic, one hand on the door and the other on his gear bag, holding it close to his body. He glances at the waiting room, taking note of just how busy it seems to be. Taking out a notepad, he scribbles some words on it, likely an introductory line or two for an article he's doing on this clinic. Mutant Town, they call it. Catching one nurse as she moves from one room to the other, he starts matching pace with her. "Hi, I'm Eddie Brock. I was wondering if it'd be alright if I wrote a piece on my website about the clinic, and the work that you do for the community." he asks. "I'm fine with it.." the nurse replies, "..but I'm not the one you ought to be asking."

Eddie smiles and shrugs. "I'll ask later. Is today busier than normal?" he asks, pen and notepad at the ready. The reporter uses these old-fashioned methods because A) he's old, and B) it's not easy holding a laptop and typing on it at the same time. If anyone were to look at his scribbles they would never be able to make out what they say, his handwriting while walking is decidedly not great.

Aria Seraphine has posed:
For eons, Seraphine has been an Angel of Mercy -- a member of the Pax Dei, guiding and healing humanity according to the divine will. The sick and injured have always been within her purview, but today, as she stands beside Joshua, she feels a profound disconnection from that former self. Her wings are clipped, her divine connection all but severed. What is her role now?

She used to act with the clarity of purpose, knowing that her actions were part of a grand design, guided by the Will of Him Who Is -- The Presence. But now, cast down and stripped of that certainty, she's left questioning where she fits into this world. Is she still an angel, or has she become something else? Is she Mortal? She's not even sure of that. Her healing gift persists, but in this body of flesh and blood, is she free to choose her own path? Or is she still bound to a higher calling?

As she stands in the crowded waiting room, the sounds and smells of the clinic pressing in around her, there's an unfamiliar doubt creeping in. She used to know her place, her role in the divine order, but now she feels lost at sea when presented with these kinds of choices. Her fingers tighten slightly around Joshua's hand, drawing comfort from his presence as she struggles to reconcile her new life with her old.

Her thoughts are interrupted by a flash of recognition. Aria's gaze shifts, and she notices a familiar face -- Eddie Brock, the reporter from the skate park. They didn't meet then, but she knows who he is. She leans closer to Joshua, her voice low and cautious. "That's Eddie Brock," she whispers. "I saw him at the skate park before the Reavers attacked."

Before she can say more, a loud voice cuts through the room as one of the patients, a burly mutant with rough, scaly skin, begins to shout at the receptionist. "I've been waiting for hours! You think just because we're mutants, we can be ignored? This place is supposed to help us!"

Aria flinches at the anger in his voice, but she doesn't pull away. Instead, she watches, her expression softening into something approaching sorrow. She knows that pain, that frustration. She's felt it in countless souls over the ages. And even now, stripped of her divinity, she feels a pull -- a need to help. But what's her place in this? What can she do?

Joshua was just praising her ability to calm people down, and yet here she stands beside him... doing nothing except watching.

Joshua Foley has posed:
Joshua stands in the center of the clinic's storm, his golden eyes flicking between the different scenes unfolding around him-the constant hustle of the overworked staff, the agitation rippling through the crowded waiting room, and now, Eddie Brock's entrance with his notepad in hand. Joshua's seen reporters come through before, but there's something different in the way Eddie moves, a sense of genuine curiosity and an old-school approach that feels oddly refreshing amidst all the digital chaos of today's world.

But it's Sera beside him that draws his attention most. He feels the tension in her grip, the subtle way her presence falters as she contemplates her place here. He can almost see the weight of doubt pulling at her-a stark contrast to the certainty she must have once known as an Angel of Mercy. Joshua's dealt with many patients who've struggled with their identity, but Sera's struggle is on another level entirely. For her, this isn't just about purpose; it's about reconciling the loss of divinity with the reality of being flesh and blood. He's no stranger to existential crises, but he knows he can't fully grasp what she's going through.

When Sera leans in and whispers about Eddie Brock, Joshua's eyes narrow slightly, registering the name. He's vaguely aware of who Brock is, especially given the circles he runs in, but hearing that Eddie was at the skate park just before the Reavers attacked piques his interest. A reporter in the middle of all that? It's a coincidence too sharp to ignore, but there's no time to dive into that now.

The sharp, angry voice of the scaly-skinned mutant cuts through the air, shattering the brief moment of contemplation. Joshua's heart sinks as he sees the pain behind the man's anger, a frustration that goes deeper than just waiting too long. It's a frustration born from years of being sidelined, dismissed, and treated like an afterthought. Joshua's been there himself, feeling like no matter what he does, it's never enough. He knows how dangerous that feeling can be when it festers unchecked.

He senses Sera's turmoil beside him-wanting to help but unsure how. It's ironic, really. She's someone who once acted with the authority of the divine, guiding and healing with unquestionable purpose, and now she's here, questioning herself in the face of a mortal struggle. Joshua squeezes her hand gently, offering a silent reminder that she doesn't need to have all the answers right now. She's still finding her way, and that's okay.

Joshua steps forward, his voice calm but carrying enough authority to cut through the room's tension. "Hey, I get it, man. It's been a rough day for everyone." He locks eyes with the burly mutant, his tone steady and empathetic. "We're doing everything we can, but I know it doesn't feel like it's enough when you're the one hurting. Let's get you checked in properly. I promise you won't be ignored."

The mutant gets more agitated and grabs Joshua by the thoat. "Look here! I know about you, the so called miracle healer. Heal me of being a mutant!" he growls into Joshua's face. "Or I'll snap your neck and see how quickly you come back from being dead. I'm tired of this curse and you're gonna fix it!"

Eddie Brock has posed:
Eddie is, on some level, acutely aware of the whispers about him. That's the thing about an alien symbiote enhancing your senses, it gets harder to block out the noise. Maybe that's why he has trouble sleeping in NYC. He's shaken from his thought by one of the patients grabbing Joshua by the neck, Eddie recognizing the dude with the gold skin from the skate park, just the same as the pair of them recognized him. Eddie might even have a picture of them in the camera roll, he recalls. Could come in handy.

<< We could cure him of being a mutant, Eddie.. >> the symbiote decides to chime in at this moment. <And then what, we'll just be murderers again and they'll run us out of town again?> Eddie responds, communicating with his guest without making a sound. << At least we would not be hungry. >> the symbiote responds. <Shut up. We'll intervene if we have to, but otherwise we don't know if this is a regular thing, or if those two can handle themselves.>

Eddie moves to the side, clearing a path for anyone wanting to get distance from the ruckus, and pockets his notepad just in case.

Aria Seraphine has posed:
Aria looks up at Josh with a soft, grateful smile, squeezing his hand in return, but the tension in the room swells as the burly mutant's anger erupts.

Joshua's presence, his warmth and calmness, had been so reassuring just moments ago, but seeing him threatened, her protective instincts take over, and Aria's heart races as she feels the anger flare up in her chest.

The moment the mutant's hand grabs Joshua's throat, Aria's expression hardens. Her eyes darken, and the room seems to dim around her, shadows stretching as if drawn to her anger. For a heartbeat, it's as if the very air around her thickens, charged with the weight of something otherworldly, something powerful.

But then she forces herself to breathe, to remember who she is -- or at least who she wants to be. With a visible effort, she reigns in the darkness, letting it dissipate as a soft, almost ethereal light begins to radiate from her instead. The shadows retreat, chased away by some intangible glow that surrounds her like a halo of peace and acceptance, filling the room with a sense of calm and warmth.

Her voice, when she speaks, is soothing and melodic, carrying a hint of the divine power she once wielded with ease. "Calm," she says softly, her tone almost a lullaby, designed to ease the tension and soothe the anger. Her words seem to wrap around the mutant like a comforting blanket, urging him to release his grip and let go of his rage.

Aria steps forward, her eyes filled with compassion and understanding. "We're here to help, not hurt," she says, her voice still carrying that gentle, calming power. "But you need to let go. Let us help you."

Joshua Foley has posed:
Joshua barely has a moment to process the shift in the room before the hand clamps around his throat. The pressure is intense, the mutant's grip fueled by desperation and fear, but it's the look in his eyes that Joshua recognizes-a mix of anger, pain, and hopelessness. He's seen it too many times in this clinic. For a split second, his instincts flare up, the urge to defend himself almost taking over. But he doesn't react with force. He can feel the life energy thrumming through the man's body, unstable and volatile, but it's not something he can't handle.

He catches a glimpse of Eddie moving to the side, ever the observant reporter, no doubt calculating whether to intervene or just keep watching. Joshua's aware of Brock's reputation, the kind of trouble he's been involved in, but there's something different in the way Eddie holds himself now, a controlled readiness, as if he's waiting for the right moment.

But Joshua's focus snaps back to Aria, who's gone from soft warmth to something darker, more intense. The air around her shifts, the shadows lengthening and clinging to her in a way that makes even Joshua's powers flicker in response. For a moment, it's like staring into a void-a glimpse of the power she's holding back, the remnants of her divine nature straining against the mortal constraints she's learning to live within. He's seen her struggle with it, and he knows the toll it takes on her.

But just as quickly as the darkness appears, Aria reigns it in, replacing it with a light so gentle and soothing that Joshua can almost feel the tension in the clinic begin to ease. The shadows dissipate, replaced by a warmth that fills the room, pushing back against the fear and anger. Her voice, when she speaks, is like a balm, a melody wrapped in compassion, and it washes over the mutant like a tide, coaxing him to release the grip on Joshua's neck.

Joshua doesn't fight against the hand still at his throat. Instead, he meets the man's gaze head-on, his expression calm and understanding. "It's okay," Joshua says quietly, his voice steady despite the pressure against his windpipe. "We're here to help, just like she said." He keeps his tone gentle but firm, letting the natural healing energy in his body start to flow outward. It's subtle, barely noticeable, but it's enough to soothe the raw edges of the mutant's emotions. He cannot heal a mutation. But he can at least soothe the self-inflicted injuries it causes.

The grip on his throat loosens, and the man's eyes flicker with confusion, as if he's suddenly unsure why he lashed out in the first place. Joshua takes a careful step back as the man's hand falls away, giving him space but still keeping a calming presence. He knows how fragile moments like this can be-one wrong word, and the whole situation could spiral out of control again.

Aria's light lingers in the room, a palpable sense of peace settling over everyone. Joshua gives her a grateful nod, silently acknowledging the effort it took for her to find that balance between darkness and light. He turns his attention back to the man, who looks more lost than angry now.

"You're hurting, and I get that," Joshua says softly, his voice holding that mix of empathy and resolve that comes from years of treating people who feel like they're at the end of their rope. "But we can't help you if you let the pain take over. We're not your enemies."

There's a tense pause as the man's eyes dart between Joshua and Aria, but then, slowly, he nods, the fight draining out of him. He steps back, chest heaving with heavy breaths, but the anger has mostly melted away, replaced with exhaustion and a hint of shame. "I just want it to stop," the man mutters, his voice cracking as the vulnerability beneath his rough exterior shows through.

Joshua nods, offering a reassuring smile. "That's what we're here for. Let's get you checked out and see what we can do."

As the man shuffles away toward the nurse, Joshua glances back at Eddie, who's watching with those sharp eyes that miss nothing. "If you're writing about this

Joshua Foley has posed:
As the man shuffles away toward the nurse, Joshua glances back at Eddie, who's watching with those sharp eyes that miss nothing. "If you're writing about this place," Joshua says, his tone still carrying that calm confidence, "make sure people know we're not just fixing wounds. We're holding onto hope for folks who've got nothing left."

He meets Aria's gaze, silently communicating his gratitude and the acknowledgment that they're both figuring this out as they go. They may be different, divine and mortal, healer and warrior, but in this moment, they're united by a shared purpose: to heal, protect, and remind people that they're not alone in their struggle.

Eddie Brock has posed:
Eddie exhales when the situation seems to resolve itself, and visibly relaxes. << Aww. >> the symbiote tells Eddie, an attempt at humor. Eddie himself, however, is studying Aria. He'd felt odd last time too, at the skate park, and here's that feeling again. He wasn't -angry- when the patient grabbed Joshua by the throat, but a moment after, he was. Almost like he'd been forced to feel an emotion not his own. And then he was calm, and the guy let Joshua go. Crisis averted?

When Joshua addresses him, Eddie raises a hand to acknowledge him, nodding. "Can I quote you on that?" he asks, retrieving his notepad to write just that down and repeating it to himself. "..not just fixing wounds, holding onto hope for people with nothing left. What's your name? You were at the skate park. Both of you were."

Aria Seraphine has posed:
When Joshua is finally released, Aria reaches out instinctively, her hand finding his arm -- a soft, reassuring touch. Her eyes meet his, and for a brief moment, she offers him a smile that speaks of gratitude, of relief, and of the connection they share.

She's by his side, just as he is by hers, no matter what.

Gradually, her presence shifts once more, that radiant aura calming as the tension in the room subsides. The soothing light that had enveloped her dims to something gentler, more passive, as though she's retreating back into herself. It's a subtle transition, but noticeable to those paying attention. She's no longer the beacon of divine energy she was just moments ago; instead, she appears as Joshua's quiet, supportive girlfriend, almost blending into the background as a passively soothing presence. Yet, even in this more subdued state, her cover-model beauty -- as mundane as it might be compared to her other gifts -- is too striking to be dismissed entirely.

As Eddie asks for Josh's name, Aria's gaze lowers, her smile turning shy. "I think I see someone else who needs some reassurance," she says softly, her attention shifting to a young boy looking particularly shaken by the commotion. Her voice is gentle, almost as if she's speaking only to herself, and there's a definite edge of not wanting to be included in any reporting.

Aria gives Joshua's arm one last squeeze before letting go, her eyes lingering on him for just a moment longer. This is his moment. He was just attacked in a clinic he serves as a regular physician in. He's a healer, and with someone like Eddie Brock on hand to cover it, he deserves to have not just his efforts but the whole clinic's efforts to help the community recognized. She was there to support him when he needed it, but the limelight wasn't something she wanted -- not here. She had her face on enough posters and social media posts for the Hellfire Club.

With a small nod to both Joshua and Eddie, she steps away, her hands clasped loosely in front of her as she approaches the boy. Her smile brightens, and it's as though a light has returned to her eyes. She kneels down to his level, her presence immediately comforting, and within moments, the boy's expression shifts from fear to relief, his face lighting up with a smile of his own as they talk animatedly and the boy's mother watches quietly.

Joshua Foley has posed:
Joshua gives a small nod in response to Eddie's question, appreciating how quickly the reporter shifts back into professional mode. "Yeah, you can quote me on that," he replies, keeping his tone steady despite the residual tension from what just went down. There's a subtle edge in Eddie's line of questioning-something probing, as if he's trying to piece together more than just a story. "I'm Joshua Foley. And yeah, I remember seeing you at the skate park. Didn't expect to run into you here, though."

He notices the way Eddie's eyes flick to Aria, almost like he's trying to figure out what just happened-like he can feel something lingering in the air that doesn't quite add up. Joshua's seen that look before, usually from people trying to make sense of the subtle currents of emotion and power that swirl around when Aria's abilities manifest. It's not something easily explained, and certainly not something you can capture in a soundbite or a headline.

As Aria touches his arm, the warmth of her presence floods through him, grounding him in the moment. Joshua meets her gaze, offering a soft smile in return, silently conveying his thanks. He's well aware of how she stepped in when things could have gone south, and the quiet strength in her touch reminds him that they're in this together. It's a comfort, knowing she's by his side, even if she prefers to stay out of the spotlight.

He watches her as she gracefully shifts her attention to the young boy in the corner, her demeanor softening into something so tender and gentle that even the most hardened heart would be moved. Joshua admires how effortlessly she transitions from wielding divine power to providing simple, human comfort. The way the boy's fear melts into a shy smile as Aria kneels beside him is nothing short of magical, though she makes it look so natural, like it's just who she is at her core.

Joshua turns back to Eddie, who's still waiting, pen poised over his notepad. "This clinic isn't just about patching people up," Joshua continues, his voice carrying a deeper sincerity now that the adrenaline has settled. "It's about making sure they know they're not alone. Mutant Town's got enough people trying to break it down. We're here to build it back up, one person at a time."

There's a brief pause as Eddie scribbles down notes, but Joshua can see that the reporter's curiosity hasn't been fully satisfied. He's still got questions, about Joshua, about Aria, maybe even about what just happened with the mutant who grabbed him. But Joshua's not about to dive into a conversation about powers or the complexities of living in this gray space between healer and mutant warrior.

"Look," Joshua says, softening his tone just a bit, "if you really want to write something that matters, focus on what this place does for people who don't have anywhere else to go. It's not glamorous, but it's real. That's the story that needs to be told."

He glances over at Aria, who's now laughing softly as the boy animatedly describes something, her entire presence radiating peace and warmth. Joshua can't help but feel a surge of pride-not just in what she's done here, but in who she is. She might shy away from the attention, but it's moments like this that remind him just how vital she is, not just to him, but to the people they're trying to help.

As Eddie pockets his notepad, Joshua offers a nod, "You can ask me any questions that you want. And stick around if you want to see more of what we do. But I'd appreciate it if you keep the focus on the clinic, not just the people in it." There's a subtle hint in his words, a quiet plea to respect the privacy of those who come here seeking refuge and care, and including Aria.

Eddie Brock has posed:
Eddie glances at Aria as she almost immediately excuses herself from the conversation, tilting his head. Alright then. Turning his attention back to Joshua he adds his name to the quote he just wrote down. Eddie shrugs. "I figured I'd follow up on the whole deal with the Reavers, and this clinic is fairly close by. High chance people here would've been there at the time too. << I do not like his tone, Eddie. >> the symbiote tells the reporter. << Can we eat -him-? >>

Eddie inhales, and slowly exhales, shaking his head. He regards Joshua again. "Listen, I don't mean to assume anything, but is it the press you have a problem with, or me?" he asks. Oh boy, here we go. Eddie is fully aware of what he's done, making Jonah print a retraction is a rare feat after all, but it doesn't make sense to be looked at like that so many years later. "I can't interview a sign that says 'clinic', you know? I'd have to talk to the people who work here at some point.

Aria Seraphine has posed:
Aria kneels beside the boy, her presence immediately comforting as she engages him in playful conversation. They laugh together, the sound light and soothing in the otherwise tense atmosphere of the clinic. Her eyes shine with genuine warmth as she listens to him, her attention fully on the child. But then, the boy suddenly winces and grabs his arm, his laughter fading into a pained expression.

Aria's brow furrows with concern, and she gently asks him what's wrong. The boy points to a spot on his wrist, explaining in a small voice what's bothering him. Nodding with understanding, Aria brings a finger to her lips, a playful gesture as if sharing a secret, and then motions for him to move his arm closer.

Glancing around to ensure they're not being watched too closely, Aria subtly shifts her position, using her shoulder to block the view as she hovers her hand over the boy's wrist. For just a moment, a faint golden glow emanates from her palm, the light soft and warm, like the first rays of dawn. The boy's eyes widen in wonder as the pain in his wrist fades away.

"It feels better!" he exclaims, his voice filled with surprise and relief.

Aria's laughter is warm and genuine as she gently hushes him with another finger to her lips, her cheeks tinged with a light blush. She smiles between the boy and his mother, who watches with a mix of gratitude and astonishment.

"Let's keep that between us, okay? You should still see a doctor," Aria whispers, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she gives the boy's shoulder a gentle squeeze.

Joshua Foley has posed:
Joshua watches as Eddie's gaze shifts between him and Aria, noticing the reporter's curiosity and perhaps a hint of frustration. He takes a deep breath, mindful of the simmering tension in the room and the underlying currents of Eddie's questions.

Joshua's tone is measured as he responds, "It's not about you personally, Eddie. It's about the way stories are told and the impact they have. This clinic is a place where people come for real help, and it's important that their stories are told with respect."

He pauses, allowing his words to resonate. "I understand you need to talk to people to get the full picture. But the focus should be on the work being done here, not just the dramatic moments or sensational angles. The Reavers are a part of it, but so are the everyday heroes working tirelessly to make a difference."

Joshua glances over at Aria, who's now kneeling beside the boy, her comforting presence evident even from a distance. He sees the boy wince in pain and Aria's immediate, gentle response, a testament to the care and compassion that define her approach. The sight is a reminder of why he's committed to this work-the impact they have on individuals, no matter how small or big the moment.

He turns back to Eddie, his expression calm but resolute. "As for the press, it's not about being opposed to it, it's about making sure it's done right. If you're going to cover this place, focus on what we're doing here: the healing, the support, and the everyday struggles. It's not just about the dramatic stories; it's about the real, ongoing efforts to make life better for people in need."

Joshua's gaze softens as he adds, "Aria and I, we're here because we believe in what this clinic stands for. And part of that is ensuring that our patients and their stories are handled with the care and dignity they deserve."

He sees Aria's soft, radiant interaction with the boy, the way her touch eases his pain and brings a smile back to his face. It's a small but profound example of the clinic's work, the kind of quiet, unheralded acts of kindness that make a real difference.

Joshua takes a step back, allowing Eddie space to absorb his words. "So, if you're going to tell this story, tell it with the understanding that this place, and the people who come through its doors, are more than just headlines. They're individuals with their own struggles and victories."

Joshua nods, signaling that he's ready to move on but still open for any further questions Eddie might have. With a final glance at Aria and the boy, Joshua's focus returns to the clinic's ongoing work, the quiet, essential service they provide, and the hope they bring to those who need it most.

Eddie Brock has posed:
Eddie nods slightly. "Look, just because I don't work for a Daily Bugle, or a Daily Planet, or what-have-you, doesn't mean I don't know how to do field work." He glances around. "Of course I'm going to write about the clinic, that's why didn't come here until now. For the skate park incident, it's likely all follow-up visits as well at this point. It's not exactly a breaking news story, you know?" he smirks slightly. "But you make a fair request, and I'll honor it." Eddie decides, hoping to take the tension out of their talk.

With that, Eddie gives Joshua a small nod, pulling a digital photocamera out of his pocket. Scrolling back a -fair- bit, he finds what he was looking for. "Look." he tells Joshua as he turns the viewscreen to the man with the golden skin. "Snapped a picture of you and your girlfriend at the skate park before all that hell broke loose. I didn't end up using it, but I can DM it to you if you follow the socials. It's @EddieBrockReport on all of them." The picture isn't a close-up, and it's not a posed picture either. Just two people enjoying their time together in a fairly crowded setting.

Aria Seraphine has posed:
Aria rises from her position beside the boy just as the receptionist beckons her over, her warm demeanor never faltering despite the subtle shift in the clinic's atmosphere. The receptionist's voice is low and quiet, the conversation brief but meaningful. Aria nods in understanding, her expression soft and composed as she listens. Before long, a nurse is called over, and it's clear they want to take Aria into the back, to help out where she can.

But before she moves to follow, Aria turns, her steps graceful as she makes her way back to Joshua and Eddie, rejoining them just as Eddie turns the viewscreen to show Josh the photo. Her presence beside Joshua seems to bring an immediate sense of calm, a soft smile tugging at her lips as she glances at the image.

"It's a good picture," she comments softly, her eyes flicking between Eddie and Joshua with gentle approval. There's a warmth in her voice, an appreciation for the moment captured in that simple photo, a memory of a good moment even if it was fleeting. She then turns to face Eddie more fully, her expression thoughtful. "I liked your article about the skate park, Mr. Brock. The tone, especially, and the fact that you were there to capture firsthand what mutants have to face on a daily basis. I think you do good work."

Her words are sincere, but even now, she hasn't offered her name, choosing instead to let her actions and even her presence continue to slip under the radar. She's not here for recognition, just to help in whatever small way she can.

Leaning up, Aria places a soft kiss on Joshua's cheek, her touch light but affectionate. "I'm going to see what I can do to help in the back," she murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper, meant only for him. With that, she pulls away, offering both men a final, reassuring smile before turning to follow the nurse.

Joshua Foley has posed:
"It's not you, Mister Brock." Joshua rubs his hand over his face. "After I died and came back, it was the press that outted me and brought the Reavers to my home - so that's why I'm wary." Joshua's golden gaze followed Eddie's movements as he pulled out the camera, fingers tightening ever so slightly in his lap. When Eddie spun the screen around to show the photo, Josh's expression softened, his usual guardedness slipping away. The image, just him and Aria, sharing a moment of peace before everything descended into chaos-tugged at something inside him. They looked happy, unburdened, even in the midst of all the noise.

Josh's smirk was laced with genuine appreciation as he met Eddie's eyes. "Didn't think anyone was paying attention to stuff like that in the middle of all the madness," he remarked with a quiet chuckle. "But, yeah, send it over. I'll hit you up on the socials."

Before he could say more, Aria returned, her presence wrapping him in that familiar warmth that always seemed to ease the tension in his chest. Her approval of the photo was like a gentle balm, and when she spoke to Eddie, praising his work, Joshua found himself silently agreeing. Aria had a way of finding light in the darkest places, of seeing the good even when things were at their worst.

When she leaned in, placing that tender kiss on his cheek, Joshua's eyes softened further, his hand reflexively brushing against her arm as she pulled away. He nodded at her words, understanding her unspoken need to help, to do what she could even when it went unnoticed by most. "Be careful back there," he murmured, his voice low but laced with affection.

As Aria moved off with the nurse, Joshua turned his attention back to Eddie, but there was a noticeable shift in his demeanor-less guarded, more open. "You know," he began, leaning back slightly, "you've got an eye for capturing moments most people would miss. That's not something you learn in a newsroom. It's instinct. Keep doing that, and people are gonna start seeing things the way you do."

The tension between them had mostly melted away, leaving only a mutual respect. Josh still wasn't thrilled about the attention Eddie could bring, but in this moment, he saw the guy wasn't just another reporter looking for a headline-he was trying to show the world something real. And maybe, just maybe, that was worth supporting.

Eddie Brock has posed:
Eddie smiles slightly at Aria's praise. It makes him feel good about what he does, but he's not used to compliments in person and doesn't know how to take them in earnest. "I will make sure you get a copy." he tells her simply. "I do try to be as objective as possible in my writing, and I can't say I'm seeing anything but people offering help to people in need here." he notes with an incline of his head towards Joshua. "As Joshua said." More or less. Along with 'when I died and came back', but Eddie files that one away for later. "You healed the Reaver who got her artificial limbs ripped off, too. I'd stopped taking pictures by then."

Joshua makes his observation about him being a -real- reporter instead of a newshound, and he nods. "Yeah, I'm done trying to get the quick bucks for sensational trash. It stopped working for me a long time ago. I'm gonna go take some pictures here." Eddie tells Joshua, leaving him to his practice and walking away.