Inferno

“It’s going to keep being sad for as long as we talk about it which is why we shouldn’t.”

“Yeah no. There’s no avoiding this. No choice but to look at this head on.”

“I do, and I’m not mean I’m honest. Are you really that upset that I called you a dumbass of all @#$@#$ things?”

“And that’s what assholes say to convince themselves they’re not assholes. You can be honest without insulting everyone around you. I’ve been nothing but nice to you and offered to take care of all of this several times and you still disrespect me. That’s what bothers me. Y’know what. Have a nice day and learn to love yourself. I’m getting out of here.”

“I’m going to stick with my current liquid diet of coffee.”

“How do you do what you do and not majorly crash and burn with just coffee? I mean, that’s most of what Frank takes in a day, but at least he takes meal supplements too.”

“Multiverse.” Gwen lightly bounced her palm off of her temple. “I’ll bring my copy next time I come through. It’s new and it’s awesome.” 

“And mine is classic and golden. We’ll watch both. Maybe I can actually get Gorgon to watch with us.”

“I mean, yeah. Thankfully I’m doing that. Seems like a good starting point.” Deflection: class Stacy. “Last time? Not recently, much to the chagrin of my bandmates. I either don’t have time, I’m too tired or I’m too beat up. You?”

“Very smooth.” Dante said sarcastically as he rolled his eyes. He wasn’t going to get anything out of her if she didn’t want him to. “That’s a shame. I try and do a half hour a day at least and do more when I can, but realistically I only get to play for three hours a week. Back up career do super hero is to be a drummer in a metal band. With New Atillan that’s something I could actually afford to do if I can’t fight anymore.

As funny as it was, Crystalia had a cellphone. She had been on Earth long enough that one had become necessary and with Pietro being part of Luna’s life she had needed to get in contact with him easier. Pulling it out she sent a quick text to Luna’s tutor to have her ready before slipping it back into her pocket. “There. All proper parties have been notified. I’ll be keeping Luna on New Attilan as this situation gets worse. Your sister and niece are welcome to stay as well. It’ll be a safe space.”

“Thanks Queen C. I know she’ll appreciate it.” He said with a smile as he finished telling Gabi that everything was kosher over text. “Thank you so much for the offer!” He said with excited and wide eyes. “This is all getting a little freaky. Like, we’re tough and I think we can take it, but I’d rather try and get them off site.” He said before pausing. “But what about all the other kids here?”

“Good luck with that. It’ll likely fill your existence.”

“Hah, yeah probably. At least it’ll keep me busy, right?”

“She usually is. Have you ever met Bobbi? Amazing. She’s the coolest. Well, Janet too.” Nadia sighed, momentarily sidetracked. “No, no, no. Polybrominated, not whatever you said. It’s a chemical class that helps reduce the risk of things catching on fire. It would be great for you.”

“Never have but she sounds like it!” He said trying to keep up with her energy. “Right, that thing. I really don’t know much about this whole chemistry thing, but it sounds like it would be, and they probably put it in there.”

“What are you accomplishing then other than being a dumbass?”

“Wha-?” Dante replied having a genuinely hurt expression on his face. “Why do you have to be so mean? I get that I messed up your lunch and I’m really sorry about that, but who talks to people like that?”

“God, everyone is so $@#$ tense about that still. It’s been, like, seven months since everyone came back. Let it go.”

“It’s still a big deal. My sister came back to my niece that only knew me as her parent. It was really sad for her and it’s been hard to adapt.”

“Even if they did I don’t think that they would want you. Again, look at the place. You have to be rooming with cockroaches to fit into a place like this.”

“Thanks? Was that a compliment?” Dante said as he cocked his head like some confused puppy. “Either way, I’m just dying to play somewhere.”

“Why are you eating yogurt in the first place?”

“It’s full of probiotics and protein? And sometimes I’ll add pretzels and chocolate chips to it.”

“People always give me a hard time, but really. I’m not the worst of us. You should meet three or eight.”

“Am... Am I supposed to know what that means?”

“But who is the perfect guardian uncle? Maybe Ben Parker, but it turns out he’s dead everywhere except for where I live.” Gwen buzzed her lips for a moment, the multiverse she traveled once again the source of a headache. “I have that at least. Not that I really take the trains anymore. Doesn’t make since you thwip twhip your way through life.” Eyes darting over to Dante, Gwen one again shrugged. “Yeah, I’m fine. As fine as always. Sometimes I wonder what it would like to feel more fine, y’know? But that I think that kind of stuff isn’t real for people like us or me.”

“Fine just sounds like you mean you’re breathing.” Dante added with a gentle smile and a shrug. “I get that, but I wish it were different. When was the last time you just really beat it all out in a jam session?”