flare

Genny knew that it was wrong, but she understood now how Charlie felt when he took Dark Horse. She felt strong and nearly invincible. Her powers felt like they were coursing through her veins, lighting up every part of her. She was warm, and all the problems she had from the black hole generation were gone. The mutant clapped her hands together and black hole formed in the side of a shoplifter. “It can’t be a five finger discount if you don’t have any fingers.” She chuckled and allowed the hole to grow in size. It began to drag a nearby mall cop. As the thief started to scream in pain from the gash in their side, she walked over, fire sprout up from her footsteps. “Relax. I’m going to make sure no one ever misbehaves again. It’s the least I can do.”

“I just felt it, Dr. Enderle. And your mom?” He asked. Parker never really asked professor’s about their personal life, but if she shared he wouldn’t be against it. “If I put on the next field then you might not be able to get out. What happens after that? I don’t think imploding on yourself would do anyone any good.” He chuckled but he complied and flipped a switch. A second force field went on. “Science can be kind of sad, Dr. Enderle. Do people have to hurt to make advancements in this field? It sucks.”

He watched as the energy rippled when she touched the barrier.  Parker turned to the panel and reached over to push all the switches, but despite the new barriers activating, he felt gravity shift toward Genny’s direction. Parker grabbed onto the console and tried to pull himself away. “Dr.Enderle! I can’t just leave you. How do we stop this?!”

It didn’t feel right to speak so casually about things, but she decided to answer his questions, hopefully to calm him down in the process of calming herself down. “She deals with ferrokinesis and magnekinesis. As you’ve come to know, I’m a ball of flaming solar power.” She hugged herself and focused on pushing all her energy inwards. Genny needed to contain the blast long enough for Parker to escape. “Parker, please just go. Let’s hope that my technology can hold this anomaly. You need to start running... People don’t have to get hurt. We don’t have to make sacrifices.”

Genny hunched over and fell to her knees.  She squeezed her eyes shut as she held on to herself. Everything within the containment unit burst into flames. “LEAVE!!!” She screamed and then she erupted into yellow flames. “Parker, I can’t hold it! You need to go!” Her flames expanded and pushed against the force fields, turning a deep red as they moved. The brackets holding the force fields in bent from her expanding energies. As she focused on pulling back her powers, her flames moved from red to white and they lingered over her body. “Parker, I’m going to implode.” 

“Hit the kill switch.”

“Just like you didn’t mean to walk out of my sister’s life.” Jeremiah believed that his sister was strong, but he didn’t think that she was being honest about herself. Everyone was too focused on looking like they were fine. He just wanted them to feel the way they were trying to look like. “If you weren’t here, people wouldn’t be hurt and maybe all this messed up stuff wouldn’t have happened!” He yelled. 

The shadows gathered around them, attracted by his negative emotions. He used to like Genny and once believed that she was the right person for his sister, but now, he just saw a hazard. With all that was happening to their family at the moment, he felt like he needed to do his part to protect them, even if it meant getting rid of someone who once meant something to Grace. “No, you don’t get that chance. Grace probably never wants to see you again.” When he said that, the shadows pulled themselves from the ground and wall before reaching over to restrain the mutant. “I’ll make sure you’re away for good.”

“Grace broke up with me and she doesn’t want to be with me anymore.” The last time they met, it felt like they were done with each other. For as smart as she was, Genny wished that she knew of a way to make Grace’s opinion of her weigh less on her mind. She sighed and shook her head. “Maybe it wouldn’t have... I don’t know. Listen to me, Miah, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt anyone.” She never thought that she would want forgiveness from anyone or that she’d regret her own mutation. 

“Yeah, you’re really cold and I think gravity is acting really weird around you.” Parker didn’t have all the scientific know how for a situation, but his powers let him do things that normal people wouldn’t dream of doing. “Have you been doing much practicing with the black hole part of your powers?  I’m not the best guy, but practice makes perfect right? Maybe that’ll keep you from…” He clapped his hands and pressed them against each other. “Imploding!” He continued to make what he believed were implosion sounds, which was basically crushing noises. As he was doing this, a sensor on the panel next to him began to go off. 

Genny didn’t feel uncomfortable with the temperature that her body gave off, but she kne wthat it made everyone else worried. She was either too hot or too cold. The only time she ever hit a normal temperature was if a power inhibitor was locked onto her. “I shouldn’t have an effect on gravity. That’s more of my mother’s style.” She shook her head at him and then looked away. “But if it is me, then maybe you should put on the next containment field. Black holes swallow everything within its reach so I hope you can understand my reluctance in practicing... Needless to say, but I’ll say it anyways, our safest bet is keeping me here even if I implode.... For science.”

Grace frowned once Genny pulled away and mentally cursed herself. This wasn’t supposed to happen. This was wrong despite feeling so right. However, they needed to sort out their differences if they want this to work. It would be toxic of them to get back together right away right? She didn’t give Genny the proper space she needed…And what if she skewed her judgment?

Backing up against the wall, Grace chuckled softly before shaking her head. She cupped Genny’s face and gave one last kiss before pulling away and keeping her distance. “You and I both know that’s not right Gen-Gen.” Her expression turned serious and she shook her head once more. This time it was a refusal. “It’s not my right to make you stay. I shouldn’t force you. This is something you need to be 100% sure about and since you’re even asking means it’s not. Although, you don’t have to leave, you can still be here in C2 and have space…I just…What we’re doing now isn’t right. I don’t even think I’m being fair to you even, especially by putting you through this.”

Since when was Grace concerned about what was right or wrong? What happened to existing in the grey area of things?  Genny chuckled when Grace finally rejected her advances. “Ok.” Maybe Grace was different now. Something must have happened whilst she was gone and she wasn’t in the position to ask her anymore. She was just an ex. “You can choose to throw out everything or whatever you want... I don’t need that box...” She pointed to the box with the photos she once collected. “Not anymore, you can do what you want with it.”

“There has to be another way than orbiting the sun Genny.” Grace flatly states as she gave her a look. However, she knew the attempts that she’d made to ensure that she didn’t lose control and nothing seemed to be as effective than by being near the sun. “Understood.” she finally said after a long period of silence. “Do what you have to do.” 

She thought that would be the end of it. A see you later and they’d be doing their own thing, but once Genny went in for a gentle kiss, Grace froze in her spot and cursed herself mentally. It was what she was about to do next that may be problematic, but there was no use in holding back. Without skipping a beat, the demigod ignores the apology and excuse as she closed the distance between them and pulled Genny into a deep heated kiss. Biting her lip slightly, she pulls away and murmured, “Do you really need to go?”

When Grace closed the distance, she grabbed a fistful of the other girl’s shirt and pulled her closer as her other hand reached up to cup her cheek. They missed each other and were hurt, but this kiss had to mean something. Genny wanted to believe that it meant that she was better than the rest. Was it so wrong to hope for and wish that Grace wanted her as much as she did for her? She had to stop herself from kissing her again when she pulled away. She sighed and then leaned her forehead against Grace’s. 

“I don’t know. I haven’t figured it out yet...” She opened her fist, releasing Grace’s shirt. Genny tried to be logical and reasonable, just like her parents or Charlie, but she couldn’t stop her emotions from overwhelming her. She lightly pushed against Grace, back toward the door to the apartment that she was supposed to be trying to move out of. “Help me stay.” She knew that she wasn’t thinking too hard about this, but at the moment, it felt right. 

“Oh c’mon Genevieve.” Grace’s tone was tired as she gave the blonde a ‘don’t be like that’ look. She knew what she meant, but of course it had to be taken out of context. “Then you have time to process and reflect. I’m sorry that it came down to this and I too will work on bettering myself so this doesn’t happen again.” She frowned, the way her temperature was dropping meant one thing. “You can’t be serious.” she mumbled. Biting her tongue hard, Grace could taste the iron that filled her mouth. Once Genny’s mind was set on something, there was no use in trying to sway her out of it. Therefore, if she wanted to stay in the sun, then who was she to stop her? Closing the distance on them, Grace gave her a warm embrace and held onto her as she whispered, “Mmkays, I’ll stay put and you can go ahead and figure your shit out. Just be careful okay?” Pulling away, she comfortingly rubbed her shoulders before stepping away to allow her to make her leave. 

Her abilities had always been tied to her emotions. When she was excited or happy, she felt like her flames would appear without warning and effortlessly, but it was harder to burn when she was sad. Now that the limiters were off, it meant that her powers could head toward the darker part of themselves. She knew enough about what happened to dying stars and becoming a black hole was just a part of the sun’s life. “I’m trying to control it, but-”  She was hurting and seeing Grace with someone else didn’t make it go away. “I want to stay here, but you were right before... I’ll destroy the city by accident and I don’t think I can forgive myself for that.” 

A genuine laugh escapes Grace’s lips after hearing Genny’s hatred for her. “I‘ll take it…” she whispered as a soft smile crept onto her lips. She knew her amusement wasn’t helping the situation, but she knew she was lying and underneath all that, it pained her. Grace continued to listen, not interrupting as she nodded here and there to affirm her statements. Space did give room for Genny to grow. There was a lot of silence coming from Grace’s end of things as she wasn’t sure how to respond. Should they take a risk again? What if it ruins their relationship more? As much as she wants Genny back into her life, she feared for the aftermath of what could potentially go wrong.

”To be honest, I have no fucking clue.” blurted out Grace with a shrug. “But the way I see it, we’ll never know unless we try?” She couldn’t even be suggesting it, but she was always known for taking risks or going all out in life. Why change that with her relationships? At Genny’s final statement, the demigod pressed her lips into a thin line before finally sighing in defeat. “You have to be sure Genevieve, which is why I’m giving you the opportunity for space. I don’t want you to regret this.” Her gaze softened as she tried to explain what she was getting at. “I’m not trying to push you away, but after everything…And with being able to see my mother once more, I realized how important it is to not hold back on how I feel. I won’t lie, I want you… I really do, but I’m scared of losing you or ruining what we have. You wouldn’t think Death would feel this way, but fuck Genny, the last thing I want to do is hurt you and the people I love.” She paused as she met her gaze and gave a final nod, “But I’m down if you’re down. I’m not perfect, nor can I promise you that things will be easy…You and I both know times are changing, but I’m willing to try, to be and do better for all of us.”

This was supposed to be a serious moment and she was trying to be painfully honest, but Genny knew that Grace could see the truth behind her lies. The other girl was always so good at that and for a moment, the blonde was completely disarmed. She mentally stumbled over what she wanted to say and what she was doing. She was supposed to be leaving. Genny had packed up everything whilst Grace was gone and enjoying another person. Those were the signs of moving on and yet, she was planted in front of the person who had hurt her. Grace made her so sad but all she wanted right now was to know if there was a chance for them. Why was falling in love so difficult? 

‘Ah fuck…’

Grace remained silent at first, unsure how to respond to Genny as she didn’t hate her at all. It probably would have been easier for the both of them if that was the case, but she stayed true to her feelings. She remembered her mother’s words, to not pass up on anything seeing as life was too short. Well she wasn’t going to let her ex-girlfriend be held captive in a relationship that she no longer wants to be in. She wasn’t like her father, let alone did she the heart to be that selfish. She loves Genny to the point where she wants what makes her happy.

“Ah c’mon Gen-Gen, it’s the other way around. The hate should be on me.” She pulls away slightly and rubs her shoulders for comfort to ease her tremors. However, Grace lets go immediately as she stood there in disbelief at Genevieve’s admittance. “No…” she whispered as her gaze faltered. “No baby…Don’t say that…” Reaching out to the side of her face, Grace gently wipes away her tears and shook her head. “Genny, don’t be sorry. I hurt you, I’m the one that…” Ruined everything. How can she love her after all that? Dropping her hand to her side, Grace pulled Genny into another embrace and whispered, “You need space, you need time, you need to heal. I don’t think I’m making anything better, but I love you Genny and honestly babe, I want what’s best for you and I want you to be happy. I’m not that. You’re right…As Death, I take and I take. Who knows how bad I’ll get or what I’ll do. I don’t want to make promises I can’t keep either. This is who I am and I’m not perfect, and you…” She paused as she pulls away to cup Genny’s face and meet her gaze, “You are too good for me. You’re perfect in your own way and I don’t want to fuck that up. You have so much going for you, I don’t want you to feel held back. So it’s okay to let go.” 

Genny wondered if this was for the best because they hated themselves. Some days, she hated herself so much that she fought to be more than she ever imagined she could be so she could measure up to her parents and her brother. She constantly second guessed herself and hid behind a tough exterior, pretending to be stronger than she really was. She wondered if she lied perfectly enough and was convincing enough to Grace. “Fine, I hate you for this selfless shit.

She did a lot of thinking whilst in space and she was planning to do more after she got her stuff. She picked the box at her feet for a reason and it was so she could remind herself of the good times. Genny wasn’t ready to throw away all the years she shared with Grace. “I’ve been in literal space and you’re right, I keep on running from everything because I don’t think I can handle it. I act like I can and I can’t. That’s why I used those pills like a crutch and I just didn’t listen.” She pressed her lips together and swallowed a sob. “What I need... I need to know if this isn’t the end for us.”

Her truth stung inside of her as her powers left her feeling more empty than she thought she could ever feel. When her abilities dealt with her flame, she was warm and full of life, but this new stage felt so endlessly cold. She wasn’t sure if she could control it or when she would get replacement tattoos since a god had put them on her. Until then, she couldn’t bring herself to ask to be around Grace, even if the other woman could handle these abilities. She didn’t want to add to the stress. 

“Curious, that’s all.” Grace then held her hands up in defence as she moves away from Genny. After learning how her ex-girlfriend felt, the demigod didn’t know what to say to that seeing as she understood where she was getting at. This was what she already mentioned, not to mention feared the most. She made it clear that being Death wasn’t going to make their relationship easy, but Genny believed that they could make it work. Grace felt foolish for even giving it a chance as she knew this would happen. “Fair enough.” she said to her as she was prepared to letting her go. This was probably for the best like she had previously mentioned. “You deserve better Genny.”

Licking her lips, she felt her mouth go dry as she didn’t know what else to say. There was no use in going back and forth with what went wrong. However, Grace was gutted that she was too late to salvage this relationship. “Mhm, got it. Same to you, all the best with everything and everyone you do I guess.” She then chuckled softly at the poor attempt at a joke, before turning away. The demigod began to realize that she was slowly losing everyone she loves. Perhaps, this was a fate that was meant to be brought to her eventually and it was now slowly taking its effect. Clenching her fists, she was about to storm off when she noticed that Genny hadn’t left. Turning around, she frowned once she noticed her trembling and beginning to breakdown at her doorway. It broke her heart that she had caused that and she felt no right to go console her, but she did so anyways, because cared about Genny even though she pushed her away on purpose.  

Appearing in front of the blonde, Death’s gaze softened as she carefully reached out to her and pulled her in for an embrace. She then pressed her lips against Genny’s temple and murmured, “It’s going to be okay. It’s okay to let go. I know it’s not enough, but I’m sorry…I’m really sorry for hurting you Genevieve.” 

She wasn’t sure if she was being shortsighted or just blinded by her own ignorance and naivety, but she hated that Grace wasn’t fighting back. Genny knew that she was saying hurtful words because she thought that there would be more a of a fight. Grace seemed so sure of herself and so ready to push her away so Genny thought that she needed leave with her fire still in tact. The difficult part of this all was that she was sure that her fire was the brightest when she was with her and it was hard to say what was better than the person who she thought was the best. 

Genny reached up and pressed her sleeve to her eyes, trying to dry them enough so she could see. It wasn’t like her to cry like this in front of anyone. Her parents never told her not to cry, but she always thought that crying made her less worthy of the family name. Her family was filled with brilliance, almost unshakable, and expected to do great things. When she cried, she felt like it was such a waste of time and another embarrassment that she’d need to cover up eventually. She didn’t see any strength in her sadness. Genny hugged her box of memories tighter and quietly told herself to move.  

What’s the use of crying? All of it’s done anyways. 

“Busy with who?” Taking the keys, she tossed them onto a nearby table and crossed her arms as she waited for Genevieve to respond. “I never said anything about fighting. Not my fault you’re the hot head.” she flat out stated. “You’re the one that walked away…at my worse.” She shook her head as the point she wanted to make was that she wasn’t the only one at fault in this relationship. Genny made it clear she wanted out too. “I wasn’t myself and I know that’s not a fucking good enough excuse, but my mother died and she was my world. I owed her my life Genevieve, the choice I made that day, to destroy and bring forth death? That was a shit way of me to grieve, but in the end I didn’t expect you to give up on me…on us completely.” Grace wasn’t done as she rolled her eyes at her assumption. “I didn’t move on to anyone. All these people I’ve been with is just filling a fucking void or a distraction.” 

Placing a hand to her chest, she scoffed and admitted, “I’m not the type to talk about how I feel, but because you were someone important to me, I want my closure. At least I’m willing to do that. However, how the fuck you’re dealing with things is on you.” Grace then moved out of her way and said her peace, it was something she’d been meaning to do for some time. “I’m sorry for hurting you.” she began to say. “I’m sorry that I let myself succumb to a fate that I told myself I wouldn’t become that ruined what we have. With that being said, I really wish you the best Genny.” 

"Someone else. Why does it matter to you? We’re not dating.” She moved around Grace with her box and then dropped it near the door. Genny would need to make a few trips later. “Grace, you didn’t want me there. We didn’t agree with what each other believed in and it felt like you gave up on me. I couldn’t do anything for you and I tried. I tried, but it wasn’t enough. Nothing is enough for Death. You just take, and take, and take. It’s in your nature.” She pushed her hands together and squeezed as she focused on swallowing down the heat inside of her. Genny wasn’t going to deny that she was a hothead; her powers and emotions were very well connected, after all. 

“Grace, I wanted to give you everything, but the last thing I had at that moment was my life... and I’m no good dead to anyone.” She walked over to Grace and sighed before she patted her on the shoulder. “I don’t think you are.” Genny didn’t know Grace for her apologies.  “But maybe you were right. You like it better this way and I’m finally realizing what it means to love myself. I won’t let you make me feel like I’m less of a person, Grace.” She let go and went back to the door to pick up her box. “I only need the stuff in this one. The other stuff, you can do what you want with it... Have fun with your boyfriend or whatever. He looks nice, strong.” She opened the door and stepped on through, but she stopped. 

Scrolling through her phone, Grace glanced up at her companion and smiled, “I’m thinking we should order Thai food.” They both finished a shift at the hospital and were starving, luckily Grace’s place was nearby for them to crash. Unlocking her door, she then pulled down his tie to go in for a deep kiss, only having to push away quickly once she heard a familiar voice. “Oh for fuck sakes.” Unamused, she sighed heavily and turned towards her partner as she gave him an apologetic smile. “Raincheck?” He stared at Genny to Grace and then back to Genny, but slowly nodded as he returned his gaze on Grace. “Let me know when you’re done. We can meet later.” He then leaned down to capture his lips with her’s, before leaving both women alone. 

Slamming the door behind her, Grace walked up to Genny and eyed the boxes she was packing. “Ah, took you long enough.” she mused as she held her hand out for the key. “So just like that? You’re just gonna dip? Not surprised though, as per usual Gen-Gen, running away from the problem rather than facing it head on.” She then tilted her head and asked, “Do you want closure? Cause by all means the floor is all yours.” Her expression faltered into a serious one as she added, “But you don’t get to walk out of here without hearing from me.” If she wasn’t going to say shit, then Grace was ready to lay it out on her. 

So she had a new boyfriend. Genny blew a strand of hair out of her face and placed her hands on her hips as she turned to face Grace. She knew that Grace could make out with whoever she wanted to, but watching her do that still stung a little bit. She didn’t have a right to be mad though, since she was sleeping with someone else anyways. She waited for Grace’s new partner to leave before she extended her arm. She dropped the key in Grace’s hand. “I was busy.” She explained.