Dr. Mind May Know Something About That

I'm squeezed into the booth next to Mark, his parents, Linda and Gary, sitting opposite us. Linda's got that classic middle-class mom look, a neat bob and a cardigan that's probably seen more church services than I've seen street fights. Gary's sporting a polo shirt and a watch that screams 'I golf on weekends'. They're the picture of suburban cliché, and I can't help but notice the undercurrent of disbelief in their eyes.

Linda leans in, her voice sugary sweet. "So, Amber, tell us more about how you and Mark met again. It's just such a charming story."

I give them the rundown, our 'chance' encounter at the library, with a sprinkle of embellishments. I can see it in their faces, they're struggling to match their nerdy son to the hot chick recounting the tale. But hell, they're trying, and there's a sheen of pride when they glance at Mark.

Mark's fidgeting with his glasses, clearly irritated by the insinuation that I'm out of his league. I slide my hand over his under the table, giving it a reassuring squeeze. I turn on Amber's sweet voice, thick like honey, "Mark's been such a gentleman, you've raised a wonderful son."

Gary chuckles, "Well, we always hoped he'd find a nice girl. You, uh, you certainly exceed expectations, Amber."

Mark's annoyance fades a bit as I play the doting girlfriend, smoothing over the awkwardness. "He's exceeded mine, too," I say, looking at him with feigned adoration.

Gary's words hang in the air, a not-so-subtle jab at Mark's professional life. "Now that you've got the girl, it would be nice if you got the job," he says, a half-hearted attempt at a joke that falls flat.

Mark tenses beside me, his jaw clenching in that way that spells trouble. Before I can jump to his defense, he's blurting out something I didn't see coming, something not part of the plan. "Actually, I've found a job," he declares, "working for a new league of supers. Ever heard of Volt Vixen, Clonica, Mystique Mirage? They're recruiting."

Linda's mouth drops open, a spoonful of her dessert forgotten in midair, while Gary's eyes narrow, clearly wondering if his son's pulling his leg. The silence weighs heavy, pressing down on us like a thick fog.

I can't leave Mark hanging. The ray compels me, yes, but this is about backing him up, ray or no ray. "It's true," I chime in in Ambers' voice, light but firm. "I've had the honor of meeting Volt Vixen and Clonica. They're thrilled to be working with him."

The skepticism in his parents' eyes starts to fade, replaced by a flicker of pride mixed with confusion. "So, what exactly do you do for this league?" Linda asks, her tone cautious.

Mark's chest puffs out, a touch of pride in his voice. "I'm an associate there," he says, leaving it vague enough to avoid outright lying but bold enough to make a statement.

My heart races, a mix of adrenaline and frustration pumping through my veins. I'm caught between my unyielding loyalty to Mark and the instinct to protect him, to protect us. The idea of publicly advertising his involvement in the league—a league that's not just a team of supers but his secret harem and set of sexy bodyguards—is reckless.

Gary's skepticism is almost palpable as he leans forward, challenging the reality of Mark's claim. "I'd love to meet these supers you're talking about," he says, a test in his tone.

The silence that follows is suffocating, and I know I have to say something. "It might be a bit complicated," I start, trying to steer the conversation away, but Mark cuts me off with an eager smile.

"They could meet Volt Vixen tonight, here," he suggests, his eyes alight with a dangerous excitement.

I can feel my frustration boiling over, but the ray’s influence is undeniable. I nod, my voice a **** chirp. "Yes, it's possible," I confirm, despite every muscle in my body screaming against it. Mark’s gaze locks onto mine, and I manage an awkward smile, my Amber persona nearly slipping away under the pressure. "She did say she might stop by…" I add, clenching my jaw as I prevent it from taking back its natural shape.

"Excuse me, I need to use the bathroom," I mumble, standing up from the booth.

As I make my way across the restaurant, my mind races with the absurdity of the situation. I slip into the bathroom stall, making sure it’s empty before I let my form shift. My body stretches and reshapes, growing taller, my hair shortening and spiking up, the vibrant cobalt blue and electric yellow of my Volt Vixen suit clinging to my skin.

I step out of the stall, taking a deep breath to steady myself. This isn’t how I operate, but if it’s what Mark wants… I push the door open and stride back into the restaurant, my fiery field attitude in full ****.

The murmurs ripple through the crowd as I approach the table. Mark’s parents gasp, their expressions a mix of awe and disbelief. Heads turn, cameras flash, and I can feel my cheeks burning hot with a mix of anger and embarrassment. "Please, give me some space," I say to a bunch of eager fans with a polite smile that doesn't quite reach my eyes. Inside, I’m fuming. I’m not some show pony to be paraded out in public, but for Mark… I'd do just about anything.

As I stand there in my Volt Vixen garb, Linda's beaming smile is almost comical, and she eagerly gestures for me to sit down. I shake my head, the electric edges of my personality showing through the act. "Unfortunately, I can't stay," I tell them, "But it's been a pleasure to meet you both. Mark has been invaluable in helping us build the league. We're all really happy with him."

Gary's demeanor shifts like he's been hit with one of my volts, his earlier doubt replaced by a father's pride. "Always knew the kid had potential," he boasts, "Glad to hear he's putting it to good use."

Mark's grin is wide enough to split his face, and I can't help but feel a little surge of satisfaction, his happiness somehow making this ridiculous charade worth it.

Linda, still riding the high of meeting a 'real-life superhero', insists I stay, "Amber just stepped out to the restroom; she should be back any minute."

Jesus, this is both hilarious and a complete shitshow. "I'm actually expected back at the lair," I say, keeping my tone light. "But it was nice seeing Mark out and about. I’m looking forward to working more closely with him."

Mark plays it cool, nodding with a casual, "See you around, Vixen," clearly enjoying the chance to show off in front of his folks.

I nod back and make a swift exit, slipping out of sight before morphing back into Amber. Once I'm sure I'm not being watched, I rejoin the table, all innocence and ignorance, feigning surprise at the excitement buzzing through the restaurant. "What'd I miss?" I ask, sliding back into the booth next to Mark.

Linda's excitement is practically bouncing off the walls of the restaurant as she tells me, "You just missed Volt Vixen herself!"

I let out a small, surprised gasp, playing up Amber's naivety, "Oh my gosh, really? That's so unfortunate, but I'm not surprised. She was supposed to stop by, as I mentioned earlier."

Gary's gaze flicks from me to Mark, a hint of confusion in his eyes. "Funny, though," he says with a chuckle, "Amber leaves and Volt Vixen appears. Could it be they're the same person?"

I laugh, the sound light and airy, so different from my usual husky chuckle. It's a delicate dance I'm doing, keeping Amber as far from Volt Vixen as possible. Mark joins in the laughter, though his is tinged with a hint of nervous energy. I wonder if he's realized the mess he's started.

Gary isn't letting up, despite the jest in his voice. "Heard Volt Vixen can shapeshift, so it would make sense, wouldn't it?" he teases.

I giggle again, shaking my head. "Oh, I wish! Imagine being the great Volt Vixen, fighting supervillains and all that jazz," I say, my voice laced with wonder and a touch of wishful thinking.

Linda nudges Gary, a silent reprimand to stop teasing their son's girlfriend. The tension at the table eases, mirroring the restaurant as the buzz of excitement dies down.

Gary's curiosity about the league is evident as he turns to Mark, "So, what's the plan with this league of yours?"

Gary's question hangs in the air, his curiosity piqued about the league Mark and I are supposedly building. Mark shrugs nonchalantly, his voice casual as he explains, "We're recruiting the best supers out there and looking for investors." His words are vague, just as we practiced for scenarios we never anticipated.

But Linda, ever the inquisitive mother, presses further. "And what's the name of this new league?" she asks, eyes darting between Mark and me.

I exchange a quick glance with Mark, both of us caught in the headlights of a question we should've seen coming but hadn't prepared for. "We, uh, haven't settled on a name yet," I admit, feeling the tension rise.

Gary chuckles, a knowing look in his eyes as he comments, "It's like you're talking about a baby."

The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Linda, half-joking, half-hoping, throws out, "Speaking of babies, have you two thought about having one?" The blush that creeps onto Mark's cheeks is almost as red as my Amber persona's hair.

I stare at Mark, a strange feeling bubbling up inside me. The thought of having a baby was never on my radar, but now, if Mark desires it, the idea of him breeding me stirs a warm sensation through my body. I remember his words from the day before, his wish for me to love him. I silently pray that Dr. Mind figures out how to amplify this ray-induced loyalty into genuine craving and love. It would make everything so much easier, no matter what Mark decides.

The night wraps up as we stand outside the restaurant on one of the bustling streets of Metrotown. We say our goodbyes, and Gary and Linda leave with broad smiles, impressed by their son's stunning girlfriend and his seemingly amazing job with supers.

Once they're out of sight, Mark lets out a deep sigh, his mind clearly on the league. "We really need to find a name for our league," he muses, looking up at the night sky as if it might hold the answer.

I keep quiet, letting him work through his thoughts. But he catches my silence and turns to me, his expression a mix of frustration and concern. "Do you think I went overboard during dinner?" he groans.

Relief floods through me as I realize he's inviting honesty. I gently scold him, "Mark, casually telling your parents about your links with me as Volt Vixen and the other supers… It's risky. We're building something that's supposed to be secret."

He rubs his chin, contemplating my words. "I know I got carried away, but I don't want to hide forever," he admits.

I let out a resigned sigh. "Well, if you want to be known to the public, we'll have to craft a good cover for you," I tell him, already thinking of the possibilities.

We fall into a contemplative silence, the noise of the city fading into the background. Suddenly, a question pops into my mind, and I blurt it out. "Do you want a baby?"

Mark nearly chokes on the air, his eyes wide as he stares at me. "Kat, we need to think about the moral implications," he says cautiously, his voice low. "Breeding one of my mind-controlled supers to make me a child…"

The smirk that spreads across his face tells me he's not entirely opposed to the idea, and I can't help but chuckle at his reaction. "Maybe," he finally says.

He's serious again as he adds, "But only worth considering when our situation is more stable and secure."

I nod, understanding his point. Whether a baby is in our future or not, we have a league to build and a cover to craft. And I'm going to make damn sure it's the best one out there.