For Efflations: Come Fly With Me

[herotvlive]

Agnes's life is scheduled out for the next ten years.
It DEFINITELY does not include room for things like romance.
ESPECIALLY not with Sky High of all people.

Ship: Agnes x Keith/Sky High

Other characters: Kotetsu/Wild Tiger

Prior Events:

Irresistible Force vs. Immovable Object 
Agnes is hurt on location. Cue massive guilt from Sky High. Contains several princess carries and numerous threats of being hit with crutches!

Dance Lessons
Tiger needs dancing lessons. Agnes volunteers Keith. THIS will go well!

Summer Wind
The Superhero Swing Party has arrived! Features dancing by Mr. Wild with Mr. Brooks and Agnes running out of contingency plans...


Warnings: Possibly eventual adult situations, swearing, absurd amounts of Sinatra

Comments

[herotvlive]

Right. You don't know what it's like. You're not the one who looked weak.

[Agnes is still upset. It's strange. Oh, she gets mad all the time - she yells, the problem gets fixed, next crisis. This is more complex. She can't remember the last time anyone was close enough that they could make her this angry. The usual remedies - silence, furious phone calls to sympathetic ears, running - had been no help. It's only now, walking with her hand in Keith's, that she feels things starting to settle down. Not gone, but at least not building.]

I... appreciate you're upset too, but there's helping and then there's saving. You need a better way to deal with your white knight complex.

[Yes, she knows that will need explaining.]

White knight - Like in old movies, when a knight comes charging in on a horse to rescue the damsel from a dragon. Or on a jet pack to save her from a magazine article.

[Coming to a stop, she looks up at Keith, eyes snapping.]

But I'm not a damsel and I don't need to be saved.

[efflations]

[Keith stops as well, surprise and confusion mingling on his face.]

I always save people. It's what Sky High does. It's all I've ever wanted, to be able to help people.

[He's thinking hard, trying to put the pieces together to get an answer.

Saving people is his job. And saving people and helping them is about the same, isn't it? No, that much he knows. There's a difference between freeing a hostage and helping someone overcome their fears, say.

It's not as though he's ever thought less of the people he saves for needing help or not being NEXTs themselves. But.

He saves people from criminals and danger, when they can't protect themselves. He helps people when they can do something but just need support to get there.]

By trying to save you I was saying I didn't think you could take care of it yourself and needed me to do it for you. If I really wanted to help I should have.... should have asked if there was anything I could do to show people it was wrong.

[He doesn't sound entirely certain, watching Ms Agnes like student waiting for their teacher to tell them if they answered correctly.]

[herotvlive]

[Sometimes, Agnes has to wonder why they let this man strap on a jetpack. He is trying though. There's practically smoke coming out of his ears, but he's trying.

Keith really thinks she's worth this much effort.]

Yes. That's the difference.

[Agnes drops his hand then, but not because she's any more upset. Quite the opposite - she's calmed down enough to notice other things, like that her hair's escaping its ponytail. Tendrils whip in her face - though it's hard to tell if the breeze is just from the water or from Keith being upset. She pulls it loose then begins tying her hair back in order.]

That's what people saw, instead of what you wanted them to see. They saw the hero saving the day. So I look like just another woman who needs to be saved. That's so much more interesting!

[Speaking of interesting, there seems to be a rustling coming from the brush nearby. Once again - might just be the wind...]

[efflations]

[The rustling barely registers at first - he has a lot on his mind and yes, at least half the wind whipping about them is from him. It's not worth paying attention to when he thinks maybe he's finally starting to work things out.]

But that shouldn't matter. People get saved all the time. Sky High has been saved before and-

[He stops himself - he's getting it wrong still - and tries again.]

But you didn't need saving and that's the point. And I shouldn't try to save you... Unless a villain has you hostage of course - then it's OK, right?

[Even as Keith waited for Ms Agnes to confirm that yes, it would be alright for Sky High to save her if her life was definitely endangered by a threat she probably couldn't fight off single-handedly, he finally noticed the oddly active brush nearby. There wasn't any wind causing the noise - now that he was paying attention he could say that with certainty - so what was there? Was there an injured animal?

Frowning he craned his head to see, jumping when he spotted a shadow of something hiding back there.]

Ms Agnes-? Do you see that?

[herotvlive]

Yes. Then it's okay.

[Maybe she should make a flowchart? And staple it to Keith's forehead? She has to bite back a smile at that.]

Otherwise -

[Then Agnes's attention is on the noise too. There's no jump. Instead, her eyes narrow, and any warmth that's been creeping in vanishes. Blue Rose would be jealous of the ice field now being generated, It's a wonder the sun keeps shining. She stalks straight toward the bush, probably scaring Keith. But if he stops her, wouldn't that just get him in more trouble?! But who knows what could be back there?!

Oh, but Agnes does.]

[efflations]

[So long as the flowchart has pictures. And not too many words - stopping to read when he's got a job to do isn't going to happen.

He squeaks as Agnes' sudden shift - he hasn't done anything! - and watches her stalk off in befuddlement.]

Um, Ms Agnes?

[Trailing after her, Keith sees the shadow from before begin to retreat. It looks like a person? Why would a person be back there? Why does Ms Agnes seem so mad that they're there?]

Ms Agnes? Is something wrong? Again, is everything OK?

[herotvlive]

[It's definitely a person, and now Agnes can see the unmistakable shape of a camera in his hands. He's quick, but the brush is slowing his progress. She points to a spot a little bit ahead of the man, where Keith will easily be able to cut him off.]

Stop him!

[This close, Keith should be able to block the photographer with no NEXT powers at all. Agnes follows right after him.]

[efflations]

Right!

[The response is immediate, he's so used to following Agnes' orders without question. Sprinting ahead Keith skids to halt right where she'd indicated and catches the fleeing stranger in his arms a moment later.]

Stop right there!

[As though he's giving the man a choice. Holding the struggling man firmly in place, Keith finally notices the camera too.]

A paparazzi? Following you Ms Agnes?

[The heroes occasionally have trouble with them. Sometimes one will find their transporters and hang around trying to get a picture of their real faces. He didn't realise they gave Ms Agnes trouble too. Though really, after the article that caused them so much trouble he should have.]

[herotvlive]

Vincent Sanders. Staff 'photographer' for Quibbler.

['Photographer' is spat out with the same malice someone else might say 'infected cyst.'

Sanders glowers. "Hey! This is public property! Tell your goon to get off or this is going all over the front page!" He tries pulling away, which is probably not going to do any good at all. " 'HeroTV Bodyguard Menaces Press,' bet Sky High would love that!"

Agnes arches an eyebrow. If Sanders thinks Keith's hired muscle, that's... actually not a bad cover. She goes on before Keith can get the bright idea of adding a correction. Or talk enough that Sanders figures out who else he might be.]

You're not hurt, and that's a pretty serious accusation to be batting around.

[With a snort, Agnes waves a hand at Keith. The message is clear - 'Let him go.' That should keep Sanders' interest. Let him think there's worry, blood, a story - he won't run. He'll keep chasing after it now. Agnes knows that hunger better then anyone.]

Quibbler has a circulation of what, a few thousand?

[It's... unclear whether that's a number to be impressed by. Her tone is completely flat. Neutral. Sanders probably thinks it's just a conversation between professionals now.

However, if Keith's learned anything in the last day, it's that Agnes speaking in that voice is terrifying.]

[efflations]

I-

[It is a good thing Agnes distracts Keith before he can respond to Mr Sanders. It's not being called a goon that bothers him but the comment about Sky High. Is that really all that matters? What Sky High will think of something? Not what's right but what someone else will think. It's saddening to think that's all that people heard the other day.

He barely notices the photographer's attempts to pull away until Ms Agnes waves him off. Obediently Keith releases the man and steps away, looking back and forth between them nervously.

Ms Agnes is definitely mad and he feels a little bad for being grateful that it's not at him. But Mr Sanders had been taking pictures of her without permission and those pictures might have been used for another article like the last one. He can't feel too bad about whatever comes next.

Or about the fact he's retreating, getting some space between the target of Ms Agnes' rage and himself. Whatever else can be said about him, he does possess some survival instincts and they're saying he doesn't want to be too close to the photographer right now.]

[herotvlive]

[Good call, Keith.

Sanders nods, relaxing now that he's got his mobility back. There's a smile that's more of a leer. "Almost ten thousand! Not so smug now, are you?" Agnes may know him, but it's obvious he's never actually spoken to her before. The fact she knows his name should be very concerning.

Agnes grins now, sharp as a knife.]

And HeroTV's viewers are almost ten million. And that's just Sternbild.

[She stalks towards Sanders, who unconsciously backs up. And keeps going until he bumps into Keith again.]

We are tied with every major company and industry in the city. Our revenue in one day could buy out every advertiser Quibbler's got. You think your dishrag scares me? I just haven't cared.

[Agnes hasn't even mentioned having superheroes at her beck and call. Why should she? The financial aspect is more then enough sway. Besides - She cares what Sky High thinks, and he wouldn't like being used as a threat. Even if it's scaring a weasel like this.

Sanders' smile falters, as though suddenly realizing he does not hold as good a hand as he thought. That, in fact, he doesn't have any cards at all. "I'm - I'm just doing my job!"]

And you are distracting one of my Heroes, and now I care.

[efflations]

[Keith catches Mr Sander's shoulders as soon as the man bumps into him, making sure the photographer doesn't trip. The fact that it could equally seem like a threat really does escape him. Though Agnes must certainly be aware of it.

It's still scary, seeing Ms Agnes in this mood, even when it's not directed at him. Scary and impressive - like watching Blue Rose single-handedly catch a crashing airship or Tiger send a truck flying. And maybe this is what she meant about not needing to be saved. She can deal with this on her own, without him, just like Blue Rose or any of the other heroes.

He opens his mouth to speak when she brings up him - up Sky High - being distracted but shuts it again without a word. Ms Agnes... definitely has the situation under control. And he maybe had been distracted. Though it's funny, that she might be more bothered by the affect on Sky High than on her. Even if it's just that Sky High's performance can impact HeroTV it still matters to her, despite his mistake.]

[herotvlive]

[Sanders jumps at the hands on his shoulders. Agnes could not have scripted this any better. It's important to keep this from being personal. If she does this for herself, she's being a petty, vindictive bitch. If she does this for the good of HeroTV, that's an entirely different framework.]

Of course, Quibbler has some sister papers, right? Sternbild Star has the same publisher. Maybe you aren't aware, but Star has been trying to get an interview with Sky High for months. And I simply can't believe he would support an organization which has already upset him so much. Which seems ready to continue upsetting him. In fact, I don't think any of the Heroes would support that.

[She shoots a glance, pointedly, at the camera Sanders clutches like a lifeline.]

Why don't I go ahead and give your publisher a call now? I'm sure they would LOVE to hear how well their employee is representing them!

[All this, Agnes pulls out with consulting a single note. It seems to finally hit Sanders - She knows everyone. More importantly, she knows how everyone is connected, and any paper which loses access to the Heroes may as well shut its doors. As for the employee responsible for that...

Hopefully Keith's still holding Sanders up. Looks like the man's legs aren't too steady right now!]

[efflations]

[The same people who'd written that article wanted to interview Sky High even before all this? Why hadn't he known that?

Keith might be a little uncomfortable being used as a bargaining tool but Ms Agnes is right. He wouldn't want Sky High to be used to support the same people who wrote such hurtful stories. If this is the way to make them see that what they are doing is wrong then he won't complain.

His grip on Mr Sanders tightens as the man wobbles where he stands, making sure he doesn't fall. Now Keith is admittedly starting to feel a little bad for the photographer. He was just doing his job - although that job hurts people. When he thinks of like that, like dealing with a criminal who needs to see the error of his ways, he can appreciate the necessity of what Ms Agnes is doing.]

[herotvlive]

[He hadn't been told because it was such a small publication. The turnaround for interview requests is long. However, that might be something Keith should pay attention to. Agnes wonders how much of this he's going to retain. If he does want to change things, here's a prime example right here - Boycotting. He's a commodity, the same as all the Heroes. Withholding Sky High's appearances is a VERY efficient tactic, when used correctly.

Like now. Sanders flips the camera on, rapidly scrolling through the photos. "Look - I didn't even get that much! Just you two walking!"

It's true. They're pretty far away. He'd probably been sneaking closer for a better angle. Really, he couldn't do much damage with these. Except... except that it puts Keith and Agnes in the same place. And in a couple of shots they might be holding hands.

So Sanders does have something, he just doesn't realize what.

Agnes's expression does not change from that "Maneater" smirk. She thanks GOD Sanders isn't looking at whatever face Keith is making...]

Give me the memory card and we'll call it even.

[efflations]

[It's definitely something he's going to have to think about in the future. Looking at what appearances his company wants him to make and making sure they're ones he wants to make. Do the other heroes think about it? It seems like it might be hard to keep track of the important details - like which newspapers or magazines are owned by the same group - but Ms Agnes will surely help him if he needs it.

Turning his attention back to the man in front of him, Keith leans forward to peer over Mr Sanders' shoulder at the pictures as they flash past. A worried look passes across his face at the shots of them holding hands but a glance at Ms Agnes reassures him. She doesn't look worried and he'd be surprised if the poor photographer is brave enough to refuse her demand. They'll be fine.]

[herotvlive]

[The photographer does have some spine left. Too bad for him. He splutters at the demand. "What - This is personal property! I know my rights - " Agnes narrows her eyes a fraction. The last of Sanders' courage flees the country. He's turning a very interesting shade of green. "Look - I'll delete them, you can watch -"]

So you can run it through recovery software? I don't think so. Of course you'll be compensated. CF, correct?

[Pulling out her phone, Agnes's fingers fly across the keys.]

There. That covers market value of the highest available card. The funds will be in your account once you e-mail the information to my office. And if I catch you upsetting any of my Heroes again, you'll be lucky to shoot an elementary school Picture Day.

[Sanders looks from Keith to Agnes, flaps his mouth open and closed a few times, then surrenders the card. Agnes sticks it into her pocket. She looks up at Keith, apparently bored with the conversation already.]

Show him back to the path.

[Wouldn't want him to accidentally get caught in some bushes again, right? Dismissed!]