Chapter 5: A New Beginning and a Date with Destiny
[SYSTEM MESSAGE: SOLAR ENERGY ABSORPTION (MINOR) SOLD TO SYSTEM. TP GAINED: 50. CURRENT TP: 400.]
The notification popped up as I lay on my new, somewhat utilitarian couch, enjoying the quiet hum of my newly acquired apartment. I had given it some thought. While having a nascent ability to absorb solar energy sounded cool in theory, its "extremely slow" absorption rate meant it was practically useless in any immediate combat scenario. Plus, I had other, more pressing needs, like better speed, better combat skills, and definitely more TP. So, I'd traded it in. Fifty TP for a skill I likely wouldn't use anytime soon. A smart tactical decision.
"Alright, Adam, one less minor superpower to worry about. Now, what to do with that extra TP? A better bed? A small, decorative plant? Or, you know, something actually useful for surviving the inevitable alien onslaughts?"
My mind, however, wasn't entirely focused on TP management. It kept drifting back to Kara. Our first meeting had gone… well, surprisingly well. She hadn't called the authorities, hadn't blasted me with heat vision, and had even accepted my absurd trade offer. And that hug… there was a genuine warmth there, a kindness that radiated off her even in her civilian persona.
The logline explicitly stated our relationship. Girlfriend -> Partner -> Wife. This wasn't just a side quest; it was the emotional core of the entire narrative. I wasn't just here to broker deals and avert catastrophes; I was here to build a life. With Kara. A happy, safe life, free from cosmic doom. And that meant the next step was… a date. A real date. Not a "here's a locket for a hug" kind of date.
"Right. A date. How do you ask out the Girl of Steel when you've known her for, like, a day, and you just pulled a weird Nth Metal locket out of thin air? Charm, Adam. All the charm you can muster. And maybe a suggestion for a nice, quiet cafe. Preferably one that doesn't smell of desperation."
I spent the rest of the day exploring my new neighborhood on foot, flexing my Basic Super-Speed just enough to make me feel like I was moving with purpose, without actually breaking the sound barrier and attracting unwanted attention. It was exhilarating, even at a mere 20 MPH. I felt lighter, more energetic. My adaptable body was already… adapting.
I also made a mental note of potential hangouts, cafes, and restaurants that looked appealing. Places that Kara might frequent. Places that felt... normal.
The next morning, I found myself back at the coffee shop, a nervous flutter in my stomach. Kara was there, at her usual table, engrossed in a different newspaper. This time, I had a plan. A simple one. A human one. No trades. No weird offers. Just… a conversation.
I approached her table, a genuine smile on my face. "Hey, Kara," I said, keeping my voice light.
She looked up, her face lighting up with that familiar, warm smile. "Adam! Hey! Fancy seeing you here again."
"Well, you know," I said, shrugging playfully, "this place has surprisingly good coffee. And I'm a creature of habit. Plus, I figured if I was going to be a new resident of National City, I should probably patronize the local establishments. Builds character. And gives me an excuse to run into interesting people." I gave her a pointed look.
She chuckled. "Glad to be considered interesting. And how's the whole 'new in town' thing going? Found your way around yet?"
"Getting there," I said, pulling up a chair opposite her. "Actually, that's kind of why I came over. I was thinking, since I'm new here and all, and you seem like a pretty cool person, maybe you'd be willing to show me around sometime? Like, maybe over dinner? Or, you know, a very casual, no-pressure, entirely platonic, unless you don't want it to be, dinner?" I cringed internally at my own rambling. "Smooth, Adam. Real smooth. You sound like a nervous teenager asking out the head cheerleader."
Kara's smile softened, a hint of genuine amusement in her eyes. "Are you asking me on a date, Adam Stiels?" she asked, a playful challenge in her voice.
My cheeks felt warm. "Busted. And she knows it. Dammit, Adam, pull it together."
"Maybe?" I hedged, trying to recover. "I mean, I just survived a... well, a very impactful move, and I figured I could use some good company. And you strike me as someone who knows all the best spots for, like, alien-friendly diners. Or just regular diners. Whatever works."
She laughed, a full, genuine laugh that made the few other patrons glance our way. "Alien-friendly diners, huh? Well, I do know a few good places. And yes, Adam, I'd like to go on a date with you."
My heart did a little triumphant leap. "Score! First date with Supergirl. This is probably more exciting than any interdimensional trade I'm going to make."
"Really?" I asked, trying to sound cool, but probably failing miserably. "Great! Awesome! Fantastic! How about… tonight? Unless you have, you know, world-saving duties or something equally important?"
She tilted her head, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I think I can clear my schedule for tonight. Pick me up at seven? And surprise me with the place. I trust your judgment."
"You got it," I said, a grin stretching across my face. "Seven it is. And I promise, no Nth metal locket involved. Unless you really want one."
She chuckled again. "I think I'm good for now. See you tonight, Adam."
As I walked away from her table, I felt a lightness in my step that had nothing to do with my nascent super-speed. This was it. The real start. Building the emotional core. Laying the groundwork for a life that was more than just trading and fighting. It was about connection. And maybe, just maybe, finding happiness in a world I never expected to be a part of.
"A date with Supergirl. My life is officially a fanfiction. And I'm the protagonist. Now, if only I could find a good outfit in my surprisingly limited interdimensional wardrobe."