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Danni fidgeted a little, nervous about what he was going to do. Sabine… made a good point once he'd taken the time to process what she was actually saying. The tears had really made it hard at the time but as he thought about it more, maybe it made sense that some people thought he was too much if he was always just blazing his way through people’s feelings. He'd spent a lot of time thinking, like enough time that his head started to hurt more than once, and he realized he may have been the tiniest, ittiest, littlest bit of a bully waaaaaay back during the carnival to… a few people. It wasn't ever what he meant to do, he wasn't being mean, he just wanted to give advice, but if someone had come up to him and said the same things, Danni could admit he'd probably start crying. 

So, he'd set out to apologize to the people he could remember, and he slipped a little letter under her dorm door and hoped she'd show up! He didn't ever really talk to her, made her a friendship bracelet sure because they'd ultimately survived being murdered together, but they weren't in any of the same classes and he didn't really know anything about her. Still, his letter was very compelling. Danni kissed the top of Amélie's head before letting her down, watching her scurry after a flying bug. 

[hider=Danni's letter]

[s]To who[/s]

[s]Andy[/s]

[s]Hey, Andy[/s]

Wow, it's hard writing letters. Everything I've looked up said handwritten is best but like, why wouldn't I text it? You'd already have it. This is kinda silly.

Anyways, I wanted to ask you a favor. Can you meet with me out on the field where they set the carnival up? I just wanna talk and I'll let you pet Amélie (the cutest dragon on campus!) as a thank you! I'll be out there at 3 so don't be late!

XOXO - Danni[/hider]


Andy had been confused by the letter. A little worried at first, but when she opened and saw it was from Danni was just more confused. Had they shared more than a few words since the Carnival? She had watched a movie with Dorian, but Danni hadn’t been there. She didn’t think it was a trap to beat her up, not that she was terribly worried about anyone trying to beat her up. Danni probably could hurt her, but Andy didn’t think she could die. The Framework had been a clear enough indication that she probably couldn’t. The cost of it wasn’t great so she hoped she could avoid that.

For some reason as she made her way out to the field she thought about ‘80’s films where the bully was always some weird over the top idiot. They got their just desserts by the end usually. With lessons learned, hopefully. She walked out to the field just before 3 pm. Hopefully he hadn’t meant 3 am. But that’d be a weird time to meet someone in a field, unless they were planning to beat them up or give them a swirly or something. Danni wasn’t that kind of bully anyway. He was the kind that didn’t even realize they were one. Andy remembered, as she got on the field, that his parents were her old friends from the Mutant Underground. She had never gotten super close to that group, which is why she had left without a goodbye. Now that she knew they missed her Andy did feel a bit bad about that. 

[color=b71d5d]”Uh, hey Danni. What’s up?”[/color] Her mind mimicked the old movie and made her cringe at the dumb joke. 

[color=E948FC]“Andy! You came!”[/color] Danni cheered, thrilled to bits. [color=E948FC]“‘onestly, I wasn't certain t'at you would. Like, I know you ‘ung out wit’ Dee, but it's been trainin’ t’is and drama t'at and studin’ for dragons… what else is t'ere ot'er t'an t'is and t'at?”[/color] Danni paused, thinking hard. After a few moments, he shrugged. 

[color=E948FC]“Whatever, not a t'in’ we need ‘ere! Unless you know it, t'en I would like it for t'e future.”[/color] Danni dismissed it… mostly. Amélie came back from her chase, panting softly and plopped herself down next to Danni's feet, big eyes staring up at Andy curiously. [color=E948FC] “Aw, did your fun wit’ t'e little fly tired you out?”[/color] Danni cooed, bending over to run his fingers under her chin. [color=E948FC] “Andy, t'is is Amélie. Amélie, t'is is Andy.”[/color] Amélie huffed a puff of smoke in greeting. 

[color=E948FC] “‘aven't quite gotten ta fire yet, but we're workin’ on it! But t'ats not why we're ‘ere unless you wanna talk ‘bout dragons more?”[/color] Danni asked hopefully.

Andy tried to keep her face neutral. Mostly because she could feel her brows trying to furrow and a frown building on her lips. [color=b71d5d]”Would like what for the future?”[/color] She was sure she had missed something. The dragon, small as it was, surprised her. The attempt to not frown was easily forgotten as a smile spread instead. 

[color=b71d5d]”She's allowed?”[/color] Andy asked in a reverent whisper. [color=b71d5d]”Hello sweetie.”[/color] Andy held out her hand to let the little dragon sniff it. Andy would love to talk about dragons more. She also was curious why Danni had asked her out here if it wasn't to meet the little dragon. [color=b71d5d]”Uh, I suppose we can talk about whatever. I am curious about her. But if she's not why you asked me to meet you here I'd like to learn that.”[/color]

[color=E948FC]“Yeah, t'ats… t'ats fair.”[/color] Danni said, wringing his hands. He took several breaths to start and shut his mouth, until finally he squared his shoulders. [color=E948FC] “I called ya out ‘ere ta t'is really, really open field definitely not so if ya tried ta murder me at least one person would record us and I would be famous posthumanously and you would be famous but like out for… Infamous! You would be infamous for puttin’ me 6 feet under. Or ‘acked inta little itsy, bitsy pieces. But uh, not t'e point. T'e point is I wanted ta say sorry for ‘ow I talked ta ya when we met. I didn't mean it in a bad way, but… we'll doesn't matter. Beanie told me I don’t really t'ink ‘bout people when I say t'in's and ‘onestly, I'm kinda dumb so like, it took me t'is long ta figure t’at all out but I just, ya know wanted ta apologize so I'm sorry and I ‘ope Amélie's cute enough for you ta not want ta kill me for insulting basically… everything?”[/color] Danni ended with awkward jazz hands and an uncertain smile.

The smile had faded a bit from Andy's face as Danni was implying she'd be the one to kill him. But Danni plowed on and everything he was going on about culminated into an apology. She blinked surprised. That had not been what she had expected coming out here. [color=b71d5d]”I appreciate your apology. And don't worry I won't kill you. I try not to kill people when I can avoid it.”[/color] Andy had killed enough people, some by accident, some on purpose. She wasn't going to say she didn't kill with that track record. 

[color=b71d5d]”What you said that first day did hurt. I didn't know how to react and was thankful for the diversions that happened so I didn't have to react. I got all of my non school stuff...before moving here. It's all old so you weren't wrong. But I like my clothes. Clothing was one of the ways I could safely express myself growing up. It was dangerous growing up.”[/color] Dr. Whitehall would be so proud. She was trying to connect and make a friend. She wasn't ready to tell him the whole truth but she had been careful to avoid lying. 

[color=E948FC]“I definitely can't say I get it, but I'll uh, be more considerate movin’ forward. Like, it didn't really click t'at I was basically just tearin’ down t'e stuff ya enjoy and no one should ‘ave ta deal wit’ t'at so I'm sorry I did t'at day one.”[/color] Danni said, starting to tear up. He wiped them away quickly and hoisted up Amélie, who wiggled and adjusted in his arms so she was still lookin’ at Andy. [color=E948FC]“T’ankfully, it was not dangerous growin’ up for me so I can't really relate? Papa and Pops and Pa and Appa are all t'e best family you could ask for! But, I was ‘opin’ maybe ta redo our first meetin’ and be friends for real?”[/color] Danni asked hopefully. 

Andy’s heart ached. They had made their family. Ben was alive and not a ghost, which had been weird. And they were a happy family. Andy’s eyes teared up. Would they know her? Would they be mad that she left? Or did they even care? Had she been forgotten as anything more than a hanger on who joined in the 11th hour? She hadn't been with the MU long. Maybe weeks relatively speaking. She realized she hadn't given Danni an answer. [color=b71d5d]”I'm willing to try.”[/color] She may have left everyone behind to stay with Zari, but she could build something here. Even if it felt a little odd making friends with someone she remembered being an infant. Andy wiped away the tears that burned the corner of her eyes. [color=b71d5d]”I will say. I haven't had a lot of friends for like seventeen years.”[/color] She smiled at her joke, even as she wondered if those from the MU thought of her as a friend.

[color=E948FC] “Well, ‘ey! I love makin’ friends and so does t'e group! We'll get ya bein’ an expert friend in no time!”[/color] Danni rushed to reassure her. Andy getting misty eyed over friendship was certainly not in his plans but this just reminded him not to judge a book by its cover. [color=E948FC] “We love just vibin’ wit’ each ot'er. And sparrin’ wit’ each ot'er ‘cause Princess is a great counter measure. She makes fun little icicles and I get ta work on shootin’ outta t'e sky! Beanie is t'e best choice if ya wanna more cool time, ya know, and she's a great dancer if ya wanna learn! Dee's super chaotic and really ‘angin’ out wit’ ‘im is like spinnin’ t'e wheel of fun! You never really know where ya gunna land! Mads is super smart and she's got all t'ese cool books, and paintin' supplies so you wanna get artsy or talk t'e talk, she's ya gal! T'en t'ere's me who is, wit’ some minor flaws, still t'e best!”[/color] Danni beamed at Andy. 

[color=E948FC]“Buuuuuuut you know what's even more fuuuun t'en bein’ friends wit’ all of us? Bein’ friends wit’ a [i]dragon[/i]!”[/color] Amélie huffed at him and he kissed her snout. [color=E948FC]“Wanna ‘old ‘er?”[/color] Danni offered.

[color=b71d5d]”I’d love to!”[/color] Andy said, almost squealing with delight. She held out her hands for the dragon, Amélie. [color=b71d5d]”I’d like to think I’m already friends with Mads. Despite a training accident. She’s even helped me with homework, and we went to the mall together.”[/color] 

Danni unwanted the tail around his wrist, shushing the dragon's grumble of disapproval. [color=E948FC]“You've been eyin’ ‘er t'is whole time, don't say t'at.”[/color] Danni chided, giving her a little kiss on top of her head. He gently shifted her over to Andy. [color=E948FC]“Just be careful. She's still a little ‘ot from before we got ‘ere. I ‘ave ta give ‘er a fire bath ta keep ‘er ‘ot since she can't regulate ‘er temperature. Apparently, dragon's breath fire on t'eir kids so I do t'e same so she feels at ‘ome!”[/color] 

Amélie clambered into Andy's arms after a second of sniffing, claws getting into her shirt as she dragged herself up. The dragon's tail wrapped itself tightly around Danni's hand. She radiated heat like a stone sitting too close to the fire for too long. [color=E948FC] “Now, t'e ot'er problem is t'at she likes…”[/color] Amélie had stuck her face in Andy's hair and started chewing. [color=E948FC] “‘air. Amélie, what ‘ave we told ya! Stop t'at!”[/color]

Andy giggled, but pulled her face away, suddenly very nervous. [color=b71d5d]”Uh, don’t let her touch my skin.”[/color] She already wore long sleeves and gloves all the time. She didn’t want to risk an accident. But with Amélie going for her face that was unprotected. [color=b71d5d]”I’m sorry I should have thought that through. If she touches me skin-to-skin-”[/color] Andy’s voice hitched. Only Zari seemed to be able to put up with her touch. She hadn’t had skin-to-skin contact with anyone else since Genosha. Not for extended time. Only Mads had touched her and in that case she had almost killed her and almost been killed in return. And of course that now dead freshman. [color=b71d5d]”I don’t know what will happen but it probably won’t be good.”[/color] 

Danni immediately reached out, bopping her nose and ensuring Amélie kept clear of any skin. [color=E948FC]“Well, t'en I guess I shouldn't ask for a ‘ug. Unless ya ‘ave a safe ‘uggin’ method, ‘cause I will forgeeeeet t'at skin is a no-no!”[/color] Danni laughed, unbothered by the situation. Danni guided Amélie down into Andy's arms more, blowing a brief puff of fire to entice her down. [color=E948FC]“But don’t worry! She’s a smart cookie. She'll stay safe! She likes chin scritches!”[/color]

Andy visibly relaxed some as Amélie moved down her arm away from her face. [color=b71d5d]”Hugs are fine, just don’t touch any skin. It’s why I wear long sleeves and gloves even in the LA heat. Thank god it’s cooling off for winter.”[/color] Andy had never lived anywhere as hot as LA was during summer. [color=b71d5d]”So really my face is the most unprotected space. I don’t know if you heard what happened early in training. I offered a hand to Mads to help her to her feet and started hurting her. She turned into the demon form that she seems stuck in now. Then she stabbed me and I stopped hurting her. It was a whole thing. But neither of us holds it against each other. It was an accident and I learned that I can’t touch people. Other than Zari, she seems immune.”[/color] 

[color=E948FC] “Omg, no she didn't! Probably ta protect your privacy and all t'at, but few t'ats intense.”[/color] Danni popped his arm on Andy's shoulder while she held Amélie. [color=E948FC]“Mads is pretty great like t'ag. Gal of few words, but def a great friend! T’ough she is strugglin’ wit’ ‘er new looks. I t'ink it looks outta t'is world. Get it, get it?”[/color] Danni cackled, elbowing Andy. Amélie also let out a little trill and began to sniff around Andy's pockets. 

[color=E948FC]“But it's a great t'in’ Zari can't get zapped by ya. I didn't know Zari was a ‘ealer. My Pops is a decent one too, makes everythi’in’ from a paper cut t'at missin’ limbs all good again! Maybe she can learn a little from ‘im. Or, we can go ask Papa or Pa. All toget'er t'ey can brin’ back t'e dead so if you do zap me by accident, just give Dee a call. They'll fix me up.”[/color] Danni rambled, watching Amélie decide it was time to investigate the new person. [color=E948FC]“I ‘ad t'is whole idea of us like redoing our first meetin’ and t'en I panicked and t'rew a dragon at you, but w'atcha lookin’ ta get outta t'is whole school t'in’? ‘onestly, ya seem pretty capable wit'out t'is.”[/color]

[color=b71d5d]”She's not a healer.”[/color] Andy said confused. Not sure how Danni had gotten that from what she had said. She did smile at Danni talking about James and Casper. She almost laughed as she remembered the time Casper told her to punch a dude in the deck if he was pressuring her for sex. 

[color=b71d5d]”I've had some training prior to coming here. But I need more long term stuff. I need to prevent something from happening.”[/color] God how could she explain her mom without telling Danni whoever was. [color=b71d5d]”Basically, I have an object in my possession that if someone unscrupulous took it from me could end the world. So I have to protect it. I am capable. But I need to be stronger.”[/color] 

[color=b71d5d]”Who is who? You say Pops and Pa. Dorian showed me photos but I don't know who you mean by the nickname.”[/color]

[color=E948FC]“T'ats so cool.”[/color] Danni whispered in awe. Andy had a world ending item just causally in her possession? He wanted to see! [color=E948FC]“Oh! Pops is… you now, Pops. ‘is name is James and Pops is like, the responsible one, you know? ‘e runs kinda an underground clinic and ‘e'll see anyone, normie or hero or villian. Pa is Maxie, a really, really good magician and ‘e keeps our ‘ouse together, like literally. Wit'out Pa, we'd probably ‘ave A ‘ouse wit’ a reasonable amount of ‘allways. T'en there is Appa -t'ats Benji-, who is married ta Pa. Appa is always around, keeps t'e ‘ouse tidy and ‘e is always willin’ ta listen, except on some days when t'e rents just tell us ta leave ‘im alone. ‘e just needs ‘is space alotta times. And of course, t'ere is Papa! T'ats Casper and ‘e's married ta Pops but really, t'ey're all kinda together and not? They called it t'e QPR but I don't really know what t'at means. But Papa is t'e most like us and ‘onestly, is just ‘ere ta love ‘is family and ‘ave a good time. T'ough, I wish Pops and Papa would ‘ave more [i]good times[/i] in places I don't walk into. I ‘ave never wished for eye bleach more t'an when…”[/color] Danni shuddered. 

[color=b71d5d]”I’ll try to keep it straight...”[/color] She grinned. [color=b71d5d]”Well I’ll at least try to remember who is who.”[/color] She was glad members of the MU were still together. It made her wonder how the others were. So many of them were broken when Genosha fell. Did others put themselves back together? Or did they fall apart completely? She was not surprised at all that Casper was involved in [i]good times[/i] in inappropriate places. Andy was convinced he had been on drugs back in the day. Though, in Casper’s defence when Andy first met him Casper had been suffering from extreme M-Pox. 

[color=E948FC]“T'ere ain't not'in’ straight in our ‘ouse'old! And it's easier if ya meet ‘em. You should come over next break! Ya can meet ‘em all. We love ‘aven people over. The ‘rents don't really talk ‘bout it, but t'ere real proud of where we live and t'e people we ‘ang out wit’ so I'm sure they'll love ya too!”[/color] Amélie shivered a little in Andy's arms, curling up closer to her. [color=E948FC]“I ‘ave tons a photos of t'em too! T'ank god for t'e cloud ‘cause I'd never ‘ave enough space ta hold all of t'em. What ‘bout you? Your rents big or do ya kinda avoid t'em?”[/color]

[color=b71d5d]”I’d like that.”[/color] It might be awkward as hell, Andy considered. [color=b71d5d]”Well, parents are a bit of an awkward situation for me. I don’t know my father, I think my mom killed him when I was little.”[/color] She shifted awkwardly, petting Amelie to cover it. [color=b71d5d]”Uh, I was adopted by Magento though. I haven’t seen him since I started here. I really need to reach out to him.”[/color] That left her mother. [color=b71d5d]”My mother is...a long story. I don’t think I want to go into it right now if you don’t mind.”[/color] That had to be fair, right?

Danni reaaaaaaaally wanted to press but Andy had asked and he was trying to be a good friend. [color=E948FC]“Yeah, it's no prob! Sorry ta ‘ere ‘bout your dad, t'ough you are  technically kinda related ta Princess t'en! I wouldn't really bring t'at up between you and me, but it's inchrestin’ at least!”[/color] Danni cooed at Amélie making little distressed sounds. [color=E948FC] “Aw, baby You cold again? Lemme ‘elp.”[/color] Danni plucked her from Andy and curled her up, took a deep breath, and while he didn't necessarily have to, blew fire along Amélie's back. Her scales glowed for a moment before settling back to orange and she twisted and turned in his arms to get fire on every scale. 

[color=E948FC]“Aaaaand all warm now!”[/color] Danni cheered, letting her down to go scamper off for a moment. [color=E948FC] “I don't know why Aggie gave me a dragon, but I absolutely love ‘er. Somet'in’ somet'in’ fear of fire and all t'at. But yeah, you wanna come ta our next ‘angout? It's a little cramped in t'e dorm wit’ Princess movin’ in but my forts are t'e best and we all cuddle up real close so we're all as snug as a bug in a rug!”[/color]

[color=b71d5d]”Yeah, I don’t think April likes me all that much because of that.”[/color] Andy was sad to let the dragon go, but it was probably for the best. She doubted she provided much warmth. [color=b71d5d]”I’d like that. I don’t know about cuddling though.”[/color] She held up her gloved hand, wiggling her fingers as a reminder. [color=b71d5d]”And would April be alright with that? I don’t want to intrude.”[/color] 

[color=E948FC] “Uh… I would ‘ave ta run it by ‘er. And don't be silly. We'll be careful, but you're gettin’ cuddled. No escape! It's cuddle pile all day in the DAD dorm!”[/color] Danni beamed and then looked very serious at her. [color=E948FC]“Are ya afraid ta touch people wit’ t'is issue? Even wit’ your stuff on. Do you miss like, just casual touches? [i]Should I ‘ave not leaned on your shoulder?![/i]”[/color]

Andy’s body tensed. She nodded. [color=b71d5d]”I hurt people. I can kill people. I have killed people just by touching them. That freshman girl helping Arcade, Ardere, was her name. It brought me back to life, and I don’t regret it because I was able to save the rest of you because of it. But, I’m scared to hurt people I like. I can’t control it. But like I said Zari is immune for some reason and so I still get contact with her.”[/color] Andy probably was a bit touch starved, but if she was honest even prior to this she hadn’t done a whole lot of hugging with people. 

Danni nodded along. [color=E948FC] “I get t'at. When I get too overwhelmed, I just kinda…”[/color] Danni waved his arms around. [color=E948FC] Fire. Just fire everywhere, ya know? I've destroyed lotta stuff ‘cause of it. I mean ‘ell I scorched t'e shit outta t'e dorms t'e ot'er day ‘cause I was in a, yeesh, a really bad place at t'e moment. I'm always afraid t'at if t'e t'at ‘appens while I'm ‘angin’ off someone and curled up in bed with Dee and Princess t'at t’ey won't make it out. T'at t'ey won't ‘ave a chance.”[/color] Danni paused, memory wandering to one with too many nightmares in it. 

[color=E948FC]“But t'en I remember it's what ‘elps keep me stable, all t'e contact and t'e cuddling. I get antsy if I don't get skin ta skin contact and if it goes too long woof. You t'ink my emotions are wild now? A Danni who hasn't had physical contact wit’ other people for 24 ‘ours. e's a whole lotta crazy.”[/color] Danni laughed. [color=E948FC]“But, it's all ‘bout figurin’ out t'e right technique so if ya every wanna practice hugs or cuddles’ or somethin’, we can spend some time talkin’ safety and limits and see what we can do ta get you t'at! T'eres nothing like a nice long cuddle session wit’ t'e besties ta ‘elp melt away t'e stress!”[/color]

Andy bit her lip thinking. She had never had that. Even before Genosha. Ash would hug her occasionally. Before that had been Northwood and foster homes. The only family that had ever really hugged had been her first family. The one family she had considered home until Ash and Jamie. She hadn’t even known she was a mutant yet. [color=b71d5d]”Maybe. I did tell Dorian he could hug me if he put a blanket over me. He ended up using an oversized hoodie. So we sort of figured it out. And it felt good. It’s sort of funny, my jacket, when Ash gave it to me it was so I could charge it with electricity and have the spikes light up. Now it feels more like armor keeping people away. Most of my physical contact was fighting, but that was all before I became an energy vampire. I was good. Like really good. People would come and fight me from all over and I didn’t ever use my electricity, it was just me being fast.”[/color] Andy stopped. She had said too much. Dr. Whitehall told her to open up to people but this was getting too close to her and Danni’s shared history. She wasn’t ready. 

 [color=b71d5d]”Anyway, yeah, we can talk about it. Work out how to do it safely. If April is okay with me joining. I won’t get between you three. I know that I make her uncomfortable. I won’t say she hates me, though sometimes it feels like she might. She never said as much, but she seems offended. If that makes sense.”[/color] Andy shook her head. Eventually her and April were going to have to talk through this. If Andy was going to be friends with Danni and Dorian. 	

[color=E948FC]“OMG! You were a world renowned fighter? Can you teach me? I'm mostly a mid-range guy. Ya know, small blasts ta keep people off balance. I would love ta get a little bit more ‘and ta ‘and experience. I'm pretty quick on my feet but let's be real, I ain't got t'at stuff ta be a brawler. Anyt'in’ t'at ‘elps me move a little better will keep me in t'e fight longer!”[/color] Danni asked excitedly. [color=E948FC] “And Dee’s so mart, ain’t ‘e? Maybe I’ll start carryin’ a ‘oodie ‘round just ta be able ta give ya a ‘ug whenever I see ya! And I'll talk ta Princess for ya don't worry. She love pretty much everybody and I'm sure she'll be chill wit’ ya soon enough! We'll get ya a pro at friends in no time!”[/color] 

In the distance, a heavy [i]thud[/i] sounded and the shrill distress of an irritated dragon followed. [color=E948FC]“Well, uh, shit. You got ta ‘old a dragon. ‘ow do ya feel ‘bout savin’ one?”[/color] Danni asked, exasperated but dashing off towards the noise.

 [color=b71d5d]”Sure I’ll teach you some stuff. And yeahhhh...That sounds dire. Let’s go.”[/color] Andy said running after him.