PB   I've always wanted a team.

PB   You think it's too late for me?

You didn't expect Bri to perk up by any means, but the stark confusion is a little insulting.

BR   As in

BR   Sports?

PB   No no!

PB   Though we could rock coordinated baseball uniforms...

BR   Who is 'we' o_0

PB   A team of freedom-fighting ass-kicking heroines obviously!

PB   Can't you just imagine it?

PB   I would be the leader of course.

PB   But we'd all be different colors and backgrounds and skills.

She looks upwards, thoughtful. That's a good sign.

BR   Is 'heroine' supposed to be literal?

PB   Not necessarily.

BR   Oh, good

PB   Good?!

And there she goes, back into her journal. You find the smallest eraser you have and toss it at her head.

PB   I'd make an amazing Super!

BR   That's not my only concern o_o

PB   You should have more faith in me!

PB   And all of my endeavors. Hypothetical or otherwise. >:3

BR   It's more than just you, Phoebe

BR   You know that

You scoff.

PB   Oh put away the lecture.

PB   I'm not going to get into it with you again.

You're plenty cynical, but even you have a weakness for Supers and the hero culture in comics, shows, and movies. Real people have too much baggage. Give civilians a symbol of good, and they'll learn by example.

Basically, you have joy in your heart. Can't say as much for your more misanthropic peer.

PB   The point is it'd be a damn good team.

PB   I've already got a name. Phoebe and the Star Cadets!

PB   Bringing truth and justice to the world - the galaxy and beyond!

You look back at Bri, expecting wonderment and awe.

BR   And you're sure this isn't a Super thing

You groan and fall back in your chair.

PB   The point is about bringing change in a general hero way!

PB   That means I could still totally do law.

BR   Oh

BR   So, it's like some kind of agency? United under a cause?

PB   Except we call it a 'team' because that sounds better. :3

BR   I'm still having trouble conceptualizing this

PB   Well you better get it together soon bucko!

PB   Because I'll be recruiting you first.

She blinks, looking more awake now.

BR   Me?

PB   You're my second-in-command.

BR   You want me to be a... soldier?

PB   Cadet!

BR   But cadets are trainees

BR   Don't you want a title with more seniority?

PB   Stop thinking about semantics!

PB   Here - lemme pitch it to you.

You clear your throat and pick up a nice, pink pen. One that has a cute triangle at its end, making it look like a baton.

PB   Someone's cornered at the dead of night.

PB   They cry out for help!

PB   But the Supers aren't patrolling and neither are the police.

PB   They're starting to lose hope... that's when they see them.

PB   The Star Cadets!

You assume a classic pose - one hand on the hips, another at the forehead, with eyes scouring the scene. After gesturing to her, Bri scrambles from her seat and stands next to you, her hands hovering uncertainly.

BR   Is this the part where we beat someone senseless

PB   What?

PB   Why is that your first thought?

BR   I thought you said they were in danger o_o

PB   Yes... they're in serious trouble...

PB   Of being cut off of their welfare support!

You gasp dramatically. Bri's hands lower back down to their sides.

BR   So this is just law again

BR   The team is about enlisting people for law

PB   Duh.

PB   How else are you going to get truth and justice?

BR   o_o

You give her a warning look.

PB   Stop it.

BR   o_0

PB   Bri. I said stop it.

PB   That's not what this is about.

BR   What about freedom of thought?

PB   No whataboutisms! You're practically blasting live executions into my brain.

BR   Of the right people

PB   That doesn't mean it's not violent and totally impolite to show me!

BR   You're the one looking o_o

PB   Don't victim-blame! You're better than that!!

Ugh. Why can't you use your Value to force others to read the thoughts you wanted?

One day, they'll get to feel how it's like. You're going to train so hard that you'll project entire seasons of anime into Bri's head. Then, she'll be sorry.

BR   I thought you had it under control

BR   Filtering what you wanted to sense, I mean

PB   It's better than it was before.

PB   I can feel it getting better every day.

PB   But it's not enough that I can just... turn off my brain!

PB   At least with your main senses you can physically reduce it.

PB   BRAIN is all mental. Heck it's psychological!

PB   And it's everyone's thoughts along with mine.

PB   Geez...

PB   I have to learn meditation or something to avoid getting all these migraines.

PB   Otherwise it'll drive me crazy.

You feel a hand on your shoulder. When you look, Bri's expression is as blank as always, but under the surface is a tenderness you've learned to discern.

BR   I'm sorry for thinking about capital punishment really hard

You're stunned. Then, you burst out laughing.

PB   Nya ha ha!

PB   You say the darn'dest things Miss Santos.

PB   If it was anyone else I would've thought you took me as a joke.

BR   o.o ?

PB   It's fine. No forgiveness necessary.

PB   You didn't know what I was going through. I don't blame you for it.

PB   Plus I appreciate having your kind of perspective.

PB   Different kinda thoughts aren't bad thoughts per se.

PB   It helps the pool from getting too diluted.

BR   The pool of pure Phoebe?

PB   You know what they say! Can't have too much of a good thing. :3

Bri's hand has left your shoulder and remains hovering awkwardly in the air. Rather than out of indecision, she likely just... forgot to put it back by her side. It's enviable, the way she can completely eschew certain social rules and still remain so smart and confident.

Sometimes, her thoughts can be like a tiny raindrops - busy and numerous but gone as soon as you blink. You never have enough time to focus on them, so it doesn't reach the point of overstimulation. Real-life rain has become a relaxing presence because of its resemblance to her mind.

PB   I'm glad to know you so well Miss Santos.

PB   I don't think I say that enough.

She tilts her head, a corner of her mouth quirking up.

BR   Are you trying to get in my good graces for recruitment purposes?

PB   In the grand scheme of things... everything I do is for good. :3

BR   Well, while we're being crushingly ingratiating

BR   I'll admit that working with other people would be good for you

BR   I wouldn't oppose to helping you with that

PB   I'll definitely need you for research and investigation.

PB   And if someone needs some sense knocked into them.

PB   The others will fill in for where we lack.

BR   Oh, like broader skillsets?

PB   I'm thinking a pretty blonde a mature type and a tomboy.

BR   o_o

Maybe it's for the best that others can't read your head as well as you can theirs. This way, you can keep spending time with her, having the same back-and-forth, without her knowing what you might resort to in order to get to where you need to be.

Or maybe she'd understand. Maybe she auditioned too, and she'll get accepted alongside you. That'd be the best case scenario, you think. For everyone.