A Picture Perfect Plan

After a few strong hurricanes slammed Louisiana, Mick's team began crime fighting a little more openly, hoping to calm the rampant waves of looting. The Outcast was featured in the media for several months dealing with several incidents and leaving the criminals webbed up or frozen in place for the cops to find, with their specialized O on a calling card. 

The school year seemed to fly by as well, messages from Jerren and Davis becoming more detailed. Legends of the science tutor, Jemma Simmons filled Mick's inbox from Davis, while Jerren spoke of his drone flight partner, Leo Fitz. Patten had even taken to dating, his constantly being mysterious with his training schedule had girls enamored. So much there was a rumor going around that Patten was the Recluse. 

Prom was now looming over them, one thing Mick never really thought about. Homecoming was one thing, Prom was another monster all together. Sam had been dragging him back and forth to the mall, while Patten and girlfriend, Millie Averett, tagged along. 

"We've been at this for hours, can we please take a break?" Mick slumped down against the wall as they walked up to another fancy looking boutique. 

"We've been here for maybe an hour," Sam turned, glaring at him with a hand on her hip. "It might go a little better if you'd actually help me pick a dress instead of just grunting or nodding." 

"You look great in everything you try on, why does it matter so much?" Mick groaned in exasperation. "It's just a stupid dance!" He then realized just how dumb that statement was when the air around him began getting cold. "Not fair!" Mick jumped up, wrapping his arms around Sam as she giggled. 

"You'd probably be just as happy if we didn't go to prom at all, wouldn't you?" Sam asked, Mick hesitant to answer. He looked around, seeing GameStop nearby distracted by new games posters. 

"Where'd Pat run off to?" Mick grumbled as Sam cut eyes at his deflection. "I thought he was supposed to be here to help me though this mess?" 

"He's probably being a good boyfriend and looking at dresses with Millie," Sam said as Mick noticed Pat at the register of GameStop. 

"Or he's buying some new games," Mick grunted. "Lucky jerk." 

"You're such a nerd," Sam shoved Mick playfully. 

"Hey look, there you two are," Patten said nonchalantly as he held his GameStop bag at his side to Mick's chagrin. "How's the dress hunt going?" 

"Slow," Mick glared. "Painfully slow. How'd you slip away?" Mick asked as Sam rolled her eyes and leaned on Mick. 

"Oh we're done," Pat said emphatically. "She's actually over in the food court grabbing us some dinner, if you guys wanna join." 

"Seriously?" Mick blurted out, Sam stared at him in disbelief that he was acting so whiny. "We'll join you guys after we check this store. I think we'll find the perfect one in here." 

"You realize that an extremely expensive designer store, right?" Patten whispered in Mick's ear. "And you're pushing her a bit too far." 

"It'll be fine," Mick whispered with a nod. 

"Have fun," Patten shook his head as Sam looked at the two of them curiously. 

"Ready?" Mick held out his hand, Sam confused by this complete one eighty. 

After Sam found the dress she wanted, and perfect jewelry to match it, Mick's savings took quite a hit, but he didn't care so much. All of this was setting up for the perfect moment, the moment that he would tell Sam the hardest thing he thought he'd ever have to say. Three words that would change life for ever. I love you. 

The girls began discussing travel arrangements for Prom night, as Mick and Pat started cleaning up from their meal. This left Mick and Patten to have a few minutes to geek out over the new Kingdom Hearts game that Patten bought. Mick in his envious self, went and purchased his own copy to play in the few minutes of downtime he had between SHIELD training sessions, school, and boyfriend duty. 

The next few weeks flew by, Mick's time crunched severely. Mick and Patten were fitted and had their tuxes ready, dinner reservations at a high class restaurant in Baton Rouge, and a limo to bring them. The stage was set for a very special night, one that hopefully they'd never forget. Perhaps the most magical night of their lives.