Time for Shopping?

Marina's eyes lit up as the Jeep pulled into the shopping plaza's parking lot. "Are you guys sure you have enough money? I can keep borrowing Selina's clothes." she suggested.

Selina laughed as she spoke, "No way, you're going to stretch all my shirts out. I'm sure we'll get more funds at Lunar Lake."

Marina ran up and happily hugged Selina. "I'm finally normal. I've never gone shopping before," Marina sang out as she performed a silly little dance.

Liam smiled at their interaction and absently played with the chunky silver ring that hang from the old leather cord around his neck. "Don't get to excited now Marina. It's just the second hand store. Nothing fancy." He interjected.

They stepped into the second-hand store, the musty scent of aged clothes enveloped them, and the faint hum of indie music played in the background. Marina's eyes widened as she scanned the racks, her fingers trailing over the fabrics with a mix of curiosity and excitement.

"Marina, do you want some help?" Selina asked, her voice warm as she adjusted her braid. Marina turned, her amber eyes sparkling with mischief.

"No thanks, Selina. Kurt will help," she replied, grabbing Kurt's arm and dagging him off.

"What! What? Help," Kurt's voice faded away as Marina pulled him along, his voice playful.

Marina and Kurt disappeared into the maze of clothes, emerging periodically to show off her finds. Each time Kurt appearing with her, the group offered their opinions, and Kurt's teasing remarks followed.

After several hours, the sun dipped lower in the sky the small group left the thrift shop, with several bags in tow, in search of food.

They settled into a cozy diner, the clatter of dishes and murmur of conversations creating a warm ambiance. Over burgers and fries, Marina once again broached the subject of training.

"Like I said earlier, I think we should start training," she said, her voice steady. "And not just physical training. Selina, Liam, you have abilities you're not controlling."

Liam frowned, his indigo eyes narrowing. "I don't have abilities, Marina."

"Actually, you do," Marina countered, her observant nature shining through. "In the lab, I didn't notice you until Selina spoke. You were... hidden I guess. I didn't hear you, see you or smell you."

Selina's eyes shifted, a mix of deep purple and blue as she listened. "She's right, Liam. We were in the lab, but she didn't seem to see us. She saw Kurt though."

Marina continued, "But after Selina spoke, I saw you, but not the real you, as I see you now. I thought you were humans with black hair and pale skin. After Selina announced I was coming with you and I wasn't a threat, your hair took on a blue shade and your eyes became almost purple."

Kurt nodded, his blue eyes thoughtful. "I thought you two were human at first. Took weeks to see the real you."

Marina's gaze softened. "Your auras are so strong. Liam's is all about safety and protection almost like a shield. Selina, yours is warm, hopeful... but it seems to change in response to my emotions."

Selina's cheeks flushed, her voice barely above a whisper. "You think I'm an empath?"

"And maybe more," Marina said gently. "Perhaps you can enter dreams. I think you've been using them solely based on instincts. You can probably do so much more."

The diner's noise faded as the group digested her words. Liam broke the silence, his voice steady. "If we're going to do this, we need to commit. Daily training, fighting and abilities."

Kurt agreed, his playful tone returning. "And maybe a few sparring matches. You never know when rogues might show up. I can't wait to teach you some things, doll!". He winked at Marina as he finished. Her ears burned red as her stomach began to flutter at Kurt's insinuation.

It was agreed. They would train, together, helping each other prepare for whatever they encountered. As they finished their meal, Kurt, leaned back in his chair, tossed a fry in the air and caught it with a grin. "Funds are running a bit low," he announced, his tone light but laced with a hint of seriousness.

"Oh I'm sorry, maybe I should take the clothes back," Marina offered as she looked at her plate, embarrassment etched across her face.

"Oh no, you're fine. We'll just camp out, no more hotel rooms." Liam interejected.

Marina's eyes widened as her fingers toyed nervously with the edge of the table, her amber eyes darting around the diner as if searching for an escape route.

"Camping?" she murmured, her voice tinged with apprehension. "What about rogues or or I dunno. It might not be safe."

Kurt reached across the table, his hand brushing against hers. "Don't worry. We'll share a sleeping bag. I'll keep you safe, warm" he murmured, his tone dropping into a softer, sweeter register. "… and entertained, his playful smirk causing her pulse to quicken and she blushed again.

Selina and Liam exchanged a knowing glance. Selina's cheeks flushed, her indigo eyes rolling dramatically. "This is why we can't have nice things," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. Liam nodded in agreement. "Let's move before it gets dark. We need a decent spot to camp."

The group began to slide out of their seats, the old vinyl creaking in response. Marina gathered her bags, her thoughts lingered on feel of Kurts touch and the way her heart fluttered in response to his words.

The day had begun its change to night as the sun approached the horizon. Kurt tossed the bags into the back, his movements efficient. "I'm driving," he declared reaching for the driver's door.

As they settled in, the engine roared to life. Selina leaned back, her braid brushing against the seat. "How much longer to Lunar Lake?" she asked, curious. Kurt glanced in the rearview mirror, his blue eyes meeting hers. "We're already in their territory. The packhouse is another day out."

Noticing the sudden apprehension reflecting in her eyes, Kurt responded further. "Don't worry. Lunar Lake is very welcoming of lone wolves. We are very safe here."

The Jeep wound through the darkening roads. Before the sun had fully set, Selina, using intuition, guided them off the road into a clearing beside a cool stream. As they began to set up camp, Selina froze and then began walking away from the camp.

"Valentino?" She questioned as she watched a flickering light approach from the distance.