open post;

[nostalgiabomb]

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[emotive]

I don't want to read any minds though.

[She doesn't meet his gaze and stares into her coffee instead.]

When I was younger, my abilities were too difficult for me to handle and that included the mind reading. I heard everything too clearly and it put more stress on me than I could handle.

Eventually, I was powered down so I had a better chance of surviving. I've been working with only half of what I actually have ever since.

[nostalgiabomb]

-- Seriously? You've been working with only half?

[ Peter lets out a low whistle, settling back in his seat. ]

That's seriously impressive, dude.

[emotive]

... Ah.

[She looks up, trying to be SERIOUS.]

W-What I'm saying is that I'm not used to being around other people outside of my community where the others are always expecting me to act a certain way. So I'm not accustomed to anyone thinking my powers are "cool" or "impressive!"

But, even after all that trouble we went through, I think I'm happy! I don't know what it is, but I think it's okay to call it happiness, right?

[nostalgiabomb]

[ ... Damn. She's like, a really serious puppy dog, and Peter tries his best not to smile, instead affecting a sort of sober air. ]

Why wouldn't it be okay? If it makes you happy, then call it what it is, right? As long as you aren't hurting anyone who doesn't deserve it, then you're allowed happiness, kiddo. Simple as that.

1/2

[emotive]

[emotive]

[She deflates, but it's not necessarily a bad thing. It's just... Was it really that easy? Ai's not sure what happiness could be with her context and all, but when he puts it that way...]

I wish someone told me that sooner. I guess I'm still learning how to be a bit more selfish.

[nostalgiabomb]

[ He can't help it -- he laughs a little, reaching over to pat her hand. ]

You're definitely in the right place if you need to learn that.

Speakin' of which.

[ He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small, hinged box. He offers only a quick-- ]

Think fast.

[ -- before he tosses it over to her. ]

[emotive]

Ah!

[She blinks and since she's holding her cup, the tossed box stops short in front of her eyes, floating in its place until she holds out her hand so it plops onto her palm. Her fingers curl around it and her eyes become curious.]

And this is...?

[nostalgiabomb]

[ Peter grins at the display of her abilities, but then waves a hand -- a signal for her to open it. ]

A gift for helping us out on that job. You more than deserve it.

[emotive]

[She opens it up and...]

Wait a minute... These are the earrings from the vault!

[SPEECHLESS.]

You took them for me???

[nostalgiabomb]

[ Peter just shrugs. ]

It seemed like you really liked 'em. You did like 'em, right?

[emotive]

I do! I didn't think you'd get them for me though andand... [BREATHE. She looks incredibly elated, but also like she's holding back how happy she looks.]

Thank... Thank you!

[nostalgiabomb]

[ He shrugs again, waving a hand sort of dismissively as he picks up his mug of coffee again. ]

Don't mention it. It's a thank you gift for your help, anyway. You really saved my ass back there.

[emotive]

[Ai manages to beam now that she knows it's okay to be happy over getting a gift.]

And I'd do it again in an instant!

[nostalgiabomb]

[ He's glad to see the way she perks up--

-- and then reaches over to ruffle her hair, careful to avoid rousing Groot as he moves. ]

And that's why you're awesome, kid.

[emotive]

[She accepts the hair ruffling; she really is kind of a kid, what, with how a simple gift from someone else makes her so excited. It's not even Christmas!]

I know! When I return to Earth, is there something I can get you?

[nostalgiabomb]

[ He shakes his head. ]

Seriously, Ai. You don't have to worry about it. This is me thanking you.

[emotive]

Are you absolutely sure?? There has to be something on Earth I can get you that you can't find anywhere else!

[nostalgiabomb]

[ He frowns for a moment, looks like he's about to answer, then-- ]

Nah, kid, it's fine. Really.

[emotive]

... Music?

[nostalgiabomb]

[ He hesitates -- but then his expression softens a little, and he exhales a soft breath. ]

Kinda have a lot to catch up on.

[emotive]

[There's something in his hesitation and the look on his face that gives Ai pause. She isn't the best at reading people, but for some reason the young esper gathers there's a lot more to what he just said.

There's some silence and she takes another sip of her cooled down coffee. And she sways her head back and forth and she quietly begins to sing...]

I'd like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns slowly...

[nostalgiabomb]

[ He's quiet as he listens to her sing, and when there's a pause, he gives her a small smile. ]

Pretty song. What's it called?

[emotive]

"Fireflies." [Ai smiles back.]

Owl City, 2009.

[nostalgiabomb]

Guessin' that's one of your favorites, or...?