Before even a word was spoken, Ashton passed her a form to sign. A confidentiality agreement? What kinds of things was he going to tell her that she had to sign one before the interview even started? Or was he just that confident she would pass? She gave it a quick glance over to make sure there weren’t any dangerous deals hidden inside like those hero agencies that had popped up, then signed her name in the appropriate places.

“I want you to know what you are getting into before you join,” Ashton explained, “I am sure you have your own ideas as well. There are also some things I need to warn you about.”

So he had given her this contract to protect her. Summer couldn’t help but smile, but she needed to focus. “I’m ready,” she assured him.

“I will begin with the part that probably matters most,” Ashton started, “If you do join my team, you will need to move into the team apartments. While we will be a noncombatant team, we will still need to train together and missions and emergencies will be easier if we are all in close proximity-”

“That’s perfect!” Summer broke in, unable to contain her excitement, “Actually, I have been thinking of moving out on my own.”

“That’s good then,” Ashton replied a bit awkwardly, “Then why don’t I explain what the team was and what we would be doing?”

Summer nodded, eager to hear more. “You said we won’t need to fight, right?”

“That’s right,” Ashton confirmed, “Our team has been chosen for a specious mission. Unseen powers such as mental and emotional abilities have a way of slipping under the radar until it is too late. We will be locating these powers and ensuring they are not dangerous to themselves or others. Mostly through negotiation, if possible.”

“Amazing,” Summer whispered. This was already far closer to her idea of a hero than SI had ever been.

Ashton hesitated. “Summer, there is something I have to admit. This incident and everything with MysteriousMaskz is my fault. I intend to use this opportunity to track him down as I am certain he has some kind of unseen ability. I understand if you don’t want to get involved any further.”

“I’m in,” Summer told him, “Ned won’t scare me anymore. Not when I have Shadow Phoenix to protect me.”

“If you are sure, fill out this paperwork and pack your things,” Ashton told her and handed her the appropriate materials.

There was a silence as Summer filled out the papers, broken by her occasional question. Once the paperwork was finished, he stacked it in a neat pile and stowed it away. That was when Summer got a sudden idea. She was going to take action on her own this time.

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“Ashton,” she called out and approached as he looked up. He seemed confused but not as confused as he would be in a moment. Summer leaned in and kissed him before she lost her nerve. A proper kiss on the lips, though barely a peck. “Thank you for always being there for me.”

Summer pulled back to get a full view of Ashton frozen stiff. If she needed any more proof that Ashton didn’t feel that way about her, this drove it home. However, she had no intention of giving up. First, she would make him aware of her. Actually, first she should leave before her embarrassment caught up to her and Ashton unfroze enough to start asking questions.

Once she was out by her car, the reality of what she needed to do next began to sink in. It was time to go home and to stand her ground. Today was the day she would finally prepare to move out on her own. Summer hated to admit it, but the thought was scary. She had seen enough of the world to know there was plenty of reason for her father to be protective of her. While she understood, it was also exciting to finally have the chance to stand on her own.

As will all things Summer dreaded, it seemed it was only a moment before she pulled into the driveway of her home. Or her family’s home. She wasn’t sure how to refer to this place anymore. She stared at the front door for a few minutes before she left the safety of her vehicle. Nothing would happen if she didn’t make a move, so Summer forced herself to open her door and start walking.

Before she even had a chance to open the door, it flung open and she was pulled into a tight embrace by her father. He had bags under his eyes and she could feel a slight tremble in his arms.

“You came home,” he said, his voice trembling more than his grip, “I’m so glad your safe. I’m sorry. I should never have-”

“It’s alright,” Summer interrupted, not wanting to put on a drama for the neighborhood on the doorstep, “I overreacted a little myself. Let’s go inside. I have something to tell you. Something I meant to tell you yesterday before… everything.”

Mr. Aster released her and led her inside. Everything was exactly the same. Summer didn’t know why she was surprised. It had only been one day. The moment they two stepped out of the hallway, her mother pulled her into a tight hug of her own. Rather than trembling, her emotions were shown through the crippling strength that knocked the air out of her lungs.

“I need to tell you both something,” Summer managed after surviving both bear hugs, “Yesterday I was offered a position at Gale Research and I accepted. I finished all of the paperwork today, and I will be moving into the company apartments.” She wasn’t asking. Not this time. They needed to know, but she wouldn’t let their rejection stop her now.

They were shocked, but Summer didn’t hear the words of anger or dismissal she had expected. Instead, her father seemed to deflate even more. “No wonder you were so emotional yesterday. Your mother was right. Ashton’s protected you this far, and I can’t let my fear steal your future.”

“Mom?” Summer questioned, surprised by the news. While she had been wasting time feeling sorry for herself, it seemed her mother had been defending her and successfully convinced him.

“I know you feel stifled here,” Mrs. Aster told her, “We will never stop loving or protecting you. You are our precious little girl. Our treasure. However, you are also your own person and you deserve to live your own life.”

Summer felt tears coming back to her eyes and her mouth felt dry. Maybe she should have drunk more water. They continued their tearful reunion and had a nice meal together. After that her parents helped her pack her things and they enjoyed chatting about her new apartment that she would be moving into.