The city didn’t sleep that night.
Sirens echoed long after the fires were out. Streets stayed blocked. News vans camped on corners like vultures. People whispered the name Soul Feather with equal parts awe and fear.
Alex sat at the far end of the table inside a temporary command room set up near the impact zone, his shoulders slumped, wings folded tight behind him like they were trying to disappear into his back. The lights hummed softly overhead. Too softly. It made the silence worse.
Bob stood near the table with his arms crossed. Helen leaned against the table, posture calm but eyes sharp. Lucius rested his weight on one heel, arms folded, expression unreadable. Dash sat on the edge of a chair he absolutely was not supposed to be sitting on, bouncing his knee like he’d explode if no one spoke soon.
Violet stood next to Alex. Close. Not touching—but close enough that he could feel her warmth through his sleeve.
A government official cleared his throat.
“So,” the man said carefully, tapping a tablet, “let’s talk about what happened tonight.”
Alex swallowed. His throat felt raw, like he’d been screaming for hours. Which… yeah.
“The escaped suspect,” the man continued, “was found alive. Unconscious. Severe trauma. Wing structures completely destroyed.” He paused, then added, “Medical teams say he’ll never fly again.”
Dash winced. “Oof.”
Helen shot him a look. Dash shut up instantly.
The man glanced at Alex. “Care to explain that?”
Alex lifted his gaze slowly. His eyes were normal now. Brown. Tired. Human.
“I stopped him,” he said hoarsely.
“That’s not what I asked.”
Alex’s jaw tightened. Violet shifted closer.
“He was targeting civilians,” Alex went on. “He was asking for me. He wasn’t going to stop.”
The man scrolled. “Witness reports mention… extreme aggression.”
Alex’s fingers curled against his knee.
Frozone finally spoke. “Let’s be clear here. The kid didn’t lose control and go on a joyride. I mean sure he let his rage loose a bit, but he didn't hurt any civilians. He ended a threat. A lethal one”
The official nodded slowly. “We’re not disputing that. But the level of force—”
“—saved lives,” Violet cut in, voice steady but sharp. “Including mine.”
The room went quiet.
Alex turned his head slightly, eyes widening. “Violet—”
“I was there,” she said, not looking away from the official. “He pulled back when it mattered. He stopped himself.”
Helen watched Alex carefully now. “Did you?”
Alex hesitated. Just a second.
“Yes,” he said. “I did.”
It wasn’t a lie. Not entirely.
The official sighed and powered down the tablet. “Publicly, this incident will be classified as a coordinated takedown by registered supers. No mention of… transformations. No mention of excessive force.”
Alex let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding.
“But,” the man added, pointing gently, “If this happens again.”
Alex met his eyes. “It won’t.”
The man stood. “You’re cleared—for now. Medical rest is mandatory. Psychological evaluation will follow.”
“Lucky me,” Alex muttered.
Dash snorted.
The official left. The door slid shut behind him with a soft hiss.
For a moment, no one spoke.
Then Helen stepped forward and placed a hand on Alex’s arm. “You’re not going home tonight.”
Alex blinked. “I—what?”
“You’re staying with us,” Bob said, already nodding like the decision had been made three hours ago. “Non-negotiable.”
“I’m fine,” Alex said automatically.
Lucius smirked. “That’s what every guy who’s absolutely not fine says.”
Violet finally turned toward him, eyes gentle but unyielding. “Please.”
That did it.
Alex’s shoulders sagged. “Okay,” he murmured.
They walked out together.
Outside, the city was quieter now. Too quiet. Streets patched, lights flickering back to life. The aftermath of something ugly—but finished.
"Well... I'd better get home before my wife kills us all" Lucius said with a smirk.
"Say hi for us Lucius. And thanks for sticking with us" Helen smiled as Bob and others waved goodbye to Lucius as he surfed away making a "Frozone" exit in the crowd.
As they moved, watching frozone surfing away, ice in the air, Alex kept catching Violet’s reflection in windows. She stayed at his side, fingers occasionally brushing his sleeve, grounding him without words.
He didn’t say sorry.
But his eyes did.
And Violet answered them every time—by staying.
By the time they reached the car, Bob opened the door and gestured inside like it was the most natural thing in the world.
“Come on,” he said. “You’re our hostage tonight.”
Alex froze for half a second.
Then he got in.
The ride back was quiet in the way only exhaustion could make it.
Not the comfortable kind.
The heavy, ringing silence that followed violence—when everyone was replaying the same images in their heads, just from different angles.
Alex sat in the back seat, shoulders tense, wings folded tight beneath his jacket like they were afraid to breathe. Violet was pressed against his side, her arm looped through his, thumb tracing small, grounding circles into his sleeve. She hadn’t let go since they’d put him in the car.
Bob drove.
Helen stared straight ahead.
The city lights slid past the windows in muted streaks.
Dash was the one who broke it.
“So…” he said, leaning forward between the seats, eyes bright with the kind of curiosity only teenagers could have after witnessing trauma. “That dark form thing—”
“Dash.” Helen’s voice cut in immediately. Sharp. Warning.
He shrank back an inch. “What? I’m just asking.”
Alex exhaled slowly. “It’s okay.”
Helen glanced at him through the rearview mirror. “Alex, you don’t have to—”
“I know.” His voice was calm, tired, but steady. “But it’s fine.”
Dash perked up again. “So? How does it work? Like—do you just… switch?”
Alex shook his head. “No. It’s not a 'switch'.”
He stared at his hands as he spoke, flexing his fingers like he was still checking they were real.
“It’s… emotion. Volatile emotion. Rage, fear, guilt—all of it stacked on top of each other until there’s nowhere else for it to go.” He swallowed. “The wings respond to that. My body follows.”
“So you just lose it?” Dash asked.
Alex winced. “I used to.”
Violet’s grip tightened, just slightly.
“I’ve been training,” Alex continued. “For almost a week now. Learning how to step into it without drowning in it. How to pull back before it pulls me apart.”
Dash’s eyes widened. “Wait—training where? I thought you only trained with us.”
Alex opened his mouth automatically.
Didn’t think.
Just answered.
“An abandoned warehouse near the factory road.”
"Wow, so you went there like everyday?" Dash asked, surprised
The words barely finished leaving him before he added, quieter—
“ Yeah... I get the surprised look. My parents were mortified.”
Bob slammed the brakes so hard Dash yelped and Helen braced herself against the dashboard.
“WHAT?” Bob said, turning in his seat.
Helen twisted around fully now. “Alex. When?”
Alex’s shoulders sagged. He looked suddenly very young sitting there, wings tucked, eyes heavy.
"Recently. I swear it just happened...”
Violet inhaled sharply. “Mom—” She hesitated, then forced herself to keep going. “That’s… that was our argument.”
Helen blinked. “Argument?”
Violet nodded, guilt written all over her face. “Alex’s mom wanted him to tell me. She said secrets rot people from the inside.” Her voice wavered. “She wasn’t wrong.”
Alex looked down. “I kept pushing Violet to tell my parents about… you guys.” He shook his head. “She said it wasn’t time. I didn’t listen. I pushed anyway.”
Bob dragged a hand down his face. “So this whole thing—”
“—started because I wouldn’t let it go,” Alex finished. “And when Violet flinched earlier tonight…” His voice cracked just a little. “I thought I’d already lost her.”
Silence settled again. Heavier than before.
Bob stared forward, jaw tight. “After tonight, your parents are going to ask questions. Big ones.”
“I know,” Alex said quietly.
“What do we tell them?” Bob snapped. “After this? After a winged lunatic nearly tore the city apart and Alex disappears in the middle of it?”
Helen was already pulling her phone out.
“I’m calling Dicker.”
She didn’t wait for objections.
The call connected quickly.
“Rick,” Helen said. “We have a situation.”
There was a pause. Then, “I’m listening.”
She told him everything. Not all the details—but enough. About Alex’s parents. About the warehouse. About what they didn’t know. About what they absolutely could not know.
Dicker was quiet for a long moment.
“…That complicates things,” he finally said.
“Can you handle it?” Helen asked.
“Yes,” he said. “I’ll contact the parents. Keep it vague. Government incident. Classified injuries. Recovery in progress. I won’t mention other supers. Or your family.”
Helen closed her eyes in relief. “Thank you.”
When she hung up, Bob turned back to Alex. “How did they find you?”
Alex took a breath.
“They came by my apartment. Forgot something before leaving town.” He swallowed. “ I wasn’t there. A neighbor mentioned I go running near the factory road sometimes. They followed that.”
Violet frowned. “Your AirPod—”
“Fell out when I took off,” Alex said. “They found it outside the warehouse.”
Helen’s lips pressed into a thin line. “They walked in on you mid-training.”
Alex nodded. “Wings out. No way to hide it. Took me half an hour to convince them I knew my powers were coming and I wasn't kidnapped and experimented on by a mad scientist”
No one said anything after that.
The rest of the drive passed in silence.
---
The Parr house glowed warmly when they arrived—porch light on, curtains drawn, the quiet promise of safety inside.
Everyone moved slowly, like gravity had doubled.
After changing, after checking wounds that had already faded, Alex drifted outside without really meaning to.
Violet followed.
The yard was quiet. Cool night air. Crickets somewhere unseen.
They stood close without touching at first.
Then Violet reached for his hand.
No words.
Just eyes.
His still carried echoes of red. Hers were tired but steady, anchored.
Everything they’d almost lost sat between them—and somehow, instead of pushing them apart, it held them closer.
Alex leaned his forehead against hers.
She smiled softly.
The night felt… still.
After a long session of soft kisses and silent hugs, they finally went back inside.
The house eventually went quiet.
Not asleep—just quiet.
The kind of quiet that came after something had shaken the walls and left everyone too tired to pretend otherwise.
Alex sat on the edge of the guest bed, elbows on his knees, wings folded tight behind him—not restrained, just… held in. The room smelled faintly of clean laundry and something floral Helen insisted on using everywhere. It felt quiet. Too quiet for how loud his head still was.
There was a soft knock.
He didn’t need to look up.
Violet stood in the doorway, arms folded loosely, her hair still slightly damp. She hesitated for half a second—then stepped inside and closed the door behind her.
They didn’t speak at first.
Alex broke the silence, voice low.
“I’m sorry.”
Violet exhaled slowly. “I know.”
He swallowed. “No—let me say it. I was stubborn. I pushed. I acted like a child who thought if he just pressed harder, things would magically fix themselves.”
She leaned back against the desk. “You were scared.”
“That too,” he admitted. “But I took it out on you. And when you flinched…” His voice cracked, just a little. “I let that convince me you didn’t love me as I am.”
Violet crossed the room and sat beside him. Close enough that their knees touched.
“I never stopped loving you,” she said quietly. “Not for a second. I was scared too. And instead of saying that, I shut down. I made you feel alone.” She looked at him, eyes shining but steady. “I’m sorry too.”
Alex turned toward her fully now. “We’re really bad at not hurting each other when we’re scared.”
She smiled faintly. “Yeah. But we’re getting better.”
They sat there, foreheads nearly touching, breathing finally syncing.
Eventually Violet squeezed his hand. “We should sleep.”
Alex nodded. “Yeah.”
They separated reluctantly, like pulling off a bandage slowly even though it hurt less to just rip it.
Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
She paused at the door. Looked back.
“Hey, Alex?”
“Yeah?”
“We’re doing okay.”
His chest loosened. “Yeah. We are.”
She left.
He lay awake anyway.
Five minutes passed. Then ten.
He took his phone in his hand.
ALEX:
you asleep?
Three dots appeared almost immediately.
VIOLET:
nope
you?
ALEX:
not even close
VIOLET:
same
my brain won’t shut up
ALEX:
mine keeps replaying things like it’s trying to win an award
VIOLET:
worst movie ever
zero stars
ALEX:
would not recommend
A pause.
ALEX:
hey um
this is gonna sound dumb
VIOLET:
you say that before saying perfectly normal things
He stared at the screen for a second, heart thudding like it was about to do something illegal.
ALEX:
do you wanna…
umm
come over?
Three dots. Gone. Back again.
VIOLET:
like… now?
ALEX:
just for a few minutes
i can’t sleep
and you’re kinda my favorite anti-nightmare solution
VIOLET:
what if someone sees us?
ALEX:
we’re not staying till morning
you’ll be back in your bed before anyone realizes anything
A second passed.
Then Alex’s stomach dropped.
Alex:
well
that came out wrong—
VIOLET:
??????
AAALEX
ALEX:
i meant—
not like—
i just—
VIOLET:
relax
i know exactly what you meant
and i’m laughing because you’re adorable when you panic
ALEX:
i am not adorable
i am dignified
VIOLET:
you just typed “—” three times in one message
ALEX:
…okay fair
VIOLET:
don’t move
i’ll be there in a flash
The typing bubble disappeared.
Alex barely had time to sit up before there was a soft knock.
He opened the door—and Violet stepped straight into his arms.
He held her like he’d been waiting all day. Like if he let go, the world might tip again.
She pulled back slightly, concern flashing across her face.
“Hey… what’s wrong?”
Alex shook his head, voice muffled against her shoulder.
“I don’t know.”
Then, quieter:
“I’m scared.”
Her arms tightened around him.
“I can’t sleep,” he went on. “It keeps playing in my head. The roars. The screaming. It felt like I was watching from the back seat while something else was driving. And I hate that I almost lost control.”
His grip tightened. Not crushing—just desperate.
Violet pressed her cheek against his hair. “Alex…”
“You have to stop holding everything in,” she said gently. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
He pulled back just enough to look at her. “I didn’t want you to worry more than you already were. You’ve been under enough pressure.”
She stared at him for exactly half a second.
Then she kissed him.
Hard. Brief. Unapologetic.
When she pulled back, she gently smacked the side of his head.
“Sharing pain is part of the relationship, dummy.”
Alex blinked—then laughed, a real one, tension finally cracking.
“Okay, okay. No more hiding anything. Got it.”
“Good.”
They stood there a moment longer, foreheads touching, breathing even. Alex was drunk with her touch as she kept brushing her hand in his hair making him almost forget where he was.
Eventually Violet stepped back. “I should go before someone actually does see me.”
“Yeah,” he said softly. “But… thank you.”
She smiled. “Always.”
She slipped out.
Alex lay back down.
This time, when he picked up his phone, a notification caught his eye.
February 14 — Valentine’s Day
He stared at it.
Then smiled.
His chest felt light.
I can make this right, he thought.
I can love her better. Stronger. Braver.
And with that thought—warm, steady, hopeful—
the night finally loosened its grip.
Sleep came quietly.
---
The day finally arrived. Alex was excited so much he started to feel his belly drop.
It started simple.
Alex, a little nervous but hiding it under his usual calm, asked Violet out — not with a casual “hey let’s hang,” but with an old-fashioned invite. He even phrased it like a first date.
Violet raised a brow but smiled. “Ohhhh Alex Caddler is asking me out like a first date?”
“Yes,” Alex grinned. “Except this time, I’m actually prepared.”
Bob lent him the car, tossing him the keys with that proud-dad smirk. “Don’t scratch it, kid. And… good luck.”
Violet climbed into the passenger seat, black dress with just a hint of shimmer under the streetlights, her hair perfectly framing her face. She thought they were heading toward the movies — she even teased him about probably picking the cheesiest action flick.
But Alex pulled up to a glowing restaurant instead, its tall glass windows spilling golden light onto the sidewalk. A valet rushed over, but Alex waved him off, walked around, and opened the door himself.
“Milady,” he said softly, locking eyes with her. The kind of look that makes the heart skip a beat.
Violet’s chest fluttered. For a second, she was a teenage girl again, excited, nervous, dizzy.
Inside, everything was ready: candles, polished silverware, soft golden light bouncing from crystal glasses, and Frank Sinatra playing smoothly in the background. A table was already set in the corner, like the restaurant itself had been waiting just for them.
Violet blinked. He planned this.
Alex pulled her chair out like a gentleman, sat across, and for a while they just… talked. Jokes, memories, teasing banter. Their drinks arrived — sparkling, non-alcoholic, crisp bubbles catching the candlelight.
When Alex went to order dinner, Violet gently put her hand on his.
“Actually… I had other plans for dinner.” Her eyes glinted mischievously.
“Oh really?”
“Mm-hmm. Trust me.”
So, they didn’t order. Instead, they stayed for dessert, laughter, and finally — dancing.
The first notes of “Strangers in the Night” filled the air. Alex stood, bowed slightly, and offered his hand.
“Miss Parr… may I?”
Violet rolled her eyes but took his hand anyway, her cheeks flushing as he pulled her close.
They swayed slowly; their movements small, intimate. Her head brushed his chest. His hand rested carefully on her back. For a few minutes, the world was just theirs.
"You're a real dummy, Alex," she whispered against his shirt, her voice muffled but warm.
"Oh?" He stepped closer, if that was even possible. "And why is that?"
"Because," she murmured, "you actually made me like Frank Sinatra."
"Hehe" Alex’s grin grew across his face as they danced.
Leaving the restaurant, they drove not home, but toward familiar streets. Their
conversations had drifted to the past, to places where everything began, and it clicked for
both at the same time.
“Library?” Violet asked.
“Library,” Alex confirmed.
Inside, it was quiet, dimly lit. They pulled a book off the shelf and pretended to read, but everyone around noticed their fancy outfits, or the way their fingers intertwined more than the pages. A couple of students whispered, smiling. A librarian peeked, sighed, and let it slide.
They revisited little corners of the city — places they had argued, laughed, healed, grown. Each stop layered new warmth over old memories.
And then Alex’s plan took shape.
As they walked past an alley, the sound of a woman crying out for help echoed. Violet froze. “Alex!”
They rushed in wearing their super suits — only to find… a recorder. Playing a fake scene.
Violet spun to him, hands on her hips. “You planned this?!”
Alex raised his hands innocently, smirking. “What, me? Never.”
Her eyes narrowed, but her lips twitched upward.
Before she could scold him more, Alex grew serious. He gave his wings a twitch. "Ready to
see the city through my eyes?
She tilted her head. “Alex are you sure? You’ve never flown with me before.”
His grin widened. opened his arms " Do you trust me? "
Her heart jumped. She stepped closer, nestling in his arms cupped his chin, and with a ravishing stare whispered, “Of course I do.”
Then — he launched. Wings unfolded open, air rushing beneath them, and Violet yelped, clutching him tight. Her eyes widened in shock, a tiny scream slipping out — half terrified, half thrilled.
When they steadied midair, she punched his chest playfully. “Alex Caddler, I swear—!”
He just laughed, soaring higher.
They flew over the city, gliding past glowing streets and rooftops, commenting on every landmark, teasing like it was their own private tour.
Finally, as the night calmed, Violet leaned close. “Can we… go to your place?”
Alex’s wings almost faltered. He coughed, flustered. “Uh… it’s a mess right now.”
She smirked. “Then it’s perfect.”
The apartment was… well, messy. Books, workout gear, a few feathers scattered.
“Wow,” Violet teased, dropping her bag. “You’re a real charmer.”
“Hey, at least I didn’t shove everything under the bed this time,” Alex said defensively.
Violet changed quickly. Meanwhile, Alex, half-hidden behind the kitchen counter, struggled
with his suit, muscles flexing as he tried to peel the super suit off his wings.
When Violet walked back in, she froze. Her heart skipped. She sat backward on a chair,
arms draped over it, quietly watching him.
Alex finally freed himself, sighing, and turned — startled.
“How long have you been there?!”
Violet smirked. “Oh, don’t mind me. Just… enjoying the view.”
He rolled his eyes, wings unfolding before he tugged on a shirt.
“You sure that shirt fits? Maybe try another color,” she teased.
“Nice try, Ms. Parr,” he shot back. “But we’ve got shopping to do before the stores close.”
"well, it was worth a shot" she bit her lips.
At the store, the banter was endless — Violet tossing shirts over the curtain at him, Alex modeling with ridiculous poses, both laughing too loud. They took their time choosing which grocery to choose.
At the cashier, the line was long. Violet looked bored — until Alex leaned down.
“Wanna play a game? Guilty pleasure of mine.”
She perked up. “What game?”
He whispered, “Guess the crime. Look at people passing and guess what crime would fit their face.”
Her eyes widened, then she burst out laughing.
“That guy? Tax fraud. “She said.
“That lady? Secret jewel thief. “Alex replied.
“That kid? Cyber-criminal in training.” violet answered with a proud smirk on her face.
"Not bad Ms. Parr... Not bad" Alex said.
They had fun and nearly doubled over, shoulders bumping, tears in their eyes.
When it was their turn, Alex paid for everything. When they got back to his place and put
down the groceries, Violet frowned softly.
“Alex… you don’t have to pay for everything.”
He smiled. “It’s fine, Vi. I… ok I got my first check today. Superhero paycheck.”
Her jaw dropped. Then she hugged him tight, joy flooding her.
"I can't believe it!! Your first official salary??? Oh, my goooood!" Violet said while still in his
arms. "well all thanks to your mom and dad’s efforts. They really helped me out. After all
who can say no to Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl! But don't tell them yet they don't know the
results yet" he smiled.
The walk back to Alex’s place was fun. They made jokes, made fun of people in secret laughing silently like two high school teenagers.
When they got back Violet took the groceries and with excitement, Violet tied her hair, slipped on an apron, and claimed the kitchen.
Alex went to set the music, panicked for a second and then remembered his dad gave
him the latest Frank Sinatra records so he played them, setting the mood.
They cooked together, messy but fun — Alex cutting veggies too thick, Violet rolling her
eyes, the two laughing like kids.
At one point, Alex nicked his finger. Violet immediately rushed over, worry on her face. He
healed instantly, but her reaction melted him.
At dinner, Alex tasted the food, paused dramatically, grimaced. “that is..."
Violet panicked, grabbed a spoon, tasted it — then Alex softened his face.
“Delicious.”
She glared. “Ha-ha. Smart ass.”
Later, curled up with a movie, Alex’s mom Laleh called. He explained the night, mentioning
Sinatra. His dad’s proud “that’s my boy” echoed through the speaker.
When he hung up, Violet switched the movie to a video she’d made — their childhood
moments woven together, ending with a recording of Violet confessing her love and trust.
Alex’s wings ruffled uncontrollably. Words failed him. She saw his answer in the glow of his feathers.
He disappeared briefly, returning with a small box — a spare key tied with red roses.
“This is how much I trust you,” he said, sheepish. “I know it’s small—”
“Oh Alex… you’re so cute.” Violet kissed him softly.
The kiss was long enough to make him close his eyes.
After the kiss violet said:" this is the best gift I could ever ask for" and then Alex replied with
a dumb face "a key?"
she smacked him softly on the head "your trust dummy!" she giggled.
They turned the movie back on and after a few minutes violet suddenly broke the silence:
“Hey can I stay the night?” she asked shyly.
Alex deadpanned. “No.”
She froze.
“Not with dishes still in the sink. Chop chop.” He said with a calm voice.
She smacked him, laughing. “YOU. ARE. A REAL. JERK. SOMETIMES, CADDLER!” she
declared, punctuating each word with a little playful hit.
Alex grinned, leaning back on the couch, his wings twitching smugly. “Oh? Big words, Ms.
Parr. And what exactly are you going to do about it?”
Violet narrowed her eyes, smirking. “Don’t tempt me.”
Before she could react, Alex lunged, gently wrestling her down against the cushions. She
pushed back, laughing breathlessly, using her force fields to give her an edge, but he was
stronger. In the middle of the tussle, his fingers brushed against her side—Violet squealed
and jerked.
Both of them froze.
Alex looked at his hand like he’d just discovered the cure for cancer. “Wait a second…” His
lips curled into a grin. “Are you… ticklish?”
Violet’s eyes went wide. She immediately sat up straighter, pointing a warning finger at him.
“No. No, no, no. Alex Caddler, you will NOT—”
“Yes. Yes, yes, yes, Violet Parr… oh, I will,” Alex said with mock villainy, already wiggling his fingers.
She let out a scream-laugh as he pounced, tickling her relentlessly. “N-not so tough now,
are you??” he teased, pinning her wrists as his wings sneakily joined in, brushing her sides.
Violet was laughing so hard she couldn’t even form words. She tried kicking him off but only
succeeded in making him laugh harder.
Finally, when she was breathless and gasping, she raised her free hand like a white flag.
“I—I surrender! Mercy!”
Alex stopped, chuckling as he leaned back, brushing his messy hair out of his eyes. “That’s
what I thought. No one escapes the wrath of Soul Feather.”
Violet glared at him through narrowed eyes, her lips twitching. Then, just to mess with him,
she casually asked, “Sooo… can I stay?”
Alex blinked at her in mock seriousness. “Oh, most certainly not. And for the record, that
key I gave you? Totally belongs to my grandpa’s cabin.”
She smacked him with a pillow, and they both burst out laughing.
Then Alex tilted his head. “Seriously though… you should probably tell your family. At least
so, they don’t think I kidnapped you.”
Violet sighed but nodded. “Fair point.” She pulled out her phone and dialed home.
Helen answered after a couple rings, her voice warm but a little weary. “Vi? Everything
alright, honey?”
“Yeah, Mom, I’m fine.” Violet smiled unconsciously, leaning back against the couch. “I
just… wanted to ask if it’s okay if I stay over at Alex’s tonight.”
There was a pause. “At Alex’s?” Helen repeated, carefully.
“Yeah. We’ve been out all evening, and we’re exhausted. We already had dinner, did some
shopping, even cooked together.” Violet’s tone softened. “It’s been… really nice, Mom. I just
want to stay a little longer.”
Helen exhaled, and Violet could practically hear the mom-brain weighing every angle. “Vi,
you know I trust you. And I like Alex, I do. But you’re still young—”
“Mom,” Violet cut in gently. “I know. I promise we’re not doing anything stupid. We’re just…
spending time. Real time.” Her voice dipped to something more vulnerable. “It feels right.”
Another pause. Then Helen chuckled softly. “You sound like me when I first dated your
dad.”
“Exactly!” Violet laughed. “So… is that a, yes?”
“…It’s a ‘just don’t make this a habit every night,’” Helen replied finally, with a mix of
firmness and love.
“Thanks, Mom. I love you.”
“Love you too, sweetheart. Tell Alex I said hi.”
“I will. Goodnight.” Violet hung up, grinning.
She didn’t put her phone away though. Instead, she raised her voice a little, pretending to
still be on the line. “Yeah Mom, it’s been going really well. He’s super sweet you know him.
Oh, and you know what? We actually kissed on my birthday, and he totally escalated
things, not me.”
Alex, who had been sipping water in the kitchen, froze mid-sip. His eyes went wide. “Wait—
what??”
Violet continued smoothly, glancing at him with a mischievous glint. “Yeah, he even took
his shirt off to show off his muscles. It was so embarrassing, Mom.” Alex groaned, slapping
his forehead. “What!”
“I didn’t want to, obviously, but he made me.”
Alex mouthed to her "what the hell??"
Violet continued: "Uh-huh. Uh-huh.
Yeah, Mom, he’s listening right now.” She looked directly at Alex, who was trying understand
what’s going on but had no idea.
“THAT’S RIGHT. I CAN SEE YOU EAVESDROPPING. NOT COOL WITH MY MOM ON THE
PHONE” At this point Alex was pressing both his hand on his head whispering to her
"What the HELL are you sayiiing!"
Violet snapped her phone shut with a grin. “How’s that for tickling payback?”
Alex shook his head, sighing in relief. “OH my GOD, I can't believe you went that far just to
get back at me! Violet Parr. You are one crazy woman. You’re lucky I love you.”
“Oooh?” she teased, stepping closer. “Or what, Alex Caddler? OR whatt?”
“Or…” He smirked, drawing himself up. “I’d put you on top of the fridge and not let you down
until you start being nice.”
Violet gasped dramatically. “Are you implying that I’m short??”
“Oh, not implying. I’m saying it.” Alex said, already backing away as he got ready to run.
“That’s IT!” Violet shrieked, chasing him around the apartment. Alex darted away, wings
half-open, laughing as she threw small cushions at him. He glided across the floor,
dodging, until Violet used a force field to block his path.
“Hold on, hold on!” Alex said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “Truce!”
“I’m listening,” Violet said, twirling a wooden spoon she’d grabbed like it was a weapon.
“How about…” He put on his most serious face. “You sit down, relax with a nice cup of tea,
while I do the dishes?”
Violet broke character, laughing. “Don’t be silly. We’ll do them together. More fun that way.”
So, they did — shoulder to shoulder at the sink, passing plates back and forth, teasing each
other whenever someone splashed water.
By the end, the kitchen sparkled almost as much as their laughter did.
Finally, exhausted, they flopped onto the couch. Violet curled her legs up, leaning lightly
against his side.
Violet suddenly asked "Hey how did you know we would be at your place in the end?"
"I didn't" Alex replied, "OK don't get mad but I had to fly back to the car to take your gift out
of the glove box.
I was supposed to give it to you on the way home after dinner-"
Violet cut him off "but I decided a different plan yeah I know... But you really flew all that
way? How did you manage to come back so quickly?"
"Well let's just say I broke my own flying speed record …" and then violet smiled saying
"you're full of surprises".
Alex glanced at her. “Hey… you look tired.”
She scoffed. “Oh, come on. You’ve driven me to the restaurant, flown me around the city,
shopped, cooked, and wrestled with me. You’re just as tired.”
“Are you done?” he interrupted, smiling. “Because I was about to offer you a shoulder
massage.”
Her eyes widened, then softened. “…You serious? After all we did today?”
“Well yeah why not? I’m a pro. Used to massage my dad’s shoulders on long trips.”
He puffed his chest jokingly. “I am Soul Feather, your knight in shining armor. I shall be
fine.”
Violet giggled. “Alright, you convinced me sir knight.”
And then came the massage — his hands gentle but firm on her shoulders, his touch
melting every bit of tension she’d carried all day. Her eyes fluttered half-shut, her lips
parting in a quiet sigh. For Alex, it wasn’t just about her relaxation — it was the intimacy, the
trust, the quiet proof of how much she let him in.
Ten minutes later, she was asleep, leaning back against the sofa.
Alex smiled softly, scooping her up in his arms, wings cradling her protectively.
He carried her to his bed, set her down, and tucked her in with a blanket. He wanted more
than anything to lie beside her, to hold her for the first time — but he didn’t
risk waking her. Instead, he lay down on the floor beside the bed.
A couple hours later, Violet stirred, thirsty. She blinked, looking down — and her heart
almost stopped when she saw a giant winged man being Alex lying on the ground. For a
split second, she thought something was wrong. Then she noticed the water bottle and
glass he’d left by her side of the bed, and her chest tightened with warmth.
She smiled. Quietly, she used her force field to lift him, inch by inch, onto the bed beside
her. He barely stirred, just instinctively wrapping his wings around her as soon as she
nestled close, her waist pressing against him.
Her lips curved in a sleepy smile as she closed her eyes again. Safe, warm, loved.
---
The morning sun sneaked past the sheer curtains, spilling across the room in a warm
golden wash. The air was quiet except for the soft hum of the city waking below.
Alex stirred first. Violet was still wrapped up in sleep, tucked snugly against him, her head
resting lightly on his chest. His wings, unfolded during the night, cocooned her in soft white
feathers. For a moment, he didn't move — he just watched her, chest rising and falling, lips
parted slightly in that deep, dream-heavy sleep.
Carefully, Alex exhaled, then shifted. With the delicacy of someone handling fragile glass,
he slowly folded his wings back, feather by feather peeling away from her without waking
her. One last stubborn plume clung to the fabric of her shirt, but he gently freed it and put
it aside.
He slid out of bed, feet touching the cool wooden floor. Violet stirred faintly, murmuring
something incomprehensible before burying her face in the pillow. Alex paused, smiling,
then tiptoed outside the bedroom.
He turned on the gramophone, and a mellow tune began playing — slow jazz with a soft
saxophone line, turned just low enough not to disturb her. His father’s kind of music.
In the kitchen, Alex began preparing breakfast, muscle memory guiding his hands the way
his mom taught him. Nothing fancy, nothing restaurant-perfect — just home food:
Fluffy scrambled eggs with chopped tomatoes and herbs.
Golden-brown toast, butter melting into it.
A pan of fried potatoes, crisp on the edges, soft inside.
A pot of tea steeping gently, alongside a small jug of orange juice.
The smell drifted through the apartment, weaving into the sunlight.
Violet blinked awake, stretching lazily before rolling onto her side. A few small feathers lied
scattered on the sheets like faint traces of a dream. She rubbed her eyes, yawning, then
swinged her legs out of bed. Her hair a full-on messy tangle, eyes puffy in the way she
always hated.
Alex glanced up from the stove.
“Hey, sleepyhead. Good morning.”
“Hey…” Violet’s voice was scratchy, half-sleep
She caught sight of herself in the mirror near the hall and groans.
“Ohhhh.”
Alex turned, mock-serious, pointing his spatula at her.
“Don’t you ‘ohhh’ at my Violet. She’s perfect.”
Violet leaned closer to the mirror, frowning.
“I look really bad. My eyes…”
Alex sat the spatula down, walked over, and kissed her on the head.
“Hey, I love those puffs under your eyes. One of the reasons I can’t stop looking.”
Violet giggled through her scrunched-up expression.
“I know you’re trying to make me feel better…”
“Vi… I love everything about you. Each and every flaw, your smile, everything. It’s all beauty
to me. I don’t care if you just woke up with all your hair tangled up.” Alex said softly.
She laughed, hugging him tight, eyes closing as he planted another kiss on her head. The
sound was warm, helpless, and short, like a bubble of joy escaping.
They sat at the table, sunlight pouring in over the food. Violet’s eyes widened as she took
her first bite.
“Wow… where did you learn to cook like this?”
Alex smiled, “My mom. She used to make it every Sunday. Said if you can cook food that
makes people feel at home, you’ll never be lonely.”
Violet smiled softly, “That’s… really sweet. And delicious. Seriously, this is so much better
than what I was expecting from you.”
“What were you expecting? Burnt toast?” Said Alex mock-offended.
“Maybe.” She teased as she covered her smile with toast.
As they ate, the conversation drifted:
“That massage last night… you have no idea how much I needed that.”
Alex grinned, proud “I figured. That’s why I thought ahead and put the water glass by your
side of the bed.”
“And then you passed out so fast, you didn’t even realize I dragged you into bed.” She snorted.
Alex laughed, “What can I say? My body shut down. My bad.”
“Yeah, real romantic.”
They leaned in, laughing between bites, shoulders brushing.
After eating her fill like a starving cat, Violet sat down her fork with a satisfied sigh.
“Okay, I’m doing the dishes.”
“No, Vi, you cooked dinner last night, I’ll—”
“Nope.”
With a flick of her hand, a shimmering force field bubble nudged him back onto the sofa,
making him bounce into the cushions.
Alex laughed putting his hands up “Okay, okay, I get it!”
“Good boy.” She stuck her tongue out, turning back to the dishes
After the dishes were done Alex realized he has to drive her home.
Once ready, Alex picked up the car keys and they both went towards the door. Halfway
there, they both suddenly froze.
“…The car.”
“…We left it near the alley.”
An amused, "uh-oh" look passed between them. Then it was a mini-challenge: sneaking
rooftop to rooftop, flying unseen.
When they arrived at the car, sure enough, a ticket flapped on the windshield.
“Damn…” He sighed
He peeled it off, paid it, muttering under his breath as Violet hid her laugh behind her hand.
---
On the way, they grabbed a box of freshly baked pastries — flaky, golden, filled with cream
and fruit. The smell alone made Violet’s stomach growl again.
---
The door opened to warm welcomes. Helen and Bob greeted them, Dash and Jack-Jack
peeked curiously, and everyone’s eyes lit up at the pastries.
Dash asked, “What’s the occasion?”
“Alex took me to the Celestia Sky Lounge last night.”
Her hands moved animatedly as she paints the picture: the sparkling skyline, the rooftop
view, the glowing lights of Metroville.
Alex just watched her, smiling without realizing, soaking in every second of her excitement.
But then Violet slipped up.
“…And, oh! He’s even paying for the groceries now—”
Bob and Helen exchanged a quick, sharp look.
Violet’s grin suddenly grew wide, “Because he got his first paycheck!”
Bob & Helen shouted together “WHAT?!”
Everyone burst into laughter.
“Why didn’t Dicker tell us anything?”
“Because I asked him not to. Wanted to surprise you guys.” Alex grinned sheepishly
The morning melted into warmth and chatter, Violet telling funny little parts of last night,
Alex laughing along, his heart full as he sat surrounded by family — like he truly belongs.
