Asking about Gemma's husband was certainly a risky crossing of a line. Ez did not know if he was dead or working abroad or just some scumbag who left with a waitress in the night. What she did see in the tone of the message was a woman lamenting that her husband could help her if he was still around. On another night, she would have left that alone and allowed the woman her privacy, but she could not help herself on a blue night.

He was with the police sounded very ominous until the update. She corrected herself, though. The police were current and the school was in the past. Written out, tenses were important.

Then came the reveal. Gemma's husband was one of the de-aged. Ez had been following the stories, and if she was not wrapped up in looking for those responsible for mutant trafficking in her city, she would have looked further into the issue. Unfortunately, it just did not strike her as the kind of problem a vigilante could deal with unless there was a malicious agent out there responsible for it.

I'm sorry. I hope they find out how to fix it. I've heard government labs are working around the clock for a solution.

Unfortunately, from what she was hearing, those labs were SUPER, so she took that with a grain of salt.

How are you holding up? The de-aged don't remember, but you do. I can't even imagine.

Gemma was not sure why she revealed all that. Maybe there was something to be said about the anonymity of the Internet after all. Or maybe she was finally reaching a breaking point where she needed to talk to someone, and that someone used to be Jorge.

I'm sorry. I hope they find out how to fix it. I've heard government labs are working around the clock for a solution.

Gemma sighed. They were. Maybe. These things came and went, just like that one time Jorge thought he was Poseidon. But this time, her powers had no effect on his condition, which was worrying her more than anything. What if it was permanent?... That was the question on everyone's mind.

How are you holding up? The de-aged don't remember, but you do. I can't even imagine.

She was right. Gemma sighed again. Why was she even talking to some camera girl on the Internet about this?...

I'm trying to do my best. He is doing ok, all things considered.

I didn't tell him.

Ezmeralda was not a relationship person. She could not imagine what Gemma was going through, losing the person she relied on and trusted the most in the world. She did not have someone like that, but if she did, she could not imagine letting them go. Gemma did not have that choice, but she did make another choice. A much harder one, in Ezmeralda's opinion.

Sounds like you're shouldering two people's burdens yourself. That's noble. It also sounds lonely.

How exactly did Ezmeralda get herself into this situation? Truthfully, she knew, because it was a common one online. People needed the objective third party sometimes, and she was willing to bet a guidance counselor would understand that.

I'm sure a camgirl wasn't the one you thought you'd talk about this with, but I'm sure most of the people in your life knew your husband. If you need someone to talk to about this who just knows you, even if it's just to unload, let me know. If you're dealing with the de-aging, I'm guessing you're in New York, too. Hit me up.

She sent the message, feeling good about the choice she made, though she did hastily type out.

Also, considering that was me giving my real life location out, please don't be a creep, a murderer, or a horny teenage boy.

Sounds like you're shouldering two people's burdens yourself. That's noble. It also sounds lonely.

It was. She described the whole thing exactly, which showed she had a lot of empathy, and was not just faing concern for the camera. It was the right thing to do, Gemma believed that, but definitely also the hardest.

I'm sure a camgirl wasn't the one you thought you'd talk about this with, but I'm sure most of the people in your life knew your husband. If you need someone to talk to about this who just knows you, even if it's just to unload, let me know. If you're dealing with the de-aging, I'm guessing you're in New York, too. Hit me up.

This really was sort of surreal. Gemma had supervisors before, and she knew the importance of counseling, but in this situations he had not had the time or energy, or even inclination, to turn to anyone for help. Everyone was busy trying to mitigate the latest situation, and she was just trying to keep herself together.
And now there was this random camera girl offering a shoulder to cry on. Gemma was not sure what level of pitiful that qualified as.

Also, considering that was me giving my real life location out, please don't be a creep, a murderer, or a horny teenage boy.

Gemma smiled a little. Working in this line of work was probably not easy either.

I am not. And thank you for your offer. I am in New York. I know you are working now... How would I hit you up when you are not busy?

Considering the circumstances, Ezmeralda fully expected her offer to be met with indignation and a slew of derogatory comments about her profession and her nerve. Maybe that was why she was genuinely excited when Gemma did not turn her down immediately. She really wanted to be helpful and put more good into the world. It was always a blessing when someone was receptive to her good in whatever forms it might take.

After a quick, ten-digit message, Ezmeralda added:

Trusting that you are, in fact, not those things, that's my phone number. Call or text. Heck, facetime if you'd like but be prepared to see more of me when I pick up.

Taking another long, satisfied drink of her water, Ezmeralda looked back to the door of her bedroom and set the glass down.

Speaking of, you are right; I should get back to work. Gotta keep lonely people company and eventually shake my ass and take off my clothes. Feel free to stick around if you're into it. Or curious; no judgment here.

Smirking, Ezmeralda strolled back out of her small kitchen and into her bedroom. "Thanks for the patience, my devotees," she purred, reclaiming her spot on the bed. "Had to have a chat with a friend, but Charmz is back for the night. Aren't you all so blessed?" she asked with a teasing wink to the camera.

Trusting that you are, in fact, not those things, that's my phone number. Call or text. Heck, facetime if you'd like but be prepared to see more of me when I pick up.

Well, this evening had gone in a strange direction. Gemma now had the phone number of a camera girl who wanted to offer her help by listening to her problems. The first person she would have told this funny story to was, of course, Jorge.
Maybe she really needed to talk to someone.

Speaking of, you are right; I should get back to work. Gotta keep lonely people company and eventually shake my ass and take off my clothes. Feel free to stick around if you're into it. Or curious; no judgment here.

What an interesting person. Gemma sighed, sitting back in her chair and massaging her temples. Maybe she needed a fresh pair of eyes on things. Or maybe she was just slowly losing it. She was sitting in her office, watching a young woman strip on camera.

What a day.

***

Thing progressed from there almost as if she had no control over them. She texted Charmz the next morning, and didn't really expect to hear back. And then she did. And they exchanged some text, but she soon confessed she didn't like this form of communication, and offered an open invitation: she needed to leave the school anyway to clear her head, so she told Charmz the name of the small, friendly café she was heading to, in case she wanted to come out and join her. No pressure.

Gemma sat at a small corner table, nursing a large latte, taking slow, deep breaths. What was she getting into?...

Ezmeralda was glad she did not go out fighting after her night show. She had slipped herself a small garnet later into the show when things got more... sultry, but if she had been out on the streets, she would have likely struggled to get to bed with the effect garnets had on her. It was fortunate because Gemma surprisingly wasted no time reaching out the next morning. Ez expected the counselor to wake up and question her choices, mull the offer over, and perhaps take a day or two to decide if it was worth meeting a random girl from the internet to talk about the state of her marriage.

They exchanged some texts in the morning and Gemma asked if Ez would meet her at a small cafe in Harlem. Ez did not mind coffee dates, because she still needed to drink and it made things less awkward than lunch or dinner when someone would have serious questions about why the young witch refused to eat.

With the weather finally taking a turn for the better, Ezmeralda picked out a layered skirt that came down to her knees (to be respectful of the counselor's sensibilities) and a midriff-baring croptop (to be respectful to herself) before heading out into the city.

When she walked into the cozy cafe and looked around, there were a couple of people sitting with their coffees. Ez could double-check her phone to confirm she was looking for the woman at the corner table, but she did not need to; the slow, nervous beathing was enough of a hint.

Striding over, Ez smiled broadly. "Yes, you definitely don't look like ShyBoy," she confirmed, getting close enough to offer her hand. "Gemma, I presume?" Her hand remained outstretched, but Ez's expression faltered briefly as she got close, because an unusual sensation struck her. She was always able to "feel" her crystals burning, but it was that low, omnipresent feeling she never noticed, like breathing or a heart-beating. When it suddenly went away, the absence was notable, if faint. Was she broken or something?

Gemma recognized the young woman as she walked into the café. She had the same kind of attitude (and wardrobe) that she'd projected on camera; but in the light of day it seemed less mysterious, and more like just another very pretty young woman out and about in the New York City sunshine. Gemma smiled as Charmz headed straight to her table, even though the smile seemed a little faded.

>>"Yes, you definitely don't look like ShyBoy. Gemma, I presume?"

Knowing her powers, Gemma had long learned to notice the signs of someone faltering when they walked into her aura. She shook her hand briefly, ready to pull back if her next words had an unfavorable reaction.

"It's me. What you're feeling. It's my adapted aura. That means you are a mutant... right? I apologize, I should have given you a heads up."

Ezmeralda did not want to make a big deal of the odd feeling she was hit with, but Gemma noticed. It made sense; should a guidance counselor not be aware of the comfort and feelings of those around them? This was apparently something she was accustomed to, which made sense when she introduced herself as an adapted.

It was a rare type of person, but Ez had looked them up before. Adapteds were why Crystal Witch carried a gun, just in case. Thankfully, this adapted had no ill will toward Ez, as sharing a cup of coffee was as far from malicious intent as one could really get. "That does explain a lot. Thank you for letting me know," she replied, genuinely appreciating the clarity. "I'll go grab myself a coffee and rejoin you in a moment."

Turning back toward the barista, Ez waited for a kind old woman to mull over her order. The young witch could be patient; coffee was a blessed start to the day and was easily worth the time to consider. After placing her own order of a mocha latte, the barista asked if she would like something to eat with it. Initially ready to say no, Ez glanced back at Gemma and realized she had a rare opportunity here. After asking for a recommendation from the barista in her flirtiest tone, she returned to the table with her coffee and a chocolate banana nut muffin.

Eagerly claiming her seat, the camgirl settled in and reminded herself to focus first on the company she kept rather than the treat she was anticipating. "Sorry for the wait. And thank you for calling, really. It's always nice to find cozy new spots like this with good company. Gorgeous company, I might add." It was an honest addition. Maybe she had some pre-conceived notions of guidance counselors, but she was expecting a kind silver-haired woman, not a beauty of a woman. That poor de-aged husband did not know what he was missing, literally.

>>"That does explain a lot. Thank you for letting me know. I'll go grab myself a coffee and rejoin you in a moment."

The young woman took the information in stride, which meant she knew what an adapted was, and the thought did not freak her out. She did not seem to have a physical mutation, but she must have had her powers active in some way to notice her aura so fast. Still, she walked over to the barista to get her order, and returned with coffee and a muffin.

>>"Sorry for the wait. And thank you for calling, really. It's always nice to find cozy new spots like this with good company. Gorgeous company, I might add."

Gemma blushed a little. She was starting to get the idea that the young woman was not being especially flirty - that was just her basic attitude towards most people. It was endearing in a way.

"Thank you. It's... one of my favorite places in the neighborhood. I'm sorry... I don't even know your real name yet. Or do you go by Charmz?"

When meeting someone from the internet, it was important to do it in a public place. That was internet safety 101. It also never hurt to pick somewhere you were familiar with, and Gemma had done just that. Whether that was a conscious choice to be cautious or she just really liked this place, Ez respected the choice she made. It was a cozy spot and not so far from Ez's own place that she could not make the occasional trip up to start her mornings.

Around Gemma, the personality-affecting powers of crystals were not present, leaving Ez in a default state. She was not a saint of empathy on lapis lazuli and she would not be a passionate seducer like she was on garnets, but she could still offer normal human levels of empathy and friendly compliments. Compliments made most people happy, and wasn't that the goal? It certainly brought some color to those flawless cheeks, which made the stunning older woman more human and accessible.

"Charmz is just the name online and I think we're past that," she decided, sipping her coffee and feeling the warmth radiate through her. "I'm Ezmeralda Diaz, but Ez is fine." She picked a very pretty name, but it was also a mouthful, so the ease of nicknaming was just as important when she made that choice.

Tearing off a small piece of her muffin, she popped it in her mouth, tasting it on her tongue. The rich, sweet flavors let a satisfied, "Mmm," slip out before she shook it off and smiled. "Sorry, my mutation means I typically don't... eat much."

It was dawning on Gemma that she did not really know anything about this young lady - not even her real name. She could have been using a persona online like everyone else. It was good to start from the beginning, before they got to the personal stuff.

>>"Charmz is just the name online and I think we're past that. I'm Ezmeralda Diaz, but Ez is fine."

"Gemma Taylor-Cervantes. Nice to meet you, Ez." Gemma smiled a little; her own name reminded her of Jorge, but she was trying not to dwell on that. He was still her husband. Legally.

Ez got started on eating the muffin, and she clearly took a certain pleasure in it. It was hard to tell if she did everything with so much sensuality, or if she was just really into muffins.

>>"Sorry, my mutation means I typically don't... eat much."

"Oh." Gemma blinked. "So... my aura is allowing you to eat? That... strangely makes me feel better." she noted with a chuckle.

Sharing her name was something Ezmeralda did selectively. Her identity was something she held close because it was her protection. She had a vigilante identity and a camgirl identity that both needed to be kept safe and separate from Ezmeralda, and she had her forfeited identity as Catalina that Ezmeralda had to keep in the past. With a name for every purpose, she did not like crossing them up, but Gemma could have at least one more name.

"You should feel better," she assured her new friend, popping more muffin into her mouth before covering her mouth with her hand to continue, "the goddess clearly had us cross paths so I could eat this muffin."

Swallowing her morsel, Ez's smile softened to something more earnest. "Or more realistically, so you can talk things out. So..." How to carefully walk back into the touchy topic that brought them together. "How are you holding up? What is the current situation with your family life, I suppose I should ask."

>>"You should feel better. The goddess clearly had us cross paths so I could eat this muffin."

Gemma smiled at the notion. She was not sure which goddess Ez referred to, but if she took the time to make sure her follwoers could eat a good muffin, then she was probably an alright deity. And now that Ez got something out of the meeting too, Gemma was feeling a lot less selfish by taking advantage of her offer.

>>"Or more realistically, so you can talk things out. So... How are you holding up? What is the current situation with your family life, I suppose I should ask."

"I'm trying to do my level best" Gemma admitted, sipping her coffee. "My two older kids are living in California, and I'm raising my younger twins at the school. My husband... is currently twenty-something years old, and he is living in his old apartment downtown. How is that for a family situation?..." she added with a smirk that was not amused at all.

Ezmeralda was not shy about her beliefs, but she was polite about delving deeper than invoking the Triple Goddess. No need to be preachy when she lived her life as a positive force against the destruction and negativity of the world.

That was why she was here, after all; Gemma deserved positivity and support. Even without the Lapis, Ez was glad she came out to meet the guidance counselor. ”Four kids? Hot mama, indeed,” she joked, ”but seriously, that’s quite a lot on your plate alone.” That was ignoring the kids she must have been responsible for in her work.

Stirring her latte with a thin wooden stirrer, Ezmeralda thought about what she would want to be doing in Gemma’s situation. Well, besides getting her husband back. ”Have you kept in touch with him? It might help jostle something for all we know? Or at the very least he’s still the same guy you married and you can seduce your twenty-something-year-old husband again,” the mused aloud, seeing the potential silver lining of nabbing the same guy again in his prime. ”You’d make a great cougar.” No personal thoughts or input there at all.