When Kealey brought up the fact that Shin had refused her offer of a costume he spoke up, and felt quite contrite while doing it. It was tempting to gloat, maybe do a little dance of victory or something, but Kealey didn’t. She’d already been drawing up a design to make him something anyway. This wasn’t a true win, and she decided to simply be happy with the fact that he was on board.

His concerns…were valid. The last thing she wanted was him running around in a battle in nothing but his underoos. That wouldn’t do at all. Shin was still leaning on her, and Kealey let her head drop to the side against his shoulder as he suggested a coat like the one on the Japanese TV show they’d started to watch.

”Yeah…that would be an awesome idea.” she said, still not mentioning the fact that she had plans for something similar already drawn up in her room, ready to go to the sewing stage. There hadn’t been any other option once she’d seen how impressed Shin had been by that coat. The leather pants, on the other hand…

”Oh for the love of all that’s holy. You’re off your head if you think I’ll be making you anything out of leather.”

Luke seemed to think it was a reasonable idea, though, and Kealey wrinkled her nose.

”Leather smells funny…especially after you sweat in it…and it breaks down if it gets wet, it’s not very flexible, and it’s hot. I don’t work with the stuff. If you wanted a nice jacket or something, maybe, but not for fighting. I can accomplish the same thing with much cooler, lighter weight material that will hold up better.”

Luke’s confidence in her abilities were reassuring, and Kealey nodded her head. This had been an interesting reunion. Inevitably, though, her eyes traveled to the gash in the wall and she tilted her head to look at Shin.

”Still feeling alright?” she asked, just to be sure.

"I figured out how to use them to make rounded shapes... like, spheres... I had a power growth, and now I can handle all those minute details inside my head, so..." Shin replied, seriously. "That's actually what I was working on right before the whole 'wall thing'. Making a sphere... I dunno... I think I accidentally shot it off like a bullet. Some sort of 'spirit gun'.... but yeah... I think I could manage it."

There was his answer.

And Kealey's response to the leather joke? It made Shin chuckle. "Right, right."[/color] He said with a small smile.

She was absolutely dead-set against leather. He agreed with her, on a certain level. It was much more fashionable for daily use than for battle. "Plus, it's expensive," He chimed in after she gave out her list of reasons leather stunk. "Who'd use it for battle-pants when there are already so many better, shinier, things to wear? Leather should be relegated for everyday fashion use," He joked. "Alongside leather shirts and flowing white coats..."

"I'm fine," Shin replied, looking Kealey in the eye seriously. "Though, maybe we could all sit down for a bit?" It was rather strange, standing around in the hall talking about the benefits of leather.

People might talk.

Shin's power growth was definitely interesting. The ability to shape his 'shards' or whatever they were would definitely be an advantage. Especially if he could form them into an armor. Not only would it make a very durable armor for the young man but it would also provide armor that he could instantly repair even if it was damaged.

But back to the fashion issue, Kealey had some good reasons for not liking leather and Luke just shrugged at her comments. His suit had held up quite well, though he had been forced to replace it a couple of times because of knife slashes, gunshot holes, and blood. Maybe if he had something made of the type of materials she was talking about it would hold up better.

"Well you can tell my tailoring experience is pretty limited." Luke wasn't to proud to admit his deficit in certain areas. Sure, he was still a man and there were certain areas that pride reared its ugly head but fashion was definitely not one of those places, "So I'll just trust your judgment."

"Though, maybe we could all sit down for a bit?"

Suddenly it seemed to hit everyone that they were standing in a damaged hallway with one man leaning on a woman for support while chatting about things like fashion. It probably wasn't the best look to be showing especially for a man that had just returned from being gone for so long.

"Right... probably a good idea." Luke agreed with a nod as he turned to head for the living room. Suddenly he paused, switching directions so that he could swing through the kitchen, "I'll grab some more snacks. You two want anything special?" If they did he would make sure to grab it otherwise he would grab something that sounded good and meet up with them back in the Living Room.

Talking was always better with munchies.

Kealey watched and listened as Luke chatted with Shin about his powers. The blond had noticed that Luke was slightly skeptical about new material for a costume, but she knew better. People just didn’t know what they were missing with the new synthetics. Sure there would always be people who preferred leather for whatever strange reason…but a vast majority of the population was amenable to synthetics once they’d given them a try. Surely Luke would be no exception…and at least Shin had given over as well.

Shin gave the blind man a rundown of what he’d accomplished with his powers since the last time the two had spoke. Kealey tried to remember if she’d ever known Shin when he couldn’t do the things he described. It made sense though, everyone got better with their powers over time.

”He can make a porygon too.” she added helpfully, but frowning slightly when he explained that he’d been practicing when he’d had his accident. She looked at the wall again, absolutely refusing to allow herself to get into ‘what if’ statements. Shin was fine, so was everyone else. That’s all that mattered.

They were back on leather now, and also the clothing from the show they’d started watching together. Kealey hid a smile, the jacket in question was shockingly similar to something she’d been playing around with in her sketchbook for quite some time now.

Shin was feeling better now, but he also thought it might be a good idea to take a seat. Kealey was about to agree, when Luke suggested he go and grab some snacks. Kealey had already eaten lunch, so she shook her head, ”If you can manage to carry a coke with your snacks…I’d really appreciate it.”

Once Shin had told Luke whether he wanted anything or not, the blind man had set off for the kitchens. Kealey half-led, half-drug Shin back into the living room and towards the couch she’d been sitting on when he crashed into the wall. Once there, she dropped down onto the cushions and crossed her legs.

”It’s hard to imagine that he’s the same person.” she said, then turned to look closely again at Shin, ”And you’re positive you’re okay? You were pretty dazed. I don‘t think I‘ve ever seen you off kilter like that before.”

>>”He can make a porygon too.”

Shin gave a slightly-amused nod. "Mhm." And a whole bunch of other things. "It flies."

But moving on... Luke offered to grab them snacks.

"A soda'd be fine, for me. Anything but root beer. That stuff tastes like medicine." He made a face of distaste. "I don't need anything else." He smiled. Especially not gold fish crackers. Though those were a necessity, some times.

And Luke was off. It was time to rely on Kealey. Somehow, they managed to make it to the couch. Kealey plopped down, and Shin plopped down next to her, resting an arm on the arm of the couch. It was comfy.

He glanced Kealey's way. "I'm fine," He insisted. He didn't like being worried about like this so much. He wasn't a baby. He could tough things out. He got that she was worried, though. He smiled. He wasn't mad at her at all for worrying. That's what girlfriends did. "Really, I am. And I'll get better. Resting will help. It's already helping... and so are you."

A porygon? "What in the world is a porygon?" Luke wondered as he just smiled and nodded. He had of course heard of pokemon but since he couldn't see TV or trading cards he had never learned anything about them. The term porygon meant nothing to him but apparently it was important enough for Juli to mention. Perhaps it was a weapon of some type?

"A couple of sodas it is then. See you in the living room." Luke said once the order was taken and then he turned and headed off. Spreading his sonar Luke monitored their progress into the living room even as he walked into the kitchen to begin some preparations. Even though neither of them had ordered anything to eat he knew the way it normally worked. If food was sitting there most people would eat at least a little bit.

"So should I go salty, sweet, or both?" Luke pondered as he walked to the pantry and took stock of the inventory that was avilable. "I've already got chips out there so maybe sweet?" As tempting as it was to do some cooking and whip something together he decided against it, mainly because it would take to long. For now, straight and simple would be the easiest.

A few moments later Luke was walking back into the living room with a medium sized bowl of individually wrapped assorted chocolates and four coke cans freshly pulled from the fridge. His sweet tea was still sitting where he had left it though the glass was sweating a lot more than when he had walked away.

"Feeling better Shin?" Luke asked as he set down the snacks and drinks before picking up his own tea and moving to a comfortable looking recliner that happened to be positioned where it sort of faced the couch.

Shin was amused and Luke was confused. Porygon, it seemed, was good at drawing different emotions out of people. Kealey opened her mouth to explain, but shut it again. Pokemon explanations could come later, Luke was going to get them supplies.

She and Shin made it to the couch and settled in comfortably and Kealey paid close attention as Shin answered her question about how he felt. He was a little…irritated was too strong a word. Kealey got the impression, though, that he didn’t necessarily like her worrying over him like that.

She thought for a moment.

He’d been in an accident, surely he could handle a little bit of coddling.

He repeated that he was fine and Kealey smiled and nodded, “Good.“ she wouldn’t ask again. Shin really hadn’t minded too much though. His feelings told her that. Kealey just settled into the couch, though, and proceeded to wait for Luke. It was quiet for a few moments, then Kealey turned her head to look at Shin.

”So, can I really make you a costume now?” she asked, ”Complete with an epic coat? I don‘t know how I‘d feel about you battling evil doers in nothing but your skivvies.”

>>”So, can I really make you a costume now?”

"Mhm," Shin nodded. She really seemed to want to make him that costume. It was kind of a funny situation, he thought. Here, he'd been, telling her adamantly 'no, I'll do it', but... he really didn't mind the idea of her making him costumes, actually. There was no harm in letting her. "Especially with the epic coat. Epic coats are warm. I don't think a shard coat would be as warm." Warm was good. It was one bonus of her making the coat. Maybe some time, on a cold day, he'd share. He liked that idea a lot.

"Make me look good," was his final serious, yet-joking, command before Luke arrived. Shin glanced his way as he entered, candy and sodas in-hand. Shin reached forward to snag a couple sodas after Luke set them down, handing one to Kealey.

"I am feeling better," He replied. He handed Kealey a chocolate, and set to unwrapping one for himself. Had these been everyone's chocolates? Welp, this one was his now. He nommed it. Through nomming, he smiled "Chocolate's good for injuries. Dumbledore says."

The amount of caring that Luke could hear in both Kealey and Shin's voices when they spoke to one another made him smile ever so slightly. It reminded him of the long relationship that he had had with Raina. He had been sure it was true love but then life circumstances had drawn them apart and they had been forced to go their separate ways. That was one part of life that there was no going back to. Raina had left the mansion to go her own way in the world and there was no way he could return. Their time together had been wonderful but life had moved on. Perhaps one day he would have a relationship like that again but for now he simply chose to enjoy those around him that had good relationships.

"Dumbledore I know." Luke said with a smile, glad to now Shin and Kealey were referencing a literary work that he was familiar with. Had he seen the movies? Of course not but books were always better than the movie adaption. "But wasn't it Professor Lupin that originally told Harry that chocolate was good after dealing with a dementor?"

Finally a time when he could simply enjoy chatting with a friend. In a world that was inundated by TV, movies, and computer games there were few people that seemed to still enjoy the power of the written word. Of course, it was very possible that was Shin knew was from the movie but either way, at least they had some common ground for discussion.

Kealey grinned even more broadly when Shin officially granted her permission to make him a battle outfit. She kind of wanted to do a little dance again, but she settled for squirming a little excitedly right there in her seat. The costume she’d been planning probably would have been made anyway…but it was so much better with Shin throwing his support behind the idea. He pointed out that a shard coat was probably not incredibly warm and Kealey shook her head, ”I would imagine not. Resilient and reflective, yes. Hopefully I can make this one lightweight enough to be functional, but sturdy enough to be warm. We’ll have to see.”

He told her to make him look good, and Kealey laughed again at the serious tone of his voice, and the half-serious feelings behind it , ”That’s the easy part.” she said. As if she’d do anything else.

Luke returned then, carrying more than enough food for the thread of them. As he sat things down and got himself situated, Kealey couldn’t help but be impressed again by the way he managed. She supposed it wasn’t all that different from her own powers. A person could learn to live with anything, and right now Luke was feeling a little sentimental. She tilted her head at that and watched as Shin leaned forward to grab sodas. He offered her one, and Kealey took it gratefully, popping the tab and taking a quick sip.

Mmmm.

The topic of conversation changed slightly and Kealey grinned. For once, a reference that she got! Being a librarian, there’d been no way to avoid Harry Potter, and Kealey thought herself much better for the reading experience. The books had been excellent. Again, Shin offered her something, and again Kealey took it with a smile.

”I’m not sure…” she said to the first Harry Potter comment, ”But I know when Ron shares his candy on the first trip to Hogwarts, Dumbledore is on the chocolate frog card. It‘s all the way in the third book when we hear about it being a cure for the after effects of dementors.”

A question came to mind, and Kealey’s usual curiosity got the better of her, ”You use your powers so well to see, Luke…can you use them on regular books, or do you read braile?” it was probably something he got asked a lot, but Kealey kind of hoped it was. Then it wouldn’t be as awkward.

Quid pro quo, though.

”I do the emotion thing.” she said, shrugging her shoulders slightly, ”In case you don’t remember. You can ask me anything you want.”

Shin smiled at the reaction. She was so cute when she got her way.

His head bobbed when she said 'we'll see'. That, they would. And it would look good. That was a requirement. Yup, yup. An easy one, at that.

Smirk.

And on the topic of Hogwarts, Shin chimed in after Luke and Kealey. "Wasn't it in The Chamber of Secrets that Dumbledore gave Harry some chocolate, after his experience with the basilisk? Or was that after he'd been set up in the nurse's office, thanks to that Lockheart dude? Second book had Dumbledore and chocolate, either way."

Mhm. He was on a roll. Then, the topic changed.

"I knew that Harry ate chocolate before that but I did think it was Professor Lupin that told him chocolate was good for lifting the spirits. I'll have to go over those books again to refresh my memory." Luke said with a nod of confirmation. He was pretty sure that he was right but Shin was speaking with such confidence that there was only one way to know for sure. Besides, he had been trying to decide what book he should read next. Why not go back to what was swiftly becoming a classic?

As the conversation went on about reading, it only made sense that Kealey would ask about how he went about reading. "If someone is written with an old style typewriter or printer that actually makes contact with the paper and leaves slight indentations then I can read it with some difficulty but since most printers just spray ink onto the page any more, I mainly stick to reading braille. Since I was born blind it was something I learned before my power ever manifested itself and its a skill that comes in rather handy." Luke replied easily. It was definitely a question he got asked quite often and it didn't bother him to talk about it. When he had been a teenager, his blindness was definitely a sore subject but he had since grown up and simply accepted it as a fact of life.

"The emotion thing? You mean you can sense people's emotions if I remember correctly." Luke responded, his curiosity quickly coming to the forefront as he thought about the capability of that power. Being able to sense emotion would be interesting but would at the same time be both a gift and a curse. Not only would she sense joy and happiness but also fear and pain. More than likely she would be able to tell when people were lieing to her, even if it was just a white lie.

"Can you change or manipulate emotion at all or can you just sense it?" He asked as he mind raced along the path trying to pick out what questions might be interesting. His time meeting Kealey in Juka's body was a little hard to remember so he couldn't recall if this was the sort of thing they'd discussed before. Hopefully she wouldn't mind if he was asking questions they'd already talked about.

Kealey’s face scrunched up in concentration as she considered what Shin said, ”Oh! After the basilisk in the Chamber…the chocolate made him warm.”

She opened the chocolate Shin had given her and popped it into her mouth. ”Mmmmm.” she hummed with a grin, ”Chocolate makes me warm too…”

Luke answered her question, and didn’t mind the curiosity at all. He rose in Kealey’s estimation, even if Shin’s recommendation had him pretty far up there to begin with. His power was even more fascinating now, he’d always been blind.

”Wow, it must have all been so overwhelming.” Kealey said, referring to when Luke’s powers had manifested. She could relate.

The topic of conversation swung to her own mutation and Kealey nodded her head, taking another sip of her drink while she tried to figure out how to phrase exactly what it was she could do.

”I can change whatever is already there.” she said softly, and a little gravely. Kealey’s power was very serious to her.

”I’m not very good with it. I just do well enough to get by.”

It didn't really matter which book had set in stone that chocolate was good. It was pretty much obvious. It was so obvious, Shin took another piece of chocolate for himself, just to prove it. He ate it, and yup. Good stuff.

He took a sip of his soda, listening to Luke and Kealey's conversations. For the moment, he wasn't interrupting.

Luke's power sure was interesting, as was Kealey's. Shin looked to Kealey earnestly when she said she wasn't that good. "We can practice."

Kealey could change whatever was already there... an interesting choice of words. Did she mean that she couldn't give hope to someone that was completely hopeless? She couldn't give happiness that was completely depressed and full of despair? It was a question with not only deep emotional questions but deep philosophical ones as well. Far to much to be discussed in a 'first offical meeting'. No, those were topics for another time if ever. For now the tone needed to stay easier and thanks to Shin's comment it was definitely moving back that way.

Biting his tongue to keep from commenting, Luke smile ever so slightly as he popped a couple of chips in his mouth and chewed thoughtfully. They were cute... very cute. Maybe it was about time for him to take off and leave the two love birds alone. He had reintroduced himself to Kealey, helped Shin, and now maybe it was time for a goodbye. Unsure, he waited to see if the conversation would begin to focus more on just Shin and Kealey or if they would continue to include him. It really didn't matter which happened. He remember being in love and there was no way he was going to get in the way of someone else.