Shadows Lingering//A Glaze AU//Sequel to 'A Superhero's Heart'

18

Blaze still couldn't believe that Garroth was actually here. In his arms, speaking to him. Part of him never wanted to leave but, when the time came, he felt his heart drop a bit. He looked back a Garroth who just gave him a small smile. 

"I'll still be here,", He reassures him, kissing him softly on his cheek. 

"I just wish you could come with me...then everything would go back to normal." 

Garroth internally screamed, knowing that Shadow was still lingering in his head but, he knew that Blaze was just in the moment and he didn't want to ruin it for him.  So, he just sighed and said; "It'll be that way soon." 

Blaze then kissed Garroth goodbye and left his quarters. When he walked out the door, he was tightly squeezed, making him jump a bit. It took only moments to realize it was Aphmau, hugging his side. Everyone was outside the door, smiling from ear to ear, so excited for their friend and wanting to hear every detail. 

"Oh my Irene!", Aphmau squealed, jumping up and down like a child. "I'm so happy! You two are so cute! We should have double dates! Laurance! Wouldn't that be fun?" 

Laurance only laughed as Aphmau continued to dance around Blaze, basically sending the same message to his old friend just by eye contact. 

"Besides his eyesight, he seems to be on the right track,", Dante said, crossing his arms. "I already told Elizabeth to get that going for him. It shouldn't be long until he could start doing the things he wants to do." 

"I can't wait to show him all the new taco places!", Travis exclaimed. "Here and back at home with Katelyn! Also, don't hog them on double dates Aph!" 

"Yeah! We want some Glaze time too!", Katelyn added. 

Aphmau froze in her tracks, looking at her friend with wide eyes. "G-Glaze?" 

"You know...like a glazed donut?", Katelyn shrugged, unsure of how she would react. 

"Oh my...Katelyn you're an absolute genius! It's perfect!"

 "I know right!" 

The two girls held each other's hands as they hopped together, singing something about the two getting married. Meanwhile, Blaze was beet red and covering his face with his hands; overwhelmed by all the excitement. Laurance walked up to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. He quietly asked; "How are you feeling about all of this?" 

"Amazing,", Blaze said, taking out his bun and letting hair fall in front of his face. "I don't want to be a downer when I say this but, Garroth isn't ready to go out yet. If we want him to really enjoy being outside again, we should wait until he's himself...a hundred percent himself. I can't imagine what it's like to live life with an extra voice just...poking you constantly. Do you remember anything like that?" 

Laurance seemed to have gotten a bit uneasy but said; "Sort of. He was more a virus that just took control randomly when I was upset naturally. From what we're seeing is that Shadow seemed to be doubt in his mind instead. You are right though. We should not rush this." 

Blaze thanked him and when they looked back towards the group, the two girls were still singing...except the two other men joined in. Blaze, over this to be honest, groaned.  

"Guys! I really appreciate the support. I'm sure Garroth does too. But, I think we want to take this slow." 

The group then calmed down, frowning. 

"Dude...it's taken ten years for all this happen. How much slower can this be?", Travis rolled his eyes, using his hands to speak. "We both obviously have bottled affection for each other. Why not just let it out?" 

Dante winked at Blaze, whispering to him; "If you catch our drift." 

Laurance bursted out laughing at that, causing Blaze just to glare at him. The redhead, as much as he loved his friends, did not want the relationship advice. Soon after though, an idea popped into his head as a sly smirk appeared on his lips. 

"Says the guy who hasn't had a serious relationship yet,", Blaze said, directed towards Dante to which the blunette sputtered out; "I-I do! Jenna and I are v-very happy together!" 

"Mmhmm,", Blaze mumbled, making his way to the cafeteria. "I'm going to get something to eat. I skipped breakfast this morning." 

"Go figure since you're in love~ You couldn't wait to see your boyfriend~", Aphmau sang as the group went in the direction to said room.

...

"Blaze, I now see that you seem to be safe around Mr. Ro'Meave,", Elizabeth explained to him, after calling him into her office after lunch, "showing me that you are now safe to return here." 

"T-Thank you Elizabeth,", Blaze said, honestly shocked. She wouldn't usually go back on her word. 

"So, I expect you here every morning,", Elizabeth commanded, ignoring the gratitude from her agent.  "Also, since this whole potential army is still roaming around, I still need you to continue to patrol until further notice."

 "Expected,", Blaze admitted. 

"Now,", The platinum-blonde sighed, pulling out a folder, "since our research team saw how close you two are, they want you to be the one to slowly ease Mr. Ro'Meave back into normal life and potentially working here as an agent for the S.T.F. They have a few upgrades for him-" 

"Upgrades?" 

"His suit. When he does become Protector again, we want him to have the same protection as you do." 

For some reason, that bothered Blaze. He really wanted Garroth to be Protector again but, part of him was hesitant. What if Garroth didn't want to be Protector again? Washer saw this and said to him; "I know you want what's best for him. We all do. Unfortunately, being Protector again may be the only way to remove Shadow permanently."  

"I-I understand,", Blaze breathed out. "Any updates on his relic?" 

"They're still studying it but, our team is hopeful that this will work...if Shadow is telling the truth." 

"Anything else?" 

"No...anything you want to bring up?" 

"His family. Are we ever going to tell them? My family knows...why shouldn't they?" 

Elizabeth sat back in her seat, taking that question into consideration. "We're unsure. Garroth is a different case. There's more delicate details and serious problems that we don't have solutions for. Also, his immediate family is larger than your's. You just have your parents."

"So? What's wrong with his brothers?" 

 "They could get married. They could have children where they could slip the secret. More and more people could join his family. You on the other hand just have to worry about two. He has to worry about at least four. Also, you know from experience how sensitive the parents are when it comes to their son. If they receive any information that we have, they'll have to blame someone." 

"And you're worried that they'll blame us?"

She only nodded her head, disappointed with her own answer. She wanted to fix this but, she just didn't know how yet. Blaze was understanding of the problem. He just wished it was different. All of it. The two were silent for a while before Elizabeth said; "I apologize for exploding on you before. It was not your fault. It was no one's fault." 

Blaze, even if he was still hurt from what she said, forgave her.  "I'm sorry for not trusting your judgement. I just wanted to be here..." 

"Now you are,", Elizabeth smirked, standing up. "Remember, patrol tonight and start with Garroth tomorrow. Lucinda does sessions with him for about ninety minutes starting at ten in the morning. So, after that, he's all your's." 

Blaze swore she saw her wink at him but, brushed it off. He had a job to do now and he wasn't going to let her and Garroth down. 

Word Count: 1300