at least. I did read somewhere that honesty is a keystone of a healthy relationship.”
Adrian scratched the back of his neck.
“Anyway,” Oscar continued, “I’m still working on it. I thought it’d be reminiscent of those old airplanes that used to do skywriting over sports events, you know? So, what do you think? About the general idea, not the spewing part.”
Adrian glanced at Danna in time to see her roll her eyes. “Is this something you were thinking of trying out today?”
“Yeah, maybe,” said Oscar, rubbing his hands together. “I’d make the heart a lot bigger, put it somewhere over by the megascreen so everyone can see it. I did check with the Council to see if I could put a message up on the screen before the whole Agent N thing goes down, but they denied the request. Thunderbird—not a romantic.”
“Oscar,” said Adrian. “They’re going to drain the powers of some of society’s most dangerous villains and then execute someone.”
Oscar studied him, expressionless, for a long moment. “So you think it might be in bad taste?”
“Just a little.”
“Told you so,” said Danna.
Glowering, Oscar sank down into the plastic seat. “Do you have any idea how hard it’s been finding the right time to make a dramatic proclamation? It’s like someone’s always getting arrested or un-arrested or we’re apprehending a criminal or taking down a villain.… When is a guy supposed to make his move in the midst of all of that?”
“You could try not making a dramatic proclamation,” suggested Danna. “Just ask her out. It’s not that big of a deal.”
Oscar groaned. “Not a big deal? I’m trying to tell the girl of my dreams that she’s, you know … the girl of my dreams! That’s the biggest deal of my life!” He shook his head, his brow creased with anxiety. “And I’m worried I’ll screw it up.”
“What the heck, Adrian?” yelled Ruby, suddenly barreling down the stairs.
Oscar tensed and smacked Danna and Adrian with a hasty shush, as if they were preparing to give him away. Danna smacked and shushed him back.
“Hey, Ruby,” said Adrian, standing so she could get past him to her seat. “What’s up?”
“The concession stands are closed,” she said, gesturing toward the back of the arena. “Every last one of them. Who’s in charge of this shindig?”
“Proof that you two are made for each other,” muttered Danna.
Ruby glanced at her. “Huh?”
“Nothing,” said Danna, shaking her head. “This isn’t a sporting event. Let’s all show a bit of respect.”
Ruby huffed. “There is no occasion that doesn’t warrant the sale of stale popcorn and licorice ropes. It’s practically a basic human right.”
“Protest,” said Oscar, nodding stoically.
Flopping into her chair, Ruby crossed her arms. “Where’s Nova?”
Adrian winced, though he tried not to let it show. “I don’t think she’s coming.”
He tried to ignore Danna’s arched eyebrow. He knew she still harbored doubts about Nova’s innocence, and it was beginning to irk him. They had seen Nightmare, and it wasn’t Nova. Why couldn’t she accept that?
“Why not?” said Ruby, surprised.
He pushed up his glasses. “She’s always been against Agent N, and I think having spent some time at Cragmoor made her really against it. My dad told me she made a pretty passionate plea for them to call off the neutralization. She thinks the criminals should be given a chance at rehabilitation instead.”
“Imagine that,” said Danna.
Adrian shot her a look, which she ignored.
“I guess I can understand,” said Ruby, disappointed. “I’ve hardly seen Nova since she came back. I’m worried she might be mad at us.…”
“Don’t be,” said Adrian. “I think she’s just trying to work through a lot right now. You know, the explosion, Cragmoor, being reunited with her uncle … just give her some time.”
“Of course,” said Ruby, though she didn’t seem to find much comfort in Adrian’s words. He couldn’t blame her. He’d been telling himself the same thing lately. He would give Nova the space she needed. He would be patient. And when she needed him, he would be there for her.
But it was easier said than done. The truth was, he missed her. He missed her more now than he had even when she’d been in prison. At least, then, he’d been able to tell himself it was for the better.
“Oh, look, there’s Genissa,” said Oscar, pointing. “As cheerful as ever.”
Genissa Clark was on the field, an impressive crossbow strapped across her back. She was talking to Captain Chromium. Even from up in the stands, Adrian could tell that they were both frustrated with