light_of_willpower

[redarrowqueen]

Team Arrow had defeated Prometheus and had escaped Lian Yu.

But in the process the last few weeks had wrecked Thea enough that a simple summer cold had basically knocked her flat. Nothing serious thankfully, just a combo of stress and a summer cold messing her up all at once.

So she was basically stuck indoors on bed rest for a mere cold when she felt that now familiar chill that was Trunks's typical arrival. Little did she know it was a wild round of time travel phone tag since Felicity had called Ray who called Rip who called Trunks. Between coughing fits she calls from the sofa,"I know that chill anywhere!" as a nasty sneeze can be heard. But he would find her on the couch with enough tissues to stock a small army and looking as miserable as she sounded on the phone the prior night when she made it back to Star City.

Comments

[light_of_willpower]

"That would be the time-vortex and effects of warping me here." Called back, before he came into view with a frown on his face. Concerned frown, not unhappy one, blue eyes studying her. Reading what he could of her ki, as well as using his other senses; no fear at all and just striding over. Bodily picking her up and cuddling her, miserable and all, as he held her.

"If you're still chilly now, then I clearly am doing something wrong." Considering he gave off a lot of heat, it was a tease--and also his way of discreetly asking how she was doing. Resting his head against hers, and nuzzling her hair.

[redarrowqueen]

"Barry explained it once but I forgot the warping part." Thea lets out another bad coughing fit but is very happy to see Trunks. "Just feeling like crud, Oliver and Curtis are sure its only a bad cold meets a rough last few weeks."

[light_of_willpower]

Retaking a seat on the couch, Trunks shifts so she's still cuddled, but they're both more comfortable. Solid and supporting her through the fit, then encouraging her head on his shoulder. "Your ki is low, and I'm pretty sure you're temperature's up a little. The rest I can tell just by looking at you, Thea."

There's a sigh, his breath puffing against her hair. "We're working on actual time machines...but for now, it's Chronoa warping us. Temporary, which is why there's the chill too."

[redarrowqueen]

"Slight fever according to Felicity." Thea confirmed. "And how can you tell my ki is low again?" since thanks to the cold there was some brain fog but nothing too bad. "And how did you know I was even sick!"

[light_of_willpower]

"Game of tag, phone edition." He confirmed in turn, with a hint of smile. "And I can sense ki remember? Reading it is a basic skill for me." Gently teasing her, moving to stroke along her back and spine soothingly. Also subtly checking for tension, and noting spots of said tension in muscle.

"You have good friends, but you knew that already."

Post-Patrol

[light_of_willpower]

Trunks hadn't been lying (not that he made a habit of it anyways--he was more likely to not say anything than to lie) when he'd said he'd be filling in for Thea. Which came with some restrictions, since he wasn't there on official-business. The short version being, no ki-manipulation or usage beyond sensing and reading it. Everything else was off-limits, and since he'd left his sword back in the Time Nest, he was going to be focusing on hand-to-hand.

He wasn't worried though, and had even brought a 'costume' of sorts to fit in. Thea's colors, since he was being her alternate--with dark brown-black pants and high-collar shirt, low boots, and long gloves. A red hooded jacket over that with pockets, and a belt also with pouches. He had some tricks up his sleeve since he wouldn't be using ki. He'd been amused when Thea had pulled out a spare mask, but shook his head. Pulling out a pair of goggles that looked more like high-tech-form-fitting sunglasses. Red-lenses, black frame, and his hair pulled back and under the hood and he could fit in well enough.

Coming back from his first foray out as her substitute though, it had been...boring. Very boring for him--and while most of him was relieved, he wouldn't deny it was boring. At least it kept Thea resting though, and inside. He'd brought capsules with supplies, since he was staying a few days. (Food, mostly food and drink given his appetite. Clothes, other small things--mainly a book or two and toiletries.) Trunks was ready though, to get a shower and clean and then settle in for the rest of the early-morning/morning and keep Thea company.

Re: Post-Patrol

[redarrowqueen]

"Let me guess, slow night?" Thea had dozed off at one point but she was being good and resting. "I did log onto the comms to gossip with Felicity but that was all beyond a trip into the kitchen for more tea." she added. "Is this where I tell you summer in Star City is boring criminal wise? Mostly the occasional street thug so lots of early nights."

[light_of_willpower]

Dozed, and resting, and even just talking on the comms, was fine and good as far as he was concerned since he was doing this so she'd rest. "Does she always babble like that, and then try to backtrack it?" Trunks called, hood down and goggles around his neck as he came and stood by Thea. "Boring is an understatement. Your brother made a comment about taking a vacation, if I'm so willing to fill in."

Blue eyes were amused though, studying her to be sure she really was behaving herself.

[redarrowqueen]

"Guilty and its one reason she's one of my sisters in all but blood." Thea could smile. Felicity's babble was part of who she is after all. "And you know its boring when my brother starts thinking about a vacation too."

[light_of_willpower]

"You don't babble though." Trunks commented, jacket pulled off along with gloves as he moved to join her on the couch. "Not the way she does." A deep breath in, and out. "I should be grateful it's boring, honestly. Means that I can handle things and you'll get better sooner."

A few days in

[light_of_willpower]

Thea was getting better, given she was actually resting and taking care of herself. And being taken care of as well. Hardly the most exciting work, but Trunks had come to appreciate some of the boring and everyday things too, given his life.

All of the laundry had been done, her sheets and bedding changed, towels cleaned--everything. The bedding was due to be changed again tomorrow, but clean and fresh things could only be helping her. Navigating her kitchen was easier this time around too, even though Trunks had brought more than enough food and supplies to last, since he was staying to help her. Patrols continued to be 'boring', although he'd kind of enjoyed getting to spend time with Ollie and listening to comm-chatter. Curtis also had started to make a game of it, in terms of trying to figure out where people were before Trunks could sense their ki. So far he was losing to the time-traveler, and badly, but it was all in fun.

Actually in another few hours, it'd be patrol time again. Thea had been up and about, but still 'grounded' to certain locations and no patrol. It wasn't quite a vacation, but in some ways Trunks viewed it as such for himself. Sharing a bed, at least physically, had gotten slightly less awkward. Cuddling was absolutely nice and appreciated, and between him and the blankets Thea was warm enough. Of course, being so close, and being that he was at least helping her, there had been some...close-calls and awkwardness, reminding her that yes--her boyfriend was not used to being a boyfriend.

Or spending time in close proximity to a girl who was not his mother. The last time he'd been as red as frequently as he had been, had been when they'd first gotten together. Her lightness helped though, not taking it as anything other than that he was...shy. Slightly awkward, and shy, but he cared.


For now though, he was setting up a bunch of blankets and some floor cushions on them, on the balcony. It wouldn't afford them a great view of the city below, but the buildings were tall and it'd be nice to be outside for her. Places already set, and pitchers of tea and water already brought out too, and it was as ready as it was going to get. Sleeves of his shirt rolled up, Trunks smiled to himself as he looked things over, then headed inside to find Thea.

Re: A few days in

[redarrowqueen]

Almost on cue Thea emerges onto the balcony, she had a guess what Trunks was hatching when he asked where the extra blankets were kept. But she's smiling in spite of the occasional sneezing and coughing fits. She's on the mend, not totally herself but able to leave the loft a bit more and hang out at the Arrowcave while not able to patrol. "I heard from Curtis about the game, still winning?" since she and Felicity had joined in last couple of nights just for giggles.

Re: A few days in

[light_of_willpower]

Reaching up, Trunks rubbed the back of his neck. "It's not exactly a fair game and I pointed this out to him. He's reliant on tech in the areas to try and scan, period--I'm not." So yes...he was still winning. But he liked most of Team Arrow, even if he kept a bit of distance.

"...how're you feeling?" Concerned there, automatically moving to read her ki as he took a step closer. Then took her hand.

Re: A few days in

[redarrowqueen]

"Plus its a good sign you're able to joke around with us more too." Thea observed with a smile. "And I'm feeling less crummy if that's what you mean? Still sneezing and hacking up a storm but its dying off finally." she added as her hand goes into his.

Re: A few days in

[light_of_willpower]

"Some of the distance is because of my job..." Gently said, as she also was well-aware that he'd had an upbringing without a lot of people around. Also that he was often overly-serious, rather than casual. That he was now a Time Patroller, and had to keep professional distance because of that only added to things.

Squeezing their joined hands, other one coming up to brush her cheek and hair in affection. "See what happens when you actually rest and let yourself heal?" Teasingly, glad she was feeling better. Symptoms might linger, but the more her body fought off the infection, the better it would be.

A few months after Sick-visit---->New Adventure

[light_of_willpower]

Once Thea was back to being whole and healthy, they had about a day or two to just enjoy it, before Trunks had to leave again. Even with time travel (perhaps especially because of time travel), some things couldn't wait forever and work was usually in the lead. But there were more promises to visit, and to stay in touch.

About a week later Thea was sent a small package. Inside was a red and black Capsule Corp case with two capsules of her own. One revealed to be an empty storage trunk, the other a motorcycle in red and black, top-of-the-line. Another small box held 3 more capsules and a small guide to which was what. One had a travel-wardrobe-trunk with various clothing (and spare uniform for when he was helping out) of just Trunks' stuff. Another held an empty spare-trunk that was similar, and meant for Thea to stuff clothing and gear in, as the 3rd was a small bow-locker for her stuff too. Instructions were given to fill those, and where to leave them, and within a day they had vanished again.

Fortunately, besides the gifts, Trunks was also able to make a few weekend visits. Still via 'warping' as Chronoa had put Rip's ship and Trunks' own machine on lockdown until they found away to not create alternate time-lines. Bringing his own food supplies each time, with the rule of 'be discreet' but no other restrictions. Which means there was at least one flying date--because they could.

Gossip related to his own job was often more focused on general facts, or messages and doings from Rip and himself, rather than any major details. Also on goings-on back on his actual home, not at the Time Nest. Rebuilding was still in progress, and things were going smoothly enough for now. If it was wanted, Trunks helped out with patrols again, and even with moving. Still more reserved around others than Thea--but trying to lighten up some more.

Re: A few months after Sick-visit---->New Adventure

[redarrowqueen]

Now that Thea was back to almost 100% (granted the cough was not going away without a fight) she and Trunks were back to long distance but with lots of long weekend visits. She had cleared space in a hall closet for his capsules and had stuffed the ones he left for her with clothes, spare gear/costume and the like (also left in the same closet for pick up). Mixed with flying dates and patrols were more low key things like movies, picnics on her balcony and the little things she knew he needed during their weekends. Plus she saw he was starting to lighten up around the team, an ongoing game with Curtis helping things.

But tonight she was on the balcony waiting for the "warping" to show it was time for another visit. Her bike parked within easy flight range for another adventure in the night.

New Adventure

[light_of_willpower]

One of the very nice things about Capsules was they were easy to store. Her personal case (the red and black one) was meant to go with her wherever she needed, to make things easier on her for changes and transport. After she'd made sure the empty ones left for her to fill were placed, within a day they'd vanished again along with a note promising to keep 'em safe. Just like he'd left his own clothing and gear with her.

At least the clothing she hadn't stolen; one jacket and 2 shirts had already made their way into her wardrobe before she'd gotten sick. It had made Trunks blush at the time, but he hadn't minded. Still didn't--and at least they were branded Capsule Corp. (IF no one knew what that was? oh well?)

It wasn't just the game that was helping, but also that Trunks COULD and did talk tech with Curtis too. He wasn't the genius his mother was, or even that Curtis was, but he knew enough to follow and discuss reasonably and with intelligent questions and curiosity. Still quieter, but no longer as shy or stand-offish with the team. Just...reserved--and that was alright. If anything, he managed to walk the line between sarcastic and politely-snarky a few times.

Dates were wonderful though, as he did his best to keep up with Thea. Small notes, in addition to the weekends, and as much as it may have been boring, he really just enjoyed being with her. More balcony picnics, or going to the movies, or out to eat. Just seeing her city and her world, and knowing it was at peace (relatively).

The warp, as usual, was accompanied by a chill in the air and faint noise akin to air being depressurized or rushing into fill a space. Along with a hint of ozone. Other end of the balcony, as the distortion in space and time resolved itself into a familiar shape. Trunks had cut his hair again, but up near the roots and on down there was more blue which blended to be a darker lavender now. Easy smile on his face, and casual clothes--he had his own capsule case tucked in a pocket of his jacket like always.

Re: New Adventure

[redarrowqueen]

"You're late!" but the tone in Thea's voice is showing she's simply joking around and being a little silly. But she's also seen the changes over the last few months, all for the better from Trunks being able to talk tech and snark with Felicity to not backing down in a fight. "So what's the plan for this weekend? Because I snagged movie tickets and a new BBB just opened up downtown."

Re: New Adventure

[light_of_willpower]

"Movie was part of the plan I knew about, but I have other plans for food." With a grin and smile back, moving close enough to lean in and slide an arm around her in a hug. "Beach picnic, is what I was thinking. I have food for it and everything." Along with a kiss on her cheek.

Meanwhile Back At The Time Nest

[redarrowqueen]

Within days of being sprung from the hospital Thea had arrived at the Time Nest via the Waverider along with Rip and Sara. Rip had given Chronoa an update on the current crisis while Sara got Thea settled onto a sofa and sets her crutches within reach. "Only a phone call away, I'll play way station for messages till its safe for you to go home." as the two women hugged. Post Rip and Sara leaving Thea slumps against the sofa, sure she was healing in the physical sense it was a whole other story on the inside. "Sure I'm safer here given everything but at the same time I'm stuck on crutches and miserable." not knowing anyone could hear her musing aloud.

Re: Meanwhile Back At The Time Nest

[light_of_willpower]

After what Thea'd been through, it had seemed like her going home would be safer. Especially once Rip had closed the loops that whoever-was-behind-it-all was using to steal villains from his and Thea's worlds. They'd been making trouble in the Nest, which is why Trunks had been on call and pulled back from his weekend with Thea early.

Also why Thea had been pulled in, as consultant. Fortunately, even beefed and powered-up, most of the controlled rogues had been dealt with, with minimal trouble. It had only been one, named Mira, whom neither Thea or Trunks recognized, who had proven to give them extended trouble. Thea had gotten to experience exactly what Trunks normally dealt with in terms of enemies and situations. (Small wonder he considered filling in for her to be a vacation almost.)

Which meant Chronoa and Trunks were both surprised when Rip had made the call to alert them what had happened. Of course Thea was welcome back in the Time Nest. No question also that she'd settle at Trunks' place, given he had the room. Chronoa had met her, and explained that Trunks would be back shortly. He'd left on a quick errand, when he'd heard about Thea's condition.

The diminuative Kai was sticking around until he got back, and had gone to the kitchen. Which meant she heard Thea's words, but didn't blame her, as she returned with a cup of tea. "At least it's a change of scenery? And it is nice to get to know you and chat when I'm not in a mission or crisis mode."

Re: Meanwhile Back At The Time Nest

[redarrowqueen]

Thea could smile a little more when the Kai spoke to her,"True, it will be nice to chat more and get to know you between missions better. And honestly I'm usually not this blue either. Just hate feeling like this, the being laid up part I mean." since she's harder on herself than she should be at times. "Was supposed to be a quick hop back to Star City to touch base and all hell breaks loose." giving more insight into recent events. "I mean its good we're all safe but I'm numb and well there's those things." meaning the crutches. She also added insight into Sara,"She's one of my in all but blood sisters, she's with the Legends."

Re: Meanwhile Back At The Time Nest

[light_of_willpower]

Chronoa gave a small chuckle, and a knowing smile. "I'm well aware. Who do you think gives permission for Rip to go out and do stuff?" Not that it stopped him sometimes, but the Kai wasn't about to let that on. "I mean, neither he nor Trunks really were aware of what they were doing until I stepped in. Honestly, you all just think it's so easy to muck about with cause and effect."

A hmph and crossed arms in frustration, but she wasn't really 'mad' per se.

"I know you're not usually this blue though, Thea. I DO listen to what Mr. Super-Serious tells me. You cheer him up more often than not." There's a smile, and her hand reaches up and out to the other's shoulder. "Just rest. I know he'll take good care of you, and I'll help where I can too."

Re: Meanwhile Back At The Time Nest

[redarrowqueen]

"Granted I just get the stories." Thea had to admit. But a tiny smile does slip out as Chronoa reminds her it will get better,"He's saved me who knows how many times and he's among the good things in my life." she does smile when Trunks is mentioned. But she does offer up a more comic moment from Team Arrow, the alarms going haywire thanks to a freak non crisis power outage.