Who's under the mask?

[Shuboni]

Happy that her efforts were helping the other girl, Alyssa plopped on the couch close to Melody. The blankets that cocooned her kept a modest distance between them, so Alyssa didn't mind sitting a little closer than normal. Besides, she wanted a surreptitious way to check on Melody's fever. "So, what are we gonna do to get you feelin' a hundred percent again? Rest, tea, some soup maybe... I know you're more the kind of gal to read rather than binge something on Netflix, but I was thinking we could do something together." Alyssa remembered that her phone was in the other room. She hoped she wasn't going to get an alert about some villain trying to blow up an orphanage or something, so she put it out of her mind. At the moment, her poor roommate needed a hero. Even if she wasn't the best hero for the job.

[Eliza]

Melody smiled and peeked out of her blankets to look at Alyssa, her face a little flushed despite how cold she felt. "I do prefer reading, but I don't mind if you turn something on, either. What do you like to watch?" Since she didn't watch much, aside from the occasional clip here and there, she wasn't terribly up to date on what was good. When she did turn things on she stuck with nature documentaries because she liked having them as background noise. "I'm sure it'll be fun to just Netflix and chill with you. It'll be different than what I normally do." She had no idea what it meant, but she had heard lots of people use that term and it sounded like a good thing to do when sick, just relax and not worry about anything else while watching some mindless television.

[Shuboni]

Alyssa hesitated. She was so predictable it hurt, and she knew it all too well. "I... I like superhero movies. I also like cooking documentaries. And those really cool forensic science shows like CSI and stuff." She was kind of mumbling this when it registered that Melody had said 'Netflix and chill.' Alyssa slowly turned her head back to Melody and blinked slowly. She looked around, then, for her phone, which she remembered was in the other room. Didn't that normally mean doing something dirty?? Or, at least, starting with watching something on Netflix for a bit before doing something dirty?? She started breathing kind of fast, her face red. "You-ah-do you mean... Or rather... Do you, uh... do you know exactly what that phrase normally implies?" It wouldn't be the first time one or the other of them had missed some kind of slang that was either specific to where they came from or just didn't know. Alyssa knew more Southern slang than Northern slang, but 'Netflix and chill' was kind of just their generation's slang. Unless Alyssa was mistaken about what she thought it meant, then either Melody was implying something or she was unsure about the true meaning of the phrase.

[Eliza]

Melody considered the options for a few minutes, it was longer than she normally would have but it felt like everything took more effort, including thinking about simple things. "I like cooking shows, so that might be fun." She smiled and sipped on more of her tea. When Alyssa sputtered and tripped over her words she eyed her curiously, not sure what all the fuss was about. "It means watching stuff on Netflix and relaxing with your friends or other people that you care about, right? I've also seen some people get together just to do that, which seems pretty cool too. I guess it's sort of like modern trading cards, except you swap TV shows." She didn't keep up with any of the current slang, it just wasn't her style and she didn't really use it anyway, so it didn't really cause her any problems.

[Shuboni]

Alyssa decided it wouldn't be right to leave Melody ignorant of what the slang meant. "Hang on, let me find something to watch." She flipped on Netflix and looked through a few different options. She started with the game shows, which weren't exciting at first glance. Then she found one called "The Final Table" which boasted showcasing elite chefs competing to impress the pickiest palates of the world. She hadn't actually noticed it before, considering it was a Netflix exclusive. When was the last time she touched this service to watch anything aside from the Superhero stuff? She started it playing, but kept the volume low. While it was going over openings and such, she went on to explain. "Y'see... The term 'Netflix and Chill' started out innocent enough.. but it started growing to be a euphemism about... er..." Her cheeks turned pink. "'bout starting off with watching something on Netflix then... well... doin' somethin' more intimate, y'know." She didn't want to just outright say it, otherwise she felt like she would die. Especially considering what had transpired last night. Alyssa started an internal monologue of strict criticism. "Knocking boots. Or, er, otherwise having fun..." She didn't know a whole lot of euphemisms for having sex. Well, not many polite ones, anyways. It wasn't really taught to her as a child, and during her time training to be a hero they weren't really polite either. She really hoped Melody understood what she was trying to say.

[Eliza]

Melody glanced at Alyssa's selection and gave a slight nod, thinking that it looked rather entertaining. Upon hearing her explanation, she gave her a puzzled look before it clicked and she nodded again, this time in understanding. "That makes much more sense. I always wondered why people would get together for a single night just to watch television. It makes much more sense that they got together to fuck." She said it in a rather casual manner as she watched the intro for the show that had been turned on. Having been raised in an organization that was decidedly not meant for children, she had learnt about sex at a very young age, grown up hearing about it, and took an extremely casual approach to it. Not in the sense that she slept around a lot, it just didn't bother her to talk about it or the various things that went into it. "if I didn't feel so bad, sex would probably be pretty awesome. I haven't gotten laid since before we moved in together." Admittedly being sick and slightly delirious made her even more lax about it. She wasn't normally quite as open about her own sex life. It wasn't as if she really had time.

[Shuboni]

Alyssa just stared at Melody, her mind deciding to just stop. Melody normally didn't say things that Alyssa deemed 'not normal,' but it wasn't unheard of. Sometimes it just seemed like Melody had a different set of morals than she did. Alyssa inadvertently laughed, a little too loud. "Er... okay... Well, I don't really know how I could uh... help with that..." She trailed off before looking back at the television screen. Alyssa's blush went down into her neck this time with how brazen Melody was. Did she really mean to say that out loud? Was she trying to imply something between them? No no no no, there wasn't something there. They were just roommates, she told herself. Plus, even if they were to get together, she would have to reveal her secret identity. How would Melody think about the fact that she was roommates with a Super Hero, huh? Not quite as well known as some others, but known well enough. "'sides, I wouldn't really know much about that kinda stuff..." She trailed off again, now focusing as hard on the television as she could. It was obvious that she was having difficulties, however. She hadn't pressed 'play' yet.

[Eliza]

Melody sipped more of her tea and glanced over at Alyssa when she laughed, wondering what might be so funny. "It was more a passing thought than a proposition." She arched a eyebrow and gave a small smirk, finding it somewhat endearing that she was so extremely awkward about it. Alyssa had obviously grown up very differently from the way she had, it seemed like she had lived a rather sheltered life that Melody was admittedly a little envious of. There was something about it that made her want to corrupt her, even if just a little. If she were thinking rationally, she would do it with far more tact, but she felt more brazen and blunt this way. "It's easier to be with a girl than with a guy, in my opinion, you just touch your partner the way you like to be touched. Oral is the most difficult to figure out." She managed to unwrap her arm just enough that she was able to reach over and press play on the remote, brushing her hand against Alyssa's in what could almost be considered a sensual way, but also easily explained away as being an accident.

[Shuboni]

Melody was saying some things that made Alyssa shiver. Easier to be with a girl than with a guy? Alyssa looked away, trying to hide the fact that she was breathing kind of hard and her face had turned red again. What in the world is she trying to imply? Is she just messing with me? She looked back at Melody and was going to say something, but felt Melody's hand touch hers. Her gaze snapped to her hand, seeing Melody pressing the 'play' button. "O-Oh..." Her hand lingered for a moment before, a little too quickly, it shot to her own lap where her hands clasped. She was now staring at her own lap, her hands fiddling and twitching, her cheeks burning red. "I... I wouldn' know anythin' 'bout that." She looked up at the TV screen, but there was no way she was going to focus. Instead, she looked back down at her hands. When had things gotten so awkward? Sure, they hadn't been living together that long, and it was conceivable that these weird feelings had just built up over time, but it all seemed so very sudden. Alyssa had to think of something to take her mind off of the awkwardness. "So, uh... What are you thinkin' would be good for dinner?"

[Eliza]

Deciding that she had toyed around with the other girl enough at that point, she let out a small laugh and shook her head. "You're just so innocent and adorable." She finished the last sip of her tea and set her cup on the end table before letting herself half lean, half fall, onto Alyssa's shoulder. It was more comfortable that way and she was a little lightheaded anyway, so it added something stable to focus on. "I don't think I want anything... I might nibble on little bits and pieces of whatever you have." She yawned, and rubbed her eyes but was determined to stay awake because she had just gotten up and should be no means be tired again yet. Instead, she decided to try to focus on what they were watching. The first challenge appeared to be tacos, tacos were always a good choice.

[Shuboni]

Alyssa huffed at being called 'adorable.' "I ain't neither of those." The earlier embarrassments now out of her head, she pulled her legs up onto the seat and crossed them under her, crossing her arms over her chest too. She 'hmphed' in response Melody's answer, but softened when she heard the other girl yawn. Whatever happened last night, it had taken quite a toll on her. Not to mention, she had such a weak constitution, it was no wonder she was as sick as she was. Slowly, Alyssa uncrossed her legs. Instead, she was sitting in a rather uncomfortable looking position where one leg was dangling off of the edge of the seat while the other was tucked up, knee against her chest and foot flat on the cushion. Leaning her head against her thigh, she looked over at Melody, watching her carefully. The judges were going on about flavor this and rustic that, but she couldn't be bothered. She was thinking about what would be good to make for the girl. "What about a hearty clam chowder? I could go down to the store real quick and pick up the stuff to make it." Clam chowder couldn't be too much different than other types of chowder, could it?

[Eliza]

'I think you're both...' She kept that comment to herself, and instead looked back at the television where it appeared they were eating... crickets...? In tacos? Something about it turned her stomach and made her skin crawl as she fought her way out of the blankets and to the bathroom, glad tea was the only thing in her stomach as she made it to the edge of the tub, not even trusting herself to lift the seat of the toilet. Bugs were maybe the only thing that she just couldn't handle on the best of days, and today was certainly not her best day. Being away from the thought of food, and appearance of crickets settled her stomach enough that she avoided getting sick, forehead rested against the cool porcelain of the tub edge. She wished it was easier to resign, she didn't think she could keep doing this, she was on borrowed time as it was, living on organs that weren't hers.

[Shuboni]

The conversation had lapsed into silence for a few beats before Melody had looked at the TV, watching what they were cooking, before jetting off to the bathroom. Alyssa was confused at first. She wasn't really paying attention to the show at the time. She looked up and saw the bugs they were eating. She made a face then debated for a few more beats if she should go check on Melody. Especially considering that she was still so sick. She also made quite the dash to the bathroom, which couldn't be good for her. Biting her lip before committing to it, Alyssa stood sharply and purposefully walked down the short hall to the bathroom. The door was slightly ajar as she peeked in. "Mel...?" Looking in, Alyssa saw that the girl was leaning over the tub, skin looking more flush than normal. Good lord, she looks like she's on her last legs.

Alyssa hesitated. She had choices at this moment in time. Keep things distant and just ask if she's doing alright, be a bit cold and walk away to leave Melody to her own devices, walk in and hold her hair, just in case she was actually getting sick...? Deciding to do what had been done for her before, Alyssa opened the door and shuffled in. She knelt down next to the girl, not minding that it was a bit cramped in the tiny bathroom, and started rubbing the girl's back with one hand. "You doin' okay?" With her other hand, she started brushing Melody's hair back and out of the way, collecting it and holding it back. "I can take you to a doc if you need it. My doc is real good, he's brought me back from near death. Haha, that's why I'm doin' so good with all these scars." She hoped the tiny bit of humor might lighten Melody's mood. Even if it didn't, it might help convince her to seek a bit more help, if it was necessary. Her pallor, though, didn't look right for just a cold. It made Alyssa worry.

[Eliza]

Melody stiffened at the sudden presence of someone else in the room with her, then relaxed when she realized who it was. For the briefest of moments, she had forgotten that she wasn't back home, if you could call it that. In truth, this felt more like 'home' than she had ever had before. Maybe it was coming home to someone? The game nights? Passing out on the couch in the middle of one of the absurdly large puzzles Melody liked to put together that Alyssa always seemed willing to help with? The hot meals? She hadn't had any of that before this girl from the coffee shop waltzed into her life. Melody had been a mess then, and she was a mess now, yet Alyssa didn't call her failure, didn't leave her to suffer...

When she finally looked up, her eyes were red and tears pooled in the corners of her eyes. "I'm better than I've been in a long time..." She managed a smile and a hoarse laugh. She almost wished she had scars to show for her troubles. Instead her skin was smooth and free of marks, save for the new ones from last night, and those would be gone soon enough. "Near death might not be too far from the mark..." She said it with a cheerful tone, but she knew it wasn't entirely false, either. As far as they had come medically, it still wasn't perfect and didn't make up for the constant assault. There was a reason there were no old villains, they either died or retired young and became teachers. So long as they paid enough dues to the league, anyway. Part of why she was working so hard right now was trying to buy her way into retirement before it was too late. "I'll go see you're doctor, if it makes you feel better." She knew what was wrong, but she didn't like to see the worry etched into her friend's features like that.

[Shuboni]

With a huge grin on her face that Melody accepted her offer, Alyssa jumped to her feet. "Lemme get my phone! I'll see when the first appointment is!" She hurried out of the bathroom. Melody's emotions being worn so casually took Alyssa by surprise. It also bolstered her resolve to make sure everything was right with this poor girl. She hummed a nameless song as she grabbed her cell phone, which had been left in the living room, and dialed the number to her doctor. Not just a normal doctor, a Hero League doctor that could fix Melody right up in a jiff, no matter what the problem was. "Hi! This is Flash-er... Alyssa Valentine." There was shuffling on the other line as the receptionist found a file and confirmed her Hero ID. "Listen, I want to talk to Doctor Allright," dumbest hero name in the history of hero names, in her opinion, but heroes that were also doctors were the most common kind of hero statistically speaking. So, the name picking was thin.

Once the doctor was on the line, Alyssa let out a sigh. "Hey, I'm calling in that favor. The Guatemala favor." "Seriously? Listen, Flash Bang, I remember you saying that I owed you big for that. You better not need someone to disappear or something like that, I'm strictly a hero." "No, it's... I have a civi that needs medical attention. I mean, it's flu like symptoms, but she made this comment that's just... You'd need to know her to get it. Sure she plays around, but I jokingly said you've brought me back from near death and she described her feeling as being near dea-Listen here, don't you start goin off about me not gettin sarcasm, I do it just fine! Her fever got so high last night, I was considerin puttin her on ice, Beth. For god's sake, I ended up sleeping next to her!" That shut Allright up. Heroes didn't normally use real names unless it was serious. On top of that, Allright knew just how much of a prude Alyssa was. Alyssa, of course, left out the naked part, lest she get called out for being a perv. "Okay, okay, but what makes this worthy of the Guatemala favor huh Valentine?" Alyssa bit her lip and admitted the last part that she was sure would make Allright refuse. "She's... also a reporter." Allright paused, a very pregnant pause. Alyssa was prepared for the worst. "Whatever, but not at a hero clinic, of course. If she discovers what's really going on, though, I have the right to make her a paraplegic until I see fit that she won't reveal our secret, got it? Later today, because that's the only free time I'm going to get in months, and I want a lunch with it. A reporter, Flash Bang? What's next, an actual fucking villain?" "Thanks Beth! Text me the time and place and I'll be there!" There was a click as the doctor hung up.

Brimming with confidence, Alyssa trotted her way back to the bathroom. "Your stomach done doin backflips? I was thinkin we might want to switch to something more lighthearted and not so... uh... y'know... either way, my doc said she could fit you in this afternoon. She's got some mighty powerful antivirals that'll fix you right up." Instead of offering a hand to help Melody up, Alyssa knelt next to the girl again, not knowing if she was ready to stand. She inwardly chuckled, imagining a scenario where Melody would feel so right after seeing Allright that she might get a really nice hug and a thanks. Then Alyssa could act all humble while being smug on the inside that she could fix a problem like this. Saying Allright had powerful antivirals was an understatement. She had a weird power that allowed her to basically talk to a person's body on a cellular level. As she would say, cells were kind of dumb and only knew how to follow their written instructions, but she could command them to act in a certain way. She could throw an immune system into overdrive, tell them how to target cancer cells, divert nutrients to rapidly heal wounds, even tell the body to accept transplant organs as their own. She was confident that it would only take a few seconds to fix Melody up and have her back on her feet. Then they could take the rest of the day to kick back and do whatever.