Chapter 3: Hanging Out With Nova
After walking for a few minutes, Jennifer and Sunset arrived in front of the store where Nova worked. "So this is where Nova works?" Sunset asked as she looked at the store.
"It is," Jennifer said simply. Sunset read the sign and saw it said, "The Bright Card Shop", which made Sunset cringe at how unoriginal that sounded. "Yeah, it's a bad name," Jennifer said simply.
"Why did he choose to work here?" Sunset asked.
"I don't know, I've spoken with Nova before, but he hasn't said anything about his past," Jennifer said.
"Well, thank you for taking me here, I really appreciate it," Sunset said to Jennifer.
"Don't mention it, it's just that you seemed like you wanted to talk to Nova," Jennifer said. Before either of them could say anything, Nova came walking out of the store.
"Oh, Sunset, Jennifer, what are you two doing here?" Nova asked.
"Well, I came to talk to you about something," Sunset said.
"Really, what is it?" Nova questioned.
"It's something that I would like to talk to you in private," Sunset said nervously.
"Oh, well then let's go somewhere you feel comfortable," Nova said. The two started to walk away when Sunset remembered Jenifer.
"Hey Jennifer, you want to come with?" Sunset asked.
"Isn't this conversation you want with him private?" Jennifer responded.
"It is, but you seem like you have nothing to do," Sunset said. Jennifer stayed quiet and thought about that.
"Sure, I guess I'll come with you," Jennifer said. With that, the three of them left to another part of the mall.
After looking for a good place, Sunset, Jennifer, and Nova found a relatively quiet restaurant to eat and talk. "So how do you two know each other?" Sunset asked Nova and Jennifer while they waited for their food.
"Well, it's a bit of a long story, but let's just say that we went on a mission together and have been friends ever since," Jennifer told Sunset.
"Yes, we had a few missions like that if I recall correctly," Nova commented.
"By the way, this may seem like an odd question, but are you two dating in anyway?" Sunset asked curiously. Jennifer and Nova looked at each other and started to laugh quietly.
"You think the two of us are dating?" Jennifer responded.
"No, I just assumed from what you were telling me and what I saw," Sunset said as she blushed out of embarrassment.
"Ok, that's fair, but the two of us aren't dating, Nova said.
"Really? You two seem like you would work well together," Sunset said.
"Well, while I will admit that we have good chemistry together, we are just friends and nothing closer," Jennifer said.
"Even if we wanted to date, I can admit that while we do have good chemistry when it comes to missions, but we don't connect with each other at all," Nova continued.
"Wow, that's not what I was expecting," Sunset said as their food arrived. The three of them at their food quietly as Sunset thought about what to say next.
"So Sunset, why did you ask if Nova and I were dating?" Jennifer asked. This caused Sunset to become a little nervous.
"Um, because you two looked like a good couple?" Sunset said nervously.
"Sunset, out of curiosity, do you have a crush on me?" Nova asked in a calming tone.
"A little bit," Sunset admitted, a little bit of defeat in her voice.
"That explains a lot," Jennifer said.
"Sunset, can I admit that I actually wanted to tell you something as well?" Nova said.
"What is it?" Sunset asked.
"Well, I have to admit, I also have a bit of a crush on you as well," Nova said as he blushed slightly.
"Wait, you do?" Sunset asked.
"I do, ever since I met you actually," Nova said.
"Well, out of curiosity, why did you two have a crush on someone you just met?" Jennifer asked the two of them. The two opened their mouths to respond and quickly closed them at the same time.
"Well, for me, I had a crush on him because he looked cute and like someone I could talk with easily," Sunset said.
"For me, it's mostly the same, but I was also attracted to Sunset because of the mystery around you," Nova said.
"What do you mean by that Nova?" Sunset asked.
"Well, I think telling you in a place more romantic would be better," Nova said as he called for a waiter.
"Well, where do you have in mind in that case?" Sunset asked.
"I prefer to keep it a secret until we get there," Nova said. After they paid for their food, the three of them left the restaurant and went to the place where Nova was talking about. About halfway to their destination, Sunset noticed that Jennifer looked a little uncomfortable.
"Are you ok Jennifer?" Sunset asked.
"I am, it's just that I feel a little uncomfortable going with you two," Jennifer said.
"You don't want to bother us do you?" Nova asked.
"It's something like that," Jennifer said.
"Then what are you going to do?" Sunset asked.
"I was actually going to meet one of my teammates here, I just needed to do something to kill the time," Jennifer said.
"Oh, then you better meet up with them, don't want to keep one of the lucky guys waiting," Nova said, patting Jennifer on the back.
"Quiet Nova!" Jennifer said as a blush formed on her face. Sunset laughed at that, earning a light punch on the shoulder from Jennifer.
"Anyway, see you later Jen," Nova said as he walked ahead.
"I told you not to call me that!" Jennifer exclaimed, the blush on her face becoming more profuse.
"Later Jennifer, I hope to see you at Beacon," Sunset said as she ran to catch up with Nova. Jennifer waved goodbye to the two and turned around to head the other way. As she was walking, she was silently joined by Chris.
"How much did you hear?" Jennifer asked.
"How do you always sense when someone is there when they don't make a sound?" Chris asked in an annoyed tone.
"I've been killed numerous times, so I happen to know when someone is sneaking up on me," Jennifer replied.
"Good point," Chris said.
"You still haven't answered my question," Jennifer said.
"I've been following you since you meet with Nova," Chris said.
"Why?" Jennifer asked simply.
"Well, I wanted to be sure you were alright," Chris said.
"Oh, worried for me are you?" Jennifer asked in response.
"No, I was just looking out for my teammate, that's all," Chris said.
"Anyway, you think we'll see Sunset at Beacon this semester?" Jennifer asked.
"I do and somehow I think our lives are going to get weirder," Chris said.
"Would like to explain to me what you're talking about while we go meet up with the others?" Jennifer asked. Chris started to explain as they walked to the place they wanted to meet at.
Back with Nova and Sunset, they continued to head to their destination. "So, where are we going?" Sunset asked curiously.
"Well, the place we're going is supposed to be a romantic place, but I've never been there myself," Nova said.
"So you're taking me to a place you have heard is romantic, but you have never been there yourself," Sunset asked.
"That's basically what I'm doing," Nova responded in a calm tone.
"I'm not sure if you're being serious or being a creep," Sunset said playfully. Nova laughed a little at that as the two arrived at their destination. As she looked around, Sunset was amazed by what she saw. The area was a large balcony that had several rows of flowers, several benches, and a view of the city of Vale.
"What do you think?" Nova asked.
"It looks very beautiful, you picked a really good place," Sunset said in response.
"Thank you and I picked a good time because people rarely come up her during lunch," Nova explained.
"Wow, you did think ahead Nova, I'm impressed," Sunset complimented.
"Thank you," Nova said as he moved to the far railing. Sunset followed him and marveled at the flowers as she walked by. "I'm going to guess you like flowers?" Nova asked.
"I do, and seeing these makes me think of a better time of my life," Sunset said as she thought of Equestria.
"What was your past like?" Nova asked. It was at that point that Sunset got a little nervous. "Is it something personal?" Nova interpreted.
"It is, but I feel like just telling someone that I can trust about it," Sunset admitted.
"While I would say you could trust me, and you can, I think you should wait until you find someone you truly feel comfortable around," Nova suggested. Sunset thought about that advice and took it to heart.
"You know, that advice seems so perfect for this situation," Sunset said as she leaned up against the railing and looked over the city.
"You're welcome, in that case," Nova said as he leaned beside her. The two stayed silent as they looked at the city.
"Hey Nova, what was your past like?" Sunset asked.
"Oh, you want to hear about it?" Nova responded.
"Of course," Sunset said.
"Well, to tell the truth, would you mind if we sit down for this?" Nova asked in a nervous tone.
"Sure," Sunset said. The two walked over to a nearby bench and sat down on it. "So, is there any particular reason you wanted to sit down for this story?" Sunset asked.
"Well, to be honest, it's because I may cry after I finish," Nova admitted.
"I'm going to guess that you have a tragic past?" Sunset asked.
"I do, and while I may not like to remember it, I'll tell you about it," Nova said.
"Wait, why don't you tell me about what made you come to Vale?" Sunset offered, a hint of sympathy in her voice.
"Honestly, that seems like the better idea," Nova said, a large amount of relief in his voice.
"So, what exactly did cause you to come to Vale?" Sunset asked.
"Well, after an event I do not like to think about, I was homeless. I was without a home, with only a little money to help me get by. I managed to work some odd jobs in my hometown and got enough Lin to come to Vale. When I got here, I immediately started looking for a place to stay and a place to work. That was about two years ago and so far, I only have a place to work. Thankfully, I was able to apply at Beacon and got accepted."
After Nova finished his story, Sunset gave him a hug. "Thank you, I appreciate the sentiment," Nova said.
"So, you need a home to call your own?" Sunset asked.
"Not necessarily, I don't mind living with someone else. Before you ask, I have asked Storm about living with her and she didn't mind, but I did not want to bother her," Nova said.
"Oh, well I wish I could offer something, but I don't know anyone with a house of their own," Sunset said.
"Its fine, I'll figure something out eventually," Nova said. The two sat in silence for about two minutes and took in the beautiful weather.
"Hey Nova, I know it may seem like an odd thing to ask, but what is your Semblance?" Sunset asked.
"You're right, that is a weird question, but I don't mind answering," Nova said as he got up from the bench. Nova put his hand out in front of him and seemed to do something to the air in front of him.
"What are you doing?" Sunset asked. In response, Nova showed Sunset a ball of light was in his hand. "Whoa," Sunset said out of amazement.
"This is my semblance, it's one of the ten elemental semblances," Nova said. Sunset was surprised by that and used her semblance to make a ball of fire. "So you have on as well," Nova said.
"Yep, I call mine Pyromancy, what about yours?" Sunset said.
"I call it Photokinesis," Nova said as he tossed the ball of light into the air.
"You got that name form the internet, didn't you?" Sunset asked playfully as she dismissed the ball of fire.
"Yes, I did, but you try to come up with a better name," Nova said as the ball of light dispersed. Sunset thought about it for a little and just decided to leave the name as is.
"You know what, I see your point," Sunset said, earning a chuckle out of Nova. It was at that point that Sunset decided that she really did like Nova. "Hey Nova, I want to tell you something," Sunset said.
"What is it Sunset?" Nova asked.
"Well, I just wanted to say that I really am enjoying this time with you," Sunset said as a slight blush formed on her cheek. This statement made Nova also have a blush on his face.
"You know, I feel the exact same way," Nova said. The two then had a moment of awkward silence.
"Hey, you want to friends for now?" Sunset asked nervously.
"That would be nice," Nova said.
"Friends, for now at least?" Sunset said as she extender her hand.
"Agreed," Nova said as he shook Sunset's hand. After that, the two spent a few more moments together before more people started to come. "Come on, let me take you to storms house," Nova said.
"I don't mind," Sunset said. With that, the two of them headed to Storm's house.
After a few minutes of walking, Sunset and Nova were near Storm's house. "Well, we are here," Nova said.
"Looks like Storm is out," Sunset said as she noted the lights were off.
"Do you have a key to the house?" Nova asked with a hint of protection in his voice.
"Of course I do," Sunset said as she got out a pair of keys. As they approached the door, Sunset noticed that Nova looked a little nervous.
"You ok?" Sunset asked.
"I am, I'm just happy to have a girl I like as a friend," Nova said as he blushed.
"Aw, that's sweet of you to say," Sunset said as she started to blush.
"Anyway, I hope to be on a team with you at Beacon," Nova said. As she opened her door, Sunset thought of a good idea.
"Hey Nova, I do have something to give you," Sunset said as a small smile formed on her face.
"What is it?" Nova asked curiously. Sunset then gave him a quick kiss on the lips.
"See you Nova," Sunset said as she went inside and closed the door behind her. Outside the house, Nova was blushing profusely as he processed what happened. He then silently left with a smile on his face. As he left, he saw Storm coming up the walkway.
"Hey Nova, what are doing here?" Stormasked.
"I was just leaving Sunset off," Nova said in a sort of dazed voice.
"I think I can tell you two had a good time together," Storm said.
"We did," Nova said as he walked away. Storm had a curiosity of what they did and went to asked Sunset about what they did before they went to this.
That night, Sunset and Storm were sitting in the talking about what happened to each of them during their day. "So I ran into Nova when I came back," Storm said eventually.
"Really, did he say anything?" Sunset asked.
"He just said he came to leave you and that you two had a good time," Storm said.
"He did, and I'm going to guess you want to know what happened between the two of us," Sunset responded.
"I do because I think you and Nova have a bit of a crush on each other," Storm said playfully.
"What? I don't know what you're talking about," Sunset said as she tried to dodge the question.
"Well, your reaction tells me other wise and I saw you get a little flustered when you first saw him," Storm said. Sunset stayed silent for a moment before she sighed.
"Ok, I'll tell you everything," Sunset said. Sunset then proceeded to tell the events of what happened with Nova from the beginning to the end. "So, what do you think?" Sunset asked.
"I'm very happy that both you and Nova are in a sort of a relationship," Storm said.
"Thanks," Sunset said.
"By the way, why did you just want to be friends?" Storm asked.
"Well, I figure if we got to know each other more, we would have more of an appreciation for each other," Sunset explained.
"That makes sense," Storm said as she yawned.
"You tired?" Sunset asked.
"I had a rough day today," Storm said.
"Well, then you can go to sleep," Sunset said.
"Ok, see you in the morning," Storm said as he got up. After Storm went upstairs, Sunset breathed a sigh of relief as she entered a code on her gauntlet. She rarely took the gauntlet off as it helped her suppress something inside her, but she did take it off when she could suppress it. "I'm glad Shade went upstairs to sleep. I know she's my friend, but this is something she can't see," Sunset thought as she took off her gauntlet. As soon as she took it off, she felt a large surge of pain flow throughout her that came from her arm. After a few seconds, the pain stopped and Sunset sat their panting.
"Well, good to see that never changes," Sunset said between breaths as she looked at her scared arm. After making sure that everything was ok, she put her gauntlet back on and went to bed.