Bloom

 BLOOM

The Fashion District of Echo City bustles with activity.  High-end shops and boutiques decorate this upscale section.

John Smith is perusing the stores, minding his own business when a Peacekeeper patrol pulls up.  They talk amongst themselves, then begin to get to work, questioning the citizens seemingly at random.

Bloom takes directions from her squad captain and approaches John Smith.

“Hello, excuse me.  May I see some identification?” she asks politely.

“Sure.”

He hands her his Peacekeepers ID.

“Recent events have made it increasingly difficult for a female to get around without proper identification.” She says while staring at John's temporary ID, dazzled by how real it looks.  Her big blue eyes flick up to meet his, widening slightly.

“Oh, um, yes, this looks... in order.”  She says slowly, handing the ID back.  She looks around nervously before leaning in closer to John.  “Uh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were one of the Peacekeepers.  Can I ask what brings you to our lovely district today?  We don't often get male visitors around here, and I want to make sure... everything is alright. Her voice trails off softly, a hint of innocent concern in her husky tone as her cheeks flush slightly.

John smiles at her.

“Window shopping, for now.  Yeah, we've gone on a couple missions together.  But, yeah, it's kinda been awhile.”  He tilts his head, curious.  “How're you doing?  Is this a standard patrol?”

Bloom blushes a bit deeper at John's warm smile and kind attention.  She looks down shyly for a moment before glancing back up, an honest vulnerability in her darkened blue eyes.

“W-Well, yes and no I guess…” she admits quietly, fidgeting slightly with the hem of her dark crop top.  “It's been a... challenging time for the Peacekeepers lately. Th-There's been some unrest…” She trails off, seeming hesitant to say more.  Then she takes a soft breath and meets John's curious gaze directly.  “And you?  I... I hope your missions have been going well?  It must be difficult, being out in the Wastelands and all…” Her voice is genuinely concerned as she searches his face.

“Yeah, things are just fine.”  He clears his throat.  “It's nice to see you again.. umm.. what was your name?” John blushes slightly.  He smiles at her, but it holds a small look of concern.  “What's um, what's the challenges you're talking about?”

Bloom's lips curve into a tentative smile at John's question, but the brightness fades quickly from her eyes, replaced by a subtle sadness.

“My name is Bloom, P-Private Bloom St. Clare…” she says softly, glancing down at her ID.  Then she looks back up, biting her lower lip before continuing.  “Well, I... I probably shouldn't say too much, but... there are some in the higher ranks of the Peacekeepers, they don't... they don't always have the most pure intentions.”  Her brow furrows slightly and she leans in closer to John, lowering her voice.  “There are whispers of corruption, of deals made with the Syndicate to keep certain... interests protected.  And now, with the lack of men, it's become so hard for us girls to do what's right.”  She sighs softly, her eyes searching John's face with a desperate, almost imploring look.  “Hey, maybe we could... talk more about this somewhere private?”  Her hand brushes gently against his arm.

“Yeah sure. Here or..?” John says, intrigued.

Bloom looks around nervously, double-checking to ensure no one else from the patrol is within earshot. She leans in even closer to John, her chin nearly touching her chest.

*We could... um... go back to the station. The small break room, maybe?”  She suggests hesitantly, glancing up at John from beneath long lashes.  “No one will bother us there.  And I... I really think you should know what's happening.  Before anything worse happens…”  Her voice trails off and she bites her lip, a mix of apprehension and anticipation in her darkened eyes as she awaits his response, her hand still gentle on his arm.

John swallows

“O-oh, sure.  I-I'll follow you back.”  He licks his lips unconsciously.  “I'm really.. I hope..”

Suddenly, the squad leader barks over at Bloom.  Bloom jumps slightly at the sudden sound, her hand tightening briefly on John's arm before she pulls away.

“Y-Yes, Corporal!” she calls out, a note of nervousness in her voice as she stands up straight.  She turns back to John with an apologetic look, fresco red blooming in her cheeks.  “S-Sorry about that.  I have to... I have to go answer the Corporal.  But... you can come with me, if... if you want.”  Her voice softens shyly as she gestures vaguely towards the Peacekeeper station.  She lingers for a moment, her eyes searching John's face urgently.  “W-We should hurry though... before she starts asking questions.”  Her tongue darts out to wet her lips, glistening in the sunlight.

John nods.

“Lead the way.”

Bloom leads John back to the Peacekeeper station, swiping her ID at the security scanner to gain access.  As they step inside the dimly lit atrium, Bloom glances around furtively before grabbing John's hand and guiding him quickly down a hallway.  She stops abruptly at a plain white door and pushes it open, ushering John inside a small, basic break room.  The air smells faintly of stale coffee and burnt toast. Bloom closes the door behind them, locking it with a soft click.

Pacing over to the tiny table, Bloom turns to face John, wringing her slender hands nervously. She takes a deep breath, chest swellings slightly beneath her too-tight crop top, before meeting his gaze with wide, scrutiny blue eyes.

“I... thank you for coming with me. she begins softly, voice tinged with relief and a touch of tension.  As I was saying before... the Peacekeepers, the real ones, the good ones... we're under threat.  The higher ups, they... they've made deals with the Shadows, sold out to corruption in exchange for power... Her voice drops to nearly a whisper, hands twisting even more. And now they're trying to silence anyone who objects... Bloom looks away, biting her lip.* I... I'm scared, John. I don't know what to do. Most of the blood drains from her face. The Shadows, the higher ups... and without any men left, it's like... there's no one to stop them... She shakes her head, silky blonde locks falling across her forehead before she pushes them back, staring at John with a desperate vulnerability.

The breakfast bar beneath the small window rattles in the sudden silence, the autumn chill seeping in through cracks in the outer wall of the aging building. Bloom shivers faintly, crossing her slender arms across her chest and rubbing them erratically before speaking again. I... I can't keep quiet anymore. I need to do something... and I need help. Her voice cracks as she takes a tentative step closer to John, big blue eyes wide and imploring. John, will you help me? Her hand rests on the edge of the table as she stares up at him.

“Whoa, slow down Bloom.  Of course I'll help.  This.. this is heavy.”  John thinks over the puzzling words.  “This isn't exactly new.. but.. what do you mean shadows?  What shadows?”  He puts his hand in hers.

Bloom's hand stills beneath John's touch, and she takes a shuddering breath.  Tears well up in her darkened blue eyes as she squeezes his hand tightly.

*T-the Shadows... oh god, I don't even know where to begin... She takes another deep breath, clearly trying to compose herself. The Shadows are... they're the criminal syndicate that's been, well, shadowing the underbelly of the city since the war.  They control most of the black market and illegal activities.  Drug trafficking, human trafficking, that sort of thing.”  She shudders at the memory and absently runs a finger along the neckline of her crop top.  “And before the war, some of those bastards in the Peacekeepers, they were already on their payroll.  Selling information, turning a blind eye to certain... activities.”  She looks up at John, a glimmer of anger in her eyes.  “Now the higher ups- the ones in bed with the shadows- they want to finish the job.  To get rid of anyone loyal to the real cause of justice.”  Bloom squeezes John's hand again, desperate for reassurance.  “That includes me…” she says softly.  “But I can't stay quiet anymore.  I won't watch injustice happen.”  A fierce determination settles across her beautiful face for a moment, in marked contrast to her usually shy demeanor.  Her grip tightens around John's hand, nails digging into his skin as her voice rises.  “John, you're one of the only men left.  That has to count for something, doesn't it?”  She takes a breath, a hint of urgency in her voice.  “No, I know it does.  And... and I need your help to expose the corruption.  Before they silence me... and anyone else who dares to speak out and stand against them.”  She searches his face with big, pleading eyes.  “Please, John…”  Her words trail off into a desperate whisper as she looks away suddenly, a sob catching in her throat.  “Please tell me... I'm not alone…”  Her grip on his hand loosens as her shoulders slump slightly with exhaustion and stress.

John holds her, carefully but firmly, supportively.

“Hey, hey.. you're not alone.  Never.  Bloom, honey, I think you're talking about the Syndicate.  Everyone knows about them.  But who and how deep?  Well, I'm with you there.”  He rubs her arms and back.  “And the corruption?  Yeah, that's.. one of the reasons why we started the Freedom Angels.”  He peers down at Bloom.  “Did you know Kitty and I started our own team?” he gives her a small smile.

Bloom stares up at John with wide, shocked eyes, a flicker of hope and relief sparking in their blue depths. She leans into his supportive embrace, allowing the solid warmth of his arms to comfort her.

“The Syndicate... yes, that's the ones.”  she breathes softly, the name leaving a bitter taste on her tongue.  “It's not just the crimes they commit... it's the corruption that lets them operate so brazenly.  Crooked cops, judges, even some politicians, they're all in the Syndicate’s pockets…”  She nods slowly as John mentions the Freedom Angels, a tentative smile curving her lips at the mention of Kitty.  “I... I think I did hear something about you and Kitty starting up a rival group. I didn't realize…” Her eyes widen further.  “Wait... does this mean…”  Bloom's heart races as the pieces start to fall into place, a tentative smile spreading across her face even as tears glimmer in her lashes.  “You're going to help me... help us.”  She breathes softly, hope and gratitude shining from her face as she gazes up at John.

“Fuck yeah darlin’.”  John says to her encouragingly.  “There's.. following your heart is more than an expression.  We’ll absolutely help you.”  He holds her close.  “I'd honestly like it if you'd join us.”

Bloom blinks up at John in surprise, her heart fluttering wildly in her chest.  She can hardly believe what she's hearing, but the sincerity and conviction in John's voice leaves no room for doubt.

*Join you...?” she whispers breathlessly, shyly glancing away as a fierce blush stains her cheeks.  “You... you want me to join the Freedom Angels...?”  A tremulous smile spreads across her face, eyes shining with unshed tears of joy and gratitude.  She nods slowly, then with growing enthusiasm.  “Yes... yes, I want to join you.  I want to fight with you, for justice and for what's right.”  Her voice rises with each word until it rings out clearly in the small room.

Bloom throws her arms around John's neck, holding him tight.  She buries her burning face against his shoulder, trying to hide the tears that now flow freely down her cheeks.

“Thank you,” she breathes against his shirt, voice muffled with emotion.  “Thank you for believing in me... for giving me hope... for giving me a chance…”  She lifts her head to gaze up at him, tears clinging to her long lashes, a radiant, beatific smile illuminating her beautiful face.  “I won't let you down, John. I swear it.”

Bloom's slender body molds against his, soft and pliant, as she presses closer, seeking comfort and reassurance.  Her hands clench in the fabric of his shirt, anchoring herself to him.

“You're good," he pats her reassuringly.  “You're good.”  He wipes a tear from her eye as another drops and slides down her cheek.  She's the picture of perfect exquisite gorgeous innocence.

Bloom leans into John's gentle touch as he wipes away her tear, her skin soft and warm beneath his fingertips.  She nuzzles into his palm, a breathy sigh escaping her kiss-swollen lips.

“Thank you…” she whispers again, voice low and husky with gratitude and emotion.  Her eyes, now clear of tears, shimmer with adoration as she gazes up at him.  “I... I don't know what I did to deserve your faith in me, but I won't waste it.”

She reaches up to cover his hand with her own, guiding it to cup her check fully as she turns her head to press a whisper-soft kiss to his palm.  Her lips linger, lingering a heartbeat longer than necessary before she pulls back slightly to meet his gaze.

“You make me feel... safe.  Cherished.  Like I matter.  Like I have a purpose again.”  Her voice is barely audible, raw with feeling.  A single last tear slips free to trail slowly down the curve of her cheek.

“Hey, just stay true to yourself.  You do a good job.”

He holds her hands.

Bloom clasps John's large, strong hands tightly in her own slender ones, feeling the warmth and strength radiating from him.  She takes a shuddering breath, blinking back the last of her tears as a small, shy smile tugs at her lips.

*I will John... I promise I will stay true to myself... and to the justice I believe in.”  Her chin lifts slightly, a newfound determination hardening her gaze even as she gazes up at him with undisguised adoration.

John blushes at her gaze.  His pants stirs.

“Uh, heh ye-yeah.  Good, I'm glad.”  He clears his throat and steps away, adjusting himself.  “So, what's your next step?”

Bloom notices the subtle shift in John's demeanor and the way he adjusts himself, a faint blush coloring her own cheeks.  She glances away briefly before meeting his gaze again, a hint of understanding in her eye.

*Ahem... well…” She takes a steadying breath, tucking a strand of blonde hair behind her ear.  “My next step... I think we need to gather more evidence of the corruption.  Find proof of the deals made between the higher ups and the Syndicate.”  Her brow furrows in concentration.  “I have access to some old files, reports from before the war that might hold clues.  If we can get our hands on those, it could be the key to exposing the truth…” She looks up at John, her expression a mix of determination and apprehension.  “But I'll need your help to retrieve them safely.  The archives are in the heart of the old government sector now, and it won't be easy to get in undetected…”  Bloom bites her lip, glancing down at their clasped hands before meeting John's gaze again.  “Will... will you help me, John?”  Her voice wavers slightly, a note of trepidation in her tone.  “If we do this... there's no going back.  But if we succeed... it will be a major blow to the corruption that's been destroying the Peacekeepers from within…”

“We need to talk with Kitty and the others first.” he says.  “But we're with you, Bloom.  I promise.”

He makes a fist to show her how serious he is.  Bloom's eyes widen as John makes a fist in solidarity, a lump forming in her throat at the weight of his promise.  She swallows hard, blinking back the sudden mistiness in her eyes.

*You... you're with me.”  She repeats softly, as if testing the words out.  A slow, wonderous smile spreads across her face.  “And you want to talk with Kitty and the others first…” Hope and gratitude shine from her gaze as she nods fervently.  “You're right, it's important to have everyone on the same page.  Together, we'll make sure the truth prevails…”  She brings her own fist up to bump gently against his, a fierce determination hardening her delicate features. “Together.”  She confirms, voice rising.  “We'll do this together, you and me, and Kitty and... and all the Freedom Angels.  We'll end this corruption and restore justice.”  Bloom's chest heaves with emotion as she gazes into John's eyes, seeing the same resolve and commitment mirrored there.  In that moment, standing before him, she feels a strength and courage blossoming within her, fueled by the support and partnership of her beloved allies.

John looks at her tenderly.

“Okay, this is.. a lot.. to take in, for both of us.  Why don't you come by Kitty's place this evening?  Just the three of us.”

Bloom takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself.  She nods slowly, a shy smile sneaking onto her face as she looks away briefly before meeting John's gaze again.

“I... thank you, John.  Yes, I'll come by Kitty's place this evening.  Just the three of us.  That sounds... that sounds perfect.”  A soft blush colors her cheeks at the intimate setting.  “It will give us a chance to discuss plans and next steps in a safe, private space.  And…” She hesitates a moment, glancing away before looking back at John with a newfound openness and vulnerability.  “It will give me a chance to... to thank you properly for believing in me.  For standing with me.”  Bloom squeezes John's hands gently before releasing them and taking a step back, straightening her shoulders.  “I'll see you both this evening then.”  She confirms softly, an undercurrent of anticipation in her voice. Until then... be careful, John.  And thank you again. Truly.”  With those heartfelt words, Bloom turns to leave the break room, a new spring in her step and a steadfast determination in her long strides.

John watches her ass as she leaves.  He ponders over the many avenues Bloom and he breached.  The Syndicate was an open secret, though the extent of their membership did remain in the shadows.. and now, Bloom wants to expose the Peacekeepers corruption, however deep.  Did she know the Peacekeepers thought Kitty was a member of the Syndicate?  Or Nurse Florence?  John wondered.

As John steps out onto the bustling streets of Echo City, the autumn chill nips at his skin. He pulls his coat tighter around himself as he walks, the weight of his conversation with Bloom heavy on his mind.

* * * * *

Later that evening, as the sun begins to set over the jagged skyline of Echo City, casting long shadows across the concrete jungle, John finds himself standing before a familiar door in Kitty's building. He takes a deep breath, straightening his coat and running a hand through his hair before knocking firmly.  Moments later, the door swings open, revealing a smiling Kitty in tight leather pants and a cropped tank top that showcases her athletic frame.  Her pink hair is styled in cute pigtails, and her cat ears twitch atop her head as she grins at Bloom.  Bloom stands nervously, having traded her Peacekeeper uniform for a simple but pretty sundress that hugs her curves in all the right places.  She clutches a folder to her chest, her earlier determination never wavering even as a faint blush colors her cheeks at the sight of John.

John ushers Bloom inside, the weight of their conversation at the station a faint but persistent memory, that caused him to be cautious. His mind still teems with curiosity about the extent of the rot in the Peacekeeper ranks.

Bloom steps across the threshold, her eyes widening as she takes in the cozy yet eclectic interior of Kitty's apartment.  The walls are adorned with an array of colorful artwork, each piece telling a story of Echo City's resilience and rebellion.  A low, plump loveseat sits in the center of the room, surrounded by mismatched furniture and an assortment of plush cushions that invite relaxation and comfort.

“Almost as much as my boots…” she whispers to herself.

The space is filled with the warm, inviting scent of Kitty's signature vanilla-scented candles, mingling with the subtle hum of music playing from a nearby speaker.  As Kitty invites Bloom to make herself at home, she gestures to a small bar cart in the corner, where an assortment of bottles glint in the soft light.*

“Isn't it cute?  The apartment, I mean.”  John says, his silk shirt, a vibrant shade of deep blue adorned with intricate patterns that shimmer under the light, cascades over his muscled frame.  His black velvet pants are tailored to perfection, emphasizing the strength and agility of his legs.  He smiles as he leans against a wall, arms crossed as he appraises the scene before him. “ And there are drinks if you'd like a drink Bloom.  We'll need to talk, but first... let's just relax.”

Kitty grins, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she saunters over to the bar cart, her hips swaying provocatively.  She pours three glasses of a deep red liquid, the scent of rich, fruity alcohol filling the air.

“Here you go, Bloom.” Kitty says, a cheeky wink.  “A little something to take the edge off.”

The apartment is a comforting retreat, a sanctuary from where the world is falling apart, and somewhere where they can be themselves and the thrill of teenage rebellion and independence still.  Kitty's ears flicker, and the tip of her tail lashes the air as she bounces onto the loveseat, making herself comfortable.  The atmosphere is light and cheerful, a stark contrast to the heavy topics they know they must discuss.

John sits close to Bloom, legs brushing.

“Okay sweetie.  What do you have there?”

He nods towards the folder Bloom brought with her.  She blushes softly as John sits close beside her, his legs brushing against hers as they take their seats on the plush loveseat.  She clutches the folder tighter to her chest for a moment before handing it over to him, her slender fingers grazing against his as she does.  John looks in the folder. A list of the Peacekeeper High Command, and their backgrounds and associates.  There's a list of known Syndicate members, with whatever information has been gathered summarized.

He looks at Bloom and Kitty.

“Hm.  Well... The High Command is interesting... I haven't heard of any of them. Kitty?”

Kitty nods when John turns to her, her eyes scanning the list of Peacekeeper High Command members as he holds the folder open.

“I've worked with Leather Lace before, Colonal Abernathy.  She's a competent leader and a good tactician.  I've heard of Drill Sergeant and Riverfire.  They have reputations, nothing good. These others?  I've never heard of them.  This Xian Cho, looks unusual.  Let's keep an eye on them.”  She takes a sip of her drink, her gaze sharpening with determination.”

“Okay,” John says, looking at the list of Syndicate.  “We can cross reference this with what we've got.”

There's pages on the Freemen power structure.  Names John's never heard of.  City gangs working independent and with Syndicate.  Wastelanders using royal titles.

“Holy shit.  Queen of the Wastelands?  What the fuck.”  He mumbles. “Nymeria Hadid.. Asha Nkosi, Cutter, Rattlehead, Skye Ironheart, Lucretia Verdi..” he chuckles, “And a Princess of the Dunes.. Naturally.”

Bloom listens intently as John reads through the list of Syndicate members and various factions, her eyes widening at the sheer scope and complexity of the information before them.  Her ears perk up at the mention of the Wastelanders, a soft gasp of awe escaping her lips as she takes in the names.

”Queen of the Wastelands?” She giggles, her voice soft and slightly awestruck.  Her eyes are wide and gleaming as she looks up at John, and then Kitty.  ”Now that's a name to conjure with.  I've heard of some of them.  The Syndicate people.  I'd say it's all a good reason to proceed with caution.  They're not like the Wastelanders.  They're dangerous” . She shudders slightly, her grip tightening on the glass in her hand as her composure is shaken.  ”We need to learn more about them; to see how they fit with the Peacekeepers that are corrupt.  The Queen of the Wastelands is not the real threat.  We will have to cross reference the Freemen and Syndicate with the Peacekeepers though.. we will need to…”  Bloom grabs a piece of paper and starts making notes.  As the room is silent, she puts the pen down and looks up at them.  ”The Freemen sound like they are misguided.  I'd love to help them, but helping the Freemen will not help the problem here in the city.  That doesn't mean they cannot be allies I suppose.  But they're a bit far out for me.”

As she speaks, her eyes drift to the window, where the fading light of day casts long shadows across the cityscape.  Bloom instinctively crosses her arms over her chest, hugging herself as if to ward off a sudden

John takes a sip of his drink. Eyes narrow as he reads.

“Motherfucker.”

Wayne Mercy, the Freemen crimelord better known as Gutgash, had a good amount of information.  His crimes against humanity.  And how he's been listed as off limits.  In other words, while Peacekeepers respond to his crimes, he will never be caused to face justice.  He learns Trixie and her gang are part of Gutgash's soldiers, giving them extra birth for their heinous activities as well.

“Well,” he sighs, “That's.. I suppose that figures.”  He looks further.  A list of dead Peacekeepers.  He looks at Bloom, confused.  “What's this?”

Bloom watches John closely, seated next to him on the loveseat.  She remains calm as she compliments his drink.  His eyes narrow.  She looks at him with a hint of concern as he reads.  She notices the intensity in his eyes.  She can't help but notice a hint of danger in his eyes as well.  She looks at him with renewed concern but also with admiration.  Her skin prickles slightly at the thought of staying so close to him, but she is determined to help him no matter what.  She watches him look at the list and she takes notice of his growing concern.  And she smiles more so at her reflection in his eyes.  Bloom notes his reaction, lip curling up slightly.

"You know, the Freemen were fairly rampant before I joined,” she noted matter-of-factly.  “We didn't really have the time to get involved in their business.  We were dealing with riots and a lot of gang violence.  But like you said. Gutgash, I heard of him.  And he was definitely a concern.  He was brutal and was responsible for a lot of destruction.  He's a murderer, but I suppose he's a shrewd man, and apparently Peacekeepers don't have the stomach to do any more than put a band aid over the wound.”  She nods.  “And I’m sure you've heard about Vizzeon, his gang," she thrills, "don't worry, he isn't a fighter.  More likely he's a coward, instead of a brave man like you, when he's stealing from the poor, he does it as a poor leader, not a fighter.  But his left hand is very strong.”  She fishes out the list of Gutgash’s soldiers, scanning it to find Trixie's name.  “Now she... Trixie, she's one of his most brutal soldiers.  A chainsaw wielding, flame-throwing, monster of a woman.  She was a former model before he... 'recruited' her.  She has a bit of a reputation, and it's not a good one.  She's known to be involved with the Syndicate, and a lot of other corrupt groups.  Not that it matters, she deserves whatever punishment for her crimes.  She sort of looks like a man.  If not for the fact her boobs are so big.:

John stares at Bloom blankly.

“O…Okay.  O-Okay.”  John gives her a slight sideways look.  “So, holy shit.  We've got our work cutout.”

Kitty comes over and sits on John's lap, wrapping her arms around him, right next to Bloom.  John squeezes her lovingly.

“This is exactly why Kitty wanted this, to make.. Us.  Our team.  Why we made the Freedom Angels.”

“Yep!”  Kitty adds perkily, then solemnly, “I knew the swamps were a mess, but I didn't imagine this.”

As Kitty snuggles up in John's lap, Bloom blushes deeply.

“In my past experience I've become aware of the difference between the Peacekeepers and what I have to do.” she whispers.  “Having to help people and experience what they have to endure and what they have learned.  If this war is to be won, we will need to use all the power we can obtain.”  She shoos Kitty playfully.  “If that means I have to spread my wings, I will be spreading them without fear of the danger.  I'm going to bring down those that break the law, and I'm going to bring down those that carry out the law.  I want to bring them down like the corrupt thieves they are.  I may be small, but I am determined to make a difference.  I don't care if I have to take them out one by one.  I'm so tired of being left ashamed of the Peacekeepers.  It's time for me to stand up.”  She looks down at her hands, fidgeting a little.  “I'm so small, I know, but my compassion is what makes me big.”  Bloom smiles wryly, her gaze flickering between John and Kitty, her voice soft yet resolute. "This mess, it's bigger than just a few bad apples.  It's a system that's rotten to the core.  We need to burn it down and build something new from the ashes.  Something better."  Her eyes well up with tears as she thinks about the countless lives lost and the countless more that would suffer if they didn't act.  Her voice trembles slightly as she continues.

John looks at Bloom softly and takes her hand.

“Slow down a bit.  I'm not saying your wrong, but, yeah.”  He squeezes it and strokes it.  “We're in this together.”

Bloom's hand trembles slightly within John's grasp, her heart pounding in her chest like a drum.  Her lips form into a gentle smile that seems to light up her eyes, sparkling with hope.

“Yes, I know.  I am excited.  It feels like I am finally truly being a Peacekeeper.  I am helping people and justice is being served.  It is exhilarating and I feel like I belong.  I want to be part of the Freedom Angels. I want to be an Angel and I want to help all of you.  I don't care that I am small.  I don't care that God said we should not murder.  This is different.  We cannot let these people win.”  Her eyes plead with John, her voice soft, sincere, and emotional.  ”I see the goodness in you, John.  And in Kitty. And in all of you.  I want to be a part of that goodness.  I want to fight alongside you, to make a difference and help keep this city safe.  I have a feeling that this is only the beginning of something great.  I am so excited and I just want to help.” Bloom says while looking at John and squeezing his hand harder.

Kitty and John both smile at her,lovingly.

“We see the same in you sweetie,” Kitty says.  She looks at John adoringly.  “Don't we?”  She kisses his jaw.

John smiles.

“Yes.”  He says and looks at Bloom.  “You're one of us.”

Bloom's eyes widen slightly as she takes in their words, her breath hitching in her throat.  She blinks a couple of times, as if to make sure she's not dreaming, and her cheeks begin to flush with the sweetest blush.  Needles prick the back of her eyes and she gets the most tender and inexpressible feeling of love.  Bloom bites her lip, and then she giggles and bashfully covers her face with her free hand an says softly

"Oh my gosh, thank you!"  She says softly at the most precious statement.

This is what she has wanted more than anything.  She wants to save others and be an Angel for them.  Her grip on John's hand tightens, her fingers interlocking with his, and she looks up at him with her big, honest eyes.  She would be perfect to be a right hand woman to him.  She would be a most excellent protector of him.  He hands her a glass.  She accepts it and puts it down, she has to hug him but she doesn't know what to do with her hands.  She takes them and places them on his shoulders and wraps them around his neck.  She throws her arms around him with a squeal.  She pulls back and looks at him.  Her eyes are shining and her cheeks are flushed with excitement and happiness. 

"You know, I can't wait to get started.  I can't wait to make a difference.  I can't wait to be part of something truly meaningful.  And we can totally use this to stop those corrupt sons of bitches.”  She turns around and throws her arms around Kitty, hugging her pink-haired friend tightly.  Bloom pulls back from the hug, her eyes sparkling with excitement and determination.  She takes a deep breath, her voice steady and sure, a contrast to the usual softness she exhibits.  There is much work to be done this way.

"So, where do we start, John?  What's the plan now that I'm officially a Freedom Angel?  Can you tell me?”

“Soon.”  John smirks and pulls Bloom closer to him, his hand sliding down to rest on the small of her back, just above the curve of her rear. He leans in close, his breath warm against her ear as he murmurs.

"Let's get you settled in at HQ first.  You're going to need some gear, and a chance to rest up before we throw you to the wolves. His eyebrows wiggle playfully. Then the three of us can discuss our next move... very thoroughly." He glances at Kitty, who grins wickedly back at him.

Bloom blushes even harder, goosebumps erupting on her skin at John's touch and the implication in his words.  Kitty giggles and slides off John's lap, taking Bloom's hand.

"HQ's not far from here. Come on sweetie, let's get you unloaded and relaxed.  We'll have plenty of time to... plan once we're settled."  Kitty licks her lips meaningfully.

As Bloom rises to follow Kitty out, John reaches out to playfully tweak the pink streak in her hair, winking at her.  Bloom bites her lip, flustered and excited, as the two of them exit the room, leaving John to finish his drink with an anticipatory smile.  The Freedom Angels grow stronger.