Jasen had a blank expression on his face, as he processed the Miranda had just asked him looked While Miranda just looked him waiting for a response. But for the first time in a while Jasen didn't know what to say. His brain shifted into overdrive, he tried analyzing every angle, possibility, and every potential outcome.
Why would she ask me that of all things? It makes no sense.
No think, Jasen. This is Miranda Lawson. She never does anything without reason. Even before she joined Cerberus she is very much like her father. Whether she wants to admit it or not. She does things expecting something in return.
The big question now is, what does she gain asking you on a date?
He ran through the possibilities systematically, just like how Vorath taught him. One must explore and assess all possibilities even the most unlikely until only one answer is left.
I know she couldn't be attracted to me physically. I'm twelve. Even if I look fourteen or fifteen since my height over the past few months has jumped from 5'2 to 5'8. Victoria says I am handsome for my age and even the most guys older then me. But Miranda's seventeen... I doubt she likes them young. Unless she thinks I look good and doesn't care about my age.
He dismissed that almost immediately. Miranda was too calculating, for simple physical attraction to override her sound judgment. But it's hard to tell with some people sometimes, especially with teenage hormones involved.
He didn't even know what puberty would do to him at this point. For all he knew he could give off a strong pheromone to the opposite sex, which would explain why Miranda and Victoria were acting so weird. Or they don't like each other, and Miranda is doing this to be petty to Victoria.
But since Jane hasn't been acting weird Jasen dismissed the idea of overreaching.
There was also the chance she could be trying to lure me into a trap for Cerberus. And that thought made his stomach tighten.
Maybe she was instructed to get close to me by Dr. Kline, the Illusive Man, or whoever ranks high enough to give the order. That way they can track and capture me. But even as he considered it, he recognized the flaw in that logic.
The likelihood is decently high... but if they really wanted to, they could have done it by now. Cerberus had resources. Intelligence networks. Operatives across the galaxy especially on Earth considering the giant facility Jasen woke in. If they wanted to send a covert team after him they would have already.
But why the elaborate setup? The online forum. Australia. Even killing Henry Lawson, and living with him for a few weeks. Could they have planned that all out?
But what would be the end goal.
There is also the possibility Miranda could just be doing this to stay on good terms with me. Feel me out as a future asset or ally, not that that's not the same thing to her.
That one actually made made more sense. Miranda was very pragmatic. She understood the value of connections, of maintaining relationships that might prove useful down the line. Whether In five, or ten years. When he is older and more capable, she'd definitely want him to remember her favorably.
Then Jasen considered the most simplest answer it could be. Maybe Miranda just wants to hang out and say thanks for my help.
He paused on that thought and immediately dismissed it.
That possibility was to simple. And Miranda Lawson didn't operate on simple gratitude. Before Jasen could reach a proper conclusion, Miranda spoke.
" Earth to thirteen?"
Jasen blinked and looked back at her, his expression still neutral.
"Sorry, what was going on?"
Miranda stared at him for a long moment, her blue eyes searching his face as if trying to find the answers behind his bright amber eyes. Then a small smile formed on her face. Jasen could tell it was genuine, in a way that says a genuine attempt at smiling.
"I asked if you want to go out with me tonight?"
Jasen held her gaze, weighing his options one final time. If it's my last time seeing her for years I will leave her with a good impression of me. I will treat this like a regular outing with a. he paused he wanted to say friend but honestly he hadn't seen anyone like that completely. Minus Victoria.
So he settled on acquittance for now. Then he nodded slowly.
"Yes. I would like to go out with you tonight before you leave."
A flicker of satisfaction crossed Miranda's features.
"Any thoughts on what you want to do?" he asked.
Miranda's smile stayed n her as she approached Jasen. She reached out and grabbed his arm with surprising familiarity, her grip gently as her hands were soft.
"Follow me. I'm in charge tonight"
I didn't fight her pull especially since her body was so close to mines.
The two walked the Vancouver streets side by side. Jasen on making sure to walk on the site of the street wherever they went.
Miranda looking at him with confusion. " Why do you keep doing walking on the side of the street?"
"It's the gentlemanly thing to do, incase a speeding car comes I can push you to safety." He said calmly.
Miranda smirk slightly, she seemed taken back from what Jasen could sense.
"My my aren't you chivalrous," she say mockingly. "I may not look like it, but I am a strong biotic as well. Just like everything else about me, they are first class."
Jasen nodded. " That's nice, but I don't care about your genetics, biotics or any of those superficial things Miranda. This is who I am. I treat people they way I want to be treated because that's my choice. You don't have to be strong forever or put up a front. Well not with me at least. I know know who you are and accept you for that."
Miranda's smirk disappeared for a moment as she contemplated his words.
"Well aren't those some nice words life by. The whole galaxy isn't like that, but I will consider what your saying."
Jasen didn't say anything, and the two walked in silence for a while as Miranda led him.
The city felt different with Miranda beside him.
Jasen had walked these streets dozens of times over the past few months but never like this. Never with someone who moved through the world with such absolute confidence, such certainty that everything would bend to accommodate her.
Maybe Victoria was a close second. She was bubbly confident, while Miranda was prideful confident.
Miranda didn't hesitate or second-guess herself. She walked like she already knew exactly how the afternoon and evening would unfold, like she'd planned every detail in advance.
Which, knowing her, she probably had.
Their first stop was a high-end salon in one of the nicer districts. The kind of place with floor-to-ceiling windows, minimalist décor, and prices that would make most people wince.
Miranda walked inside like she owned it and talked to the receptionist.
But Jasen stopped at the entrance, glancing through the glass at the stylists inside. All women. All clearly experienced with a certain type of clientele. None of them looked like they had probably ever touched a Black kid's hair in their lives.
Even though Jasen knew his was more like that of a biracial person hair. A combines different textures, which if treated properly will lead to damage. Not to mention he didn't play when it came to his line up.
Yeah... this is not happening.
Jasen turned and spotted the barbershop next door. He could see the familiar setup, barber chairs, clippers, the comfortable atmosphere of men who knew their craft. Even in the future it barely changes.
He'd been going there every now again. So they knew him and how he like his haircut. More importantly, he trusted them with his hair.
"I'll be next door," he said to Miranda.
She glanced at the barbershop, then back at him, one eyebrow raised slightly. " Your that picky about who cut's your hair?"
"Very. "
Miranda's lips quirked in what might have been amusement. "Fair enough. I'll meet you back here in an hour. "
Jasen nodded and walked Inside the barbershop. The moment he got there everything felt right. The closest he's felt at home since waking up in this world.
The hum of clippers filled the air, mixing with low conversation and music playing from a speaker in the corner. The smell of aftershave and hair products was familiar, comforting in its own way.
"Thirteen!" The barber, Marcus, a middle-aged man waved him over. "Been a while, kid. Thought you forgot about us."
"Never," Jasen said, settling into the chair. "Just been busy."
"I can see that, Say you walking up with a beautiful girl, Does Victoria or Jane know about here?" Marcus draped the cape around him and prepared his clippers. "You already got two girls around you and your gonna add another on, and she looks older then you too. Be careful or things will blow up in your face and you have no one. So what are you getting today?"
"Same as always. Mid fade. Keep the curls clean. Three inches on top. And I'm not dating any of those girls, I have better things to do with my time."
Marcus rolled his eyes and smirked. "Kid I was in the Alliance for a while and been all over the galaxy so I been with my share of woman. So take it from me, even if you aren't dating or being serious with someone. Those girls have already marked you as theirs, you just don't know it yet. And if they can't have you then no one can."
Jasen's face remained calm and expressionless. Then he made a small smirk.
I know what he means, but honestly until these girls make a move I am good where 'm at. I wasn't lying when I said I had better things to do. A future galactic war against the reapers is my main concern.
Romance can wait. Plus having my adult mind in the body of a child, makes these school yard crushes so weird and uncomfortable. But if romancing people can serve me in the future and help with my survival, I will gladly use it.
Jasen began to focus back on what Marcus was saying. " I got it Marcus, I will be careful when it comes to the ladies in the future."
Marcus grinned. "Glad to hear it kid. Educate yourself, travel the galaxy and make memories. But tonight I'm gonna make you look sharp for your date tonight."
As the clippers buzzed to life, Jasen let himself relax slightly. Since this was one of the few places where he didn't have to be constantly on guard, constantly analyzing. Marcus was good at his job, and more importantly, he didn't ask too many questions.
The haircut didn't take longer then 15 minutes. Marcus worked was always perfect, that's why Jasen kept coming back. The fade blending seamlessly, the line-up crisp and clean it could cut diamonds. When he was done, he spun the chair around so Jasen could see himself in the mirror.
It was perfect and exactly what he wanted.
"Thank you Marcus, You're a true artist" Jasen said, standing and pulling out his credit chit.
"Just doing my job, kid. stay safe and protected out there." Jasen paid, added a generous tip, and stepped back outside.
After a while of waiting Miranda came out of the Salon.
"You clean up well," she said impressed by his haircut.
Jasen shrugged slightly, his gaze taking in her own transformation.
Her black hair, which had looked good before now looked somehow perfect. The shine was deeper, the layers more defined, the way it framed her face was more deliberate then before. It was subtle, the kind of thing most people wouldn't notice, but Jasen noticed every detail.
"You too," he said calmly.
Miranda didn't react much to the compliment. She simply turned, gesturing down the street.
"Come on, were off to the next stop."
Miranda led him through several high-end store. She wasted no time moving through the racks quickly, pulling items without hesitation and holding them up against him to check fit and color.
"Try these on," she said, handing him a selection of clothes.
Jasen took them without argument and disappeared into the changing room.
He began trying on each outfit and found out that Miranda actually had good taste. Everything she handed him, he himself liked in someway.
The first outfit didn't work. Miranda said the cut was wrong, and the colors clashed. The second was better but still not quite right. She said I could do so much better.
The third... As Jasen stepped out of the changing room, Miranda's expression shift.
"That's the one," she said immediately.
Jasen looked down at himself impressed at well. Dark Navy dress pants that fit perfectly, a matching dress shirt, a black tie, and a black vest that pulled the whole look together. It was simple but sharp, elegant without being ostentatious.
"You look quite handsome," Miranda said, her tone matter-of-fact. Miranda then handed him some cufflinks and a expensive looking watch
"Thanks. But this is all expensive, not that I don't have the money." Especially after what I took from Henry Lawson safe and his off planet accounts.
Thanks to that man I'm set for a good minute if not for life.
"Don't worry about, this is my treat, besides that hair cut of yours, I have everything covered. Your not the only one who took something from my father."
Jasen sat down as Miranda disappeared into her own changing room. When she emerged, Jasen felt his breath catch slightly.
She wore a burgundy dress that fit her like it had been custom-made just for her. Actually knowing Miranda, it probably had been.
The fabric hugged everyone of her curves perfectly. She looke elegant and and dangerously stunning. A thigh-high slit ran up one side, revealing glimpses of her leg when she moved. The top of the dress wrapped around her neck and exposed her upper back, while hugging and showing her chest to a not so modest degree.
She wore black stilettos added height and emphasized her already perfect posture.
She looked... dangerous.
Jasen knew she was always a gorgeous from the games, but in person she was definitely on another level. He knew he needed to be careful or she might have him wrapped around her thumb.
"Now that were both presentable, let's go," Miranda said, her voice pulling him from his thoughts.
Jasen adjusted his tie slightly. "You look amazing," he said, even the words felt like they didn't do her justice.
Miranda glanced at him, one eyebrow raised. "I look down right sexy," she corrected. "But thanks for noticing."
Outside a the store was a luxury car already waiting.
Jasen was confused but Miranda said, don't worry its for us. A well dressed man came out and open the door for the two. Which caused several walkers by to look at the two in awe.
Miranda got into to the car and Jasen entered after. The car then car took off as the two rode in silence. Miranda was on her Omni tool working on something, while Jasen was taking in the sights around him.
From the streets to the car itself. It was far more luxurious then something he remembered being in from his past life.
The two arrived to a large building that overstretched the city. Miranda led him in to a elevator after going to the reception desk for a key card.
When the elevator stopped and the two stepped off and, the restaurant was exactly what Jasen expected.
A High-end and definitely expensive restaurant. The kind of place where everything on the menu cost more than most people made in a week.
The two were seated near a window with a view of the city. The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and and red. The lighting inside was dim, and intimate.
Miranda ordered without hesitation a perfectly cooked steak with a side of lobster and crab legs. Jasen kept his order simple: steak, medium-well, with a side of oysters.
When the food arrived, Miranda began eating with the same controlled elegance she brought to everything else. Jasen, touch his plate but not with the same quickness he normally eats with.
He was too busy watching Miranda.
While everyone else in the restaurant was looking at them both. Some were subtle about it with quick glances, and whispered conversations. Others were more obvious, their gazes lingering, mainly on Miranda.
It made his skin crawl. Not because he was uncomfortable with attention, but because it made it harder to notice smaller things. From filtering intent and identifying potential threats.
Its harder to maintain situational awareness when all eyes are on him, well to be more specific. Everyone was looking at Miranda.
That's when Miranda noticed.
"What's wrong thirteen?" she asked, setting down her fork. "You barely touched your food. Is there something wrong with it?"
Jasen looked at her calmly. "No that's it. The food is actually really good."
He then leaned back slightly in his chair, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp. "I just want to know what your angle is."
Miranda's expression didn't change, but something flickered in her eyes.
"And I would appreciate it if you didn't act like there isn't one," he continued.
Miranda paused for a moment before showing a dry smile smiled. "Your too paranoid thirteen. Why can't a girl just say thanks for all the hard work a friend did for her?"
Jasen held her gaze for a moment, he almost laughed from that statement. Almost because he knew better then o believe that from her of all people.
"I doubt I'm your friend," he said calmly. "Something tells me you have at least one true friend. Niket from what you told me. I think I'm just useful to you should you need some muscle or whatever else."
Miranda's smile faded slightly. She looked down at her food, her expression becoming more guarded.
"Niket is a good friend," she said quietly. "And I be lying if I said you weren't useful in any way." She paused, then looked back up at him. "But I do consider you a friend, even if you know more about me, while I know next to nothing about you."
Her voice began to softened, losing some of its usual edge.
"I don't know if I'll see you again. Not for five years, or maybe even more. But the least I can do is say thank you."
This time, when she smiled, he could tell it was truly genuine.
"Thank you, thirteen for helping me."
Jasen studied her face for a long moment, searching for a ounce deception, he scanned for any psionic thoughts on the surface level for manipulation. He searched for any sign that this was part of some larger game of hers.
But he found none.
It was just... simple gratitude. The he in a moment of openness and empathy decided to let down his emotional walls somewhat.
"You're welcome, Miranda."
He paused, then added quietly: "Just promise me something."
Miranda's eyes narrowed slightly, curiosity and caution mixing in her expression.
"I can't promise anything ,but I will try. What is it?"
"Promise me you'll meet Oriana one day. When she's older and introduce yourself. Let her know she knows she has a sister, who loves and cares about her."
Miranda went very still as her grip tightened around her fork, her knuckles whitening slightly.
"I don't know," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "She's going to have a normal life. I can't...."
Jasen cut her off. "Your father is gone, Miranda. You won't be a danger to her. So you can see her, even help her from time to time. Be part of her life in some way."
He leaned forward slightly. "And if you want... I'll look out for her too. I can make sure she's safe. You don't have to do this alone."
Miranda stared at him, her blue eyes wide, vulnerable in a way he'd never seen before. Then she looked away, toward the window, toward the setting sun painting the sky in brilliant colors.
After a long moment, she smiled it was small, almost sad, but very real.
"We should get out of here," she said.
Jasen frowned slightly in confusion. "Why?"
Miranda turned back to him, and the small vulnerability she had shown was gone, replaced by something else.
"Because," she said, her voice dropping to something almost seductive, "I still need to give you your reward." She paused, letting the words hang in the air. "I have a suite reserved at the hotel connected to the restaurant."
Jasen felt his throat go dry.
Oh. Oh no.
The hotel was, as Miranda had said, connected to the restaurant. The two walked through a covered corridor, the sounds of the city muffled by thick glass and expensive architecture. Miranda strutted slowly down the hallway, her heels clicking against the polished floor.
Jasen followed, but his mind racing. This is a bad idea. This is a really bad idea. I should say something. Stop this before it goes too far.
But he didn't, he just... followed her.
They walked down a quiet hallway, the carpet thick and soft beneath their feet, the lighting bright and calming.
Miranda stopped in front of a suite door. She held the keycard in her hand, poised to unlock it.
Jasen's mouth moved before his brain could stop it.
"Miranda wait"
She paused, glancing back at him.
"You don't have to...."
Before he could finish, Miranda turned fully. Her hand came up, fingers brushing lightly against his face, warm and soft as she kissed him.
Jasen frozen. His entire body went rigid, his mind blanking completely.
Her lips were warm and she smelled so good. The kiss lasted only a few seconds, but it felt longer. Time seemed to stretch, the world narrowing down to just this moment, just this sensation.
When she pulled back, her expression was calm, but her eyes held deeper look to them.
"No more words," she said softly.
The keycard beeped as she unlocked the door. It swung open, revealing the suite beyond luxurious, spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a view of the city lights beginning to twinkle in the growing darkness.
Miranda stepped inside, her silhouette kicked to the side by the fading light, her burgundy dress a stark contrast against the darkening sky dropped to the floor revealing her wearing blacked laced underwear.
She turned back to look at him, her hand still on the door. "Won't you come and join me."
For a moment, Jasen stood frozen in the hallway, his heart pounding, his thoughts a chaotic mess.
This is insane and dangerous. But a part of him felt compelled from her scent, touch, and more. He stepped forward.
Miranda's expression shifted as she bit her lip somewhat. And the door closed behind them with a soft, final click.