Is it what you want? Probably not.

Is it what you need? Probably not as well but I've written it and here it is.

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Later afternoon light filtered through the glass windows of the Starbucks, landing on the table top Carter drummed her fingers on. She leaned back in her chair, legs crossed, gazing out of the window. From an outsider's point of view, she looked composed and completely at ease. Only the man sitting next to her could track her growing impatience.

The drumming of her fingers kept the same exact pace but there was a growing sharpness to the taps, as if Carter wanted to drive her blunt nails through the wood. Carter let out a breath through her noses and Donovan smiled behind his cup of coffee.

"She'll be here," he said.

Carter flattened her hand on the tabletop. "But she isn't and we have been waiting here for-"

"Five minutes," Donovan said calmly as if to stop Carter's irrational tirade before it could start with a dose of logic.

Carter scowled at the clock behind the cashier, checked her phone, and then her watch. With another breath, she reigned in her irritation since all three clocks proved Donovan right. She returned to drumming her fingers on the table. When three heartbeats passed, she stopped, fingers hovering in mid-air as a thought popped into her head.

"Why are we even here?" she asked.

"I believe it's because this was the easiest place to meet," Donovan said innocently, even though Carter knew he was fully aware of what she'd meant.

"You're deliberate obtuseness irks me," Carter said.

"Obtuseness and irks, you must be playing Scrabble with Sophia again," Donovan said.

"That is beside the point. And since you have decided to be a dense idiot, I'll put my statement in plainer English. Why did we agree to meet her again?"

Donovan leaned on the table, making sure Carter was looking at nothing else but him. This annoyed her since his eyes were soft and warm, forcing her to stop being so hard.

"You know why," Donovan said, his voice gentle, again another reminder her to be as well.

"Yeah, okay."

The moment of softness lasted a full minute before Carter spoke again. "But another five minutes and a no-show and I'm leaving."

Donovan shook his head while smiling. "Naturally."

But Carter's irritation was stalled as the doors to the Starbucks opened and a girl dressed in workout clothes with a duffle bag hanging off one shoulder rushed in. Pieces of her hair fell out of her ponytails as she dashed around the customers and stumbled into the free chair across from Donovan and Carter.

"Hi! I'm late. Sorry about that. Are you mad? You look a little mad. Actually, you look completely in control with no traces of your emotions showing at all but I feel like I can detect low levels of anger, or maybe that's just me projecting. Am I projecting or are you simmering with a low amount of anger?"

Donovan smiled at the girl. "She's simmering a little."

Carter threw him a look but he only winked back at her. The girl relaxed.

"Phew, for a second I thought I was unable to read you at all. I mean I can't really but I'm seven minutes late and knowing you and you're avoidance of most people I figured it would annoy you to have the person you don't want to be waiting for you making you wait. It was a small dedication of mine. Should I feel proud that I was right?" She waves her hand. "Don't answer that, I'm going to feel proud about it. Small victories and all that."

"Joy," Donovan said. The girl perked up and leaned on the table, eyes big with anticipation. "Why did you want to meet?"

The question from Donovan was asked with kindness and curiosity while Carter knew her asking it wouldn't come out that way.

"Oh that!" Joy said. She placed her chin in her palm and gazed at both of them with a fond expression. "I missed you and I wanted to know how you've been doing... since I've... been gone. I just...it's been a while and I kind just left and I wanted to also explain why."

"We've been doing just fine," Donovan said warmly while Carter said. "Where did you go?"

Joy both brightened at Donovan's response then shrank at Carter's.

"We're not mad," Donovan said, seeing her deflate.

"I'm a little mad," Carter said. "You left. Just gone."

Joy met Carter's eyes, and her whole expression sobered. "I'm sorry. To you, especially, I'm sorry I left. I should have told you. But honestly, I didn't think I'd be gone for so long. I didn't think it would be so long since I came back. I didn't think it would be so hard to come back."

"Are you back?" Carter asked.

Joy took a breath and stared down at the tabletop. "No...I'm not. My life... things have changed and I... I'm trying to figure it all out."

"What happened?" Donovan asked.

The light that had dimmed in Joy's eyes at the question now returned as she lifted her head. "It sounds funny but I got a life! It's something I haven't had in a really long time. I'm doing kickboxing. Well actually it's Muay Thai but I say kickboxing because that's easier for people to picture, Muay Thai is like kickboxing, except you can use elbows and knees while you fight, but you know it's like the same thing but it's hard for people to understand exactly what you mean when you say Muay Thai so-"

"Joy," Donovan said, stalling her verbal flood. "We know what Muay Thai is."

Joy laughed awkwardly. "Right, of course you do! Because you're spies." Joy flinched and glanced around, then leaned forward. "Sorry, I didn't mean to say that loudly. But I'm glad you know what I'm talking about."

"We do," Donovan said encouragingly.

"Are you good at it?" Carter asked.

Donovan shot Carter a look and she shrugged. "A reasonable question to ask since she said she doesn't know when she's going to be back and it's because of her doing Muay Thai."

"Well..."Joy started. "I could be worse. I'm making friends though!"

"Training isn't about making friends," Carter said. "It's about being the best so you can defeat any opponent."

"Uh..." Joy said, glancing from Carter to Donovan.

"We're glad you're making friends, Joy," Donovan said.

Carter crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair. "I'd be more impressed if she came back with the heads of her enemies on a spike."

"Carter!"

"What?!" Joy said, eyes wide. "I'm supposed to do that? I thought it was just about kicking people the right way! No one mentioned decapitation!"

Carter smiled wickedly. "Clearly you aren't training right."

"Carter," Donovan admonished.

"I'm just saying," she said.

"Joy," Donovan said, focusing on Joy. "You aren't supposed to be killing anyone and definitely not taking anyone's head off."

"Okay good," Joy said. "Cause I don't think I'd know the first thing how to store someone's severed head in order to bring it to you later. Unless I did the job and brought it right to you. But then again that would take some really precise timing and I think with traffic no timing can ever be guaranteed."

Donovan looked like he didn't know whether to be concerned or burst out laughing.

"Ice and a cooler," Carter said. "That's how to store it. Only after you drained the blood in a bathtub first."

"Ah. Good to know, thanks!" Joy said. "Though cleaning that must be a pain."

"You just have to-"

"Carter."

Carter looked at Donovan. "You're right. It's not good for her to know how to get away with murder."

"Not what I-" Donovan shook his head. "Never mind. We are glad you are doing your best and enjoying yourself."

"Perfection would be optimal if severed heads can't be obtained," Carter muttered. She flashed Joy an unconvincing smile. "But sure, I'm glad you're happy doing the basics."

Joy beamed. "Thanks! Though I feel like I should tell you I still struggle with the basics."

At this, Carter threw up her hands in defeat. "I can't with this anymore."

"Carter not everyone started their fighting career at the age of fifteen," Donovan said.

"They should have."

"Yes, but some start later than that and that is okay."

"Debatable."

"Would you feel more impressed with me," Joy said. "If I told you I managed to punch one of my instructors in the face?"

Carter instantly shifted, her expression decidedly more intrigued. "That is something."

Joy shrank down. "You looked impressed so I probably shouldn't mention the fact that it wasn't while sparring and he was completely open and unprepared for it so that's the only way I managed to do it and in return, later on, he punched me in the face?"

Carter blinked, her face falling. "Yeah, that ruins it." She stood, looking down at Joy. "Was there anything else?"

"No. I miss you and I hope you're doing well."

"We always are," Carter said as Donovan said, "You've been missed too, Joy."

Carter turned her head to Donovan, questioning whether what he said was actually true. But he raised his eyebrows pointedly and she rolled her eyes.

"Sure. We've missed you too," she said.

The way Joy perked up like a flower almost made Carter feel bad for not fully meaning it. Maybe she did, even if just a little bit.

"We'll see you when we see you," Donovan said as he stood.

Before Joy could respond the door to the Starbucks burst open and three masked men crashed inside, guns waving.

"Everyone down!" one yelled as screams ricocheted around the interior.

"Who robs a Starbucks!" Joy yelled.

One of the masked men turned to her. "Don't you know how lucrative this franchise is?"

"Not at 8 am!" Joy shot back.

"Joy," Carter hissed under her breath. "Shut up."

"I'm merely pointing out the flaws in their crime. It's poorly planned out."

"Get down!" one of the other masked men shouted.

Donovan raised his hands slowly as the main man pointed his gun towards them. When Carter didn't react, her rebellious instinct fighting the urge to comply, Donovan took her elbow and guided her to the ground.

"I'm not-" she started but Donovan's fierce glance and tiny nod towards the dozen of civilians around them stopped her short. It was not the place to do something without taking in all aspects.

Slowly, they both lowered themselves to the floor. Gazing down at them, Joy stood stunned and then flopped to the floor like a rag doll.

"If you're down here then I ain't going to be up there," she whispered.

Carter ignored Joy while she looked at Donovan. Though they said nothing, they communicated, their minds running along parallel lines to find the best and safest outcome. When they'd settled on the right one, Joy wiggled closer to them.

"Let me help," she said. "I know Muay Thai."

"No," they both said together.

"But-"

Joy wasn't given a chance to finish before Carter and Donovan were on their feet in the same instance. Carter grabbed one of the ceramic mugs from a nearby table and threw it across the room at the gunman by the door. It crashed into his head, causing him to stumble, as Donovan bolted the distance to the cash register. In one move, he vaulted over it, his feet colliding with the gunman there. The two went down, curses issuing from behind the counter as they fought.

Carter went for the final robber, dodging his gun and diving under his guard, landing a punch to his chin. As he staggered back, Carter spotted the first robber shaking his head and regaining his balance. But before she could do anything, the man in front of her was aiming his gun at her again.

"I got this one!" Joy yelled, leaping up, faltering once but finding her footing and racing towards the dazed gunman.

"Don't!" both Donovan and Carter shouted.

But Joy didn't stop as she ran towards the man she'd been insulting earlier.

Carter focused on the guy in front of her, her protective instinct telling her to deal with him as swiftly as possible so she could say the idiot author. As she reached for the man, she caught Joy out of the corner of her eye, facing up to the gunman.

"Stop! I know Muay Thai," Joy said. Carter would never admit it, but Joy's voice didn't shake. She assumed that was the idiocy dulling her sense of self-preservation.

"What is Muay Thai?" the robber asked.

Joy dropped her hands. "It's like kickboxing but you use knees and elbows too."

"Uh, I didn't know that."

"Kick him!" Carter yelled, grabbing her opponent's wrist and slamming her fist into his face, snapping his head back with the force of it.

"What are you waiting for?" Carter yelled, spotting Joy looking down to adjust her footing.

"I have to be in my fighting stance or I'll lose my balance when I'm trying to kick."

"KICK HIM!"

Still holding her robber's wrist, Carter spun, bringing her leg up to smash it against his head. He let out an oof and crumpled. Carter twisted around just in time to see Joy receive a sharp blow to the face. Carter winced, knowing it had to hurt, but wouldn't knock her out.

"You could have shot her," Carter said to the gunman.

"She seemed like an idiot," he said, shrugging. "I would feel bad for hurting someone who clearly doesn't know how the world works."

"Strangely fair," Carter said.

"Thanks."

The mug hit the man in the face a second after the word left his mouth. It hit the side of his temple perfectly and he folded like a stack of cards. Donovan rose from behind the counter and pulled out his phone. Carefully, Carter navigated her way through the maze of scared customers cautiously raising their heads. She reached her hand out to Joy who took it, wincing slightly as she steadied herself.

"Well that hurt," she said. "But it's not the first time."

Carter shook her head in bemusement and knelt down next to the gunman. She lifted his mask, inspecting his face.

"Oh! He's cute!" Joy said.

Carter turned her head to stare up at Joy, who stared back with confusion.

"What?" She said. Carter raised her eyebrow. "Oh right, criminal.  Big no no."

"Yes, big no no."

"What about a heart of gold?"

"Not a real thing in reality."

"Bummer, I thought we had a little back-and-forth thing going."

Carter sighed heavily. "Maybe you shouldn't leave your house again. Like ever. "

Joy opened her mouth to protest but touched her tend cheek and grimaced. "Yeah, maybe I'll just stick to fighting in my class and let you handle the real-world bad guys."

Carter stood. "That is the smartest thing you've said all day."

Carter lifted one shoulder. "It was bound to happen at some point." She lowered her hand from her face, holding Carter's gaze, her expression more serious than ever. "I hope you know I never met to leave. I thought I would always be with you."

"It's okay. Growth takes experiencing new things. That's not a bad thing."

"Thanks."

Joy wove through the shaken customers to grab her duffle then stepped towards the doors.

"You have this in hand and I have to get going," Joy said, hand on the handle. She paused as Donovan joined Carter's side. "I really missed you, you know."

"We know," Carter said.

"I'll be back."

"We know. One day you'll be back, just not for now."

Joy nodded. "Goodbye for now."

She pushed out the doors and slipped into the later afternoon light and the bustling city. Carter and Donovan watched her as disappeared into the rush of life.

"You didn't want to tell her that she has to stay to give the police a statement?" Donovan said.

"I figured I let her have her dramatic exit before calling her back," Carter said smiling.

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Hey Noodle!

Wow it feels like ages since I've called you that! But it's your true nickname, Noodle!

So before I get into reveal the hidden (not so hidden, in fact so terribly hidden it would instantly lose in a game of hide-and-seek) meaning behind this chapter, did you enjoy it? Maybe let out a chuckle or two?

Well that's okay, chuckles are precious commodities and I would hate for you to spend your chuckles on me when there are needed elsewhere, like awkward situations and those repeated jokes a friend tells and you need to give them something for the friendship to last but the joke is old...

Now to the big reveal!!!! Wait foooorrr iittt!!!

Wait, what do you mean you already know what it was about? You mean my jazz hands and dramatic lunge were for nothing?! What a waste of perfectly good jazz hands.

This does make this conversation easier, I was worried I'd have to spell it out for you...which would be in the literal sense since I'm typing this as we speak which we aren't speaking, only I am and in my head... I'm losing the plot.

Focus! So you know what this is about, I love you with all the ity bity pieces of my heart and even some of the oversized pieces as well. But it seems for the time being my writing is... clearly on a side quest because I haven't seen it in months and I fear it's in danger.

Hopefully it is, I want something interesting to experience when it returns. Possibly dragons, I've yet to do dragons before. Or mystery but like a humorous mystery, quirky gang of friends teaming up to solve crime with their strangely vocal dog...wait! That's just Scoobie Doo! Dang, I thought I was onto something.

Well, now that this author's note is literally half the size of the chapter I'll stop talking... typing...

That didn't last long its how I talk to you.

FINE! THE END! Jeez, I talk... type, way too much!

I love you! This isn't the end merely a pause! I will see you when I see you! As always there will be one shot reruns.

You made it to the end! Here is your reward, an adorable animal!