The bar is loud, but Leo doesn't hear it. He's staring into his drink, watching the surface ripple as though dancing to the music. It sinks in that somebody said something. He turns and sees Pneuma, human as anyone else here in appearance, and the words catch up to the sight. "Stop thinking so much, Leo."
The young man sighs, and grins. "I'm too obvious. Sorry."
"Or tell me what you're thinking about, either way," the girl offers. She sidles up to the bar, waves down the bartender, and places an order. "Now. Emma is a blast, but you're looking moody, so you've got my time for a few minutes."
"Emma? It's Emma now? I'm still on Ms. Hunter-Hull. You guys must have hit it off."
"No distractions. Answer my question."
Leo takes a drink, swallows, smiles. "Yes ma'am. I'm not moody. Just realizing that I'm out of my depth on some of the things we're going to face. Jimmy really saved our bacon. He's the quickest thinker we have right now. I managed - barely - to hold my own against some toys. He took on a demigod on his own terms. That's great, and we got off really lucky. Karen saved an entire jet airliner from going down. Those people on board are alive today because of her."
"You're moody, Leo." Pneuma pokes him gently on the nose, then tries her own drink. "You aren't jealous of your teammates. You're just wondering if you can contribute too, aren't you."
Leo lets silence answer while he takes a drink and savors it. Finally he relents. "I took on a bunch of overgrown toys. Yeah, it was an important job. Given the chance to do it over again, absolutely I'd do the same thing. What I'm worried about is.. if it comes down to me, something only I can do for the team, will I be up to the task?"
Pneuma wrinkles her nose. "I was right the first time. Stop thinking so much, Leo. Just do what you have always done - charge in and do what you feel is right. I still have my reservations about Karen, but she really proved herself with the submarine. Given the choice, I would have turned her down. In this case - this one time, you keep in mind - I would have been wrong. You made a choice with her, and I see now why you did it. Sometimes following your gut is the best thing you can do."
Leo's face betrays sudden surprise as Pneuma grabs his hand and drags him away from the bar. "Like this. Out on the floor, young man. I want to dance."
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