"Wait for me a moment, I'll go ask."
Vex gave a quick explanation and then disappeared.
A few seconds later, Vex reappeared with Rogers, who was dressed casually and looked visibly shocked. For a man from 70 years ago, teleportation was still quite a leap to grasp.
Seeing her childhood idol, Gwen thought she would feel more excited. But...
She didn't.
Whether it was his appearance, looks, or abilities, Rogers was noticeably inferior to Vex. Even the much-celebrated "American spirit" that Rogers embodied couldn't compare to Vex's title as the "Savior of the World."
Rogers had saved the world, but only by preventing a civil war among humans. Vex had driven away alien invaders. Rogers' victory might have only set humanity back a bit, but Vex had stopped the Earth from being transformed beyond recognition. There would have been nowhere left to run.
In comparison, Rogers seemed... ordinary.
"I don't feel like fighting anymore," Gwen said, looking at Vex. "Can you train with me instead?"
"Oh? Are you sure?"
"Yeah! I'm sure!"
"Alright, then I'll take Rogers back."
Before Rogers could fully process what had happened, he was sent back. When Vex returned, what followed could hardly be called training — it was more like flirting. Only when a phone call came did Gwen, reluctantly, stop.
Wiping sweat from her forehead, Gwen glanced at her phone and her face paled.
"It's ten at night already?! I missed curfew!" She looked at Vex with pleading eyes. "Can you take me home? Otherwise, my dad will definitely punish me!"
Who could refuse a request from such a beautiful girl?
"Alright, where's your address?"
"Yay! Thanks—"
Gwen leapt up and kissed Vex on the cheek.
"That's your reward!"
She blushed, gave her address, and then clung onto Vex.
"Hurry! Let's go!"
Vex touched his cheek, feeling like she was the one trying to win him over, not the other way around.
*Shwoop!*
The two appeared in front of Gwen's house. Reluctantly, Gwen let go.
Even though they had only spent half a day together, Gwen knew one thing for sure: she was deeply attracted to Vex. This parting...
"We'll see each other again, right?" she asked hopefully. "I mean, I might still have side effects from all this... Not that you didn't handle it well..."
Seeing her stumble over her words, Vex smiled and patted her head.
"Don't you have my number?"
Her eyes lit up!
"So... I can call you?"
"Of course."
"Yay!"
She was about to give Vex another reward when—
*Creak.*
The front door opened, revealing her father, George, with a stern expression.
Gwen immediately straightened up.
"Dad... I'm home," she said sheepishly.
"It's 10:04 PM. You're four minutes late!" George said sternly.
"I..."
"Sorry, Chief George," Vex interjected. "It was my fault that Gwen got home late."
Gwen shot Vex a grateful look.
—How could she not fall for such a considerate man?
George's gaze softened slightly as he looked at Vex, recognizing him. After all, Vex had saved his life, and...
George stepped aside.
"Mr. Vex, would you care to come in for a chat?"
...
"Mr. Vex, would you care to come in for a chat?"
"I'd be honored."
Vex walked confidently into the house. Gwen followed quickly, darting up to her room as if in a hurry, but not before giving Vex a playful wink and gesturing for him to call her.
Once Gwen was out of sight, the two men sat in the living room. A heavy silence hung in the air for a few moments before George spoke first.
"Gwen's mother passed away when she was young. I raised her alone, and I won't allow anyone to hurt her, even if they're a... savior."
It seemed George had misunderstood something. Vex recalled the report from earlier — George had declined the promotion offer. Maybe he didn't want to feel indebted.
"I think you've misunderstood something," Vex said with a smile. He then explained everything in detail, except for the part where it was actually fate that saved Gwen, not him.
The best lies are mostly truth with a little twist.
George's previously stern face began to soften.
"I'll verify everything," George said seriously. "But if things are as you say... as long as Gwen doesn't mind, I won't interfere in your relationship."
That was an approval from the future father-in-law! Vex felt relieved. In all his years, this was the first time he'd met a girlfriend's parent.
"Well then, George, you don't have to refuse my offer anymore," Vex smiled. "Would you prefer to be the mayor of New York City, or perhaps governor of New York State?"
George looked at Vex suspiciously. Could someone just give away a position like that?
He considered Vex's stature and status as the Savior of the World but still shook his head.
"Let's wait until you and Gwen are more serious, then we'll talk."
George didn't want to feel indebted on behalf of Gwen. It was clear he was a loving father.
Vex didn't push the matter. Instead, he pulled out a vial of KW89 Enhancement Serum from his treasure.
"Consider this my gift for meeting you today," Vex said. "You'll need to take it within an hour."
"As for the effects... well, if you're lucky, you'll be able to take on Captain America."
"By the way, Gwen doesn't need this. She's already stronger."
Before George could refuse, Vex set the vial down and teleported away, leaving George staring at the serum.
To drink it or not? Vex had said it would expire within an hour, so it wouldn't matter if he took it or not. Either way, he would owe Vex for the gesture.
George sighed and reached for the vial.
"This alien guy... doesn't seem so bad."
°°°
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