A Magical Night to Make Up for Lost Time

## The Lodestar Hotel, London, UK - February 14th, 2021 - 8:15PM

Tiago closes the door and sighs resting his forehead against the door. “Why did I say all of that oh my god!” He hisses to himself before pushing back and turning to his bag. “He really had a thing for white huh?” Tiago lifts out a white colored shirt and throws it on over his shirt doing up the buttons with one hand while he runs the other one through his hair leaving it standing on it’s ends. “I barely know Cambria but I also did know her and we were going to dinner and it’s Valentines day! I would normally think I’m smarter than this but she was so dressed up I didn’t want to disappoint her.” He tugs on light grey slacks and grabs the matching coat from the closet.

Approaching the door once more he stops by the mirror and takes in his appearance. Looking up he sees nestled in his black hair the four points from the crown he put on to protect himself after being thrown into the Futuresite+. He flicks one causing a metallic ringing sound then tries to tousle his hair in a vain attempt to hide the spikes. “Don’t want to keep her waiting, really have to stop talking to myself so much.” Tiago laughs, shaking his head as he opens the door and sticks his head out to see where Cambria is.

“God, what *am* I doing?” Cambria mumbles to herself while seated on a plush bench down the hall. Smoothing out the bottom of a navy blue peacoat and fidgeting at an earring, she sighs. “Grace mentioned Tiago was different, but I didn’t think *this* different. A little heads-up from the others would have been nice! So much for teamwork, I suppose.”

*“*Well, no need to be nervous,” she laughs to herself, taking in a deep breath. “This might already be tops for strangest Valentine’s Day I’ve had, but it’ll be a unique experience, even if it’s not the same Tiago I’m used to. And I bet he’ll still clean up pretty well.”

As the metallic creak of Tiago’s door opening echoes down the hallway, Cambria reflexively moves her previously-fidgeting hands into a demure fold in her lap, and pretends not to hear the noise.

Spotting Cambria, Tiago steps out of the room. He takes a few steps towards her before nervously doubling back to make sure he closed the door. “Okay, great she’s actually waiting for me so this is really happening, okay.” Miniature pep-talk received he makes his way down the hall to where Cambria is seated. Seeing her again now he is really able to take in her appearance and his feelings become a confusing mess again. His pulse quickens and he swallows audibly as he reaches up to undo the button on his shirt because it feels like it is choking him now.

“Hi, uh ahem Hello. Uh Cambria.” Tiago offers her a hand, looks at his own hand in confusion, before looking back to Cambria in bashful surprise. “You look pretty, er uh I mean well nice, like uh dressed well ahh.” He stutters into silence and red creeps into his cheeks. “Thanks for coming out with me tonight”

“Well, thank you for the compliments, that’s very sweet of you,” Cambria giggles as she gently takes Tiago’s hand and rises. Looking him up and down, she pats out a crease on his shirt while smiling. “You’re looking *very* sharp yourself! Those are great colors on you. And I *love* the dark hair! Really frames your face well.”

Taking a step back, Cambria studies Tiago and smiles. *Gosh, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Tiago this nervous. Not even when putting up his soul as collateral for that demon a few months ago. It’s kind of adorable? But this is probably real strange for him too, yeah? I should probably give him an out.*

“And… thank you for offering to come with me tonight, Tiago. Especially on short notice. I *would* be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to it, but… it does sound like things are a bit much for you right now. So if you weren’t feeling up to it, I wouldn’t begrudge you that. I *would* definitely have it out for other-you,” she grins, “but we’d be square.”

His mouth feels dry so he just mouths the words for a moment as she pats the crease from his shirt. Realizing he probably looks like a fish out of water he clears his throat, “Ah well, thank you, I don’t know that I would have picked it out but the fit is good at least.” As she steps back the instinct to reach up and futz with his hair to try and cover the crown has to be fought and he takes a moment to try and collect himself once more.

At her words he feels a tightening in his chest and cannot prevent a crestfallen look from flashing across his face. *But why, I mean she’s not wrong. This is a lot and I’m still trying to reorient myself to the more linear nature of time here. And yet…*

Tiago shakes his head and offers Cambria a smile. “Well the good thing about time is that now and later are just linear representations of a four dimensional model.” He stops himself and shakes his head. “Uh what I mean is that maybe I have some things to work through but I think I can take the night to do this. I want to go out with you, and besides, it’s Valentine's day to leave someone as lovely as yourself alone today would be a crime. Or well I suppose just because I didn’t doesn’t umm.” He laughs and offers her his elbow. “Shall we?”

“I would love that,” warmth rushes to Cambria’s cheeks as she takes Tiago’s elbow with a laugh. “You *are* still a charmer! And you’re right. It *would* definitely be a crime to leave me alone on Valentine’s Day. I do look amazing tonight...” she gives his arm a light squeeze, “but don’t sell yourself short.”

As they reach the elaborate foyer of their hotel, Cambria turns to look at Tiago again. “I’m positive this is going to be a lovely time. Other-you and I had planned on catching up about… you know, goings-on over winter break and such. And now you and I have even more to catch up on! *So* much to talk about,” she beams. “Oh! I didn’t really ask before, so… do you have a preference for cuisine? Traditional British is usually what tourists want to try, but I mean, we *are* in London. We can get world-class anything here.”

“You’re too kind.” He mumbles as they begin to walk and pointedly looks away to hide the blush warming his cheeks. *What is happening?! Why am I so nervous, it’s just dinner!* His thoughts stutter to a halt when she turns to look at him. “Oh right uh I suppose the last time I saw you was before when we were doing the ritual to save Sam. And apparently that was almost 6 months or so ago, er well for you.” He takes a deep breath, “Wow! It’s been like two years, since I’ve been on Earth.”

His smile matches Cambria’s as the thought of food races through his mind. “I haven’t had Earth food in two years! I am up for anything! I think I remember you telling the other me you knew a place? Is that right? That works for me!”

“Oh, you do remember that! Great!” Cambria laughs. “There’s a nice place not too far from here. It’s a *little* posh,” she gives a sarcastic roll of her eyes, “but we’re in London and it’s a special occasion. I mean, honestly? Never a better time for somewhere a bit posh.”

“And Tiago! Two years?” she gives him a sympathetic frown. “That’s… wait, you’re referring to time in months and years again! That’s a helpful development. And if that ritual with Sam was the last time you saw me… I mean, it feels like yesterday? But also, a lot *has* happened since then.”

As a well-dressed elderly porter opens the foyer door for them, they step under the large canopy in front of the hotel. Waving at a black cab that pulls to a nearby curb, Cambria playfully nudges Tiago.

“Well, I’m going to catch you up on the last six months or so, and you’re going to catch me up on the last couple years, yeah? And we’ll have some wonderful food somewhere in there.”

“Yeah the memory back up is finally kicking in, though things are still a little fuzzy.” Her laugh feels infectious and Tiago can’t help but smile. “Posh doesn’t sound too bad, I feel like you’re the perfect company for it.” He nods to the porter that opens the door for them and lets out a surprised squawk when Cambria nudges him. Recovering from the unexpected attack his smile turns impish and he nudges her back a laugh escaping from him as he does. As the cab pulls up he steps forward to open the door. “That sounds like a lovely plan. After you.”

“Thank you, Tiago” Cambria smiles at him before gracefully sliding into the back of the cab. As Tiago sits next to her and closes the door, she leans forward toward the driver.

“Semper Eadem, please.”

## **Semper Eadem, 8:45 PM**

Ambling past the pictures of famous patrons, murals of historical leaders, and the small din of a packed dining area, Cambria and Tiago arrive at a lectern staffed by a kindly-faced older gentleman.

“Apologies, sir and madam,” his warm voice hangs in the air, “we filled up on reservations months ago. I’d be happy to recommend a few other restaurants that might have tables tonight, but it is unlikely given the occasion.”

“Right, reservations.” Cambria’s tone is almost bored. “I must have forgot that-- things have been a bit hectic lately. Well, I’d like to make a new reservation, if that’s alright. Newbridge?”

Tiago glances over to Cambria raising a questioning eyebrow. *Wow such confidence, it’s almost like she owns the place or something.*

The host’s face is momentarily filled with befuddlement before a wave of recognition washes over it. “Ms. Newbridge! My sincerest apologies, you’ve grown so much! How many years has it been? Your father was just in a few days ago, he didn’t mention you were back as well.”

*Wait does she own this place?! Grown, so he’s definitely known her since childhood then. DOES SHE OWN THIS PLACE?!* He squints as his eyes dart between the two.

“Oh. Must have just missed each other,” she says with a shrug. “Well, Lawrence, we *need* to catch up, but Mr. Santos and I are a bit famished at the moment. Is the upstairs booth alright?”

His eyebrows shoot up as his eyes go wide. *Upstairs booth? Like it’s just reserved for whenever she comes here?*

“Of course!” The man gives the two a warm smile and leads them up a small stairwell to a smaller, more ornate, and lightly occupied dining area. “So happy to have you with us tonight. And welcome to Semper Eadem, Mr. Santos.”

Being shocked from his thoughts Tiago suddenly realizes they’ve moved from the lectern. “Oh uh thank you Lawrence.”

As Lawrence hurriedly exits down the stairwell, Cambria gives Tiago an apologetic smile. “I did say a *bit* posh. Hope it’s not too much?”

Tiago does several double takes between Cambria and the retreating Lawrence, his eyes wide and jaw dropped with surprise. He laughs locking his eyes with hers. “That was incredible, you're so confident, it’s amazing. A bit posh? Remind me to ask you for a copy of the dictionary you got that definition from.”

Cambria giggles as her eyes stay locked with Tiago’s. “You know, you can give me a run in the confidence department sometimes. We can be *trouble* when we’re together.”

Gesturing to a plush booth against the far wall, Cambria grins as the two make their way over to it.

“Okay, I want to hear all about you. You said you hadn’t had “Earth food” in a couple years? What’s your favorite… not-Earth food you’ve had?”

“Well it certainly helps to be a genius. And trouble? Why whatever could you mean by that Miss Newbridge?”  He gives her a wink as he takes a seat and scootches in.

“As for the not Earth Food, it can be a bit of a toss up. More often than not what I was able to find was palatable enough even if not necessarily good. The food was similar in some ways and yet completely different, like think of spaghetti noodles versus ramen noodles but more alien I guess.” Tiago shrugs with a laugh.  “I don’t know if that really makes sense. One that really stood out to me was when I spent some time on Europa where they have this incredible, well not exactly gelato, but that’s probably the easiest comparison to make for it. I wonder if our Europa has the same shops.” His eyes go distant as he recalls some of his time away. After a moment he catches himself spacing out and shakes his head to return to reality. “I hear you joined Big Team? What made you decide to do that?”

“Huh! Europa. Never would have thought. I hope they do still have that, it sounds wonderful. As for Big Team…” Cambria lowers her voice and leans a bit closer toward Tiago, “I heard there were some cute people there, so I thought I’d check it out myself. I’d say it’s going pretty well so far.”

A fresh blush creeps into his cheeks and he smiles dopely, “You’re one to talk.”

Cambria grins at Tiago for a moment, but her smile quickly falters as her eyes wander off into the distance.

“Well, I wish I could say that was the only reason. But it was a lot of things, really. Vic seizing the Black Magic Club with some of his goons, for one. I mean, I got what I wanted out of it, but that was only because the Big Team helped me. And I’ve definitely befriended some people that are hero-inclined in the last few months. I still wouldn’t have joined the team, but…”

Cambria’s eyes wander back to Tiago and she tries to muster a smile, but it doesn’t quite take. “I helped Big Team out over winter break and… long story short, ended up in another dimension where I-- you know, Cambria there-- was just a real piece of work apparently? Proper villain-type. And… that’d broken her relationship with Grace and ruined both their lives.”

“I just… don’t want to be that person, you know?” Cambria laughs ruefully. “Maybe I’m trying to course-correct too much, who knows. Anything like that ever happen to you-- you know, out there?”

“Ah I see, well I’m going to be honest with you when I say that I don’t really know if I’m the best person to answer these questions. Maria and I were never as close as you and Grace are. And I’ll be the first to admit that it’s my fault that’s the case. I think that you wanting to maintain that relationship and taking the steps you feel are necessary to do that are incredibly admirable. I could probably learn a lot from you about being an older sibling.” He reaches over to offer Cambria a comforting hand.

“That’s very kind of you to say. Thank you, Tiago,” she gives his hand a thankful squeeze and continues to listen.

“And as for the other me thing, It’s somewhat hard to say. Like sure there are alternate dimension versions of me but also when I was trapped in the FutureSite+ and it imploded I sort of exploded. Er well no that’s not exactly right, but it gets the point across I guess. Epoch and I are the same Tiago, the one from this dimension. There are several of us all moving through the same timeline but slightly different. It’s complicated and to fully explain it I’d probably have to address several different quantum and temporal theories.”

He grimaces realizing he had been rambling on a tangent for a while. “In any case to actually answer your question, I have bumped into myself several times. It’s never for long because reality isn’t a fan of one individual occupying space and time both simultaneously and separately as two distinct points so close together. Causes a hell of a headache and mostly I haven’t been a huge fan of what I’ve seen. Epoch is much more the rule than the exception to how I turn out and I don’t really know how to feel about that.”

“That is rather difficult, innit?” Cambria’s brow furrows in contemplation. “I’m quite clever, but I’m not a proper genius like you, so I might not ever fully… you know, intellectually understand exactly what you’re going through. And I certainly can’t tell you how *you* should feel about all that...”

“But, for what it’s worth-- and my opinion is worth *very* much, you know--” she gives Tiago a reassuring grin, “I can tell you how I feel about that. So I’ve known you-- well, this you-- not very long, yeah? And I can already tell you’re quite different from Epoch, even though you’re the same person. But you have a lot of very admirable things in common! You’re both terrifically smart… fascinating conversation partner… and you care about people. And if Epoch is what you normally turn out like? I think you could do a *lot* worse.”

“But if there’s some ways you want to end up different from Epoch? You can make that happen too. I mean, you’re the smartest person I know, and I imagine you’re the smartest person you know too. I don’t think anything is impossible for you.”

“Oh gosh no I’m sorry I didn’t mean to sound like I didn’t think you would understand, it’s just a lot of really technical stuff with science jargon that I thought would be boring for a date or uhh dinner or hmmm.” Flustered Tiago shuts his mouth and stares pointedly at the table. His right hand reaches up to idly poke at one of the points on his crown, a habit he’s picked up since the accident when feeling self conscious.

Cambria laughs inwardly and rests her cheek on a hand, eyes briefly darting to the top of Tiago’s head before settling on his face again.

“Thanks Cambria, it’s been a weird adjustment. I’ve spent so long wondering what it would be like to be back and when I finally do it turns out that I’ve been back for several months already. And seeing how everyone else is reacting like they’re so happy I’m back it’s disconcerting. So hearing you say that really means a lot. I don’t know if I’m really as smart as people think or even half as smart as I act sometimes but if that is your esteemed opinion of me, I must be doing something right.”

He lifts his head a small smile on his face as he meets her eyes again. “And not to change the subject, but I am famished, and from what I gathered your family either owns this place or are just very regular customers that happen to have a reserved booth at all times.” Tiago quirks an eyebrow playfully as he opens up the menu flat on the table between them. “What would you recommend?”

“Oh, psh. Leave it to you to pick that up quick,” Cambria chuckles as she scans the menu between her and Tiago. “My family has owned it with a few others since it became a thing apparently. There’s a daguerreotype of my great-great-g-- some amount of ‘great’ grandmother somewhere here,” she gestures absentmindedly at the walls covered in old pictures before fixing her eyes on one part of the menu.

*“Five years and the only difference is gratin dauphinois? Wow, don’t go changing the menu all at once,”* she mutters to herself. “Okay, recommendations. For starters, the dorset crab salad is my favorite. The potted shrimp is also decent here, if that’s more your thing. For the main course… hard to go wrong with chicken, leek, and mushroom pie. All of the seafood is quite good though, if anything is catching your eye. I’ve never been a big fan of the more gamey stuff, to be honest. And if nothing on this menu looks appetizing... you can be like Grace, and get fish and chips. It’s not on the menu, but they’ll make it if you ask.” She leans closer to Tiago and lowers her voice, holding back a laugh. “Grace was a *very* fussy eater when she was very little. Don’t tell her I told you.”

Leaning in as well Tiago whispers conspiratorially, “I’m not really one to judge on that, as a child I would put ketchup on everything, my parents were very relieved when I finally grew out of that.” He laughs quietly and looks over the items Cambria suggested. “And as classic as Fish and Chips sounds I think I’ll go with your suggestion.”

“Awww, that is *adorable*. And great choice on the food.” As a waiter ascends up the small stairway, Cambria waves him over before turning back to Tiago. “Let’s go ahead and order. And after we do that… may I ask?” She taps the top of her own head and smiles. “I didn’t notice those with Epoch. Is that like a… space body mod kind of thing?”

Tiago reaches up and touches one of the tines rising up from the FutureSite on his head, his eyes darting away from Cambria and his mouth drawing into a tight line. “Oh uhh no nothing like that really-” He trails off as the waiter approaches and he gives his order.

“I don’t know how much you know about the situation with Visionics that led to the accident that caused my timeline to fracture. Umm so I had invented this thing called The FutureSite, which was supposed to like help with food shortages but Visionics stole my design and had turned it into a weapon, Hana, Mel and I went there and they had this new and improved bigger one they were calling the FutureSite+. I had a plan to neutralize it but things went sideways and I ended up being thrown into the temporal distortion it created, but I’d prepared for that possibility by creating a smaller one that would be worn that could create a small field over myself to neutralize the effects. Then I popped it and got thrown into the time stream and when I came to the FutureSite I had worn on my head, had been fused to my skull.” He turns away sheepishly and flattens his hair to reveal the six prongs circling his head. “It gives me some powers, and I’ve gotten better at extending the range a bit but I don’t really know how to feel about them.”

Cambria nods along as Tiago talks, a look of increasing concern etched across her face. She opens her mouth to respond as he finishes, but no words immediately come. Taking a moment to compose herself, she offers him a small smile.

“I’m so sorry that happened to you, Tiago. You had such a noble goal and they… eugh,” she groans, “that’s infuriating. You had to go through so much! But… thank you for explaining what happened, I had always wondered. Epoch-you was lovely to talk to, but he did tend to skip over details. And Mel’s… well, he *always* lets me know how he feels, but he hasn’t been the most forthcoming in explaining things either.”

“I appreciate that, and it’s okay, one benefit of the accident is that I was able to manipulate some things to make it so my contributions to the FutureSite were erased, so now they’ll never be able to get it working again. As for Mel,” He laughs shaking his head. “Is it a Mirror thing? That’s about the only thing I can think of to set him off like that.”

“Oh, he says it’s because we were in the same club for a couple months, but I couldn’t stand her either! I’ll have to ask you how to get on his good side sometime,” Cambria laughs.

“As for those… do you mind?” Reaching forward, she gently runs a finger over a couple of the now-exposed prongs atop Tiago’s head. “Huh. Well… I think they’re rather neat! For one, if they help with your powers, that’s a big plus. And they’re a unique look-- *very* fashion-forward of you. And they’re sort of like a scar, you know? You certainly didn’t ask for them, but they tell a story, and they’re a symbol of your triumph over adversity and such. Plus,” she draws her hand back and grins, “I’ve *heard* there’s people out there that think scars are attractive.”

His eyes go wide for a moment before he nods to answer her request. As her finger tip moves along the tines they shake with small vibrations and Tiago laughs. “Ahhh that tickles! What are you doing?” He looks up to meet Cambria’s eyes, the self consciousness that was there gone. “I hadn’t thought of it like that, maybe it’s not so bad if you look at it that way.” He puffs out his chest playfully striking a “heroic” pose before laughing again. “So,” he blushes and takes a deep breath before continuing. “What’s your take on scars?”

“Well, it *definitely* depends on the person…” Cambria’s eyes stay locked with Tiago’s as her words hang in the air, “but…  you certainly have a way of making things look quite fetching.”

A few moments pass before Cambria can’t hide her own blushing. She runs a hand through her hair, tucking some behind an ear before giving Tiago a warm smile.

Tiago can feel the blush all the way up his ears and the smile he responds with probably comes across less charming and more goofy than he’d intended. “Ah, thank you.” *Really?! Thank you? That’s the best you could come up with?*

“So,” she giggles, “I know you’ve only been back here for… what, a few hours now. But… how are you enjoying it?”

“Well it feels like nothing has changed, even though I guess everything sort of has. I mean when I popped back in I was in the middle of a match with Team The Best Ones that had gone completely sideways so you know a regular Sunday really.” He laughs, shaking his head and thinking back to the action earlier in the day. “I certainly feel safer on the average than I did where I was, but not being a part of an intergalactic rebellion will do that.”

He fixes his gaze on Cambria once more grinning happily. “And to actually answer your question, I have been enjoying myself immensely, the fantastic company certainly helps.”

“I am pretty wonderful, aren’t I?” Cambria playfully places a hand over her chest before giving Tiago an earnest smile. “And... the feeling is absolutely mutual.”

“I do want to hear more about this intergalactic rebellion of yours though! Epoch did tell me about one, but I have a feeling your experience might be *very* different. So,” she rests her cheek on a hand and leans closer to Tiago, “tell me all about the last couple years.”

## **Semper Eadem, 11:30 PM**

As the closing time for the restaurant rapidly approaches, the hum of conversation all over the building has mostly been replaced by a few hushed discussions, the packed ground floor dining area all but cleared of patrons. Laughter reverberates down the narrow staircase from the private dining area, where only two customers remain.

“Oh my gosh, you should have seen his face!” Cambria chortles, sliding a mostly-finished toffee pudding aside. “I mean, you were sorta there, but like-- once you remember it? *Priceless.”*

Wiping a tear from his eye Tiago catches his breath from laughing so much. “No I think I know exactly the face you’re talking about, priceless is absolutely appropriate.” He stops and catches himself just watching Cambria, somewhere around the end of his retelling of the space draconic rebellion he realized he had stopped blushing as much, though he still felt a fluttering in his stomach whenever their eyes met. As he takes the last bite of his banoffee pie he spots the waiter conspicuously sweeping in one spot and occasionally throwing annoyed glances at their table.

“Oh wow this has been so much fun I didn’t even realize how late it had gotten!” His smile is wide across his face. “This has been wonderful Cambria, thank you for inviting me to come along with you tonight.”

He coughs to clear his throat, as the fluttering intensifies in his stomach, before he manages to speak again. “So there is one thing I learned from everything that I’ve been through and that is that I shouldn’t put things off expecting to have time later to get to it.” There’s another pause as he takes a deep breath. “Like I’ve said, I had a wonderful time and you’re wonderful, er I mean well yeah that. Do you think this was a one time Valentine's day thing or do you think we could do this again sometime when we get back to Halcyon?” Even though he wants to turn away he makes the effort to keep eye contact with her as he says it.

Cambria’s eyes stay fixed on Tiago’s, her heart racing at the question. “Sorry,” she laughs nervously, “took me a bit by surprise. Epoch-- he’s wonderful, but ‘time’ seemed very much an afterthought for him. So hearing you say that was a bit unexpected. But… I’m happy you said it! I definitely agree with you. No sense putting things off, there’s no guarantee you get another chance to do something.”

“And I’m elated that you had such a good time, Tiago. Being honest…? This has been the best Valentine’s I’ve ever had. You are beyond lovely to spend time with,” she beams, trying to push down her own butterflies as she playfully rolls her eyes. “Don’t know why I would *ever* want to do something like this again.”

“So… what I mean, is…” Letting out a small breath, Cambria reaches across the table and rests a hand on top of Tiago’s. “I *absolutely* think we should do this again once we’re back in Halcyon! I mean, at least a few times. Just to see if this whole thing was a fluke, you know? Scientific method and all that.”

Tiago manages to not shout with excitement but only just. He smiles wide as he turns his hand over to hold Cambria’s. “Yes of course and who would we be to ignore sound scientific practices.” He laughs brightly and squeezes her hand. “I’m really glad that you’ve enjoyed yourself tonight, I don’t know that I could have asked for a better first day back.”

Standing up from the booth he extends a hand to help her up. “Shall we then? I think if we stay any later the waiter will vaporize us with their glare.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t doubt it,” Cambria laughs as she takes Tiago’s hand and rises. ”Shall we catch a cab, or-- how about the fun way!”

“Well I’m never on to turn down the fun way, and I’d love the chance to see you do your thing.” Tiago smiles and takes a step back to give her room to work.

Sketching a small circle of purplish-pink runes in the air, Cambria studies them for a moment before tilting her head and adjusting a couple of them.

“Considering the hour, position of the moon, humidity-- okay, *this* should get us back to the hotel! I think.” She holds out a hand and grins. “Trust me?”

Tiago takes her hand and steps in close. He looks deeply into her eyes and grins. “I actually do.”