Rehab for SuperVillains (18+)-Chapter 131: more Freya

The sun dipped low, casting long shadows across the street as Kael leaned against Clara’s car, his hazel eyes warm but tired.

"Take care of yourself, Doc," he said, his voice earnest. "Thanks for everything today, you have been a huge help. I’ll send your payment as soon as the bonus hits."

Clara smiled from the driver’s seat, her green eyes sparkling in the fading light.

"You’re welcome, Kael. Take care of yourself too. Call me anytime—I’ll be there." She gave him a playful wink, then pulled away, the car’s engine humming as it vanished around the corner in the deserted alleys.

Freya and Rhea stood by the Haven’s door, the weight of the day still clinging to them.

Rhea fumbled with the keys, her gloves being a pain, and unlocked the door.

They burst inside, the familiar scent of coffee, polished wood, and faint leather enveloping them like a warm embrace.

"Nothing like home," Rhea sighed, taking a deep breath, her crimson hair loose, her superhero suit still clinging to her frame.

Then it hit Rhea.

She froze mid-step, her amber eyes widening as she turned to Freya.

She’d just called the Haven home—a slip of the tongue that hit her like a thunderbolt.

Freya’s blue eyes mirrored her shock, wide and searching.

Home is Haven?

The word hung between them, heavy with meaning, a quiet revelation neither had expected.

Kael stepped in, closing the door behind him with a grin, the long mission had finally ended successfully.

He caught their stunned expressions, his brow furrowing.

"What?" he asked, his voice curious, breaking the charged silence.

"Nothing," Rhea said quickly, stretching her arms with forced nonchalance, though her amber eyes darted away, betraying her unease.

Kael’s gaze softened, but he didn’t press.

"Get some rest, both of you," he said, his tone firm but kind. "I’ve got to head out for a bit. I’ll be back by dinner."

"Why?" Rhea whined, her voice edging toward a pout as she slumped against the wall, her suit creaking. "We just got back home."

"Can’t you stay for a while, Kael?" Freya asked, her arms folded, her blue eyes steady but pleading, a rare vulnerability flickering in her expression.

Kael’s grin was both tired and triumphant.

"I’ve got to handle the formalities. Our team—REAPER—needs to be registered. Plus, I’m picking up the joining bonus." His hazel eyes gleamed with relief and excitement.

"Finally! Out of this poverty," Rhea exclaimed, her amber eyes lighting up, her earlier complaint forgotten.

"With the way you eat, it won’t last long," Freya teased, her lips curving into a smirk, her platinum-cyan hair catching the Haven’s warm light.

"Hey!" Rhea shot back, glaring, though her lips twitched with amusement.

"Oops, that slipped out," Freya said, her smirk widening, but her blue eyes were warm.

Rhea chuckled, waving it off. "It’s fine. It’s just you being... Freya."

Freya’s smile deepened, a quiet connection passing between them, their rivalry softened, became more understanding.

"So, I’m off," Kael said, his voice light but resolute, his hazel eyes lingering on them.

He entrusted the Haven to Freya and Rhea, now only half as worried as he used to be.

Stepping outside, he paused, glancing back at Freya and Rhea, his hazel eyes lingering on the Haven’s worn interior.

A quiet pride swelled in his chest—how far we’ve come, he thought, his smile fleeting but genuine. He turned, stepping into the alley, the door clicking shut behind him.

____

The sky was deep indigo by the time Kael returned to the Haven, his arms laden with bags, the faint rustle of paper and plastic breaking the evening’s quiet.

He pushed open the door, the warm glow of the living room spilling out.

Rhea and Freya lounged on the couch, side by side, the TV casting flickering light across their faces as some action flick blared.

The sight—Rhea’s crimson hair spilling over the cushions, Freya’s arms folded, relaxed—felt like a victory in itself.

They appeared freshly showered, their hair still slightly damp, and they had changed into comfortable casual clothes.

"Kael, you’re back!" Rhea sprang up, her amber eyes zeroing in on the food bags, her superhero suit creaking as she bounded toward him.

"Sorry, got a bit late," Kael said, handing her a bag of burgers, the savory scent wafting free as she tore into it.

Rhea was already halfway through unwrapping a chicken burger, her focus laser-sharp.

Kael chuckled, then turned to Freya, his hazel eyes bright. "Guess what? We’re officially a team now—REAPER’s registered."

"Yay!" Rhea mumbled through a mouthful, jumping with glee, though her eyes never left the burger.

"Nice," Freya said, her voice calm but warm, her arms still folded, a satisfied glint in her blue eyes. "We’re finally in."

"And," Kael added, his grin widening, "I got the joining bonus. We’re not poor anymore." His voice carried a rare lightness, the shadow of poverty that had dogged him finally lifting.

"Finally," Rhea said, swallowing a bite. "I’m gonna hit S-class and show that Lightning Ass who’s the real deal."

Freya’s lips curved, her blue eyes blazing with determination. "Me too. I’ll get there first."

Rhea shot her a playful glare, burger in hand. "Wanna bet?"

Freya’s gaze flicked to a paper bag Kael still held, curiosity sparking. "What’s that?"

Kael’s grin turned softer, almost reverent, as he set the other bags down and opened the one she’d noticed.

He pulled out a superhero costume, holding it up for her to see.

It was a fitted bodysuit, icy blue fading to silver, its angular patterns shimmering like frost on glass. A high collar framed the neck, sharp and regal, while a flowing cape, edged with white, hung light as freshly fallen snow.

It was breathtaking, a vision of power and grace—exactly as Freya had once described her dream suit on a paper, down to the smallest detail.

Freya’s breath caught, her blue eyes widening, the world narrowing to the costume in Kael’s hands.

Her heart thudded, a rush of emotions—disbelief, gratitude, hope, joy—swelling in her chest.

The suit wasn’t just fabric; it was her childhood dream reborn, a symbol of the hero she’d fought to become, a promise that her past didn’t define her future.

"Welcome to the team, Freya," Kael said, his voice warm, his hazel eyes locking onto hers, filled with pride and unwavering belief in her.

Freya’s lips parted, but no words came.

She reached out, her fingers brushing the suit’s smooth fabric, the contact grounding her as tears pricked her eyes.

Rhea paused mid-bite, her amber eyes softening, as she looked at Freya in that state for the first time.