Meeting the Living Laser

    It was a fine sunny day in New York, the perfect atmosphere to enjoy the view on Lexie's apartment's roof. It was high enough to where she didn't have to deal with the noise down below; the still silence did her good. She just stood there, looking out into the distance, reflecting on the exciting year this 19-year-old had went through. Peacefully shutting her eyes, she drew in a deep breath of the fresher air New York had to offer. Finally, she had a chance for some downtime.
    Suddenly, a zap and a blinding flash of light snapped Lexie out of her peaceful state. She screamed and drew back, nearly losing her balance on the edge of the roof, causing her to yell more. The figure that made the flash stepped toward her, reaching out, to make sure she didn't fall over. Lexie saved herself from falling, and heard a voice call out to her, "Hey, careful--don't be sca'red, I'm no't gonna hurt you."
    Lexie stared at the figure in awe. Was that an angel? No, angels don't speak with a New York accent. It was a man, though, that much she could tell. "What are you??" she asked, astonished by the glow of energy.
    The man held up his hands to signify he didn't mean any harm, "Relax, I'm human, like you. Well, um, I was..." he lowered his hands and looked at them, "I'd stop glowin' if I could, but..."
    "Wait a minute..." Lexie stood up and stepped forward, away from the edge, "You're the Living Laser, aren't you?"
    "No, don't--I mean--Yes, but--I'm not gonna hurt you, I promise." Laser panicked, trying not to scare her.
    Lexie dropped her jaw in disbelief, laying her hand over her head, then actually took a few steps closer, "Woah--wha--Tony said you were dead! I can't believe it--this is amazing!! How did you come back together??"
    The Laser stood confused at her apparent rejoicing, "...'Amazing'? Don't you hate me or somethin'? I mean, I..."
    Lexie gave him a kind smile that caught him off guard, "Tony told me you chose the straight and narrow, and saved Iron Man's life instead of saving yourself. It really does my heart good to see someone make that choice." He had no idea how to respond to her words. "What's your name, Laser?" She asked him.
    His expression loosened some, and answered, "Arthur. Arthur Parks."
    "Arthur." Lexie said, still smiling. "I'm Lexie. ...So, what are you going to do with your life now?"
    Arthur hung his head in doubt, "I don't know. I don't even think I'll get a chance to do anything." He walked over to the edge of the roof and sat down, "Somethin's wrong with me, Lexie, and I don't think I'll make it this time. I don't think I can cheat death twice..."
    Lexie walked next to him and leaned her elbows on the edge, "What's wrong?"
    "It...it's like my energy starts surging--like--like I'm unstable or..."
    "Maybe Tony can help. I think he could have saved you before, and--"
    "Forget that, Lexie. I tried."
    "What? He wouldn't--"
    "I don't wanna talk about it. ...I guess I deserve it anyway..."
    "No, Arthur. Your life is worth saving." Arthur looked at her, somewhat amazed that someone besides Tony cared enough about this allegedly worthless guy to value his life. Lexie continued, "Tony's just been under a lot of stress lately. Maybe when he cools off, you can ask him again."
    "...You think so?"
    Lexie nodded, "You know teens. Always angsty." she said with a matter-of-fact tone. She believed since she was a legal adult, she could stop lumping herself in with the group and refer to them separately. She did feel herself maturing a little more over this past year.
    She looked at her watch and started to back away, "I think I should go now. My sister's gonna wonder where I am, and...I've stalled enough already."
   "Sorry..."
   "That's okay! I liked the talk, and it's nice to get some good news for once." She made it to the stairway when she stopped and looked back, "And...if you like...maybe I could help you find something to do...?"
   "Sure, okay...So, you don't think it's too late for me?"
   "Nope." Lexie said confidently. She paused looking for the words, and before leaving Arthur on the roof, she disappeared half-way behind the door and said, "Think of it as 'Take 2'."