Template:Featured Articles/17-2023

Moment of Awesome - Felicia Hardy/Black Cat: During X-Force's winter vacation, Felicia and David North finally... talk. “I didn’t know, David,” she said, clicking her nails. “Not just what you were going through but what was happening at all. All I saw was I said I wanted to be with you and suddenly you had to leave and I never heard from you again. I thought you didn’t want me as more than an easy fuck and I hated myself for caring and being hurt by that.” "No," he said, expression almost pained. "No, it was nothing like that. I am sorry I let you believe that for so long." North was not one to paint himself the martyr, but he had, genuinely, felt the course of action he had taken was better than the alternative of letting them solidify their relationship into something real, only to have him drop dead on her. He dragged fingers through his windblown hair, frustrated, but knowing that every explanation and every reason he had for his actions paled before the hurt he had caused. "I do not have pretty words to say or romantic promises to make, but I assure you, Felicia, you are neither easy nor just a fuck." He offered her a wry smile, quietly hopeful. "Forgive me?" "You're forgiven, sweet idiot." Felicia shifted to gently bump up her ankle against his, their legs layered together in a quiet, careful touch. "As much as it is in my nature to pretend to hold out on you, you do get some extra points for having actually died. Temporarily." The smile that curved David's lips was almost reflexive, the relief washing over him buoying his spirits. "Are you sure?" He asked, fingertips reaching to brush up against her calf. "I came prepared to grovel and all." Felicia bit her lip, grinning. "Don't threaten me with a good time. I'm not a nice person, I'll take you up on it." He returned her grin. "I am counting on it, sweetheart."