THE MOMENT
Leonard walked in and found his son, half-dressed, wrapping themselves in bandages. His son looked up and froze. He immediately identified a stern look of discipline on his father's slim face. The light from the hall backlit the edges of his silver beard with an almost fire-like quality. They were about to have a talk.
"Orion stopped by today," his father said. Leon sighed, and nodded. He understood immediately. Orion wasn't a member of the Hero's League, he was a corporate representative from the company that owned the league. If he took time to visit, it was serious, and kind. Leon had a fast-growing reputation, and Orion seemed to have taken professional notice of him.
"Your mom and I have been worried about you lately..," Leonard nodded as he took a seat on his son's computer chair. "Failing grades and late attendance... aren't good enough. School's important, son. Even if you are going to be a hero. We believed that, but we also trusted that the Hero's League knows what they're doing. We signed off on this work-study for you hoping they'd think school was important too." He met his son's eyes and chuckled.
"We were losing a faith a little bit, but Orion visited and asked us to talk to you about your grades. We all know you can do better. And... You have to, to be a Hero."
"So... I still have a chance, right?" Leon asked. In the back of his mind he knew he was slacking off on his studies too much. He told himself that hero work was important. But, maybe not as important as hero character.
"As long as you pass all your classes for the semester, you can keep your provisional license," Leonard nodded.
"Thanks, dad. I will!" Leon nodded.
"Good," Leonard smiled, then nodded at his son's bandages. "Got enough, or do you need your mom to bring up the first-aid kit?"