A/N: Mothershead is a tip of the hat to another book. I wonder if anyone would ever get me on all the things I borrow? Well, just like Static Shock, I don't own any of the ideas I'm borrowing.
Book II
Chapter One: MeetingsPg. 99
From the Diary of Virgil Hawkins (6)Pg. 113
Chapter Two: In the Middle of the NightPg. 115
Chapter Three: Hospital (Again) and Virgil Talks Things OutPg. 132
Chapter Three: Hospital (Again)
and Virgil Talks Things Out
None of the nurses or technicians could bring themselves to say no to the superhero that carried the bleeding, unconscious teen into the Emergency Room at Dakota General Hospital in the hour before dawn. Some of them were in awe of Static himself (but not so many as you'd think; Static had been Dakota for over two years); others were intimidated by the anger that seemed to make his eyes flash real lightning. There was a third group, much smaller than the other two, which only saw the injured teen in Static's arms. One of these was a seasoned nurse named Mothershead. Many of her coworkers (and especially the young nurses) were intimidated by her.
She took one look at the teen in the superhero's arms- scarcely registering Static's presence- and started barking orders. Twenty minutes later, Richie had been settled in a room and Mothershead pulled the superhero into her office to talk.
Static felt like pacing, but when she commanded him to sit, he did so. She reminded him of his father in a strange way. Perhaps it was the strict, no-nonsense tone or maybe the way her eyes seemed to see right through his secrets. To distract himself from her, Static glanced around the room. The walls were covered with diagrams of different parts of the body, complete with labels and a discussion about what could go wrong with that area in too-large print at the bottom. It's almost like they want us to think about all the stuff that could go wrong at any moment if we don't toe the line. Static turned his eyes from the diagrams and found the nurse studying him as he'd been studying the room.
"I suppose you aren't going to stay long enough to file a police report," Mothershead said, "but at least tell me this: the boy's name and phone number."
Static hesitated. Normally, he would have just rattled off the information… but there was Richie's son of a bitch father to consider. Did Richie's mother know what her husband had…?
Wait. Virgil asserted himself for a moment.
What? Static demanded. The bastard-
-might not have known what the other white-robes were doing to Richie. Maybe that's why you saw him with the knife. Maybe he was coming to attack those who were hurting his son.
Do you really believe that?
No, Virgil answered, unashamed, but it's possible. But whatever is true, I know this much: give him Pop's number and say that he's Richie's godfather. It's close enough to the truth. Say the parents are out of town or something.
Static swallowed and told his lies.
Mothershead shook her head. "Is there any reason I shouldn't contact his parents?"
"I told you, they're-"
"I don't believe you," she interrupted. "Give me a good reason not to call them right now."
She was reaching for the phone, probably about to dial information. Virgil blurted, "I think it was his father that did this. He's hurt Richie before."
"Does anyone know about this abuse?"
"Child Protection Services have already been contacted by the high school he goes to. They'll be coming to get him soon, I'm told."
"You have been following him rather closely," the nurse noted.
Static wanted to groan. Now see what you've done? he demanded of Virgil. Now she's suspicious! Way to go!
Virgil took over for a moment. "He's a good friend of mine, ma'am. Please don't call his parents. I don't want anything to happen to him."
"And how do you know this Mr. Hawkins will help him?"
"Richie told me who to call before he lost consciousness."
Mothershead nodded and stood. "Very well. I will call him. You can stay in the waiting room until visiting hours begin if you wish."
"Thank you," Static rose "but I have to find out who hurt Richie. I'll be back when I know that."
Mothershead watched him go. She didn't consider herself a child psychologist, or even a sympathetic ear, but her heart went out to the superhero nevertheless. If this teen is only his friend, then I'm a first-year intern. She smiled slightly, thinking of her lover, Cindy, who had helped her make it through college and though all the years between graduation and now. If you love the boy, Static, more power to you. I pray he loves you back and that you both will use that love for the shield, sword and blanket it is.
Virgil took off his mask and sighed. He could feel exhaustion stealing over him. There's no way I'll make it through school today without falling asleep. Maybe I can talk Pops into letting me stay with Richie.
Richie… He was too tired to give his anger free rein, but Virgil knew that when he had energy he would go back to that little brick building and blow it up. He smiled as he imagined all the white-robes running everywhere, screaming in terror. He imagined some of them being crushed by falling rubble; his eyes narrowed and flashed.
He was struggling out of his pants by that time. Looking up, he watched Backpack connect himself to the computer again. His legs only half-out of the pants, Virgil hopped over to the screen. He sat in the chair in front of the computer and yanked off his pants. "I think you and I should pay a visit to those assholes," he told the robot. "I'm sure Rich has built some pretty destructive stuff into you, right? Maybe grenades or acid-spitters or something."
The computer screen stayed blank.
Virgil shrugged. "Well, maybe I'll poke around here a bit and-" he yawned- "find something that can take care of them." Yawning hugely, Virgil made his way over to a small locker where he kept parts of his "Virgil costume". As he slipped a shirt over his head, he added, "Well, Backpack, I'll have to wait to exact any revenge until I get some sleep." Virgil made his way back to the screen, meaning to give it a brief glance, say good night and head home before his father woke up and found him gone.
But when he got to the computer, he found nearly a speech written, and he sat down to read. He forgot his exhaustion as he read.
Don't you dare turn into one of THEM. Richie needs someone who will be gentle and loving, not someone who will torture the "bad people" and rape the rapists. Richie is going to need you to be what you have always been: Virgil, his best friend, the one who can make the rest of the world go away for a while. That, and only that, is what Richie needs. So put your anger to one side. If you have to blow it off, do it somewhere that no one can get hurt. Don't ever show Richie this side of you; the hating, vengeful side. Richie needs kindness, love and stability. He doesn't need an avenger. Don't hurt him that way. Be his support. That's all he needs. And he will give you balm for your anger in return. Hasn't Richie always been able to calm you down? Hasn't he? Please, Virgil, please don't turn into a monster because of this, not even for a day, not even for an hour. They hurt Richie; heal that hurt. Don't cause new pain.
Virgil sat back, his gaze turned inward.
Backpack waited. If Virgil decided to turn from his anger, then all would be well. If he refused, then he would bear closer watching. And I would be back to being Richie's only real defender.
A shrill beeping shattered the silence of the gas station. Virgil shot a look at Backpack, then looked down at himself. He took his pager from his pocket. "Shit." He jumped to his feet. "Pops…" He looked at the screen, then at Backpack. "I'll let you know how Richie is after I visit him in the hospital… assuming I'm not grounded by then." Without another word or a glance back, Virgil sprinted for home.
Backpack remembered an exchange between two characters from a book Richie loved:
"I prophesy trouble."
"With that one? I know him."
"He knows me as well, and not with love."
Backpack erased what he had written on the computer, disconnected himself, and began the process of shutting the other machine down. Yes, he thought, I prophesy trouble with Virgil Hawkins. He knows me- not with love, maybe not even with true respect or understanding- but he knows me. I will not let him use his knowledge of me or of Richie to hurt Richie. If he tries, I will do what I must to keep Richie safe.
Backpack jumped down from the computer desk. I might be more likely to trust Virgil if Brainiac hadn't hurt Richie so badly. But I don't know if Richie can take another blow, and I am not about to find out the hard way.
Backpack considered going back to Richie's room. He felt comfortable there. I can't go, though. Surely his father will tear his room to shreds looking for him. And even if he doesn't, Virgil needs to be able to find me easily. He was about to leave it at that; just stay in the gas station and wait. It's the safest place for me.
But what about what's best for Richie? Could I get to the hospital, find Richie's room and hide under his bed, or somewhere else, just in case I'm needed? It sounded like a nearly-impossible and surely daunting task, especially because Backpack wasn't used to doing so much without Richie's guidance.
I have artificial intelligence, but that means I can make mistakes. But even as he acknowledged this as fact, Backpack knew what he would do. He missed Richie. He needed to be near Richie. Only when I see him, and know that I can protect him, will I feel safe.
"…and if you ever disappear like that again you'll be grounded for a month!" Robert finally wound down after over an hour. Virgil, anxious to get to Richie, but knowing that the hospital hadn't called his pops yet, sat with his hands clasped and his eyes lowered. He was praying, but not in a deep way. He prayed between his father's little bursts of words. Please, God, let Richie be all right… God, don't let Richie wake up alone and scared… Help me destroy the white-robes as you destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah… Soothe Richie while he sleeps, Lord; he needs You… Please help me set them all on fire… I can't let them go free. I'm a superhero and they deserve to be punished. I will punish them… Please wrap Richie in Your Love. He needs You…
Robert clamped his hands on Virgil's shoulders and the teen looked up, startled. "Virgil, are you even listening to me?"
"I'm worried about Richie. I walked to his house, Pops… I needed to see him." Virgil stopped, dropping his eyes again. He had already explained why he was out, and his pops hadn't taken it well the first time. "I'm sorry, sir. I won't go out like that again."
Robert was about to ask if his son had understood what the consequences would be for leaving in the middle of the night when he was struck by something Virgil had said. Or, rather, the way his son had explained his disappearance. He had used the same tone both times: as if, in the scheme of things, his father being angry wasn't the worst thing in the world. Another drive had replaced the one to obey his father and not get in trouble. What drive?
Robert tightened his hands on Virgil's shoulders and his son looked up once more. "Virgil… tell me what's on your mind."
Virgil blinked. He'd been in the middle of a prayer for fire and brimstone. "Uh, nothing, Pops. I'm just really tired and-"
"-and you're lying to me." Robert folded his arms across his chest. "I want to know the truth, Virgil, but I won't push you. For that courtesy, the least you can do is tell me you don't want to talk about it. Don't lie to me, son."
It was the "son" that did it, as perhaps his pops knew it would. For the first time since he left Richie in the hands of the staff at Dakota General, Virgil was able to turn away from thoughts of Richie, or the equally pressing thoughts of revenge. He met his pops' gaze and saw the love in the older man's eyes. And he saw the hurt.
"I'm sorry, Pops," he whispered, meaning his words this time. "I feel like something has happened to Richie, or that something will soon. I want to protect him. I want…"
"Virgil, will you please tell me what's on your mind?"
He wants me to tell him what I feel for Richie. He senses it already, or maybe he already knows, but he wants to hear me say it. Briefly, Virgil wondered if his father would kick him out of the house if he, Virgil, confessed to being gay. He wouldn't. I know that much. Pops loves me. He wouldn't' do that. He might hit the ceiling, but he wouldn't kick me out. And I don't think he would make me stop seeing Richie. Well, here goes.
"Pops, I do have something to tell you. You'd better sit down, though. It's kinda shocking." His pops sat, and Virgil wondered if he had the strength to continue. I can tell him. Besides, I sort of have to tell him. I know the next time I see Richie I'm going to kiss him, no matter who's watching. Richie needs me to love him; I can do that.
Virgil took in a deep breath. He wished his father would stop watching him with such laser intensity. "It's about me and Richie. He's my best friend, and you already know how much I want to keep him safe. Well… there's more to it." How to say this next bit? "Someday, Richie's going to be a part of my family, of your family, too, and I want you to know… that he'll be here as more than my brother." Oh, real swift, Virgil. Nice and concise, too. Want to try that again?
"Pops, what I'm really trying to say is that I love Richie." Okay, that's better, though your neck's in the noose now, you know. "You know, in a romantic, physical way." His cheeks were hot, but Virgil pushed on, "This morning, right after you left, I felt like something was wrong, and so I went out. I know it was wrong, and I should have told you what I felt, but I was afraid you'd try to stop me and I wanted to see for myself that he was okay."
"And was he?" Robert's voice was devoid of any accusation, but it didn't hold any compassion, either.
Virgil swallowed. "I don't know. He wasn't home. Nobody was." He tried to read his pops' expression, and failed. "I love Richie. I'll never stop loving him. Let's just tackle that part first, okay? Is it okay with you that I love Richie?"
When did Virgil get so bold? Static, are you directing this little exchange? But even before the thought was fully formed Virgil knew that he, not Static, was in control. And as to the reason he was bold… This is my boyfriend we're talking about. My Richie. He needs me, and I need to be brave for him.
"How long have you felt this way towards Richie?"
It wasn't the question Virgil was expecting. He'd been half-expecting something closer to "What the hell is wrong with you?" or even "How can you be gay?" So, caught off guard, Virgil couldn't answer right away. He looked at his pops and saw that the man's face was still unreadable.
"For at least a week." Was that relief he saw in his pops' eyes? He rushed to add, "Probably more. But I only realized it after… I only figured it out recently."
That was close! I can't believe I was about to say "after Brainiac kidnapped him'. That would have given me a whole new thing to confess- and I'm not ready for that.
"Does Richie know you feel that way towards him?"
"Yes. We've…" Virgil blushed and looked down.
"And how does hr feel about that?" Robert raised an eyebrow, clearly inquiring if he had to ask every question or if Virgil would start supplying some answers.
"He loves me. We've…"
"You've what?" Now there was a note of worry in Robert's voice. He was afraid of what Virgil might confess to having done with Richie.
"We've…" Virgil's blush deepened. Did he actually have to say the word? Doing it with Richie was one thing. Discussing it with his pops was another. "…kissed. And hugged. And… talked," he finished lamely. Put in such flat terms, it didn't sound like much. But it's everything now. Being with Richie is…. perfect. It's like the whole universe smiled at me and said, "You've done well, Virgil."
Robert looked a little calmer. "And that's all?"
Virgil nodded miserably. "I can't explain how he makes me feel, Pops, so please don't ask. It's not just a lust thing, though, I promise you that." Virgil's eyes flashed as he once again met his pops' gaze.
Robert was nodding. "I understand, son. You seem to be feeling like I did when I fell in love with your mother." He sat forward, taking Virgil's hands. "But I need you to understand a few things before I give you my blessing."
Virgil grinned. "You'd really…?"
"I will, if you listen to me."
"Okay."
"And promise that you'll take what I say and think about it. I'm not asking you to share my views, or take my questioning for disapproval. If you and Richie truly love each other, I'm behind you all the way. Do you promise?"
Virgil nodded. "I promise to think about what you're saying."
"Good." Robert resisted the urge to sigh. He would say the easiest things first. The things, that was, that would be easiest for Virgil. "Understand that all the rules I set for safe sex, and for waiting until you're sure you love the person, still apply. Preferably, I'd like you to wait until marriage. Still with me?"
Virgil nodded again.
"Next, understand that things will have to change here. Richie can't sleep in your room anymore when he stays overnight. It's not that I don't trust you, but I know how one thing can lead to another. A doctor friend of mine said that young people start out holding hands and end up having sex. So, Richie will sleep on the couch. Okay?"
"Okay, Pops." Virgil thought, This is easy.
"Virgil, I need you to listen to this one last thing very carefully, and you need to stay calm. Remember that I'm not objecting to your being with Richie."
"Pops, um, what are you so worried about?"
Robert couldn't help thinking of the baby he'd held when Jean had come home from the hospital the second time. My little Virgil, I don't want to tell you the hard facts of life. I want you to stay innocent. But I can't let you be surprised by anything that Richie might do. You need to be warned. "I've seen a lot of kids like Richie. Kids that need someone to love them. Kids that need someone they can love. I just want you to know that Richie might just be clinging to you because he needs security right now. I don't want you to be hurt if, after all this is over and Richie's life has settled down again, he wants to just be your friend again."
Robert waited, expecting an outburst. But Virgil only looked back at him, his eyes wide and slightly-vacant. Then the teen shook his head and a grin split his features. "Pops, Richie would never leave me. We're perfect for each other." He stood, stretching and yawning. "I need to go get some sleep. Is it okay if I miss school today? I promise I'll do all my homework, and I won't fall behind. Just this once?"
Robert stared at his son. Virgil looked asleep on his feet. "Yes, Virgil, get some sleep."
"Kay…" Virgil drifted towards the stairs. "If Richie calls, will you let me know?"
"Of course." Robert watched Virgil drag himself upstairs. All right, he thought, shaken and more than a little confused, who are you and what have you done with my son?
Richie lay perfectly still, knowing that to move would be to awaken the sleeping agony in his back. He heard the murmurs of nurses out in the hallway, and the buzzing of a patient's call-button. Staring near-sightedly up at the ceiling, Richie wondered where his glasses were.
But, much more important to him than the voices outside the door or his missing glasses, were thoughts of Virgil. Where was he? I'm here, so surely he wasn't captured by them. They don't know who he is.
But if Virgil had escaped, why wasn't he here? Maybe it isn't visiting hours. And even if he's Static they might not let him in.
But he could sneak in, like before.
That 'before' never happened, remember? It was during that first nightmare Brainiac sent you.
Am I having another nightmare? Richie winced. Don't think that way! You'll go insane if you think that way!
Maybe I am insane; I'm talking to myself. And worse, I'm answering myself.
Gear? Am I losing my mind?
But Gear was silent.
Panic assailed him, and Richie began to cry silently. Please, please, don't let it be Brainiac again. Please. I don't think I can stand it.
Stop it! Gear shouted. Stop it right now, Richie! You're safe; Backpack promised as much. And you know it was the real Backpack. Don't you?
Where were you? Richie almost sniveled. I called for you, but-
I was trying to reach Backpack. Which is what you should be doing, too. Together, maybe we can contact him. He was with Static, remember? If we can reach him, he'll answer all our questions.
I keep wondering if I'm insane, Richie said. I'm having a conversation with myself.
No you're not. This is an affect of the Bang Baby gas. You're a genius, right? Well, you've just developed more of your brain than most people, that's all. You've developed a way- albeit subconsciously- to get more control over your emotions. For lack of a better description, you have a system of checks and balances in your head. I keep you from freaking out and you keep me from ruining things between you and Virg with my over-analytical nature. Now, are you going to help me try to contact Backpack or not?
Chastened, but feeling calmer nonetheless, Richie answered, Yes. And Gear?
What?
You can be cold sometimes. Almost heartless.
That's another thing you do for me, Richie: you keep me human.
Dimitri Aidan: Yeah, Hotstreak bothers me, too. And he certainly seems to know a lot more about Static than Ebon does. If you really look at the shows, Ebon knows only about Richie. (I've wondered if Ebon was at all attracted to Richie. Maybe a thought for another fic…)
I've always liked Backpack, and I'm glad he's developed this way. I didn't know he was going to become such a central character. But Backpack has secrets. There are already things he's keeping from Richie, true?
