Author's Note: Okay, the reason I'm putting the whole book up here is because the last two parts, Backpack's Personal Log and Chapter Seven are the last parts of Book III. Book IV will open (I think) with the month of December. Don't hold me to that, though.
Thank you to everyone who reviewed. Again, as I've said, reviews are part of an author's food. Thank you.
Book III
Backpack's Personal Log (1)
From the Diary of Virgil Hawkins (3)
A short Conversation
Backpack's Personal Log (2)
Backpack's Personal Log (3)
From the Diary of Virgil Hawkins (4)
Chapter One: Happy Birthday, Richie
Chapter Two: Stand Strong Against the Night
Backpack's Personal Log (4)
Backpack's Personal Log (5)
Backpack's Personal Log (6)
From the Diary of Virgil Hawkins (5)
Chapter Three: On-line Chat
Backpack's Personal Log (7)
From the Diary of Virgil Hawkins (6)
Chapter Four: September
Chapter Five: October: Before the Island
Chapter Six: October: On Alva's Island
Backpack's Personal Log (8)
Chapter Seven: October: Right after Alva's Island
Backpack's Personal Log
Personal Log
Date: 10-5-03
Subject: My thoughts on the way back from Alva's island
I didn't tell Richie about Gear getting out and completing the connection between Richie and Virgil. The link is down again, and Richie never even noticed it. And if Virgil noticed it, he's forgotten. I just don't want to worry Richie anymore. Gear is dangerous when he and Richie are separated, but what can telling Richie do besides make him worry? I will not worry Richie.
The viruses I set loose on Alva's island are made to erase everything on the hard drives, then slowly the computers will melt down. Not one bolt will be salvageable. It's the least I could do to pay Alva back for the pain he caused Richie, and for the danger he created by awakening Gear.
I must study the drugs he injected Richie with. Perhaps they are what separated Richie and Gear, even if for only those few moments. Once I have an answer, I will take my findings to Richie. He perhaps will be angry with me, but I do not wish to worry him unless I have to. And, at least for now, Gear has completely remerged with Richie. Hopefully only drugs can bring Gear out. If that is the case, then Richie will be safe. The drugs were rare (and amazingly effective) just like the technology Alva used to track us, separate Richie and I, and suppress the other Bang Babies' powers. I will dissect the specifications for the machines and develop ways to fight them so Richie and I won't be caught at such a disadvantage again.
I wish Richie had allowed me to cause more damage on Alva's island. I have experimented with biological weapons, studying them in simulation. Richie has done the same, though most of his studying is how to fight such biological weapons. Someday Richie could make a great deal of money by selling his ways to combat the evils humans throw at each other.
Of course, I would never release any of the biological weapons I have developed without Richie's permission. But I think perhaps I will keep this log to myself. I cannot run the risk that Gear will ever learn what I know. Of course, Gear could build his own weapons of any type, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't try to keep my knowledge from him. He doesn't need to be handed anything that he can use to destroy the world. I do not think he would kill everyone on Earth, because then there would be no way to perpetuate his intelligence, except in mortal machines, as opposed to the immortal imagination of the human race. But that wouldn't stop Gear from killing certain people that he thought were a risk. Yes; I will not show any of this to Gear. And unfortunately, that means hiding certain things from Richie. It is regrettable, but the greater good- Richie's safety- must be served.
Chapter Seven: October: Right After the Island
Not that they could have done anything about it, but none of Alva's guards tried to stop Static and the others from taking a hovercraft and leaving. Soon, they would all wish they had done that, but their knowledge was a little behind the facts.
Gear went through a quick system's check while Hotstreak and Talon retreated to the back of the craft. Not even Hotstreak's usual baleful expression could hide the fact that he was worried about the feathered teen that was leaning against him for support. No one followed them, letting them recover in peace.
Adam called Sharon and told her he was heading back into town after an unscheduled mission. She chewed him out over the phone so loudly that everyone could hear her, but her worry was so apparent that Adam did more grinning than looking like a whipped puppy.
Once the controls were set, Gear made sure the autopilot would alert them when they were near Dakota before he left the hovercraft to fly itself. He had set the engines so the flight time would be cut approximately in half. Sinking into a seat beside Static, he announced, "We'll be back by late tonight. Will your parents worry?"
"Yeah, and so will yours, but what can we do?" Static put his arm around Richie's shoulders and drew him close. Lowering his voice, he asked, "How do you feel?"
"Exhausted," Richie answered. "A little violated, but mostly just glad to be off that death trap. You?"
"A little tired. Relieved." Static kissed Gear's ear. "I was worried about you."
"I love you." He closed his eyes. "I shouldn't have let you put yourself in danger like that. That idiot doctor's formulas were all turned around and flipped on their heads. If you hadn't shut off the machine when you did- Let's just say I shouldn't have put you at that machine's mercy without checking it first."
"You caught the problem before it was too late. That's all that matters. And there wasn't really time for a full diagnostic, right? Alva's son was dying." Running his hand up and down Gear's arm, Static tried to calm his partner. Here's a switch. I'm usually the panicked one. And I sort of feel like I should be panicking, except I can't because Rich needs me right now.
Gear slammed a fist on his knee. "If that stupid moron doctor hadn't gotten everything backwards in the first place, there would have been plenty of time to figure things out. The only thing he had right was that he needed the same power we're filled with. But there are less painful ways to extract it."
Static put his lips right next to Gear's ear. "Richie, this isn't like you. Stop for a minute. Take a breath." He felt Richie obey and murmured, "Good. Let it out. Now, I'm sure you've figured out a way to keep us from being captured by those same sorts of devices, and if you haven't, you will soon. Please let it go, love."
His partner took in another breath and let it out. Then he turned his head slightly and smiled up at the teen who gazed down at him with worried eyes. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay." Static kissed him again, teasing the blonde's ear with his tongue. "What now? Do you think you can sleep?"
Gear hesitated. "No. I need to talk to Hotstreak." Then he shook his head. "Actually, maybe you should talk to him. You seemed to share something."
Static rolled his eyes. "All we shared was a chain and a bunch of frustration. I was sure he'd ditched me after he got us discovered."
"But he came through, for whatever reason." Richie's lips barely moved. "Talk to him, V. Please."
Across the aisle, Adam let out a loud snore and the teens laughed.
"You'll never get a better chance," Richie added. "I'm going to sleep a bit, I think. Don't worry about me; Not only are we safe from pursuit, but BP won't let anything happen to me."
Static considered his boyfriend's words for a moment, then he stood. He waited until Richie had made himself comfortable on the seat, then, after glancing over to make sure RB Man was really asleep, he lifted Gear's faceplate and kissed him soundly. "I'll be back soon. That's assuming Mr. I'm-Good-Yet-Not doesn't decide to barbeque me."
Very seriously, Richie answered, "He won't. He's…" He yawned. "Never mind." His eyes drifted closed. "Night, Static. See you in a few hours."
Static gazed down at his partner for a moment, wondering what Richie had been about to say about Hotstreak, then shook his head. "Skip it," he muttered as he made his way to the back of the hovercraft.
Sacks of something that was probably wood chips were piled around the walls. Hotstreak was standing protectively over Talon, who was sprawled, asleep, on two sacks. The red head turned and gazed at Static. He put a finger to his lips, stepped away from Talon and gestured for Static to follow him deeper into the hovercraft. Pushing a door open, Hotstreak led the way into a small room. When the door was closed, he turned to face Static.
"What do you want?" Hotstreak demanded.
Static shook his head. "Nothing. I just thought I'd come back here to annoy you. How's Talon?"
"She needs sleep," he said, looking away. "Alva really did a number on her. I didn't realize she'd been gone so long. She told me she's been on that damn island for three days. She looks terrible." He looked back over his shoulder. "How's Gear?"
"Exhuasted. He's set us on a course back to Dakota and now he's curled up on one of the seats. Backpack's watching over him."
"Well, you don't have to worry about me hurting him. There's just so much anybody can take and I'm not going to make him go through anything else." Hotstreak shoved Static aside and made for the door. "I'm going to get some sleep."
"Wait." Static reached out, but his hand fell short of Hotstreak's shoulder. Still, the older teen turned to face him. "Why'd you really come back?"
Hotstreak scowled. "How's that any of your business?"
"Did you know your expression's almost Medusa-class ugly?" Static asked, grinning. "I just want to know. Besides, Gear suggested I talk to you." Shrugging, he added, "Gear trusts you, at least a little. Not enough to think you won't take advantage of us if you see an opportunity, but he doesn't think you'll hurt me just for the hell of it."
Hotstreak's eyes widened for a moment and Static swore he saw a blush stealing over the redhead's cheeks. But when he blinked, it was gone. Silly, really. Why would Hotstreak blush? Call me an idiot, maybe, or say Gear's imagining things, but he would never blush. That's like saying Ebon can get sunburned.
"What else does Gear say?" Hotstreak's scowl had eased a little, but his tone was sullen.
"He says you and I had a bond on Alva's island, even if only for a few minutes. He was going to talk to you, then suggested I do it. So, here I am, because I promised I would and because I wanted him to get some sleep instead of worrying about you."
"You'd do anything for Richie," Hotstreak said. "Might jump off a bridge for him."
Virgil refused to be offended. Sparring with Hotstreak was actually sort of fun, the teen thought, hiding his smile. "I'm jumped off a building for him, so, yeah, I guess I'd jump off a bridge. What's your point, Francis?"
"Nothing. Just noticing that you're hooked through the bag. He's like a drug you can't get enough of."
Virgil laughed. Thinking of Richie as a drug pusher, one eye drooping, a knowing twist to his lips, was too hilarious to keep to himself. "Yeah, well, I don't want to quit. Richie's too good to me. So, why'd you come back?"
"None of your business."
"I know Richie'll say this, but I'll say it for him. Thank you. If you hadn't come back, we could have all been caught. Richie told me the machine was built on bad science and that it could have killed us. Especially Richie and the others because they were already weakened. So thank you for saving Richie. And you did the right thing saving Alva's son."
"Hey, I couldn't let you take all the credit. And Richie looked like he was going to do something drastic, maybe pull the plug on the whole thing or jump into one of those chairs right next to you. I couldn't let him do that. We needed him."
There was no way to read Hotstreak's expression. "Yes, we do," Virgil said. "Alva, Jr. would have died without him. You and I might have died without him. But Richie needs help, too. Alva's experiments enraged him. Richie's been close to losing himself in anger before, but only once. He didn't care, for all of thirty seconds, that he might have killed Slipstream. I don't ever want to lose him again. You weren't the only one who chose to do the right thing today. It was just as hard for Richie as it was for you. It's not usually like that, but today it was."
Virgil took a step back, confusion plain in his eyes. Now that I've told him all that, now that he knows Richie is fallible and could do terrible things, what's Hotstreak going to do with that information?
"It wasn't hard for me to decide to help. I wanted to help Richie."
Virgil was sure his jaw hit the floor. He yanked it back up so he could talk. "What? Why would you want-"
"Richie trusted me not to tell Ebon. I never did. And I'm the one who sent the phoenix. I wanted him to know that I'm not your enemy." He ran a hand through his hair. "I know I stole that car, but I'm not your enemy. That doesn't mean I'm an angel, but I don't want to hurt you." The rest of his confession poured out of him, the words nearly tripping over each other as they fought to escape. "When I fought you under Madeline's orders, I didn't try to fry Richie. I blasted him, but I knew he'd dodge it. Just like I threw flames at you and knew you'd dodge them." He began to bounce a small flame from hand to hand, following the dancing fire with his eyes. "Richie's been through hell. I know what Hell is. Hell is not having parents that care about you. Hell is not having a stable, safe place to go to each night. Hell is not having a family that you know will always be there. Once I figured out the sort of shit Richie lived with every day, the shit he didn't let anyone else see, I backed off. Yeah, I was part of Ebon's plan to take you both out of commission, but mostly because I wanted to prove to you that I was stronger than you and because I didn't want Ebon to rape Richie." Hotstreak tossed the flame into his mouth, extinguishing it. His eyes fixed on a point over Virgil's shoulder.
"You want to protect Richie too?" The superhero's voice was scarcely above a whisper and he didn't try to make Hotstreak meet his eyes, knowing that he probably wasn't ready for what he might see there.
"Yeah." Hotstreak cleared his throat. "And this doesn't mean that I'm going to turn good, but I've been doing my best to stay out of your way. As far as Ebon knows, I haven't changed. I'm the same loner I've always been. And I'm going to stay that way. Don't think you'll get any more favors from me except my staying out of your way." Abruptly, he stepped forward and seized Virgil's arm. "And don't think this means I can't still fry your ass. It's just that I've decided not to. For now."
"Because of Richie."
"For now."
Virgil sighed and took off his mask. "For what it's worth, I think he trusts you with more than I said. I think Richie would trust you with his life. I don't, but he does. And Richie is hardly ever wrong. You could say he's had a lot of experience learning who he can turn to for help and who he has to stay away from when he's hurt or in need." He loosed a long breath of frustration. "I guess what I'm saying is I'll trust you provisionally. Provided you don't screw up and try to kill us or something, I trust you, too. Richie's instincts are hardly ever wrong. And besides… You did good things on the island, and I'm not just talking about coming back for us." It was Virgil's turn to push his way to the door. "I need to get back to Richie." He hesitated with his hand on the door knob. His eyes sparkled. If Hotstreak could make conditions, so could he. "Don't think this means you're invited to our Christmas parties or anything."
"I wouldn't come. Who wants to watch you and Foley snogging under the mistletoe?"
Virgil grinned. "You'd be surprised. A lot of people seem to find Richie sexy." He opened the door.
"Yeah, but you'd have your ugly puss in the way," Hotstreak shot back.
Virgil closed the door, smiling. The closed door muffled Hotstreak's laughter. He was teasing me. Really teasing, not taunting or baiting, just teasing. Will wonders never cease? Slightly baffled by the strange turn of events, and unsure if he understood all of the implications of what had passed between himself and Hotstreak, Virgil headed back to the front of the hovercraft. On his way, he passed Talon. She was shivering slightly. Without thinking, Virgil cut open a thick sack of wood chips- that's just what they were, too- and covered the bird-woman with the insolating cloth. He shot a glance at the door to the other room; it hadn't opened. Shrugging, Static continued on his way.
He sat down on the floor so he could take Richie's hand. The blonde was fast asleep, the strain of the last twenty-four hours smoothed away.
Backpack whispered, "His mind is untroubled. Thank you for easing his anger. I do not like to see the world hurting Richie. Isn't it enough that he suffers everything once? Why must he live it endlessly in his mind?"
"You should pray with him and talk with him," Virgil answered. "I'll do the same. Richie's only human. He'll need to be reminded that he shouldn't hold onto his anger. We'll both remind him." Virgil lips twisted up in a wry smile. "And since he has reminded me so many times, it only seems fair that I should get a chance to point things out to him once in a while." He kissed the back of Richie's hand, then laid his cheek on the smooth, white skin. "I'm going to get some sleep."
"Is that advisable? You are in a very uncomfortable position. You may wake up sore or with strained muscles."
"There's nowhere else I can sleep and still be able to reach out and touch Richie. Yes, it's advisable. I need him." Any annoyance that would have usually accompanied that statement was tempered by Virgil's realization that Backpack, too, loved Richie and would understand the need to be within touching distance. "Good night, Backpack."
"Good night. I will awaken you if Richie calls for you."
"Thanks." Before he fell asleep, Virgil reflected that he didn't mind Backpack's voice so much anymore. It was starting to seem normal to him.
oOo
Perhaps now I have a problem, Backpack thought as he stood guard over Richie. I perhaps should have mentioned Gear's presence to Virgil, even if I chose not to burden Richie with it. After all, Virgil could protect Richie without revealing the source of his concern. The more I think about Gear, the more concerned I become.
Deep in Richie's mind, joined with the emotional boy but separate from his as well, Gear listened to Backpack's wonderings and smiled to himself. Maybe you should, he answered, careful that his thoughts didn't reach the machine. Except Virgil would have to tell Richie eventually, and he might just tell him immediately. You don't want that; we both know it. That's what I'm gambling all my plans on.
He added, reassuring himself, Though my plans are really no different from yours, Backpack. I, too, want to protect Richie. I just think he could be better protected if he allowed me to take over completely during certain times. I'm the one who threw the water Zap Cap and the one filled with electricity at the same time. Oh, it was Richie's fear for Virgil that inspired me, but I threw them. If I can teach Richie to think as I do, to realize that sometimes he'll have to declare open war, war with no rules of good and evil deeds, then and only then will he survive. I don't want to kill Richie or imprison him; without him I would have no enjoyment of life. There would be no rest, no love. I need that love. I need Virgil, in my way, as much as Richie needs him. I need Static more, not just as my fighting partner, but as someone I could be intimate with. I know Virgil has no divided personality, but he is different in costume, and there's no doubt about that. And he is… hot… when he fights. When I see him using his power, I know I could be happy fighting beside him or making love to him for the rest of my life.
Gear turned his thoughts away from the future and back to his earlier conversation with Backpack. It didn't go well at all, he conceded. I didn't have the time to be gentle with Backpack or answer his endless questions about my intentions. And if Backpack's worried that Richie's mind will fragment, I've got that under control. I'll watch over Richie like he was my own brother. I won't let him go insane. And, as far as I'm concerned, no one has to know I've taken a little of my freedom back. Backpack won't tell; Richie will never sense me. My only dangers are Batman's machines- not that I'll let him get me into them again- and Virgil. Virgil is the most dangerous because he knows Richie inside and out. I let too much of myself show in Richie's anger. True, Richie was genuinely angry- that's what saved me from being discovered. I simply fueled his rage too much. I can't do that anymore. Not if I want to survive. Because if I'm caught this time, Batman might just imprison me for good or worse, remove me completely from Richie's mind. Richie wouldn't be able to fight crime anymore, but he would still have his intelligence, so Batman might do it.
And here I am, back where I started. I need to control my temper and make sure I stay hidden at all times. It's just too dangerous out there. Richie must be my shell. And because I don't really wish him any harm, that's fine with me. Through Richie, I am human. Through Richie, I can be with Static. Through Richie, all things are possible.
I just need to make sure Richie's innocence doesn't get in the way.
oOo
Hotstreak stared at the closed door of the small room as he had done for the last ten minutes. His mind at first wouldn't settle on one thing, but kept rushing about like a small bird trapped in a barn. The sensation wasn't new to Hotstreak; he sometimes thought that he might be a touch crazy He knew more than half his anger came from confusion about his own thoughts.
Why the hell did I listen to Nightwing? Now Virgil knows I love Richie! What's he going to do? He can't accept it; he'll see it as a challenge!
Hotstreak slammed his fist against the door and cursed. The physical movement helped him a little, as it always did. Now if I could just char-broil half a dozen stores or scare a big crowd of people, I'd feel better still.
He punched the door twice more, then rational thought began to assert itself. Virgil doesn't know I love Richie. He knows I care for Richie. Thos are two different things. Other people care about Richie, too, I'm sure. Well, okay, maybe nobody beside Virgil's dad and sister, and maybe the Corbetts. Those are big maybes. But it doesn't matter if anybody else really cares for Richie; Virgil wasn't upset when I said I care. He probably doesn't trust me, no matter what he said, but he didn't look like he wanted to attack me.
Hotstreak swore again. I didn't get anything! All I did was say I 'like' Richie 'as a friend.' Damn it! What good does that do? I chickened out and couldn't even say what I wanted to say! I'm such a fucking coward. What's wrong with me?
He jumped to his feet and began to pace. I can't get to Richie without telling Virgil I love them both. That's the end of it. Virgil won't give me a minute alone with Richie.
So, if that's the only way to do things, can I do it? Can I sit both Virgil and Richie down and talk to them, or am I too afraid? He yanked at his hair. I have to choose. Do I want to seem weak to them and confess my love, or do I remain strong in their eyes and weak in my own by hiding? He knew the choice should have been simple; better to be strong for himself than for others. But he couldn't bear the thought of their contempt.
Richie might not feel contempt for me, but Virgil would lose whatever respect he ever had for me. Which might not be much, he added with a humorless laugh, but something's better than nothing.
The urge to see Richie and Virgil swept through him and Hotstreak had his hand on the door knob before he realized that he'd stopped pacing. I won't confess anything, he assured himself. Richie's asleep, anyway. I'll just look at them. No one will see me. Virgil's probably asleep, and even if he isn't, I'll just say I wanted to see where we're going. He scowled. No, I won't say anything. I'll just glare. Glaring is best.
He got himself moving. As he strode towards the front of the hovercraft, he saw that someone had spread an empty sack over Talon. He burned another one open and covered her, just to make sure she was all right. Then he ambled into the cockpit area, assessing the situation. Virgil was nowhere in sight. Rubberband Man was asleep, snoring lightly.
Hotstreak ignored the flash of panic as he glanced into the empty seats. Where could Virgil be?
He peeked around the seat closest to the front and saw Virgil asleep with his head on the seat where Richie lay. Both heroes were fast asleep. Virgil had put his mask back on, but he hadn't hidden how worried he was about his partner. His fingers were caressing Richie's hand, even in his sleep.
"What do you want?"
Hotstreak kept himself from jumping, but it was a near thing. "Who said that?" he whispered. He glanced down at Richie, thinking the blonde had spoken. But Richie hadn't stirred.
The robot on Richie's back lifted a sensor-eye and stared at him. "I did. What do you want?"
Just glare. Hotstreak did his best, but it was sort of stupid to think he could intimidate a machine. "None of your business. It's a free ship."
"That is true, but freedom has its rules. If you touch Richie, I will kill you. You have been warned." The robot retracted his sensor eye slightly, but he was still watching Hotstreak.
"Damn. Touchy, aren't we?" Hotstreak muttered. But he retreated to the seat behind Richie and Virgil and waited. Maybe the robot would go into a recharge or something and give him the chance to look at the superheroes uninterrupted.
Backpack poked his sensor eye over the back of the seat. "Either state your business or step away from Richie."
"BP?" A yawn came from the other side of the seat. "What is it?"
"Hotstreak is lurking nearby. He could be a threat."
"Mmmmm…." Richie stretched, and one of his hands came over the seat. "How long have I been asleep?"
"Approximately one hour."
Richie stretched again. Then he muttered, "Idiot," and got up. "Help me move him, will you?"
Hotstreak risked a peek around the seat and saw Richie and Backpack trying to maneuver Virgil onto the seat without waking him. Shaking his head, Hotstreak said, "Let me do that." Standing, he scooped Virgil effortlessly into his arms and deposited him on the seat.
Richie grinned as Virgil snuggled into the seat and made a contented noise. "Come on," Richie whispered, gesturing for Hotstreak to follow him. Once again, Hotstreak found himself making his way back to the small room. He noticed that Richie still looked exhausted, but that the blonde was determined to speak to him.
When the door was closed, Backpack climbed off Richie's back and settled himself between the two metahumans. Richie had seated himself on a crate and Hotstreak leaned against the wall, folding his arms.
But Richie didn't speak at once. He reached down and touched Backpack and his eyes lost their focus. His lips didn't move, but Hotstreak thought maybe the two were holding a silent conversation. When Richie at last looked up, he smiled at Hotstreak. "I seem surrounded by protectors. Knowing Virg, he told you to keep your distance from me, just like Backpack did. And considering the mistakes I've made recently by not listening to these two, I'm inclined to stay where they can see me." He reached out, and his fingers touched Hotstreak's arm. "But I trust you. If you want to sit nearby, it's okay with me. Just know that Backpack and V will watch you."
Hotstreak glowed as he felt the warmth of Richie's fingers on his skin. He covered Richie's hand with his own.
"Thank you for the phoenix," Richie went on, and now he was looking down at his lap. "It's beautiful. Why did you send it?"
"It was your birthday." Hotstreak cleared his throat. "I know what it's like not to have a family, one you can really trust. I… I thought you'd like it." He hadn't told Richie anything more than he'd said to Virgil, so why was he fighting not to blush?
"I knew it came from you," Richie said. "The minute I saw it, I knew. I don't understand exactly what you're thinking, but I'm grateful you've helped us." He glanced up through his long eyelashes, his expression unreadable. Then he straightened up and met Hotstreak's gaze straight on. "Will you tell me why you really left the statue?"
Here it is. I can tell him. He won't laugh; I know Richie enough to know he won't laugh. "I just did. Can't you accept it?" Hotstreak pulled away from Richie, dropping his arms to his sides.
Richie's hand hovered in midair for a moment, then he let it fall into his lap. "Forget I asked." He stood and Backpack climbed up his legs. "I should get back before Virg wakes up." He made his way to the door, his face turned away from Hotstreak.
Just as Richie's hand rested on the door knob, Hotstreak reached out and touched the blonde's shoulder. "Wait, Richie." As the younger teen looked at him, Hotstreak felt his frustration and anger at himself mounting again. "I didn't mean to hurt you," he said, compromising between the demands of the heart and the orders that came from his head. "It's just… it's hard for me to talk to people, y'know?" He stepped closer, raising a hand to touch the helmet. "Can you take this off for a minute?"
Richie frowned for a moment, peeked out the window in the door to make sure no one was coming, then did as Hotstreak asked. He gazed at the redhead nearsightedly. His eyes were bluer than Hotstreak remembered.
I haven't seen him in so long without his disguise. Hotstreak's hand drifted up of its own accord and brushed Richie's cheek.
The blonde blinked, but didn't pull away.
"I…" Hotstreak licked his lips. "Richie, I…" He leaned forward, cupping the back of Richie's head with his hand.
"No…" Richie pulled away as Hotstreak's lips neared his own. "I'm with Virgil. Don't." He put his helmet back on. "Don't." His voice had a hard edge to it. "I'm not your plaything." And, a moment later, he had opened the door and escaped.
Hotstreak stared at the closed door, then turned and kicked the crate Richie had been sitting on. Fucking moron, can't you do anything right? Why couldn't you unstick your stupid mouth long enough to tell him you love both of them? Kissing instead of talking only works in the movies. Richie's too smart for that. Swearing under his breath, Hotstreak set about demolishing the crate.
Thirty minutes later, he was sitting on the floor, turning tiny pieces of the crate into ash one by one. Someone knocked on the door and he looked up quickly. "Come in. It's a fucking free country."
The door opened and Richie stood there, gazing down at him. He was alone; Backpack had stayed behind. The blonde entered, closed the door and crouched in front of Hotstreak, his hands dangling between his knees. "Why do you want to kiss me? I don't think you're like Ebon, but I don't understand you. You've done nothing but ignore me all the time I've known you. The only time you ever even looked at me or spoke to me was when I was between you and something you wanted. So what do you want, Hotstreak?"
There was no way for Hotstreak to read Richie's expression or gauge his mood. "I'm different now," he said. "Not like a miraculous change or something, but I'm different now. I'm like I was when I lived with my Aunt Sue." He found it easier to talk once his emotions had been exhausted. "I didn't always hate everybody. I tried to like people. When I met you, you weren't any smarter than me. We could have been friends, except…"
"Except I was already friends with V and even back then you had issues with him and with yourself." He stood and Hotstreak followed suit. The redhead leaned against the wall and Richie stood by the pile of kindling.
"Why do you have to sound like a damned shrink?"
Richie sighed and bowed his head for a moment. His voice was at once gentle and repentant. "I don't mean to. Go on. So you're acting like you did when you were little. Why the change?"
"Like I said, I know what you've been through. And…" I've got to tell him about Virgil, too. It's the only damned fucking way to get through this shit. "I've changed towards Virgil, too. Can't you tell?"
"Yeah, but it's like you're being strangled every time you try to be nice to him." Then Richie grinned, like the sun sailing out from behind a cloud to brighten the formerly grey world. "I guess you've actively hated him for so long that it's hard to switch over to being decent. It's easier with me because I haven't really been on your radar." He looked away again. "I shouldn't have touched you. You'd think living with my father would have taught me not all people like physical contact. It's just that V and his family…"
"No, I liked it," Hotstreak said. It was his turn to avert his gaze as Richie's head snapped up. "I didn't mind it. I know you weren't trying to do anything." He winced. I'm speaking so much shit, and not saying anything at all. "Look, Richie, I shouldn't have tried to kiss you. I know you're with Virgil. I just… screwed up." Yeah, that's one way to put it. "I don't want to come between the two of you. I can see he makes you… that he helps… that you love each other."
Richie asked, "Then why did you try?" His hand drifted up, but he pulled it back to his side.
There was no anger in Richie's voice, and that gave Hotstreak courage. "I can't say I'm not attracted to you. Both of you." It felt like his eyes had lead weights attached to them as he struggled to raise them enough to read Richie's expression. Frank astonishment met his eyes.
"Francis-" he saw the older teen wince and stopped. "What can I call you? I don't want to call you Hotstreak." He blushed. "Unless you like that better."
"I don't really like either of my names," the redhead muttered, scuffing the toe of his sneaker on the floor.
"Oh." Richie was staring at his skates. "If I wasn't with V, if he wasn't with me… I've always found you…" He bit his lip. "Hot? That's not the word I mean, even though I'd be attracted to you if I wasn't with V. I've thought I could trust you somehow, even before the hospital, even though we've always been on opposite sides." He shook his head. "You've never given me a reason to hate you, not even to dislike you. You've annoyed me before, but nothing more than that. I like you." He swallowed. "But I can't leave V. I would never leave him. Please understand that I don't want to hurt you, but… I love him."
"And if I said I love Virgil, too? That I've loved you both for... a long time? What then?" Hotstreak reached out and touched Richie's shoulder.
The blonde raised his head. His hand drifted up again, and this time he let himself touch Hotstreak's hand on his shoulder. "As long as we're on opposite sides, we can't do this. And even if we were, Virg doesn't know how you feel. You need to talk to him. I'll help you if you want, but…"
"Does that mean you'd be with me if Virgil was all right with this?"
"We could try it," Richie said, and he stepped back, separating them. "I'm not sure if I love you, but I care about you. I would like to try us together." He held up a warning finger. "But nothing, I repeat, NOTHING is going to separate me from V. I need you to know that."
Hotstreak began to pace. "You make it sound like this is a business arrangement." Throwing his hands in the air, he demanded, "You're not the most romantic person in the world, are you?"
"I can't just shut off my mind because my heart's involved," Richie answered. "Either deal with that or don't. Would you rather I say 'Yes, I love you!' and then figure out later that we've both made a terrible mistake? You said you know what I've been through." Richie's eyes were narrowed and his voice had hardened. "Well, here's a part you may not know about: I'm finally happy. I finally have everything I've ever wanted and I'm not about to give that up for anything." He glared at Hotstreak, challenging him.
There was a beat of silence.
Hotstreak stopped pacing. "Richie… I didn't mean to sound like I want you to ever give up Virgil. I know I already said that, but I want you to believe it." He sighed, rubbing at the back of his head in a gesture that reminded Richie strongly of Virgil. "Yeah, I sort of hoped you'd say yes to me the minute I told you how I feel, that you and I would talk to Virgil together as soon as possible. I even hoped you'd kiss me. But I want this to work, so I'll back off. What I don't want to ruin is your happiness, Richie, and Virgil's. But I just want the two of you to know how I feel. You can make up your mind about what you want to do with it."
"I'm sorry I can't pledge myself to you," Richie said. "I'm sorry this has to be complicated. I like you. A lot. Please don't think I'm pushing you away for any other reason than because I love Virg. Please understand that. Before you talk to him, let me talk to him. Let me explain my feelings to him. I don't want to risk losing him. Then, when I've talked to him, the three of us can talk, depending on how he takes this. Okay?"
I guess it's better than nothing. Hotstreak shook his head at himself. Who am I kidding? It's better than I deserve. I almost botched this whole thing. "Okay, Richie." He turned to the door. "I'm going to get some sleep. I'll see you when we get to Dakota."
Richie followed him out the door and started to the front of the hovercraft.
Mindful of the fact that they were out in the open again, Hotstreak asked, "Gear?" Hotstreak was standing near Talon, getting ready to make himself a bed of sacks.
"Yeah?"
"I thought you said you wouldn't go anywhere Virgil or your robot couldn't see you. Where's Backpack?"
"In my mind. We have a mental connection." He frowned. "You knew that, didn't you?'
Hotstreak reflected that he might not have been so open if he'd remembered that but, yes, he'd known. "Yeah, I did. Good night."
"Good night." Richie ducked into the next room.
Hotstreak gazed after him for a moment, then got his bed together. He doubted like hell that he would sleep, but he decided to make the attempt. He'd been right; when the hovercraft landed three hours later, he was still awake.
oOo
Is all well? Backpack asked as he joined Richie on the seat behind Virgil.
Richie sighed. Yes and no. You heard everything, BP; I just don't know what to do about it. What am I supposed to say to him? What else could I have said?
You told him the truth, Richie; no one can ask for more than that. He brushed at Richie's neck, trying to soothe him. Will you tell Virgil?
As soon as we have a few minutes alone together. There's no way I'd even try to keep this from him, even for a day. I just he doesn't think I would ever leave him.
If Virgil believes that, we will convince him otherwise. He needs to understand how much you love him.
Richie groaned. But look at it from his point of view. To all appearances, I'm saying, 'I like you, Virgil, but I want something more.' That's wrong. I can be happy with or without Francis. All I need is Virg, you and God. If everything else in the world disappeared, I could survive. If I lost any of you… I just don't want V to think I'm turning away from him.
Then perhaps you should tell Hotstreak to back off and not tell Virgil.
I can't do that.
But why, Richie? You owe Hotstreak nothing.
True, but he reached out to me. He loves me. I can't just shrug him off. It's not like he has anyone else to go to.
What about Talon?
I get the feeling those two are friends, not lovers. Like Daisy and me. We could never kiss, even if I wasn't gay. And keep in mind, Hotstreak might not be the slightest bit attracted to Talon. Knowing how hard the world can be, can I, in good conscience, just tell him to buzz off?
You cannot take the weight of the world on your shoulders, Richie. And you cannot make yourself love him.
I could love him if Virg loved him.
But Richie… Confusion flew down the link. I do not understand. That makes no logical sense, nor does it make sense in respect to the emotions I know humans have. How can you be happy with someone you don't love?
If Virg loved him, it would be safe for me to love him, too. Richie closed his eyes. God gives a different gift to each of us.
Yes, I read about the spiritual gifts. Speaking in the languages of the angels, understanding those languages, having the ability to heal people, these are the gifts that are spoken of in the New Testament.
But there are other gifts. Compassion, love, acceptance, patience. I can love him if Virg loves him. That's the only way I can explain it. I don't really understand it myself, except to say that I've been told I can be content that way.
Who told you? God?
Yes.
When?
I don't know. The information's just there.
But, Richie, you have always been so logical. How can you give over part of your mental functions in such a way? What if you only dreamed the answer? There's no guarantee you'd be happy. How can you trust such a vague feeling? Richie, please think. I don't want to lose you, especially to something I can't see, feel, study or hear.
Richie sat up and urged Backpack to sit on his lap. He began to caress his robot's back. Many paradoxes exist in the Bible. One of the biggest is this: God can see past, present and future all at the same time, and, in spite of that, we still have free will. We can choose to follow Him or to turn away from Him.
But Richie, if any being already knows what we're going to do, then no matter we do, won't we do just what that being knew we would do?
Richie grinned. That's the paradox, BP. God's omniscience and omnipotence exists right along with our freedom to choose.
But how do you balance the paradox? I find such a truth perplexing and frustrating in the extreme.
I have faith. Faith makes the paradox work.
You believe because you read it. Richie, that is dangerous. You cannot just give yourself over to something blindly. That is not only illogical but foolish. Do not give yourself over to feelings.
Faith isn't a feeling. Feelings are emotions, like being happy or sad. No one matter my emotional state, I will maintain my faith. Richie's hands moved slowly over Backpack. BP, I don't expect us to agree on this. I just want you to know its how I feel. You heard me say to Hotstreak/Francis that I'm more content now than I've ever been, that I have everything I'll ever want. That means a friendship with you, my love for Virg and my faith. Please don't let the fact that you and I think differently separate us.
Richie, I would never be willingly parted from you. But I cannot understand your faith. I will still question you from time to time, to make sure you are thinking things through. But I can see how your faith has strengthened you. I will not get in the way of that. I love you, Richie. All I need to be content is you.
I love you, too, buddy. I'll always love you. Richie's hands stilled. I think Virg is waking up. Shall we be there when he opens his eyes?
That would save him concern. Backpack climbed onto Richie's back. I almost envy you your faith, Richie. You are so sure of everything.
No I'm not. I'm just sure I'll always have backup when I need it. I have no idea what's going to happen to me, but I don't need to know.
Now I do envy something, Richie: your optimism.
Richie laughed. In other words, my faith. We're back where we started, BP. He knelt beside Virgil and touched his shoulder. And, since we're almost back where we started, I don't' feel bad repeating myself. I love you.
I love you.
Virgil opened his eyes and yawned. "Hey, I'm supposed to be on the floor and you're supposed to be on the seat. What happened?"
"I woke up and talked to Hotstreak." Richie glanced over at RB Man, noting that the man was still asleep. "Virg, there's something I have to tell you."
Behind Richie, the autopilot beeped, alerting him that they were close to Dakota.
Richie shook his head. "Should have known I wouldn't get all the time I needed to finish all my conversations. I'll be right back." He squeezed Virgil's hand and left him to rub the sleep out of his eyes.
Seating himself in the pilot's chair, Richie reflected that he'd never actually flown an airplane or anything else, not in real life, at least. At least I've logged over seventy hours in an F-15. He grinned. On my flight simulator. The controls weren't all that different. And the engines were meant for vertical take-offs and landings, like the technology in his skates. So they were like old friends, someone he could fall in sync with after just a few moments of being together.
He heard someone enter the front of the craft, but didn't glance around.
"We're here?" Hotstreak asked, sounding grumpy.
"Yeah," Static answered. "Wake Talon, okay? I'm going to wake up Rubber Beauty over here."
"You don't order me around." But Hotstreak was already making his way back to the other room.
"Huh. Could've fooled me," Static muttered, then laughed.
Richie grinned. Yeah, it's like he's being strangled every time he talks to V. He found an empty parking lot. The sun had just disappeared over the horizon. Hmm. We made better time than I thought. Maybe V's father won't notice he's been gone all day. He snorted. Yeah, like that's gonna happen. Shaking his head, Richie devoted his concentration to landing the huge hovercraft. It was a little difficult because of how close the buildings leaned, but he managed it. Wonder what we'll do with this thing now? Well, maybe I'll just leave it here. Knowing Alva, he doesn't want anyone to look at his technology. So he'll be along to collect his prize. And if he doesn't take it, I'll come back, crawl over it for spare parts, then leave the shell for the city to take care of. It's the least they can do after all Static and Gear do for them. He laughed. Who're you kidding, Foley? If you go over this thing for spare parts, nothing will be left.
The craft settled smooth as silk and Richie stood, turning to face Virgil, who had managed to get a groggy Adam on his feet. Hitting the switch for the exit hatch, Richie grinned at Virgil. "Last stop. Everybody out." He watched Hotstreak and Talon make their way out of the back room. Talon looked a little stronger, and her eyes were definitely more focused. Richie smiled to see the beginnings of her recovery.
Adam started out the door. Richie stepped back so Hotstreak and Talon could follow. Then he and Virgil left, sharing a smile as they left the last reminder of Alva's island. Maybe I won't take the hovercraft apart after all, Richie mused.
Hotstreak and Talon were whispering, but Hotstreak broke off when Static walked towards him.
Gesturing at a yellow sports car, Static asked, "So, are we picking up where we left off?"
Richie wondered what Virgil was talking about, but decided to let it go.
"Nah," Hotstreak answered. "You can take that care back. I got me a sweeter ride." He strode to the hovercraft, activated the door and jumped in. "Alva said it was okay."
Richie raised an eyebrow. Far as I know, Alva didn't say two words to you before we left.
Hotstreak read Richie's expression, then said, "Hey, it's the least Alva owes me." And before anyone could argue, he closed the hatch and started the engines.
Static grinned. "Fair enough."
Talon was smiling at Hotstreak, and Richie wondered about the two of them. She's sort of like his sister, the one who keeps him in line. Glancing at Adam, he saw that the man was also smiling.
I wonder how he'll do with clearing the buildings, Richie thought.
Hotstreak lifted off.
So far, so good, Richie thought. Think he'll make it, BP?
I doubt it, Richie. He is very close to-
The hovercraft grated against the side of a skyscraper.
Richie winced.
"Oo, dang," Virgil muttered, shaking his head.
Richie thought he heard Hotstreak's exalted cry- "Wooo-wee!" but he couldn't be sure. He and the others watched until the hovercraft was out of sight.
There she goes, Richie thought, and he grinned. Not exactly how I thought she would go, but at least I don't have to wonder what's going to happen to her. Hopefully Hotstreak's able to bail out before he crashes her.
"Well, I'm heading home," Adam announced. He stretched a little. "I need some sleep."
"Four hours wasn't enough?" Static asked.
Adam shrugged, smiled. 'See ya." He bounced away.
Turning to Talon, Richie asked, "Do you need help getting somewhere that you can rest?"
She shook her head. "I'll be all right." She peered at Gear for a moment, then smiled slightly. "I'll be just fine. Here's hoping I don't run into you two for a while." She spread her wings and flew away.
Static put his arm around Richie's shoulders. "We'd better get home ourselves."
Richie nodded. "Okay."
Virgil caught Richie's hand as the blonde started to move away. "Was there something you wanted to tell me?"
"I think we should explain things to your Pops first. I can tell you in the morning." He met Virgil's eyes seriously. "For now, just know that I love you. That's the first thing I wanted to tell you."
Virgil hugged him. "I love you, too, partner. Let's go face the music. How bad can it be? I was only gone for a day."
Richie laughed. "You think I'm going to face the music right along with you?"
"How else are you going to explain being with me?" Virgil flipped out his saucer and charged it.
Richie activated his skates. "I'll back you. We'll say I had to come home early and you met me at the bus station. That is, if he didn't notice that you've been gone since last night. If that happens, well, you're toast."
They set off for the gas station. "One of the best minds in the world and that's the best you can come up with?" Virgil asked.
"Hey, I can't act too much smarter than my age or your Pops will really suspect something. Do you want him to figure out our secret identities?"
"I hate it when you do that," Virgil grumbled.
Richie's eyes twinkled. "Do what?"
Virgil swatted Richie's ass. 'Trick me into agreeing with you."
oOo
As Talon settled herself in the park for the night, gathering her wings around her like a blanket, she reflected on everything Hotstreak had told her. He had confessed his love to Richie, and the blonde hadn't accepted him with open arms. Still, he didn't tell Hotstreak to go to Hell. This could all work out. She smiled. I'm not sure if it will, but it's possible Everything I know of Richie- which isn't much, but is enough- argues that his heart is open to loving more than one person. I think he and Hotstreak and Virgil will make a happy group.
She rolled over. That's assuming Hotstreak can keep from nursing his injured pride. It's obvious he's head over heels for Richie; now if he can keep his mouth from screwing up the good thing in his future, he might actually get it.
Talon snuggled own, closing her eyes. Alva deserved to be barbequed, she thought, but she was too tired to muster up much fury. It was enough that she was safely. Dimly, she wondered how long it would be until the headache vanished. Maybe I'll have to rob a drugstore in the morning. Hopefully Static and Gear will be too tired to follow up on me. And if not, I'm almost tempted to say a nice, peaceful jail cell would be good right now. She smiled. No, I may be tempted, but that's not true. Because knowing my luck, I'd be stuck right next to Ebon and have to listen to him dream about the whore he lost.
Remembering the look of Gear's eyes when he'd been looking at Alva after Static and Hotstreak saved Junior.
And I'm back to Hotstreak again. I sweat, that idiot's going to keep himself from being happy just because he's too stubborn to admit everything he really feels all at once. She yawned. Well, I'll worry about Hotstreak in the morning. He won't crash that ship at least until then.
oOo
HOLY BIBLE
The gold leaf writing always made Sean smile. He imagined his soul would look so shining and pure by the time he sat at the right hand of God. Opening the book, he gazed at the inside front cover. Under a cursive word- marriages- his own marriage was listed. He shook his head and wondered if Maggie was all right. I'm not worried about her soul, but she probably misses me. I miss her, but there's something more important to us both: the immortality of our son's soul. I'm sure she understands. He moved his eyes down to the word "births," also in cursive writing. Richard Osgood Foley was written there. I have written your name in the Book of Life, saith the Lord, and none may erase it. Sean nodded to himself. I'll make sure your name stays in that book, Richie.
He glanced up when someone knocked on his door. Leaving the Bible on the pallet that had been serving him as a bed. He'd been at the teaching facility for weeks now, but it seemed like longer. He loved attending the meetings and being able to see the conformity around him. The facility would be perfect for Richie. But, at the same, Sean grieved to be away form his son for so long. So even though he was supposed to be reading his Bible, he had really been waiting for someone to knock on his door and tell him the result of the secret meeting that had been called to deal with his problem.
"Please come in," Sean said as he stood, trying to hide his nervousness. Would they decide to go back for Richie now or would there be more waiting?
Jacob took Sean's hand as soon as he entered. 'We'll be seeking out Richie after Christmas. First, we can't travel well turning that season without being seen. Second, God has told me the Rapture of the Church won't happen until after Christmas, though He didn't tell me how much after. Richie will be safe until we can bring him here. God has promised me this."
Sean tried to hide his disappointment. At least he'll be her before another year is up. And I know we must be cautious. Still… it hurts to think of him being surrounded by sin and temptation every night. "Thank you. Will I still have a part in rescuing my son?"
"Of course you will, Sean. And don't look so worried. Satan won't steal Richie before we reach him. God will triumph. I promise you, and the Almighty promises you." He smiled. "By Richie's next birthday, he'll be here and we'll be celebrating his rebirth in Christ." After another nod, as if he had completely convinced himself, Jacob left.
Sean sank onto his pallet. I love you, Richie. I'll come for you soon. Just hold on a little longer. I promise everything will be all right. Just hold on, my son. Call on God and He will answer you. Even in the midst of Satan's greatest temptation, God will answer you if you call. Be strong, Richie.
He opened his Bible and set himself to wait as long as it took. If God loses one sheep in a hundred, he goes out to find the lost sheep and carries it home on His shoulders. Find Richie, God, and don't let Satan destroy him. This I pray in your Son's name. Amen.
An image of fire filled Sean's mind and he closed his eyes, focusing on it. A soft breeze stirred his white robe and he smiled at the others about him who were also dressed in the color of purity. Above them, the sky glowed with a million stars. Before him, Virgil Hawkins had been tied to a stake. Wood was piled around his feet and he'd been doused with quick-burning oil. He screamed as the torch was touched to the kindling about his feet. "Richie! Richie, don't let them do this!"
Richie, also in a white robe, was standing beside his father and Sean felt the boy's presence at his side like a warm weight. "You should have thought about what would happen before you raped me," the boy said, his gaze unflinching. "Look at it this way. The burning you're about to suffer is nothing compared to the fires Satan's imps have readied for you."
Sean smiled. Yes, that is what will happen when I have a chance to show Richie God's path. We will stand together and watch Virgil Hawkins burn.
o-----------------------------o
tbc…