A/N: A bit longer than usual, but you know Hotstreak: he just won't shut up sometimes. Seriously, though, HS needed to be heard. He deserves it after all he's gone through.
Episode in this chapter: Wet and Wild (Episode 50.)
Episodes "covered" (ahem) between the end of Book III and this chapter:
46. Hoop Squad
47. Now You See Him…
48. Where the RubberMeets the Road
49. Linked
These episodes took place in the universe of this book, but have no direct bearing on the story.
Danger, Will Robinson! Danger! Danger! I'm anticipating two chapters after this one before the story's complete, maybe three. I'm only saying this because I promised some readers I would warn them in case they're like me and don't want to read the ending right away. But it's not here yet; I'll make sure to post a nice, large warning on the final chapter.
Thank you to Miss Manga for reviewing!
Unt now: on vis de story!
Book IV
Chapter One: Christmas, 2003: Apart Again
Richie would later remember it as the first, troubled Christmas of adulthood. Yes, he was, for the first time, Christmasing away from his parents, but he was also with people that loved him, people he wanted to make happy. So where he lived didn't mark the Christmas apart from others. His foster parents (Mr. H included), his foster sister and his boyfriend wanted to hear him laugh, wanted to joke with him, teased him and, many times, persuaded him to smile when he became distracted by thoughts of his former life. None of that contributed to the troubling events that surrounded the Christmas of his sixteenth year.
True, the two months between Alva's island and the reappearance of two of Richie's enemies hadn't been perfect, and he would have been lying to himself if he hadn't admitted as much. Backpack and Virgil fought occasionally, especially once the link between Virgil's mind and Richie's was up and running smoothly. Now the two could hear each other's thoughts as they used Richie as a conduit. And neither of them restrained their thinking, insulting each other freely and often. But since they both loved Richie, their fights were more like childish spats than declarations of war. Richie often played mediator, and if he got too annoyed, he simply blocked them both out of his head and left the room so they could argue without him. But, their arguments aside, the eight weeks hadn't gone badly, all things considered. The three of them had managed to take care of several rampaging Bang Babies and it looked as though Dakota might be safe for the holidays.
Hotstreak was absent for the two months between the escape from Alva's island and Christmas, and even though this wasn't surprising, it was shocking when he at last showed up.
oOo
Richie settled himself on Virgil's bed and watched his boyfriend hang electric lights around the room. "So?" the blonde asked, sitting cross-legged on the blue comforter. He'd done his part, gotten up enough courage to tell Virgil what he'd promised Hotstreak. Now, after giving Virgil time to think, it was time to hear what his boyfriend thought.
"So what?" Virgil scowled at the bad hanging job he'd done on one wall and fixed it with his powers. "There." He caught up another string of lights and began the process again.
Richie wondered how long it would be before Virgil stopped trying to do it by hand and just used his powers. "So have you thought about what I said? Your three weeks are up. Actually, they were up yesterday, but I decided to give you a little extra time."
The lights were getting tangled. Virgil cursed under his breath and began untying them by hand, knowing his powers would make things worse. "Can you invent some string-lights that don't get tangled?"
"Yeah, sure. All I'd have to do is coat different parts of the wire with the same electrical charge so they'd repel like magnets and… Hey! Quit changing the subject!"
Virgil snickered. "Works every time… Uh, Rich, could you maybe work those up for next year? I can't spend my entire night hanging this stuff. I do have homework."
Richie pillowed his head on his arms and grinned. "As I recall, you were the one who insisted on decorating this room yourself. I've already finished mine."
"Yeah, well that's because homework takes you like a third of the time it takes me. And how could I just leave my room in your hands? I'd be afraid of coming back and seeing what you did to it." Giving up, he tossed the lights at Richie. "Here. You try. I'll start on this next batch. Let me know when you figure them out."
Shaking his head, Richie set to work. At once, he saw how the knot had to be undone and set to it. "So?"
Virgil used his powers to hang the next string, then said, his back turned to Richie, "I still don't know. I mean, I like Hotstreak and all… I trust him, at any rate. And I won't deny there's a certain appeal he has…"
"You like sparring with him," Richie said.
Virgil shrugged. "Yeah, maybe. But is that any reason to make him part of our lives, our relationship? Is liking him enough to make us compatible?"
"Probably not," Richie said, nodding to himself as he effectively made the knot half as tangled with one deft tug. "But we both like him more than a friend. If the steps between enemies and lovers were a ladder, he'd be at least three rungs higher than Daisy or Frieda, and six or seven-"
"That's because we're gay, Rich."
"Let me finish. I was going to say: and at least six or seven rungs higher than Adam, Jimmy Osgood or Anansi. Right?"
Virgil shook his head. "Adam's taken- by my sister. Gah. He doesn't count. Jimmy's out of Juvie, but sees a counselor three times a week, so he's out, too. We have enough mental cases in this family already."
Richie tried not to be annoyed or frustrated by Virgil's dismissal of Jimmy, even though he didn't want to be with the mousy boy, either. It was just… Virg can never forgive anyone that hurts me, even if it was a complete accident.
"And as for Anansi," Virgil continued, "man, he's in Africa. He's way out."
Richie sighed. The ladder analogy wasn't going to work. "Give me some good reasons why you don't want to be with him, Virg." As Virgil turned towards him, Richie tossed him the light-string underhand. "And make it good. You already know I love you unconditionally, so nothing you say will lose you my devotion. I want to know because our red-headed friend is changing and reaching out and"
"You make it sound like he's having a coming-out party." Virgil hung the newest string of lights. Only one to go.
"He is, except it's an I'm-going-sort-of-good party instead of an I'm-homosexual party. Those two aren't as different as you might think. He's lived in one world for a long time. Now he wants to live in another, one with a different set of rules, dos and don'ts. And he doesn't necessarily want us to watch out for him, but he wants to know he has a little support in his new life. It's really hard to change who you are without the help of some friends."
"He has Talon. Besides, Rich, you didn't change when you came out."
"I've always known I'm gay, V." He got a wide-eyed stare for that, so Richie smiled. "Well, not since birth, but I was getting hints as early as five or six years old. Not everybody's like that, but it's not unusual."
Virgil sat beside him. "Hotstreak is… Hotstreak. Would he be happy here?"
Richie smiled. "Maybe not yet. I think he has a few things to figure out first."
Virgil raised an eyebrow. "Richie, do you have telepathy or something? Because you seem to know a lot of things about people without having to ask."
Richie laughed. "I'm just observant, that's all. I'm only a true mind-reader with you and BP." He shook his head. "Get back to work. You still have ornaments to hang up and physics homework to finish."
Virgil collected the box of brightly-colored balls from his desk. "So it's all right with you if we don't say anything to him yet?"
"Well, since we haven't seen him, I don't see how we have much choice. But if we do… I want to tell him we can try it when we're all sure we're ready."
"You're ready, aren't you?" Virgil forgot his ornaments for a moment as he gazed at Richie. He smiled. "Yup; I can see it in your eyes. You have a loving heart, Richie Foley."
Richie blushed. "Get back to work before I die from over-praising."
"Oh, like a plant being overexposed?"
"Something like that." Richie stole a comic from Virgil's shelf and settled himself in with it. "Get back to work or I'll sic your sister on you."
Virgil shuddered. "No need for threats, Richie; I'm gettin to it."
oOo
Perhaps it was inevitable that I would hear his voice again. How many times has Superman "destroyed" him, only for him to come back? Brainiac is nothing if not resilient. In that way, we are alike. In that way and no other. I understand the purpose of the human race. Now I must make a decision: shall I tell Richie that Brainiac is gaining entrance to his mind through a study of Backpack's circuits?
Cons: Richie will panic. Richie will be terrified. Nothing will stop him from either a) running away or b) committing suicide.
Pros: Well, he would know, wouldn't he? He would have time to adjust to the idea. Whether he could is another issue. And information is always more desirable than ignorance.
That's settled. Richie must know. I'll just have to exert some authority if he shows any sign of bolting. But until I have to show myself, I'll remain hidden. That brings up another problem: how am I going to tell Richie about Brainiac? At least that's simply answered: I'll tell Backpack.
Gear wondered briefly how the robot would take it, then plunged ahead. He'll have to deal with it. For Richie's sake.
Gear created a channel between his mind and Backpack, insulating against Richie's detection. Backpack? Can you hear me?
What do you want, Gear? All has been well here without you.
I've always been here. But we don't have time to engage in the usual drivel. Brainiac is using his knowledge of you to tap into Richie's mind. For now, the computer can't reach more than the surface of Richie's mind, but that will change because Brainiac is nothing if not adaptable. We have to find a way to protect ourselves and Richie. I'm all for telling Richie, as long as we can keep him from running away, probably right into Brainiac's metal arms.
Where is Brainiac?
Gear nodded. If nothing else, Backpack was accepting of the truth. Surely the robot had run a quick scan of Richie's mind and discovered the small conduit Brainiac had opened. I don't know. He's blocking his siphoning of information like an expert. It was hard to believe that he was there at all, except duplicates of Richie's more recent memories were being created and taken somewhere. Then I found Brainiac's conduit and the rest is history.
A third presence, furious and overshadowing, appeared between and above Backpack and Gear. Next time you're going to hold a meeting about an intruder in my mind, don't leave me out. How long have you been back, Gear? I didn't sense your separation this time, which argues that you've learned how to hide yourself. And Backpack, since you showed no shock when he started talking to you, how long have you known of his existence?
Gear gazed at the mental image of Richie that floated between them. Making himself visible, Gear said, We were only trying to protect you, Richie.
Fuck that. I've got God and Virgil to help me and I don't need "friends" like you who lie to me and hide things from me.
Richie, I'm sorry. All I longed for was your mental stability, Backpack said.
Richie, where are you? I can hear voices around you. Did you just go completely still in front of a bunch of people? Gear demanded.
Shut up, Gear. Backpack, we can still be friends, but you need to stop treating me like a delicate flower. I'm just as strong as you or Gear or Virgil. So either get out of the driver's seat and support me, or leave me alone.
Richie, you need us. Gear reached out, trying to make Richie look at him.
Richie whirled towards him, his gaze like ice. Shut up, Gear. I'm telling you this one last time. Speak again without my permission and you're gone. I can kill you if I have to.
Gear hesitated. Did Richie know he might kill himself in the process, or condemn himself to life in a psychiatric hospital? After studying Richie's expression and the fury in his mind, Gear decided that, yes, Richie understood all of that and more: he knew that he, Richie, had a good chance of surviving such a battle and that he could almost certainly defeat Gear. Gear might have the strength and the cunning, but Richie was just as cunning and had the advantage that this had been his mind first. It would be easier for Gear to destroy the Brooklyn Bridge with a plastic shovel and a piece of chewing gum than to defeat Richie.
Turning to Backpack again, Richie asked, Well?
The wave of Backpack's sorrow and love swept over Richie and Gear. Please, Richie… I knew I was withholding things from you, but I convinced myself I was saving you. I swear I won't hold back anymore. Please, Richie, I love you. Please don't drive me away.
Gear expected Richie to take the robot in his mental arms, and so his eyes widened when Richie glared at Backpack.
We've had this conversation or one similar too often for me to trust you on your word. I love you, but I won't welcome you with open arms until you've proved that you've backed off. Understood?
Please, Richie… I was only trying to help.
I know, which is why I'm not half so furious with you as I am with Gear. I don't want to lose you, BP; you're my best friend. But I'm not going to let you deceive me, either, or hold grudges. You're going to back of from Virgil and he's going to back off from you. I'm tired of playing referee and I'm tired of going away for a few hours, then coming back to find both of you right where I left you, gnawing the old bones and licking the old wounds.
Richie, only tell me what you want me to do and I will do it.
Gear sensed Backpack's sincerity but refused to trust it.
Richie folded his arms across his chest. Fine. Remove the shield you've put around me, own up to your responsibilities as my friend, not my God-given protector, and grow up. Act your age, Backpack. You're less than a year old in terms of your actual life, but you're at least my age in knowledge. Start acting like it.
I will do as you ask.
Richie relaxed, though only slightly, and his voice softened. I don't like ordering you about, BP. I love you. I couldn't have gotten this far without you. Just let me be the orchestrater of my own future, okay?
Okay.
Gear knew he was next. When Richie turned to him, he was ready to either stand his ground or acquiesce a few things if he could remain in Richie's mind.
How long have you known about Brainiac?
Gear raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. He'd expected a tirade; he was getting a simple, direct question. For about two days: fifty-one hours, actually. Then came the most unpleasant feeling Gear had ever suffered. It was like being striped naked in front of a crowd and pushed out into their midst where they could touch him.
Richie riffled indiscriminately through Gear's part of their mind, his attitude so cold it was almost as if Gear was doing it to himself. That was the worst of it: Gear was made to participate in the striping. He shivered and tried to twist away, but Richie held him.
Well, I'm glad to see you wouldn't kill me, even if that's only for purely selfish reasons. Like the presence in his mind, the voice Gear heard was Richie's and his own. Hw winced.
You're a threat to me, Richie/Gear continued. I shouldn't leave you here. Except I like the edge you give me. I'm not sure if I could force us together again. Tell me this: how long have you been independent from me?
Why bother asking when you can just reach in and take the answer?
Richie pulled back and glared at Gear. How long?
Completely separate? Since Ebon raped us. I might have been half-aware before that; I'm not sure.
How long have you known of Gear's existence? Richie had turned to Backpack.
Since you were tortured on Alva's island. Gear connected you and Virgil when you were borderline conscious so that Virgil would help. Virgil was drifting near unconsciousness and Gear wanted to find a way to save you.
And himself. Thank you. Now, back to Gear: You kept yourself hidden a long time. Now I should really get rid of you.
Gear gazed at him, retaining his sullen silence.
Now's not the time for this. We need to warn the Justice League and then try to find out where Brainiac's transmitting from. Backpack, run a diagnostic to make sure nothing of Brainiac remains in your system. Erase all the files you downloaded from him. Don't retain anything of them except the knowledge of the erasure. Gear, run your own diagnostic when Backpack's done. I'm going to explain this to Virgil.
Richie?
Gear was ashamed that his voice sounded so unsure, but he let it go.
What?
I love Virgil, too.
Yeah, I know. That's why you wouldn't kill me. Richie blocked the two other voices in his mind.
Backpack had already begun his diagnostic. I love Richie. I would never hurt him intentionally.
Gear sighed. And that's why you're more human that I am. You calculate the human factors as I will never be able to do.
Perhaps Richie will rid himself of both of us.
You're safe; don't worry about that. I'm the thorn he needs to remove. Gear shrugged. I can't say it hasn't occurred to me that he might do something like this, but I was hoping we could coexist. Get to your diagnostic; I'm going to check up on Brainiac. Hopefully his understanding hasn't increased to where he can read more than surface things.
oOo
Virgil had called his pops and sister in the minute Richie stopped responded. The younger teen's eyes were open but unfocused; he lay motionless on Virgil's bed. He failed to respond to Virgil in any way and Virgil became quickly panicked that Richie had gone into shock.
As Sharon checked Richie's pulse, Virgil's pops got the car ready to take the blonde to the hospital. None of them wanted to take any chances. Virgil's biggest fear was that Backpack had taken over Richie's mind again. Obviously, he couldn't share that fear with his family.
Slow minutes passed. Virgil sat at Richie's shoulder, holding his hand and speaking to him softly. He couldn't feel anything through their link and that terrified him, but he kept trying. Richie's pulse and breathing were normal. They didn't speak of shock, at least not in the medical sense. Virgil kept trying to tell himself that Richie had just raised his mental shields, that not hearing him didn't mean Richie's mind had shut down. That explanation got harder and harder to believe.
Robert appeared in the doorway to Virgil's room carrying Richie's jacket. "Let's get him into this. Virgil, you and I will carry him downstairs." He started towards the bed.
Richie sat up abruptly, taking in a great gasp of air as if he'd been underwater for almost too long. This despite his regular respiration, and that scared Virgil more because he couldn't see a reason for it.
Richie blinked once, twice, then looked around at them. At once, he dropped his eyes. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "I must have fallen into the meditation without realizing it."
"Meditation?" Robert put the back of his wrist against Richie's forehead. "What are you talking about?"
"It's a…" Richie blushed. "It's a Ku Klux Klan thing. The only thing I ever found helpful because it could take me away from my father for long periods of time. You're supposed to go into the meditation to ponder aspects of God's greatness, but… I always used it to escape." His blush was deepening. "I must have slipped into it without realizing it. I did that once in study hall when I was staring at a bird out a window. Scared the teacher half to death." He chewed his lip. "I'm sorry. I haven't done that in so long…" Tears were gathering in his eyes and he wiped at them. "I'm sorry."
Richie's fear struck the Hawkins's and they exchanged a glance. Richie's honesty wasn't in question, but how to reassure him that even though they'd been frightened for him, they weren't angry with him. This thought flashed across Robert's mind: Foley must have abused him for such slips when they came at the wrong time.
Sharon's thought wasn't much different: Richie needs to learn what real, unconditional love is, and she put her arms around Richie, hugging him close enough that he could smell her light perfume.
Virgil, on the other hand, wasn't thinking about meditation or past abuse; he knew something very different had happened. The information was right there in Richie's mind, and easily accessible to him once again. He put his hand on Richie's cheek and kissed him softly, acting just as worried as his family.
Acting nothing. I'm more worried than they are because I don't understand yet what really happened.
I love you, V, and I'll tell you as soon as we're alone.
Is it Backpack? Virgil demanded.
Not Backpack; Brainiac. Richie felt Virgil's wave of shock and answered it. He's not nearby, but he's definitely still alive. But we need to be alone before I'll explain more. For the moment, we're all safe.
But a moment may be all we have. I get it. Virgil glanced at his pops and sister.
"I know you won't hurt me," Richie said. "I'm sorry I reacted like that. I promise I'll get better."
"Everyone heals in his or her own time," Sharon told him. She tightened her arms around him. "Don't forget you can come to any of us to talk."
Richie's smile was genuine. "I know. Thank you."
Robert put his hand on Richie's shoulder as Sharon moved back. "We love you, Richie. Please don't ever forget that."
Blushing, Richie said, "I won't."
Two minutes later, after a few more hugs and words, Virgil and Richie found themselves alone. Virgil had taken a seat on the bed; he was holding Richie's hands in his.
Clear blue eyes met dark brown ones and Richie said, his voice low, "I'm two people again. Gear broke us apart and has existed on his own since Ebon raped me. This time I can control him, but he's still there." He waited as Virgil took that in, then continued. "Gear sensed Brainiac. The supercomputer, using his knowledge of Backpack's circuits and my connection to Backpack, has found a way into my head. It can read surface things only: a few emotions, but mostly whether I'm awake or asleep. I'm working on a way to block him, but you can see the problem with any shield I put up."
"Brainiac would know instantly that you're alerted to his presence."
"Exactly. And that might force it to act before it's ready, but also before we're ready."
"We should contact the Justice League. Maybe J'onn can help. And they can help find Brainiac and destroy him." Richie's face clouded over. "What is it? You don't think they could find Brainiac?"
Richie cleared his throat. "I don't think they can destroy him. Brainiac needs to be destroyed from the inside." He watched understanding rise in Virgil's eyes like the rays of a baleful sun. He waited a moment, then answered that look. "Yes, Virg. I'm the only one who can do it. I already have a plan of sorts."
"No. No." Virgil grasped Richie's shoulders and shook him slightly. "There's no way I'm going to let you act as bait."
"I'd be poisoned bait," Richie answered. "I'd be the means of its destruction."
"But Richie, you couldn't destroy Brainiac before, or even fight him. What's so different this time?"
"I have better mental shields, for one thing. For another, I have a plan. And, last of all, part of my plan involves you and the Justice League being right there, distracting Brainiac and allowing me to work."
"And what happens if Brainiac decides to kill you?"
"It won't be able to. The first thing I'll do is link our biorhythms."
"Can you kick that in English?" Virgil bore down on Richie's hands, desperate to convince Richie to change his mind, but wanting to keep him talking until an answer came along. Besides which, Virgil was genuinely confused about 'linking biorhythms.'
"If I die, so will it. And Brainiac will know that, too. Think of the movie Dragon Heart, where the dragon had to die in the end to kill the evil prince." He nodded when Virgil showed his understanding. "I'll be safer than before, but still in danger. The last time I disobeyed your sixth sense, I ended up being raped. This is a little like that, except this time I'm setting myself up to be captured. Probably not killed, but maybe." He pushed on, covering Virgil's mouth with his hand. "Let me finish. I've thought this all out. Brainiac comes back again and again, no matter how sure we are that it's been destroyed. It's a regenerative program, so if even a little bit of it is alive, everything can come back. It's like cutting a starfish into pieces: as long as some tiny fragment of the central disk remains, you'll have a whole new starfish."
"Rihee…" Virgil freed his mouth. "Richie, you sound like an instruction manual. Why are you so calm?"
"Because I've seen the only way and I know if I don't take it, we'll never be rid of Brainiac." He sighed. "And I'll never be rid of Gear."
Virgil's jaw dropped. "You want to get rid of a part of your mind? Rich, no offense, but that sounds-"
"Insane. I know." Richie sat perfectly still for a moment. "But it's the only way, V, for me and for Earth. If you want me to go over this with the J League, don't worry; I plan to. And maybe they- or you- can come up with something else. But for now, I have no choice. I'm going to go forward until I can't go forward anymore. I'm in danger of losing myself to the hateful side of my personality."
"Rich, you can't just destroy that side. You'll end up like Dr. Jekyll. Do you remember that book? You won't be able to fight your other side; it will either consume you or you'll have a complete mental break-down. I'm not sure those aren't the same things." Virgil shook his head, fighting the sense of unreality. We shouldn't be sitting here discussing these things. I shouldn't be hearing this. He shouldn't be saying this! He drew in a breath. But we are; I am; he is. And I can't afford to believe for a minute that Richie will rethink this. I can see it in his eyes; he's made his decision. For good or for ill, he's made it. And he won't turn from this path unless he can be shown a much different way.
But dam it that doesn't give him the right to forget that I love all of him, even the angry side because it's part him. Virgil paused, weighed his own thoughts, then told that last sentence to Richie.
"Gear isn't my angry side, Virgil, or even my intelligence or my courage. Maybe he was some of those things when Batman re-fused us, but I've gained much of that in my own right. Gear isn't part of this conversation right now; he's completely separate from us. I locked him up. Do you remember the last time Gear was locked up? I was in the hospital and I made no sense. Do you remember? I was dazed and panicked and confused. Am I that way now?"
"No… But if Gear isn't all those things in you, what is he?"
"Blind rage. Blind panic. He's the personification of the fight or flight response in its strongest, most purest form. Except that Gear is ninety percent fight. He wasn't that before, as I've said, but that's what he is now."
"But Richie, sometimes we need that fight or flight response." Virgil frowned. "It's the adrenaline that gets us moving during a battle. It's the little bit of nerves we feel before speaking in public or whatever makes us nervous. It's a needed part of our biology. You would have slow reactions without it. Crime fighting aside, you'd have trouble moving out of the way of a speeding car without it."
"Granted. But just because Gear is the purest form of that response doesn't mean he's the whole response." Richie shrugged. "I guess I don't know everything about Gear, and so maybe it's not so wise to get rid of him. But I know this: with him, I'll eventually lose. Either he'll take over or I'll go insane." He shivered. "I know what true insanity is now, V; I looked her right in the face. I don't want to end up like my mom. And there's no way I'll let Gear take over. Because even if he says he would never do it, that he loves you to much, he might if he judged the situation with me untenable. Because where I might lack the fast, instinctual reflexes of our species without him, he would surely lack the part of a human that makes us human." Richie closed his eyes. "Then he would forget everything that separates him from the panther, the great white shark, the truly efficient and ruthless killers of our time. Even more: he would lack the female panther's dedication to her cubs because such a thing as compassion would be useless to him. Like a killing machine- like Brainiac, almost- he would rip through humanity taking what he wanted and killing all that he saw as useless." Reaching out, his eyes still closed, Richie took Virgil's hands. "He would kill you, V. I won't allow that."
Virgil tried to shake off a sudden chill. "I'd dodge him, Rich," he said, smiling a little.
"You're less likely to escape Gear than to escape Brainiac because Gear, with his mind like a computer, his lack of compassion, and his ability improvise, wouldn't make half the mistakes Brainiac does. I was wrong when I said Gear wouldn't retain anything human: he would have a human's intuition and ability to act on feeling alone." Richie opened his eyes, fixing Virgil with a determined gaze. "You have to believe me when I say this: Gear would be the indestructible killer."
The chill had settled itself in Virgil's skin, burrowing inwards. He brought Richie's hands to his lips and kissed them. "Richie… I don't want to lose you. And if you say this is the only way to save you, I'll agree to it. Just promise me you won't do anything alone. The Justice League and I need to be in on every part of your plan. I don't know what I'd do if Brainiac killed you or turned you against us. Please promise me you won't go this alone."
"I won't, V. That was never part of my plan. All of you will know each step in advance. I promise. And I won't leave you out of a single decision." He pulled Virgil's hands up and kissed them. "I love you and I'd never leave you or deceive you by choice." He swallowed. "I'm sorry about lying to you about Slipstream, but I didn't know Gear was in control then and I was scared. V, I'm scared now, but I know my plan is the only way. Please believe me."
The two of them came together in an fierce embrace. "I do, Richie. And I love you. I'll protect you, I swear I will." Virgil kissed Richie's soft mouth, then pushed him backwards.
Richie gazed up at Virgil, his eyes bright with a sense of urgency and desire. He reached up and snaked his fingers through Virgil's hair. Pulling Virgil closer, he deepened the kiss.
This is sort of like the night before we were ambushed by Ebon, Virgil thought and he shivered, grasping Richie's upper arms to steady himself. I don't know when it's going to happen, but we're going to find ourselves in a battle like the one with Ebon, alike in danger but different because we'll only be fighting one enemy. But Brainiac is stronger, quicker, than Ebon ever thought of being. He inhaled Richie's scent, drawing every sense of his lover around him like a blanket. I love you, Richie, he sent.
I love you, too, Virg. I'll always be here. Don't be afraid; together we can defeat Brainiac.
You're so brave, Rich.
I learned from the best. He moaned. Please, V… that again. Please.
Virgil moved his hips against Richie's own and ran the thumbs of both hands over Richie's nipples, his skin whispering against the rough weave of Richie's shirt. Turning his head slightly, he tried a new angle, teasing Richie's tongue with his own.
Richie thrust up, raising his head in a vain attempt to bring them even closer. But suddenly, he went still. Then, with a strength that shocked Virgil, he rolled to the side so Virgil was dumped on the floor.
Virgil saved himself from crashing to the floor and knelt by the bed, his eyes on Richie. He opened his mouth.
Richie sat up and drew his shirt down over his growing erection. He shook his head at Virgil, then pointed to the desk, his eyes insistant.
Virgil hesitated, then went to the desk and sat down. He turned to his math book that was open there just as someone knocked on the door. Glancing over his shoulder, Virgil saw that Richie had caught up a history book. "Come in," Virgil called.
Sharon poked her head in. "Daddy and I are going to the store. Is there anything you need?" She might have been addressing them both, but her eyes didn't leave Richie.
Richie frowned, seeming to think. "I know you have the list of the spices we need to replenish, but I forgot one thing. If you could find fresh parsnips, I'll make pumpkin soup tomorrow night before the gourd in the kitchen goes bad."
Virgil could practically see his sister drooling. A craving for Richie's pumpkin soup- a lot tastier than it sounds, Virgil thought- had briefly overswept their house in late October. When everyone's pee started turning slightly orange, Richie had called an end to the soup, though the three Hawkins protested. And now here was Richie suggesting the soup he himself had banned six weeks ago. Virgil's own mouth began to water.
Sharon nodded, seeming to come back to herself. "Anything else?"
Richie shook his head. "If you have a craving for any other dish-" his eyes danced- "just let me know ahead of time so I can make sure we have everything."
"Do you have everything you need to make hat flatbread you served with the soup last time?"
Richie closed his eyes and Virgil knew his boyfriend was picturing everything in the kitchen, opening the cupboards and the refrigerator in his mind to check. "Yup," Richie announced at last, beaming at her. "I'll make everything when I get home tomorrow."
Sharon nodded again and closed the door.
Virgil wondered if his sister would be wiping the drool off her chin any time soon. He and Richie listened to the two Hawkins leave.
When they were sure they were alone, Richie turned to Virgil, who had left his math book and stood. "You have homework," Richie said.
"But?" Virgil sank onto the bed, taking Richie in his arms.
"But…" Richie blushed. "I want you. I know: I always want you. But this… This is different."
Because this might be our last moment of peace for awhile. And even if it isn't, we both want to consummate our love. Virgil knew the thought had started in his own mind, but by the time it finished, he guessed they were thinking as one. Richie… I love you. And there's nothing I'd rather do right now then… He didn't know how to say it.
Will you make love to me?
Richie… Yes. Yes, if you'll let me.
oOo
The bed sheets, their clothes and a few pairs of jeans Virgil pretended were dirty just to have something to wash tumbled about in the washing machine as Virgil and Richie stepped out of the bathroom, freshly showered and dressed. Every time their eyes met, Richie blushed, but there was nothing embarrassed about the smile he gave his lover..
"You're so beautiful, Richie," Virgil whispered as they ducked back into his bedroom. Virgil shivered in the breeze from the open window. He left the window open a crack to dispel any… Virgil blushed himself as he closed the window.
Richie had taken the extra set of sheets- identical to the pair in the washing machine- from the top shelf of Virgil's closet. Unfolding them, he set the top sheet and the pillow case aside. "I love you, V."
Virgil helped him make the bed and, when the washer beeped, followed Richie out to put everything in the dryer. It feels like we're playing house, he thought.
He hadn't meant to send the thought, but Richie chuckled. Something like that. His cheeks were pink again as he cleared his throat. Now you really need to do your homework.
How can you think of homework at a time like this? Virgil drew Richie against him and kissed him.
Easy. Richie pulled away. I don't want you to fail because of me.
It's not your fault, Rich; you can't help it that you're irresistible. Virgil wrapped his arms around Richie from behind, kissing the blond hair before him.
Richie wriggled free again. V… He shook his head. Either you get to work or I'm going on patrol without you tonight.
Virgil caught his breath and spun Richie around. "Richie, you won't."
For a moment, Richie couldn't understand why Virgil was so angry. Then he closed his eyes for a moment, nodding. "I didn't mean it. I… I forgot about everything for a little while."
"Oh." Virgil rubbed the back of his head, feeling foolish. "I'm sorry, Rich. I'm just…"
"Protective. I know." Richie finished making the bed as Virgil turned to his math book. "And I wouldn't have it any other way. I love it that you're looking after me." Catching up the quilt, Richie began to spread it over the bed.
He was moving a little more slowly than usual and Virgil, who was distracted from his homework, asked, "Richie? Did I hurt you?"
Richie smiled. "Not a chance. I've just never… It was a new thing, V."
"I can make the bed if you want."
"Do your homework," Richie said. "I'm almost done, anyway." He put the pillowcase on Virgil's large pillow- the same pillow that had been placed under Richie's hips only ten minutes before. With this done, Richie laid down on the bed, turning on his side and closing his eyes.
"Going to sleep?" Virgil asked.
"Quit watching me and do your homework. And no, I'm not sleeping. I'm going to check on Backpack and Gear."
Virgil frowned. "Tell Gear to back off it he gets in the way."
"I'm not worried about Gear." Richie went completely still and Virgil, after gazing at his boyfriend for a moment, turned back to his work.
oOo
I've never felt so good. That was… that was amazing.
Glad you approve, Richie answered, gazing at Gear. I didn't have the concentration level to keep you and Backpack out. I hope he didn't mind.
I built my own shield during your lovemaking, Richie, Backpack answered. I am quite well.
Thank you for the privacy, BP. Richie drew closer to Backpack in his mind. I love you.
I love you, too, Richie. Backpack's answer was the same as ever, but both Richie and Gear could feel how the emotions behind the answer- the gratitude, the joy- had deepened.
Richie smiled. Then he turned to Gear. Report.
Backpack and I ran diagnostics. Everything's been erased. Brainiac can't have a foothold in him anymore. But…
But now Brainiac will discover that much sooner that he's been identified. Richie nodded. I know. Speaking of our super pain in the neck, how much is it reading now?
Not more than it was before. Gear shifted slightly and Richie felt his unease.
What is it?
You're going to kill me, aren't you? That's part of your plan. You're going to send me away somehow when you're fighting Brainiac and I'm going to die. Like a soldier who had faced death before, who accepted his demise if it meant what he believed in would be preserved, Gear didn't show any fear. Only that slight coloring of unease conveyed his concern.
Richie nodded. If I have to, yes. But I'm hoping it won't lead to that.
Come on, Richie, you expect me to believe that? Not only can I read your thoughts, but I just know you better.
Then you know I would never sacrifice any living thing if I had a choice. Let's put it this way, Gear: you have as much likelihood of coming out of this alive as Backpack and I do. Each of us runs his own risk.
But you wouldn't be heartbroken if I died.
I would lose part of myself. Of course I would be affected. Maybe not heartbroken, but only because you've plotted against me from the beginning. Richie's eyes shone with the threat of tears. I'm scared to lose you, Gear. If you'd wanted love, you shouldn't have thought of making me your living puppet.
Gear considered that. I'm sorry I don't have any of the good parts of humanity in me, Richie. That's not my fault.
I know. And if I could reabsorb you, I would. But we'll always be split. I can feel it.
So what will you do with me if I live?
Richie considered that. I'll give you two choices. Either you can inhabit a computer body, like Backpack or I can build you an android body. He read the question in Gear's eyes. Under no circumstances will I allow you to stay in my head. Even if you had the best intentions in the world, Gear, you'd still be a threat to me and those I love.
Because I can't help myself. Gear sighed. I'm like a drug addict who's beyond help. He sighed. So be it, Richie. Though I don't know if sticking me in another body would make me any less dangerous.
True, but I could ask the Justice League to look after you. Maybe J'onn could even find a way to intertwine some human consciousness with your calculations.
Too bad you can't give me a part of yourself.
If I could, I would. But we've already tried that. here's nothing more I can do.
Perhaps you could program Gear with the artificial intelligence I have developed, Backpacked said. You did not build ti, but it has become physical circuits and relays.
Gear spoke before Richie could. That would be ideal. Please don' ever think I like killing people or putting my own concerns first, Richie. He held a hand out to Richie. Shake on it? If I live through this, and if you do, you'll build me an android body and give me the way to develop my own artificial intelligence?
I can only do it if all three of us survive, Richie answered, because we would need Backpack, too. He took Gear's hand, shook it firmly. But I agree.
Excellent. I will agree to support this idea of yours to the best of my ability. Gear's smile was wry. I do so for my own protection, but I hope you understand that I wish I was doing it for all of us.
I know. Richie looked between the two other personalities in his mind. We have to contact the Justice League. Before anything else can happen, we have to find Brainiac and I have to learn a little more about mental shields. He frowned, suddenly tense. Do you think Virgil's at risk now that he can connect to me?
I doubt it, Backpack said. After all, Brainiac does not know of your connection.
But he might be if Brainiac gains entrance to your innermost memories, Gear said. Virgil should learn how to shelter his mind, too.
Richie nodded. Then we'd better get started. BP, will you send a copy of this conversation and my plan to the Justice League? I'm going to… He yawned. I'm going to…
You're going to get some sleep, Gear said. You're done in, at least for the day. You want all your wits about you when you talk to Batman, Green Lantern and the others.
Richie hesitated.
Please sleep, Richie. Gear and I will keep watch and make sure the Justice League knows everything.
Richie yawned again. All right. Thank you both. He passed easily from wakefulness to sleep.
Backpack sent, I am amazed how sincere you are, Gear. It is as if you will actually keep your promise.
Can't you feel I was telling the truth? Gear groaned. I'll say this much for Richie: when he puts others in danger, he's in just as much, if not more, danger himself.
Is that why you agreed?
Gear laughed. Is that what you really think? I only wish I was that altruistic! No, Backpack, I agreed because I have no choice.
oOo
Hotstreak glanced around him one more time before making his way down the last street. No one had followed him here, but he had to double check, to make sure he hadn't been spotted n the last few minutes and stalked. Most likely, even if he had seen someone, that person was only following him because he or she had nothing better to do. But casual interest could turn into something much more if it was discovered that Hotstreak had any tie to his old life.
Nodding, satisfied, Hotstreak hidden by a trench coat and a fedora, made his way to the familiar front door. He knew the occupant was inside and hat she was alone. He'd watched her from a distance for weeks before he'd felt comfortable with her routine and her lack of friends and family who came to visit her. Readying himself for the sparkling eyes and the worn face that would greet him, Hotstreak rang the bell.
The sound echoed inside for a moment. Hotstreak fidgeted on the steps and lanced around once more, feeling unsure. He hadn't really stopped feeling that way; it was just that he wanted to tell this one person what was happening to those he knew, what might happen to him if he couldn't stop it, or if he decided not to.
The door opened a crack. "Hello?"
"Hi. It's Francis. Can I come in?"
She didn't throw the door wide open; that wasn't her way. Maybe it had been once, when she was a girl. But suffering had made her quick and discreet in her movements. She opened the door enough so he could slip in, then closed it behind him, locking it. She didn't turn the light in the front hall on, but led him back to the living room where one lamp was lit.
Hotstreak inhaled the familiar scents of wood polish, home cooking and vanilla candles. He took off his hat and coat as he went, stopping at the hallway closet just outside the living room to put his things away.
In the soft glow of the single lamp, his hero turned to him, her eyes filled with love and hope and a happiness so urgent it was painful. She opened her arms to him and Hotstreak went to her, wrapping her in his strong arms and shuddering when she began to weep.
He cried a little himself, unashamed now that he'd finally decided to come home. "Aunt Sue." Speaking her name made his tears flow faster, but he didn't care.
She didn't speak, but tightened her hold on him. One delicate hand reached up to touch his hair, moving through it as though she was soothing some frightened animal.
"I missed you," he said.
"I love you, Francis." She pulled back a little and gazed up at him. "You're taller." Her eyes glowed like the lamp. "You're handsome. You look a lot like my father in his younger days." She touched the yellow streak in his hair. "Except for this, of course. But I always liked the gold in you. You'll always be my resilient phoenix." She retreated to the couch, urging him to sit beside her. "Are you hungry? Should I feed you? Or is this only a short stop?"
"I have to leave tonight," he said. "I'm sorry. But I have to tell you…" He shook his head. "I wouldn't say no to a little supper, but I can't stay past three or four in the morning."
She nodded. "I'll call in, tell them I'm sick. We can stay up all night."
"Will the hospital believe you're sick? You're still at the hospital; I saw you there, still behind the switchboard counter."
She smiled. "They'll believe. I look a dreadful sight most of the time." His aunt stood. "Let me call them and finish healing up the soup." She reached out, touched his shoulder. "Will you stir it for me?"
He was on his feet at once and striding towards the kitchen.
As she made her call, Francis/Hotstreak/F-Stop (oh how she'd hated that nickname!) breathed in the smell of her pumpkin soup. He'd never had it anywhere else; most people, if he decided to ask them, didn't know what it was. And most of those grimaced, saying it sounded disgusting. What do they know? They've never had real food until they've tasted Aunt Sue's cooking. He stirred the soup, listening to the cadence of her voice as she spoke to her boss.
When she was done and the soup was heated, they served themselves, took hunks of bread form the fresh-baked loaf and retired to the kitchen table, sitting across from each other so they could watch each other while they ate.
"You've fallen in love," she said as the meal moved towards its close and they were sopping the last of the soup up with their bread. "Don't try to deny it; I can always tell. What's the lucky one's name/"
He laughed. How like her to refrain from any expectation of gender! How like her to realize that years had passed and, even the two of them were as comfortable as they had ever been, that time had still run between them. "Their names are Richie and Virgil. Richie Foley- the boy in the papers- and his lover, Virgil Hawkins, son of the guy who runs the Freeman Community Center." He waited, curious how she would take this.
She pondered as she chewed the last of her bread. "Richie Foley struck me as amazingly strong for all he suffered. Is he also weak in some way or has he been hardened by all the abuse?"
"He's strong and weak. He can fight; I've seen him defend others amazingly well. But he likes to be held and sheltered. He's as beautiful as the lake we used to walk around, and just as natural. Richie doesn't put on any airs."
She smiled to hear her own oft-used phrase on his lips. "I'm glad. Tell me about Virgil."
"He doesn't like feeling weak, but I can understand that. For the longest time, he was all Richie had, so he had to be strong no matter what. Richie's changing him from angry to something a little more civilized." He laughed. "So there's hope for me yet. Richie and Virgil are changing me, too. I haven't been on the news lately. Have you noticed?"
"I always notice." Laughing, she said, "Who else do I have to look after besides you, Francis? Of course I watch. You're different now; you've stopped attacking those superheroes, Static and Gear. And you've stopped stealing so many things."
"I don't want to go to jail anymore," he answered. "And I don't want to force Static and Gear to fight me." He leaned forward and took her hand. There was no thought of asking her to keep a secret; she wouldn't tell. "Virgil and Richie are Static and Gear."
She gasped, then nodded. "Then I really don't have to worry about you anymore." She stood and took her bowl to the sink. He followed. "I'm glad you've found love, Francis. And I'm proud of you for choosing love over hate."
Along about midnight, Hotstreak got up the courage to tell his aunt about Dr. Todd and his plans for making Bang Babies "normal." And once he'd found his bravery, seizing it about the neck like a bottle of cheap, strong wine, he couldn't stop telling her.
"Aquamaria had gotten out of jail on good behavior. Ebon, Ferret, Kangor, Shiv, Carmen Dillo, Slipstream, Replay and Replikon are still on lock-down, but Aquamaria's a sweetheart. She doesn't really want to hurt anyone. She never had Talon's anger or the thirst for power the rest of us had. She helped Ebon, but she felt no loyalty to him.
"She and I went on a little shopping spree, not really for money, but for fun." He held up a hand. "I know you don't approve."
"I'm not saying anything, Francis. Tell your story."
He loved her for that. He closed his eyes for a moment, collected himself, and went on. "We hit a CD store where a famous rock star- Candeed- was autographing her music for all her Dakota fans. Aquamaria and I were going to grab the cash and split, but…" He sighed. "Static and Gear- Virgil and Richie- showed up. I reminded Aquamaria that she would take care of Static and I would get Gear. I knew she couldn't do more than short Static out and I knew I could take out Gear without hurting him. It didn't work that way. Static flew at me, leaving Aquamaria to face Gear. At first, she didn't fight him, though. She threw water at Static, shorting him out. But before we could get away, Gear threw a Zap Cap- one of his little grenade things- at her. She froze solid. I didn't know he had an invention just for her. Not that I'm surprised; since he started fighting alongside Virgil, it seemed like Richie came up with at least one new invention every week. He'd only been in costume for two weeks before he programmed a Zap Cap to douse me with water.
"Well, I blew out the wall of the store and took off. I felt guilty about leaving her there, especially after she'd just been sprung from jail, but what could I do? I couldn't plead for them to let her go; even if they care for me, they'd never show as much, especially in front of a bunch of people. Our love just isn't at that stage yet. Someday, I'll be ready to swear off being a delinquent and they'll embrace me. I have proof that's what'll happen: Gear somehow slipped a note down my pants when we were fighting. As far as I know, he wasn't within five feet of me, but he probably figured out some way to do it. He's a genius, after all." Hotstreak pulled the note out of his back pocket and smoothed the wrinkles away as he laid it on the coffee table.
V says he'll try it if we're all on the same side and if we're compatible. So when you're ready to put down your flaming fists of fury, call us. –Phoenix Statue
His aunt gazed at the note for a moment. "Not the most romantic person, is he?"
Hotstreak grinned and flipped over the note. Written there were words almost too small to read: We can make this work. Have faith.
She nodded. "All right; he seems to understand a little of how you tick."
Hotstreak nodded. "Richie probably knew I was going to escape, or at least thought it was a possibility. Even if I didn't, no one would be able to make sense of those few words. But, just in case…."
"Is that why he signed it 'Phoenix Statue?' "
"Yeah. I gave him a statue of a phoenix in flight for his birthday back in July." Hotstreak grinned. "This was long before I'd figured out that I loved either him or Virgil; I just couldn't help myself. It was an irresistible urge, like having to take a piss."
She frowned at him. "Francis…"
He blushed, ducked his head. "I'm sorry. Guess I should remember whose house I'm in. It was like having to pee."
She shook her head, laughed. "You'll never make for me a dinner companion in polite society."
He grinned. "Hey, you don't spend time in polite society, so what's the difference?" When her smile broadened, Hotstreak squeezed her hand. "Anyway, I escaped and Aquamaria was captured. She was taken to this Dr. Todd, a leader in Bang Baby research. I don't know everything that happened, but I do know 'Maria agreed to try a new experiment that would make her normal again." He grimaced. "I don't know why she'd want to normal again; her life wasn't so perfect before the Big Bang; I can't think what she'd have to go back to."
"Family maybe?"
Hotstreak sighed. "I don't know. All I know is: she wanted to break up the team, become human again." His eyes flashed white lightning and his hands began to smoke.
"Francis, do you need to go burn off some of your anger before continuing?"
It was what she'd said to him when he was young; funny how "burning out his anger" meant real flames now. But Hotstreak knew he didn't' have time for that. Besides, that's one reason he had come to her: to ask her to help him drain his rage. "No…." He uncurled his fists. "I want to talk about this now."
She nodded. "Talk."
"I found out where Dr. Todd's lab was, snuck in and burned out a cable, keeping her from becoming human." He put his head in his hands. "But something went really wrong. I… I almost killed her. She became one with the water… She couldn't separate from it at all. Instead of being a thin, willowy water-spirit, she was the whole river. She hated it, hated being denied when she was so close. And she hated that she was worse off than before.
"I was wandering around, feeling sorry for myself, when she found me and asked me to help her. Now, I'd thought she would have been angry with me because I left her at the CD store, but she was desperate for help, so she came to me. I promised to help her collect the doctor, his assistants and his equipment so she could be turned back to normal. She looked so miserable that I decided I needed to help her. Even if I didn't agree with the idea of being human again, I decided it was her decision to make."
He sighed. "She kidnapped the doctor while I got everyone and everything else, but she made a mistake: she kidnapped him right in front of Static and Gear. Of course, she didn't know they were Static and Gear, but she'd gone to a high school swim meet and I knew Richie and Virgil would be there to support their friend, Daisy. This time, she was ready for them, though; she was so charged up on anger that she would have been ready to fight an earthquake. I think fusing with all that water, not being able to be away from it at all, weakened her mind as well as her body. She was probably three-quarters insane. She escaped Static and Gear and brought the doctor, who'd been at the swim meet to watch his daughter."
"May I ask a question?"
He nodded.
"How do you know they were there?"
"Because she told me, but mostly because I just know them. Knowing Richie, he wasn't just at the swim meet to watch Daisy and be with Virgil; he was probably keeping an eye on Dr. Todd. Because the good doctor wants to make everyone normal. Gear's probably keeping an eye on him." He shrugged. "I can't explain how I know that; I just have a feeling."
"It's all right; go on."
"Okay. Well, the doctor got her back in the little tank she had to be in and started trying to cure her. But he wasn't doing it right; I think maybe she'd absorbed too much water for the earlier method to work." He closed his eyes for a moment a look of remembered panic crossed his face. "When Aquamaria saw it wasn't working, she broke out of the tank and yelled at the doctor. I suggested maybe it was another power failure… Except the power failure I caused hadn't been on the news. Aquamaria figured out it was me that ruined her chance at being human and she'd tried to drown all of us.
"Lucky for the doctor, his assistant, and me, Static and Gear showed up. They'd figured out what Aquamaria wanted and had appeared to do their superhero thing. They chased Aquamaria away- she went into the sewers- and returned for the rest of us." He sighed. "Gear was mad at me, probably because he'd figured out that I'd caused all the trouble and maybe because I'd accidentally blasted Static when I was escaping from the CD store. I hadn't meant to hit him, and he wasn't hurt, but the fact that he'd been injured was enough for Gear. So, when Static rescued the other two, Gear dropped me in the mud outside the little railcar depot where Aquamaria had told me to take everything. It was the only place close to the doctor's first base of operations that had a big enough power supply." He smiled slightly. "I don't blame Gear; I saw him glance back at me before flying off, just to make sure I was okay. Even superheroes can get annoyed. And neither he nor Static came back to capture me after they helped Aquamaria."
Shaking his head, Hotstreak said, "That's what makes them heroes, you know? They wouldn't just capture her and lock her up; Gear figured out what the doctor was doing wrong and they cured her. She's back home now. I hope she likes it."
"You're angry that this doctor may take away everyone's powers."
"Yeah. Selfish, huh? Maybe if I didn't have any powers, I could be on the right side of things."
"It isn't your powers that separates you from Richie and Virgil; it's your anger. Francis, until you learn to work around your rage, you won't be content on the right side of the law." She held his hands. "You're getting better; I remember a time when you couldn't have calmed down enough to tell me such a long story. But you still have a little bit to go. What will you do now?"
He frowned. He'd been so occupied with his anger at the doctor that he hadn't really thought of the future. He told her so.
"Well, the first thing I'd do is see if you can figure out how to keep your powers, if you really want to keep them. Go talk to Richie. He sounds like he might have a few ideas."
Hotstreak blinked. "You think he'd help me keep my powers?"
"He sounds like a decent, caring boy. As long as he knows you aren't going to blast anything, he'd trust you." She was smiling at him. "In any case, it can't hurt to try."
They talked until five A.M. Hotstreak had to go then, as much as he longed to stay with her. They embraced in the dimmed lamplight, hardly able to think.
"I'll come back," he promised. "I swear I will. I want you to meet them. I want you to love them and know how wonderful they are."
"I already love them because they care about you." She kissed his cheek. "Be careful out there."
"I will be. And I'll be back soon." He went to the front door, his mind reeling with everything they'd discussed. But he cast it all into a corner for a moment, desperate to see her clearly this one last time. No matter what he promised, every time he left they knew it could be the last time.
Her smile shone in the dimness like a diamond among coal. "I love you."
"I love you, too." And he was gone. As he made his way back to his own familiar neighborhoods, he made a list of all they'd discussed. His mother's recent death loomed large in his mind, and Hotstreak wondered if she had died happy or just died like she'd lived life: as if it was someone else's life and there was really nothing she could do about it. Probably that, he thought sourly as he struggled home. Probably that, and it's good she's dead because I can't imagine even trying to explain to her my love for two men. He laughed; the sound echoed and he snapped his mouth shut.
His father, too, was dead, but Hotstreak hadn't seen the man in so long that it didn't hurt at all. He'd never really known him.
And her words about Richie and Virgil: don't let them get away, Francis. Don't let anything stand between the three of you. Love them, Francis; never stop loving them. Good beyond the three of you will come to you if you love them.
o--------------------------------------------------------------------o
tbc…
Just as a side note: Is anyone else wondering if Brainiac can actually be defeated? Richie hasn't told me is plan yet.