Chapter 5: Punishing Fists

10 Years Earlier: Metro City Penitentiary

She had to see him. She knew it wasn't going to be easy – but she had to see him.

Yet, somehow Jessica was not prepared for just how shaken she would be at how unrecognizable Cody appeared before her at the detention center. She knew the visit wasn't going to be easy, yet she could not accept that her childhood sweetheart was well en route to becoming a notorious criminal and an ex-hero to the world.

She refused to believe it despite it happening before her eyes.

She thought he prioritized their life over needless fighting. He promised that he was going to do better. It took them long enough to even allow her to see him - she managed to pull a conjugal visit despite them not being legally bound…she was the mayor's daughter, after all.

She also knew that his priorities were shifting. She was going to study abroad in France, anyway. He had no interest other than ensuring their safety…to a fault. Perhaps they needed the space…but not like this.

"Didn't want you to see me like this, Jess."

"What else am I supposed to do?" she cried. "It feels like you're choosing this route, Cody!"

"Right," Cody's eye twitched. "You sound just like your dad. All I'm doin' is tryin' to keep you safe given you're pretty much a huge target…like, all the time."

Jessica frowned, trying to ignore the sting. Was he resentful?

"Are you serious? Like I'm choosing to be a target?" Jessica fired back. "You're losing control. I've seen you initiate fights, Cody!"

"I'm just tryin' to keep us all safe," he repeated.

"Have you seriously considered not beating up every guy on the street?" she sighed. "Dad's got it under control."

"I wouldn't say all that…why would I have to keep fighting if he did?"

Jessica shook her head. The idea that her trust in him was faltering and her patience wearing thin was alarming her. "You've just gotten so much more violent ever since…that time. I swear, you're choosing not to let up," she said as her voice broke. She hated what she was about to say. "…You have no one to blame but yourself!"

Jessica always told him the truth…except this time wasn't reassurance. He willingly put his life on the line for the city…for her. And now, he was being punished for continuing exactly what he set out to do.

"To be fair, I already suggested we break up after that time, so we wouldn't be in this mess, but you weren't hearin' it," Cody sneered, frustrated that he was incarcerated to begin with. He never planned on going to jail - life just loved to deal him those bad hands, time after time - a belief he thought he let go of a long time ago. "At this rate, I'm startin' to think you like the thrill of being in danger." Before his sentence was finished, he was met with a hard slap to the face.

"What the—?"

"How dare you."

"Am I wrong?"

Jessica fumed and turned her back. She knew that he was pushing hard. It's what he did when he felt cornered. She didn't know if she had it in her to stick by his side this time around…it was almost as if their future didn't matter. Her love…it hadn't felt like enough. And she gave her entire heart to him. How could he willingly throw it away like their bond meant nothing?

Cody could feel his stomach cramping - not having eaten properly the last few days, wrought with fatigue and anxiety…he always knew he was someone who couldn't live a "normal" life, no matter how hard he tried. To say the entire ordeal was infuriating was an understatement. So he was going to stop trying and just be. She didn't have to be here. No one did.

"What's gotten into you?" Jessica breathed shakily. "I don't know if I can do this…you're just being a selfish jerk right now. I can't stand it!"

Selfish. Ouch. Everything he'd done, he'd done for her…

He had been so afraid of losing Jessica, but he hadn't anticipated it would ultimately be by his own accord. She turned around to look at him one last time, desperate to find him again…

"Really, Jessica? I don't get why you're surprised at this point! How else am I gonna keep you safe?" His elevated voice struck her like a chord. He never yelled at her before.

"It's not just about 'keeping me safe,' Cody! I just wanted you to keep your promises as easily as you made them!" Jessica yelped, tears streaming down her face as he averted his gaze to the ground.

"Apparently, that was too much to ask," she said through her tears, the feeling of her heart breaking in two. She couldn't believe what he was and wasn't saying. He wasn't even looking at her…

"I'm going abroad anyway, so you won't have to feel the need to 'protect' me anymore," she seethed, tears free-falling. "It feels like my love isn't enough…"

"Maybe it isn't," he cut her off sharply. "'Cause you'll be gone while I'm in here, anyway."

Jessica shook her head, her hopes and dreams shattered before her eyes.

After all they'd been through.

After all those years.

"I…I can't do this right now. Maybe…I shouldn't have come here at all."

After all he'd done for her…only to be left behind. He took a lot of pain over his lifetime, but he wasn't sure any of it compared to this moment.

"I'll see you off tomorrow…maybe."

"Suit yourself," he said, feeling like death overcame him. The disappointment on her face was going to haunt his mind's eye for years to come. She shook her head and left. Once the sting in his jaw faded, it was going to be the last time he let himself feel any more pain of that magnitude. If Jessica gave up on him…what was the point of anything, really? At least she wouldn't be in Metro City.

If doing the right thing just meant getting left behind, why did he bother? Did he even know what the "right" thing was? For a long time, to him, that meant protecting Jessica and anyone who couldn't defend themselves with every fiber of his being…protecting the town…he was lauded as a hero for years, only for everyone who claimed to love him to turn their backs, one by one…

If I don't care, I can't lose.

Perhaps being selfish was the way to go. You had no one to worry about but yourself. He never wanted to feel that inadequacy again. He couldn't be disappointed if he had no dreams. If there's anything that wouldn't reject him, it would be fighting - it carried him through this life. He felt alive each time. Turned out, it was all he had. The very people he fought for, including the one he loved turned their backs on him.

He sat forward, staring at the ground. He might as well start getting used to it.

After everything he'd done for them, the city.

After all that he thought he put on the line. He ended up as the street rat everyone said he would be. Not the way he dreamed of going out…

He railed his entire life fighting against all odds - yet fate struck out. Maybe…this is where he belonged. Some 'hero.'

Fighting wouldn't reject him for loving it. He was certain he deadbolted his soul from that day forward as Jessica hadn't shown up the next day.

The following day…

Poison watched as Jessica approached the correctional facility behind her. "Finally. Showtime."

The women met eyes - and Jessica frowned immediately, noting the bouquet in Poison's hand.

"Why are you here."

"Oh, look! It's the cutie," Poison flashed a smile toward Jessica who was clearly unamused. She couldn't believe she was still here for that man. Their devotion was sickening. "Prissy as ever."

"Why are you here?" Jessica repeated. She didn't have time for games.

"I'm visiting Cody, of course," Poison turned around to survey Jessica. The poor girl clearly hadn't slept a wink - she looked like she could use it. Poison, on the other hand, slept like a baby given that things were looking up for her. "I heard what happened to our boy."

"Will you give it up? I'm sure you're the absolute last person he'd ever consider seeing," Jessica folded her arms. She wasn't going to be scared anymore. Mad Gear was nothing but a whisper, now.

"Wrong, girlie. If anything, he's expecting me. You, on the other hand…" Poison spat, knowing that Cody was head over heels for the girl. "You don't even know what cell he was moved to today, do you?"

"Why does it matter to you?" Jessica retorted shakily. She bit down in frustration, wondering why this woman who put her life in danger not too long ago was so concerned…and informed. Cody would have only been moved…if he got into yet another fight.

"Aww. He didn't tell you yet, did he?" the pink-haired beauty tutted. "Cody and I have been lovers since you came back to this hellhole. Turned to a real woman who understood this kind of life." Jessica went white as a ghost as Poison leaned into her.

"As a matter of fact…he went to prison for me," she looked at her with sly blue eyes as the other girl dropped her bag. "Literal life-saver, that Cody. I'm so touched. I think he's in love."

"You're lying," Jessica growled, tears welling in her eyes. If that were so, then why did her pounding heart feel otherwise? While their last encounter was intense…she thought she'd seen Cody at his worst, but never did he turn on her the way he did. This entire time, she was distraught that he ended up in prison of all places, but not once did she consider that he was possibly seeing someone else. She knew he lived a dangerous life, but…a traitorous one, too? He couldn't…he wouldn't.

"Everyone knows that the great ex-hero of Metro City has a protective streak. He saved me…and went out of his way to do so." It wasn't a complete lie…

"Cody…he would never! Especially with someone like you," Jessica spit at her feet. She was convincing herself, now.

Poison scowled as she raised her hand. Slapping the stunned blonde with as much force as she could muster, she pulled away, the satisfaction of seeing the red well up in her face exhilarating her.

"Real ladylike, Ms. High & Mighty! What are you doing to get him out of jail, huh?" she began, her face contorted with disgust. Truly, Poison hated that Cody had to take the fall for Mad Gear's latest crimes, but that's just how it had to be. She was NOT losing her precious youth in jail for anyone, not even that charming, edgy blond bad boy.

"I've always hated your spoiled ass. You have everything you could possibly need, and you still relied on him to save you that day - yet you're not even lifting a finger to save him now," she seethed. "I'm sure you've got loads of money to bail him out. He deserves so much better."

"You," Jessica began breathlessly. "You don't know anything about us! And you're literally the ones who kidnapped me!" she shrieked. "What'd you expect me to do on my own?!"

"I dunno - fight back? Coulda saved all of us the drama," Poison rolled her eyes, believing that sincerely. "I'm done with Mad Gear, anyway. Let bygones be bygones. The one good thing that came out of the whole situation was your delicious boyfriend," she smirked.

"Shut up," Jessica growled, eyes red. Tears were stinging her face much worse than Poison's considerably hard smack.

"Pathetic," Poison shook her head as she let out the most audible of scoffs. "You know, I never could see what he saw in you. He puts up a good front - he swore up and down you were his whole life. Not that I can blame him for falling for me. Guess we're all wrong about something."

Jessica leaned against the wall, her mind spinning with distress. Cody was seeing another woman this entire time? That couldn't be right. After all those years, when she thought she knew him…she realized she didn't know him at all. She couldn't bear the thought to be belittled by him again. He made his own bed. She had a flight to catch.

"Just…leave me alone."

"Well, ta! It's my turn," Poison grinned as the door shut behind her. What a rush.

Lucky, lucky me…looks like they were already in the rough.

Poison was pleased. After a difficult life, the tide was finally in her favor. She wanted to savor this moment. She could finally have her cake and eat it, too. The boy who was now a man - who saved both her and Roxy from the dregs of the foster care system upon their arrival to Metro City all those years ago…he was finally going to be hers. She didn't even know if he remembered what he'd done for them all those years ago.

Having the eye to discern quality was important to her - it was how she and Roxy survived growing up in the rough of Los Angeles as orphans before they made a break for the city on the other side of the country - the city that never slept, and the city where dreams were truly made of. She knew quality when she saw it, and that Cody, who fought through all odds day and night, like a freight train with no brakes…was the real deal.

Her plan was flawless. Once he realized that Jessica ditched him, she'd go in for the kill and have that bad boy all to herself. How could he resist? She was smart, overwhelmingly sexy, ambitious, and well on her way to becoming one of the most powerful women in the world. The love of her life had to fit the part - they couldn't be just powerful, they couldn't just be passionate - they HAD to be both. She deserved nothing less.

The closest person she had to ideal was Hugo Andore, her literal partner in crime and one of the closest people to her. But he was no romantic sap. He couldn't quite give her exactly what she wanted. Their bond was one that was precious – and she refused to taint him with her sadism. The reckless vigilante boy, however…he was used to pain. He could take it.

Cody Travers, her handsome, edgy heartthrob fit the bill, and she was going to get what she wanted - she always struck her targets. He loved with an intensity anyone could ever ask for, that no one could possibly match, as she witnessed during his rampage when he searched for the golden-haired tramp. She deserved that fiery passion. He deserved her. She deserved him.

Poison always got what she wanted. Sure, he'd have to serve a little time to get the ball rolling, but nothing worth having came easy, did it?

The pink-haired raven knew exactly what to do to get to a sap like him. A pleasured shiver ran down her spine as she thought about his immaculately sculpted physique…oh, the things she would do to him once he was hers. His sentence couldn't be over quick enough. She wanted him now.

She knew he was capable of caring deeply. Why else would he fight so much for just one person? No one had that sort of dedication these days. If anyone stopped at nothing for her rescue as he did, she would be putty in their arms for life. Didn't she deserve that like anyone else on this wretched planet?

"Hey there, handsome," Poison walked up to the glass, the reality before her shocking her out of her fantasies. It'd only been a few days, and the brawler was clearly having a rough time.

"Where's Jessica."

"Nice to see you too," Poison scoffed. She knew there'd be a little resistance, but that was nothing a handful of determination couldn't overcome. She fingered the bouquet she bought to show her sentiment. "I was thinking about you."

"Don't care. Where's Jessica."

Poison sighed. He was just mad right now. Maybe it was too soon - she just had to let him cool down. "You don't need to worry about her. I'm visiting you."

"I have nothin' to say to you."

"Surely you could use a pretty face?"

"Not sure why you think that's you."

Ouch. Good thing he didn't know he was framed. She'd tell him one day, soften the blow a little bit. He was on fire today, but Poison liked the challenge.

"So…what're you in for?"

"Aggravated assault's a punishable offense, apparently."

"I see. How's that workin' out for that cutie of yours?" She looked around the room as he said nothing, the air feeling as if it were getting thicker by the second. "Aren't you tired of being her muscle? You're always stickin' your neck out for that chick, the least she could do is come see you." She couldn't let him get too cool. Keep him on the edge - that's how they always liked it.

"Not even gonna entertain that."

She knew he had the capacity to be sweet as pie - why'd he have to act so rotten? He was killing her high.

"You know," Poison pursed her soft lips. "Even if she gave up on you, I'll wait for you until the end of time…"

"Don't bother. Leave."

Now he was just being difficult. Poison hated that she felt…hurt. He didn't even try to pretend. She thought he was at least a little sweet. What else did he have to lose? At the mad rate he was going, he had to expect he was going to end up here one way or another; all she did was speed up the process. If anything, he should be grateful. That way, he could continue doing what he loved most, what excited him…what brought him to life. He could fight from sunrise to sunset. She was giving him a gift.

…Or so she convinced herself. It seemed to come at the cost of his spirit. He wasn't…quite the same as she expected him to be. Not even a hint of a smile was showing through his tired, angry eyes. She was going to put herself out there.

"Cody…I've been done with Mad Gear - and I just want you to know that I'm not giving up on you - whether you like it or not. I understand you way more than she ever could. You and I belong together because danger and toxicity will follow us no matter where we go," Poison tried to look into his eyes, but he wasn't having it. Their reunion was not happening the way she dreamed. "This is just how we thrive, handsome. We both know what it's like…growin' up was nothing but broken dreams and hell for both of us. We might as well use that to our advantage…"

Cody sighed. "Look, Poison. I don't know what you want me to say," the brawler looked up without lifting his head. "Don't need to rely on anyone but myself these days. My life was just fine before I met you. All in a name, I guess. Get outta my face."

Poison took in a deep breath. Seemed like his fists weren't the only way he could pack a punch. She was not going to let him see any wounded part of her.

"You burn all your bridges, bad boy," she said with a controlled smile. "And you'll guarantee you have nowhere to go."

Poison hated that lump in her throat. She always got what she wanted. This is why she didn't want to fall in love in the first place. You give them nothing but your devotion and they just throw it in your face. Being on the other end of the wrath of someone heartbroken didn't make it any easier.

"His loss."

A shiver ran down her spine, but the ache hurt so bad…so bad it almost felt wildly good. Sadism had its perks. But somehow, she still felt tender for him. It felt just the right amount of toxic. Poisonous, even.

Current Day: Mayor's Office, 5:45PM

Cody felt like an artist, in a way. He sat back in his new-car-smell leather chair, pen in mouth as he manually edited one of his latest proposals. Coming up with ideas to make things better for everyone felt…nice. It was fulfilling. It was almost kind of…fun. Haggar didn't really talk about that part of the job. It would have at least sounded more enticing from the get-go.

"Yup. Looks good." He wanted to make sure it was to Marlowe's standards, high as they were.

He was compelled to push himself - if he was gonna be stuck behind the desk for at least half of the week, there had to be some excitement somewhere. He would have never expected that putting words on paper would lighten his brain's load. No wonder people did this stuff. A clear mind flies just fine.

Marlowe entered his quarters for her nightly check-out, surprised to see him as alert as he was. By this point in the day, he would usually be wired and tired on his fourth cuppa, literally sleeping on the job, or irritably complaining about just how bored he was, like a restless schoolchild. To see him so focused on work was…a surprise.

"Mayor Cody! You're up and about," she didn't mean to sound sarcastic.

"That I am! Hey, Maisie, can you take a look at this real quick? Just want your gut thoughts…"

"Oh? What's this?"

"My second proposal," he grinned with an air of pride, placing the report directly into her hands. "I think you'd be mighty proud. I even did it ahead of schedule."

"Ah, I see! This seems near and dear to you," she said, impressed. "Reentry reform, huh?"

"Yup. While Mike had good intentions, I've actually been through the system in more ways than one since I was kid. Hell, I'm still adjustin' today," he laughed. "Things changed like crazy since I was locked up, and I hate feeling out of the loop. I think this program will do right by folks who have to go through the transition - y'know, give 'em hope before it's dashed again because they have to deal with so much pedantic, bureaucratic bullshit."

She raised a brow at him.

"I mean, uh…crap. You know what I mean…"

"Crudeness aside…excellent job, Mayor Cody," Marlowe nodded. "You've got a good head on your shoulders, there."

"Meh - just tryin' to make it all make sense," he lifted his arms over and behind his head as he leaned back in his chair.

"You know, Mayor Cody," Marlowe said as she scanned his proposal. His steady improvement was inspiring. Somehow, he routinely came up with very simple, uncomplicated, rarely bureaucratic solutions to the city's problems. Not that there was anything wrong with Mike's tactics, but perhaps he was the breath of fresh air Metro City needed. "I'm really starting to see what Haggar recognized in you."

"Wh…what'd you think of me before?!"

"I thought you were pretty mediocre at best," Maisie smiled. "To your credit - you do make each day count!"

"You're so mean," the mayor faux-whined. "But…thanks, I guess?"

They exchanged silly smiles as she went to get her pocketbook.

Marlowe and Cody were good together. Their warm-up period was decidedly rough, but they understood each other. Sure, Cody's pacing was still abysmal to her standards, but at the rate he was improving, she figured he would get where he needed to be no time. She had to remind herself; he was fresh out of prison when they'd first met less than a year ago…

He hadn't realized it himself yet, but there were plenty of flashes of Haggar's influence as she witnessed him in the zone, something he would never admit to.

"Now, I know you have approximately 14 minutes free in your calendar," she said, eyes rapidly scanning to the end of his proposal. "I can give you plenty of feedback that can be as actionable as tomorrow before I head out…"

He rubbed the back of his head. "Here we go…"

After a many and great criticism, Cody's proposal draft was all set. Marlowe was always happy to lend a hand given that Cody rarely asked for help. She was proud of his growth.

"Don't stay here too late. I need you to be your best for the upcoming veiling. 8 hours of sleep a night, minimum, Mayor Cody. Don't let me hear about you patrolling on your bizarre, unnecessary, night shifts or you won't hear the end of it which would just waste both of our time…"

"Yeah, yeah, don't I know it," Cody laughed. He was coming into his own. "Good night, Miss Marlowe."