#part 21

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Robotnik's gloveless fingers rolled the USB stick around in his hand. It was unsuspecting; nothing about it would reveal all the twisted and disturbing plans White had in mind for the Hybrids under his care.

Stomach twisting, Robotnik swallowed hard.

He didn't know how long he had been sitting there once White had cut him loose and slipped the USB stick into his hands. Only a few inches away, sitting innocently on the table, sat his gloves. White had thrown them down before exiting.

"When I get my collar, you get your doggies back, doctor. Can't promise they won't be knocked up."

Rage had swelled inside of him, like a storm forming over a swirling sea. But, a barrier kept the waves of the storm from crashing over him and consuming him.

A wall of pure and unadulterated terror.

He didn't need to use the USB stick to know what White wanted from him.

When White had told him he wanted a collar made, Robotnik assumed he wanted a shock collar--one that had the features he had put into Stone's and Rockwell's collars.

He wasn't wrong. White did want that.

But he wanted more.

"Be creative, doctor," White had smirked at him. "I've seen a few videos of what your robots can do. I don't doubt you can make what I want."

White had gone told him that he didn't want a simple shock collar. Yes, he wanted it to have the capability to shock its wearer, but he wanted it to do so much more.

The collar should be able to make it easier to train Hybrids.

To manipulate them.

To control them.

To breed them.

White had been working with other scientists for years to develop a collar that would allow them to tap into a Hybrid's very neural system and the brain itself.

At a press of a button, he wanted the collar to make the brain to create certain chemicals. Ones to release extra adrenaline during fights, ones that made a Hybrid docile and calm.

Ones that would make a Hybrid go into heat or rut.

Robotnik wasn't familiar with Hybrids and their relationship to heats, but he knew the concept behind it.

The very idea would require science fiction levels of technology. Not to mention, a extreme level of understanding Hybrid biology.

It felt as if he had been given an impossible task.

It should be impossible.

However, the information in the sleek, black USB stick would prove him wrong.

White's scientists had made progress, but had hit a roadblock. Thus, they needed someone else to make the final push.

Enter Dr. Ivo Robotnik.

Suddenly lightheaded, Robotnik didn't know what to do. All he could do was clutch the little stick in his hand.

"So, do we have a deal, doctor?"

"Yes."

Robotnik should never have taken Stone on. He should have fought harder to reject receiving a Hybrid agent. Should have pushed Stone out the first day.

He shouldn't have become so attached. Shouldn't have agreed to take on Rockwell. Shouldn't have formed some of the most important relationships he had ever had in his entire life.

The only meaningful relationships he had ever had.

If he hadn't done any of that, he would never have been put in this position.

He wouldn't have to choose between getting his Hybrids back and damning the rest of the Hybrids in GUN. Hybrids everywhere, essentially. Once that tech was used, it would spread en-masse. Any Hybrid could be forced to wear one.

But, if he did create the collar White wanted, the man would never touch Stone and Rockwell again.

"You have my word," White had purred. "You'll have your doggies back in one piece. I'll even make sure they can serve you better than before."

Robotnik might not be well versed in a lot of social cues, but even he could pick up on the sexual undertone of White's words. He could see one of the poodle Hybrids behind White shift her weight, a look of discomfort twisting her previously blank expression.

He promised to be the one to squeeze the life out of White's beady, little eyes. He wanted to watch as the man struggled and clawed for air, when none came. Screw subtly, Robotnik would kill the man a hundred times over before anyone could stop him.

Staring down at the USB stick, Robotnik felt his eyes burning from not blinking. Every time he closed his eyes, all he could see was Stone's sleepy eyes and jaw-cracking yawn when they had woken up that morning. He saw Rockwell stealing the last bit of food off his plate, her tail wagging behind her--a sight he was still getting used to.

He had told Stone that he was his.

He had promised to protect Rockwell.

He had failed them.

It was obvious White had a plan for them. One he was ready to implement as soon as Robotnik wavered.

He refused to.

"Doctor!"

Head snapping up, Robotnik blinked as he saw Walters' secretary, Carol, rushing into the room. In one hand, she was holding her short heels while she leaned on her knees with her other hand. Panting, she raised her head to meet his head.

Her normal bob was messed up from her running and her blouse and skirt wrinkled. He could even see sweat glistening on her tanned skin.

"D-doctor," she panted. "I found you."

"You were looking for me?"

She tried to speak, but had to catch her breath. Finally standing, Robotnik approached her. He was always surprised how tall she was. She was the same height as him, her heels and ears making her even taller.

"The commander has been looking everywhere for you. We didn't know White was here until it was too late," she grimaced. "Somebody changed his name in the system; he snuck in with the other officials."

"Walters was the one who told me to come here," Robotnik spoke slowly, his mind going into overdrive. There was no way White had messed with the system from the outside.

"He didn't," Carol shook her head. Her ears pulled back in distress. Stone had told him that her tail must have been docked when she was a baby, so that's why he couldn't see it. Apparently, even doberman Hybrids went through the same process to get the same look. "Someone got on my computer and sent the message."

"White lured me here," Robotnik breathed out.

It had been planned.

He should have known.

There had never been a time they were safe from White. He had eyes everywhere.

Fist clenching around the small piece of plastic and metal, Robotnik could feel the raging storm inside him start to take over.

"Doctor?"

Flinching back, Robotnik felt a heavy hand resting on his arm. Carol was staring at him, her eyes serious.

"What?"

"I want to help you get them back."

Robotnik's eyes widened.

"Why?"

Carol paused, her eyes flicking down to her feet as she swallowed thickly. He watched as her Adam's apple trembled. Taking a deep breath, she met his eyes once more.

"Before you took Hybrid agents on, this base was just like all the others. Asshole soldiers who would harass any Hybrid they wanted. If any of us were hurt, we had to either deal with it on our own or drive hours away to get help. We didn't even have our own dorms."

Robotnik didn't know what to say.

Before he had met Stone, Hybrids weren't even on his radar. He didn't bother to glance in their direction. They were of no use to him and thus were beneath him.

But then, Stone had come along.

Stone with his wagging tail and wide smile. His willingness to please Robotnik, and never wavering loyalty. He knew Stone would lay down his life for him. Stone would go to the ends of the earth to hear Robotnik praise him or pull him closer at night. Before he knew it, Stone had become a steady lighthouse in the ever turbulent currents in Robotnik's life.

Then Rockwell had arrived, snapping teeth and abrasive attitude. She had weaseled her way under his skin so deeply, he knew he could never get rid of her. She had burrowed so deep, she had carved out a small portion of his heart and stayed there.

He would never imagined that everything he did for his Hybrids would spread to the other Hybrids on the base.

Carol continued when Robotnik didn't respond.

"Ever since you started advocating for us, things have improved. I didn't even have this job a few months ago. Now I make enough money to rent my own apartment."

"I didn't--"

"I know you don't like dealing with people on the base," Carol's eyes were piercing. "But you have every Hybrid's respect, doctor. If I send out a message, I'm sure everyone on this base will help you."

"How can they help?" He didn't mean to snap at her. Unless all these people could actually save Stone and Rockwell, then unfortunately, they were useless to him at this moment.

"For one," Carol's mouth curled into a smirk. "I know someone in the Hybrid Division who owes me a favor. I'm sure he could track where the transport truck that has Stone and Rockwell."

Scooping up his gloves off the table and sliding them on, Robotnik straightened and threw his shoulders back.

"Then what are we waiting for? Call your little friends. I have a general to murder."

Even though he couldn't see her tail, Robotnik knew Carol was wagging it full heartedly.

“And our beloved, Caracalla is also in attendance with his new sister.”

Glancing to your side Caracalla walked up and waved as you had seen him do several times prior. The cheers and shouts once again filled the air.

“The gods, goddesses have bestowed her upon us.”

Geta, wrapped his arm tighter around you and brought you closer to the edge of the royal box, all you could see were people. You inwardly trembled. Glancing at Geta, you saw a huge, smile that was a cross his face.

His name, yours were chanted by the people. You placed a hand on your chest, gently bowing your head. The hard pounding of your heart, made it hard to breathe. It felt as if you had run a great distance.

“Citizens today’s celebration of my marriage,”

Geta rich, deep voice filled your ears and caused all those in attendance to fall silent.

“is tempered. In the midst of our wedding ceremony assailants attempted to steal her away from me, from all of you. They wanted to deliver her to the underworld before she could be welcomed and embraced by Roman.”

His eyes narrowed as he looked over the crowd. He glanced at you before he looked back and continued.

“The punishment for this has got to be swift, severe.”

There were rumbles from the crowd.

“Today,” His voice thundered. “the world will see what happens if you try and take my wife from me.”

He swallowed. “Bring forth the traitors of Rome.”

There was some screeching and grinding of metal as a gate not far off in one of the curves the arena opened.

“From the north gate, Praetorian guards, Faustus and Aelius are escorting the two whom wished to spill the blood of our empress.“

You watched as two Praetorian Guards escorted out Tertia and her conspirator. Just the sight of them made you ill.

More rumbles from the crowd grew. A few boos, and other negative sounds broke through the hum of the people.

“From the south gate, from the stable of Emperor Geta and his brother Caracalla, the undefeated Gylceo the destroyer is delivering the gods and goddesses earthly tools of punishment.”

Another gate clanked and screeched, groaning even as it open. A broad, ruddy faced gladiator holding strong leather straps, walked out of the shadows. You were certain you had seen him a handful of times. You swallowed, at the end of the leather straps was a bear and tiger.

The bear plodded out and took a swipe at the sand creating a small cloud. Cheers and roars of excitement rumbled from the crowds. The tiger had shaken itself off and without not much of a warning, it crouched low and let out a low growl. You held on tighter to Geta.

“You’re safe here blossom.” He murmured softly to you. “Tiger or bear?” He asked softly.

A tremble went through you. “What say you?”

“Tiger or bear for their punishment, your first decision as empress.” He smiled, a twinkle sparkled in his eyes.

You nodded. “Oh, um.” Chewing on your bottom lip, you glanced back into the arena at the two. “Tiger.”

He smiled, nodding. He rose his other hand, he reached into the air before brining his hand down forming a fist.

In voice, clear and robust he shouted.

“The gods feel a tiger, will be there punishment today.”

“The gods will it. The emperor and the empress will it. May the tiger deliver justice today for the laws you have broken.” The herald announced.

You don’t exactly remember if anything else had been said, but soon you found yourself sitting on your very own throne beside Geta’s. The pillow did provide some comfort.

Looking into the arena, one of the Praetorian guards handed the man a wooden shield. It would do little against the ferocity of a tiger. Tertia, immediately fell to her knees she tugged one of the scarlet cloaks. He shook her off, as he began to move away from the two.

Her words, her screams were barely understandable, perhaps you were beyond caring to want to understand. Perhaps, it was words from her native tongue.

“That could have been you.” Caracalla said, in a low voice.

A chill swept over you. You had thought those moments were behind the two of you. A breath later, a loud cheerful giggle came from him.

“But Dundas saw you and I saw you.” His smile was crooked and bright across his face. “And now I am happy that you are my sister.”

You swallowed, “I am grateful you are my brother.” You replied.

A loud roar cut through the air. You looked just as the gladiator released the tiger. He backed up.

Geta stood, his hands on the edge chimera’s head on his throne. His slender fingers taunt on the aged metal that formed that fearsome creature. His rings were brilliant and colorful like a flowers in a garden. You could practically feel his fingers as they took a hold of you. You longed to feel them again.

There was a snarl that cut through the growing heat of the day.

You watched as the tiger sunk backwards and leapt. Instinctively you jumped back, gasping at the metal meeting your back. Your eyes opening wider as you saw the tiger clash with the wooden shield. It shattered.

The crowd immediately erupted in cheers and screams. The tiger was only momentarily thwarted, it shook itself once more but this time, you could see a fury in the beast. Dust and sand plumed around it. You watched as they both turned and ran.

Geta beckoned to you. “Come wife, stand with me. Let us enjoy the spectacle of justice being served.”

“Yes, husband.” Inwardly your stomach knotted. You had never paused and watched. You had only ever heard swords being brandished or distant screams followed by the roars of the beasts or crowds alike.

Caracalla, to your other side stood. “Get them! Kill them.” His screechy, scratchy scream burst from him. “Hunt them down!” Another chuckle bubbled from him.

The tiger nabbed both. But the man you saw wiggle, slide away. He took one swipe at first, there was carnage and she no longer moved. Tiger moved fast and soon did the same to the man. Dark pools began to form in the sand near them. The tiger appeared pleased, he stopped and licked at one of his large paws.

The trumpet sounds filled the thick air. Cheers followed. You swallowed.

“Wine, fruit.” Geta’s tone was sharp.

You tried not empty your glass moments after it was filled but you had at least half, the girl was good. Attentive, you had seen her a few times but had never spoken. She filled it silently.

The herald, easily spoke of justice and now of the celebratory fights. Distantly, some unnamed people escorted their bodies away. Once again you found yourself sitting besides Geta and nibbling one some fruit. You felt calmer.

Gazing down your eyes caught sight of Geta holding his glass. You felt an eagerness to touch him. You were not sure if that was proper.

“Wife, my empress are you well?”

Blinking , you were met with Geta’s face a mixture of concern and something you couldn’t read.

You nodded. “I guess it’s over now.”

He nodded. “Yes.” He gestured to the arena. “You never peaked in there did you?”

You nodded.

“You only risked treason by glancing at me.”

You flushed. “Yes.”

“You will get used to it. Today was a good day. Normally, it gets boring and tedious.” He shrugged, then added in a quieter voice. “I’m glad you risked treason.”

You finally smiled since what had unfolded in the area before you. “I am too.”

******

He held you to his chest as he absently ran his fingers through your strands. A light dew of your passions clung to the two of you, on their first night of emperor and wife.

“You will have to grow accustomed to those sights. There are many fights, I have to oversee, judge and rule over. I will need you by my side.”

“Truly?”

You were as soft and gentle as the flower petals you reminded him of. He gave you a squeeze.

“Yes.” He tilted your face up, to look into your eyes. His thumb caressed your jaw.

“The next few days they will be more entertaining, a few choice battles won by our very own General Acacius and perhaps one or two naumachiaes.”

Your eyes grew. “I never saw those when I came to work in the royal box.”

“Well, not only will they you see them but you can enjoy them from the comfort of our thrones.”

“Can I get an extra pillow?”

A chuckle bubbled from him. “One day being an empress and you already want another pillow.” He caressed your cheek.

“Is that ok?”

“It’s more than ok. It’s expected.”

“Oh.” You smiled, your cheeks growing pink once again.

His thumb grazed the line of your cheeks. “I do believe we made Juno happy today.”

“I think so as well. But Virtus was along side of you today. When you rescued me, I had been so afraid.”

He could feel tremors go through you. He would not tolerate any malady plaguing you.

He eyed the lines and curves of your face. “I will never tolerate that, blossom. No one shall ever cause you any hard, distress.”

He kissed you. A soft muffled sound came from you but you allowed him to easily deepen the kiss. His heart began to beat harder once again.

“Lay back towards that end of the bed,” He gestured to the portion behind you. “I want to see the stars, the great Luna as our passions make us one while pleasure wraps around us as assuredly as our limbs do. I want my wife, Roman’s empress in their magnificent light.”

“Yes.” You replied softly.

He loved watching how you loved. You did like no other. Easily he crawled over and was half on, half off of you. He ran a hand along your soft side.

“The gods blessed us.” He murmured as he kissed you, a soft coming deep within him as he felt your fingers nestle in his strands.

*******

Your heart had quickened, your breath had shortened. Reaching up, you nestled your fingers into his fiery strands. Bliss was all you could feel. The attack, the tiger long forgotten. It was just him and you, this joy reminded you of tales of the joy the gods, goddesses had.

A pleasurable tightening in your stomach once again knotted as he moved to between your legs. Distantly, as new as this all was. You hoped your body tightened and would take his seed. You were eager to give him a child, a future.

“Geta.”

You moaned softly as you took him all in. He was truly a living breathing work of art. He pulled a whimper from you, feeling his fingers gently graze your center. A smile curled his lips.

“Want to feel me again, blossom? Will you part these petals for me once again tonight?”

“Yes, I need you.” You opened legs wider to receive him. How he appeared settling above you, made your heart squeeze.

“I shall no longer deny the two of us.”

Easily, he slid in till once again you were filled by him. You trembled as his fingers tightened their grip on your hip.

“You are exquisite.” His voice hoarse with pleasure.

All you could do was moan, it was an attempt at his name. He knew and the flame in his eyes grew stronger. As he began moving above you, your walls met him, squeezing him just as your legs wrapped around him.

Feeling him pause you opened your eyes not having realized you had closed them.

“Geta?” You were greeted with anger in his eyes you had not expected after the delicateness he had showed.

“Geta?” You repeated.

His lips formed a line, his thumb gave your hip a gentle, a vague caress before his fingertips grazed the still angry mark that had meant to pierce your heart. Your wedding stola had not been strong, he’d be preparing your funeral.

“Never will anyone ever get that close again. The streets will run red with blood before I allow that.” He murmured.

“And you took care of it. People know how you care for me, for their empress.”

It felt weird, saying that aloud about yourself. You had always been simply a young girl who had the wilds of nature under her feet and the sound of waves on occasion filling her hears. You had never thought anything higher than wife would be your title.

“They will learn if they did not today.”

Shifting still deep inside of you, he gripped the sheets that were already rumpled from earlier and it was not long before the two of you gave up to the passions you both felt. Your moans mingled and became one like your bodies.

******

Stirring, the sky was still a deep purple dawn would be upon Rome soon. Realization, came over you that you and Geta were a tangle of sheets and your own limbs. A softness had claimed Geta in his sleep, his hair ruffled and messy; some errant strands stuck to his forehead.

You brushed that aside. “I will love you to my dying day.” You whispered, and pressed a kiss to one of his cheeks. Your new life was ahead of you.

*********

You laid on the carpet of a leopard pelt, at least that is what you thought Geta had called the beast it had come from. It was soft made you forget the stone that was just underneath it. You glanced up at the cool, blue sky. The warmth of summer was drawing to a close. It would not be long before you could not lounge such as this in the gardens.

You had taken Geta’s advice and fully embrace being an empress. You had not been shy when a pillow, a blanket was needed or when you were terribly tired of being pricked by pins when clothes were made for you. Your voice rose a few times.

You were still not terribly demanding, since life had not always been so easy for you. Yet, in the short month, you had just been his mere possession; had made it easier for you to grow accustomed to be served. There still remained moments that still cloyed at you. There was limitations placed upon you that you had not entirely expected. You brought a hand up to rest your cheek as you remembered a moment that reaffirmed your new place in life.

In a cloak, with the hood up you were not completely unmindful of your place; when you ventured out to the markets. You missed the bartering of little possessions and the like. You had gotten a very good back and forth with one of the merchants when a guard arrived, Gallus. The man’s eyes grew and immediately fell to his knees, he pushed forward the beautiful scarf that had caught your eye; he mumbled about allowing you anything else you wished.

Before leaving with the scarf, Gallus was in tow but not before he snatched up an apple and contently took a loud crunching bite.

Aelia greeted you and mumbled of Geta’s ruffled mood before he had come in like a storm cloud.

In the last couple of months, when you did leave; guards remained in your shadow. You did hate upsetting Geta but you did miss the freedom to go and move around as you pleased. Well, at least when had been a good time to do so.

“Empress,” Aelia soft voice broke through your thoughts.

“Aelia.” You sat up, pushing yourself up from the soft fur. “Just like Geta, what did I tell you of this?”

She bowed her head. “I am sorry.”

“I was not long ago as you.”

“The gods have always held you higher.”

You remained silent. You had not felt like you had the particular energy to have this discussion once again with her.

“How are you feeling today?”

“A tiredness is still lingering.”

“Once again would you like me to look at you?”

“I wish my mother was here.”

On soft steps, she drew closer. “I know.”

*******

“This could deliver the distraction to move their attentions away from the empress.”

The senator gently touched a corner of the plans for the baths that Caracalla had been speaking of.

“Only so many battles in the arena will.” The senator continued softly. As he gestured to Caracalla’s plans before him.

Geta paused in his pacing, he slammed a fist down on the table. Dondas, went from one Caracalla’s shoulder to the other.

“They should love their empress, as I do.”

Geta twisted one of his rings, his eyes narrowed as he looked at one of the few senators, that didn’t rankle him like the others. The man remained silent.

“They had said I, Caracalla;”

He gestured to his brother who remained sitting. A pleased, lop sided smile was on his face. He was happy to see that plans had been drawn up.

“Had gone far away from the Roman ideal.”

Geta, mimicked a citizens voice.

“Their empress not terribly long ago had been like one of them; did they forget?”

His lips winkled in his annoyance.

“There are whispers, that it had been a ploy; a story.”

“I do not care to appease them on this manner. I will continue to lavish all the best upon her.”

“What if one chooses to rise up against you because of her?”

Geta turned to the man, he shifted where he stood and looked down. Easily the closed the distance. “They will meet their end in the arena.”

“They wouldn’t dare.” Caracalla’s mouth dipped on one side.“Then maybe we really should move forward with the baths.” Caralla quickly added.

Geta smiled. “Brother, I truly believe you have an idea we can all support. It will be a good distraction since General Acacius is still away and fighting.”

******

The soft fabrics peeled away easily. Her warm, dry fingers drift over your stomach. “I have noticed your appetite has grown. Do you feel the need to eat is greater?”

You nodded. “I have no bled for two months.” You glanced at her and as if for the first time did notice that there was a gentle swell of your stomach.

“That is surely a sign, were you not even told this by your mother?”

"I was only as a child, when she fretted over my brother’s wife.”

You heard her mutter about the plague, that brought their end. “I feel you are mostly certainly with child. Have you not had any nightly visits?”

“I mused they were hopes, wishes of a newly married girl.”

The woman shook her head, easily her fingers placed your clothes back as they were.

“I do not whispers to reach him before you get to speak to him. He will want to know.”

“Now?”

“Before the gathering tonight. Perhaps, it can be something to rise the spirits besides the food and drink.”

“Oh, yes.”

Excitement fluttered in you.

“We will have to create a new alter, one to show my gratitude to Juno and the goddesses to bestowing a child upon me.”

“I will get that in order.”

*****

Going to chambers you sat down on the table that now held some beautiful treasures Geta had been giving you. You smiled as you glanced at the bracelet he first gave you, you would never remove it from your wrist.

Brett moving, caught your eye and you over at him. The bartender came over; you watched as they passed a rather elegant to him. Turning, he gave you a wide crooked smile while holding it up.

“Come over baby.” His voice cut through the club and reached you.

You came over, he stopped leaning against the bar to stand before you. “Look what me boss got us? Champagne, baby.”

He took a sip, gasping with a sigh of contentment. His breath cool. He pressed the cold bottle into your hand. “Your turn.”

You beamed. “Cheers” Being near close to him you felt better. You took a solid swig.

He chuckled. “Look at you.” He grinned, looking very pleased.

You flushed. You watched in delight as his Adam’s apple bobbed as he tilted his head back up taking another swig from the bottle. You loved to run your tongue up his throat. You delighted in how he tasted.

“I better catch up.” You whispered.

You took another solid drink from the bottle. His thumb grazed your bottom lip, he licked it.

“You and champagne, nice.”

You flushed. “Get me out there or I may wilt away.” You gesture to the dance floor.

A warmth and the tingle of the golden bubbly liquid fully enveloped you. A soft pout formed on your lips.

“Oh? Oh, oh will you?”

“Yes.”

“Gonna get me a drink, honey?”

Your stomach churned at her words as Brett’s face twisted. Looking past him to the birds from moments prior.

“No.”

He turned back to you.

“What last time you were here I was good enough to gobble on ya cock, baby. But now you bring a pretty girl and I no longer matter?” Her sharp words hit your ears.

You squeezed your eyes shut for a moment to repress the image you mind conjured. You took a deep breath, a rage erupted deep inside. You felt as it filled you. Perhaps, it was because you never got to tell Lexi off for all the times you either caught her blowing the guys you liked or hearing about it later. But you had enough.

Looking past Brett, you met that ugly, catty bird’s eye.

“He doesn’t need your used up mouth now.”

You turned sharply, weaving and gliding till you found a place where the dance floor was thick with bodies moving to the clear, steady beat of the music.

Your heart slammed against your ribs. Your stomach knotted. Never had you spoken or been that angry towards another person before. Everything in you tingled, as you managed to hold onto the cool bottle of champagne. The golden liquid sloshed around.

You moved and swayed, letting the beat of the music move you. Wrapping your lips around the bottle once more you took a heart sip. Then without even thinking about it prior, you let out a howl. You looked back to here you had unleashed your rage.

Anger had washed over Brett’s face from what you could see. The girls, the stupid birds who had probably thought they were better than you, looked uneasy. You felt victorious. You continued to dance.

Closing your eyes, you inhaled the hot sticky air you let your body move as it wished. You felt free.

“Found you baby.” His voice sharp, deep as it cut through all of it. You felt as he pulled you against him. He moved with you.

You moved with him. Letting yourself go, you relaxed against his solid frame. You don’t know how long after that but you did turn and finally looked at him.

“Fuckin in the past.”

You offered him the bottle.

He drained what remained.

“We’re the future.”

“Only fucking way to be.”

You kissed him then. As hungry and full of everything you had in you.

******

You were certain there was at the very least one more bottle of champagne though two you felt more accurate. The lights were a swirl of color. You longer felt they were different distinct colors slicing through the dancers and the dj below. Those bitter pills had stopped being bitter by the last time, he placed the third or fourth one on your tongue followed by a sharp hungry kiss.

In the blur city lights and a cool, refreshing breeze that tried to give you an embrace upon entering and exiting a taxi brought giggles out of you as you and Brett hurried through the hotel lobby, to get to the lift that would usher the two of you to your floor.

You barely slid the lock into place as Brett pressed you against the wall kissing and grabbing at you. You kissed him back, your heart had not stopped thumping hard against your chest. As your breath shorten, moans were your answer his touch, his bites.

He walked you towards the bed. His hands and lips roaming over you till your knees buckled and you fell onto the bed, you managed to slip your heels off. You shimmed up the bed, he was on top of you. His weight heavy, a delicious feeling. His dark mysterious scent that was him alone mixed with his crisp cologne and the scent of the champagne clung to him. You clawed at his clothes. Suit jacket was gone, tie was loosen further and tossed behind the two of you.

You wanted to feel see him. His hands worked on you as well. Your dress bunched up and resting on your hips, you barely felt the tug but your panties were off and somewhere.

The clink of his belt, rasp of his zipper sharply contrasted the moans and shortness of your breath. You watched as he took himself out, he was very aroused. His tip rosy and glistening with some of the precum that had already had already dribbled in his excitement.

A moan poured from your lips even before he entered you. The exquisite pleasure that ripped through you, bordered on pain with its intensity as he filled you. The mixture of the champagne and whatever those little pills were made everything far more intense than it had ever been between you.

Once he stretched you, and rutted against him; deeper than he had ever been he stopped.

His eyes were dark, unwavering fiery. Yet you didn’t flinch, nor look away.

“Fillin, you good with my cock. “

You swallowed, nodding.

He drew close, his cheek brushing yours. His breath once again warm as he spoke in your ear. His words sharp.

“You’ll never take another. You’re mine.”

Your body clenched, making you whimper in pleasure.

“I am. And I never will.”

He began to slide easily, in and out. Your body slick with the sensation and of the promise you made.

For the briefest of moments, your mind’s eye betrayed you. Visions of Lexi, the bird at the bar and any random girl; it decided to throw at you images of him entwined with them in some explicit way. You reacted, you wrapped your legs tighter around his waist pulling him deeper with each thrust he made. Your fingers ran through his brown strands.

“Brett…”

Licking your lips, a moan broke free, silencing your words for a moment as his grip on your tighten as he drew his face up to look at you as you spoke.

“My body is for you whenever. Never, will you have to be wander to get off.”

A smirk, curled his lips.

“I only want to fill your belly or pussy with my cum.”

He nibbled hard on your lips. “I have since the first moment you were knelt in front of me.”

“Oh…” You gasped, trembling under him.

“Yeah, I could have fucked you right then good and proper. Like I am now.”

You erupted then under him then whatever had been pulling you taunt then snapped and in a gush came hard around his hardness.

It wasn’t long before he arched against you, fingers of one hand digging into your hip. The other gripping the bed post to anchor him as he hung there above you. The first spurts of him made you whimper and moan for him again.

Sleep, dark and velvety soft pulled you in. You were both breathless, limbs entangled as the passion began to calm between the two of you.

*******

You moved around the round colorful rings of your cereal bowl, you were grateful that your head no longer throbbed like it had for almost the entirety of Sunday.

You were already asleep but had stirred from its depths when you had heard your dad cut the engine of the car once he had parked in the driveway. Or the hushed voice of your mom when she ducked her head into your room the check on you.

“Jellybean, Jellybean?”

Your mom’s words cut through the sleepy haze that still clung to you.

“Oh? Oh, I’m sorry mom. What did you want.”

“Had you heard about this?” Your mom’s brow was knit together with worry. She pointed the larger than life headline that read.

New residents express doubts!

Family car stolen, realtor’s car stolen. No clues, no leads.

You shrugged. “We ordered in and rented some movies, and yesterday popped down to the lake for finally a swim.” You shrugged. “Scary mom. These new people might be bringing in bad people.”

“But Jellybean that happened to them, they didn’t do anything.”

“That we know of.” You finally scooped up the colorful rings and ate them.

“You’re right. Could be them deflecting something bigger.”

Glancing at your mom you saw as she chewed her bottom lip.

“You and the others stay safe. Stay clear of those new developments.”

“Of course mom. Brett and I have absolutely no interest in them.”

🌺Thank you for reading.🌺

The G.I.W. had rebranded sometime after Phantom had been locked Outside of Time, being absorbed into the new Department of Metahuman Affairs, D.M.A. for short. The G.I.W. had anonymously pushed against Metahuman Rights.

Since they’re still active, they either completely changed their ways or they got better at hiding what they were doing. What they did when Danny was a kid- what they’d wanted to do to him and his people would get them all exiled from the country now. Perhaps they got smarter.

If it is the G.I.W., then Danny’s got so much more work to do.

He’s tired.

With the wind, the sound of an owl’s cry echoed over the top of the clock tower. It was Lady Gotham, her footsteps nearly not there as she approached him. “What’s on your mind, little King?”

Danny nodded at her as she sat beside him. “The information you gave Connie and Dick. Why a riddle?”

There was a smile on her face, the sound of sloshing sewer water - like it was being walked through - accompanied her voice. “You must not know Arkham’s people very well if you have to ask.” There was a soft ticking noise for a few seconds before a slightly louder explosion sounded. It was still a very quiet night in the city.

“The Riddler, right?” Danny guessed. The ding of a timer affirmed him. “But why a riddle? Why not just give the information freely?”

She hummed like cracking glass. “‘Why’ indeed.” A pause. “‘The information was kept hidden for the same reason we keep matches from children. In the correct hands, fire can provide illumination… but in the wrong hands, fire can be highly destructive.’ Dan Brown.”

 “‘Access to information and freedom to access it may seem like a fundamental right but there are many people who think, rightly or wrongly, it is for your own good that it is hidden.’ Alberto Gonzales.” Danny refuted.

“‘Know where to find the information and how to use it. That is the secret to success.’ Albert Einstein.”

He frowned. “‘Beware of he who would deny you access to information, for in his heart he dreams himself your master.’ Sid Meier.”

Her expression was neutral. “‘On the one hand, information wants to be expensive, because it’s so valuable. The right information in the right place just changes your life. On the other hand, information wants to be free, because the cost of getting it out is getting lower and lower all the time. So you have these two fighting against each other.’ Stewart Brand.”

“‘Completeness of crucial information is extremely important, as missing data is not only a cost issue but is also a massive lost opportunity issue…’ Rupa Mahanti.” He said, his voice taking an urgent tone.

“‘If I try to articulate every little detail in a drawing, it would be like missing the forest for the trees, so it’s just about getting the outline of the forest.’ Jeff Koons.” She sounded exasperated.

“‘Knowledge is power. Information is power.’” He insisted, “‘The secreting or hoarding of knowledge or information may be an act of tyranny camouflaged as humility.’ Robin Morgan.”

“‘Data is not information, information is not knowledge, knowledge is not understanding, understanding is not wisdom.’” she scolded, “Clifford Stoll.”

He glared at her. “‘The cost of not knowing is often greater than the cost of getting the knowledge.’ Unknown.”

She shook her head at him. “‘For everything you have missed, you have gained something else, and for everything you gain, you lose something else.’ Ralph Waldo Emerson.”

“‘Only cowards hide behind silence.’” he scoffed, “Paulo Coelho.”

Her eyebrow cocked up. “‘Slander is the tool of cowards’. Vanna Bonta.”

A long silence stretched between the two Spirits, the rapid fire conversation lingering in the air like the scent of a lemon.

Finally, Danny quietly said, “‘The difference between a hero and a coward is one step sideways.’ Gene Hackman.”

Lady Gotham’s expression softened. “‘A hero is someone who, in spite of weakness, doubt, and not always knowing the answers, goes ahead and overcomes anyway.’ Christopher Reeve.”

Danny had a hard time believing that. “‘A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.’ Joseph Campbell.”

“‘I think a hero is someone really intent on making this a better place for people.’” She bumped his shoulder with her own. “Maya Angelou.”

Yeah, well, “‘Those who ignore Statistics are condemned to reinvent it.’ Bradley Efron.”

“‘No true hero ever believes that they are.’ Neal Shusterman.” She took his chin between the thumb and forefinger on her right hand, her white painted nails shining softly in the glow of the moon. She turned his head to look her in the eye. “‘Hard times don’t create heroes. It is during hard times when the ‘hero’ within us is revealed.’ Bob Riley.”

There were tears building in Danny’s eyes. They blurred The Lady’s face slightly. “‘Dying should be one of the great events of life.’ Alan Watts.” The tears started to fall. “And yet, here I am.”

Lady Gotham pulled him into a hug and whispered into the top of his head, “‘The boundaries which divide Life from Death are at best shadowy and vague. Who shall say where one ends, and where the other begins?’ Edgar Allen Poe.”

Danny sniffed but didn’t pull away. They’d gotten very off topic. “‘Better to say something instead of giving people a bunch of vague metaphors to mull over.’ Roland Orzabal.”

The Lady chuckled softly, pulling away from the hug first and wiped the tears from his cheeks. “‘To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan, and not quite enough time.’ Leonard Bernstein.”

He laughed smally. “Any other words of wisdom you’d like to impart on me before I leave?”

She smirked, the sound of hunting bats carrying on the wind. “‘A hero can be anyone. Even a man doing something as simple and reassuring as putting a coat around a young boy’s shoulders to let him know that the world hasn’t ended.’ Batman.” Then, she was gone.