Chapter 9

9

Drew: Don’t get shot.

Orion: That’s where they filmed the fake moon landing.

Drew: Why would they do that?

Orion: To hide the existence of aliens.

Drew: You’re texting an alien now!

Orion: See. It worked.

Drew: SMH. Wyatt, have fun tonight.

They amused me. Texting outside of work meant we were more than work friends. I’d have to ask Kiki if that was true. I never talked to the baristas at Coffee! Coffee! Coffee! And then there was Janet…

Janet: Bring lube AND a camera. I want details.

I shut my phone and slid it into my pocket. The bar reminded me of Zaster, dark and more than a little unnerving. Of all the places he could suggest, I wondered why he chose this one? Outside Haven, a collection of questionable characters hung around a group of motorcycles. As I approached the door, they all grew silent, staring in my direction.

I waved.

“Mind your own business,” a man with a leather vest grumbled.

Mean. I ignored the comment, pushing through the giant metal swinging door. Deep within Southland, the bar was in a part of Vanguard known for its crime. The villains treated this like their personal hangout, and heroes rarely ventured into this neighborhood. Based on the patron’s gnarly expressions, I doubt they’d want me saving them.

Zaster could have picked any location in Vanguard, and this was his preferred date spot? I wasn’t familiar with courtship customs. Maybe humans started at the worst location, so everything else became a walk in the park? Now that I thought about it, I’d prefer a stroll in Vanguard Park.

The doctor sat in a booth against the wall. With the low light, I had to squint, bumping into a table on the way over. I took a seat opposite him, wedging myself between the table and the bench. He swirled a dark liquid in a glass before taking a sip.

“This is a colorful neighborhood,” I said with a half-laugh.

“I always preferred a hole-in-the-wall pub over the upscale arrogance of a bar downtown. The people here are…” He mulled it over while taking another drink. “…predictable.” I had no idea what he meant, but I’d give it a try. Who knew, maybe Southland didn’t deserve such a harsh reputation?

“Would you like a drink?”

“Water, please.”

“Their bourbon isn’t great, but it’ll suffice.”

I shook my head. “Just water.”

“Are you sure?”

I heard too many stories about Earthlings unable to control their inner monologues after consuming alcohol. I couldn’t risk slipping and blurting out my origins on Halo or my secret identity. Zaster could be insistent, but I had a line in the sand I couldn’t cross.

“I don’t drink alcohol.”

“Curious,” he said. The smirk returned. Unlike Dustin, it didn’t give me happy thoughts. Behind the guise of humor, I sensed… judgment? Earth Mom had always spoken her mind, but I found that wasn’t the case with most humans. They’d say one thing and mean another. Double-speakers, as I liked to call them.

He called over the server and ordered water. Even she gave me a curious glance. When I smiled, she rolled her eyes and walked off. Showing off the whites of their eyes had to be a form of communication. When I got home, I’d text Orion to ask about it.

An awkward silence hung between us. He made no move to fill the dead air. After a minute, my hands fidgeted.

“How goes your work at Synergy?” Other than wearing a l-a-b coat, I knew nothing about his job. “What exactly do you do?”

“I’m in the development division.” No idea what that meant. “My research focuses on the acquisition and transference of genetic gifts.” The server set my glass of water on the table, but I focused on Zaster’s face, willing myself to nod as if I knew what he meant.

“Don’t worry, I wouldn’t expect you to understand. In layman's terms, I’m looking at how superpowers can be acquired and transferred from one individual to the next.”

“Oh.” Arthur’s boyfriend created Synergy to help superheroes. I didn’t know how taking their powers benefitted the company. I dared to show my ignorance. “Why?”

Zaster set his glass down, head cocked to the side as if he didn’t understand the question. As he folded his hands, he slowly locked his thin, long fingers together. Leaning forward, he took his time, drawing out the moment. I ignored the hair on my neck standing on end, but I couldn’t miss the same happening on my forearms.

“Why should powers be limited to idiots who get zapped by solar radiation or bonded with ancient entities?” It wasn’t a smile or a smirk; it had transformed into a sneer. “These bumbling buffoons don’t deserve that kind of power.”

Thankfully, he wasn’t talking about aliens with abilities. Did he mean people like Drew or Orion? Now that I thought about it, I had never asked them how they got their abilities. Did Orion gain the ability to speak with machines by falling into a crate of cell phones? Could Drew change the color of objects after eating too many crayons as a child? I’d have to ask during our next staff meeting.

“So you want to take their powers away?”

He nodded. “And give them to people who deserve them.”

I thought of Discord—Dustin—and how he’d already put his powers to use to help protect Vanguard. Zaster wanted to strip a hero of their abilities and give them to who? Something about this made my skin crawl. It was no different from the researchers who poked and prodded me in their lab. I learned not all humans are alike, but it was hard to say people in white jackets were anything but bad.

“You don’t approve?” Zaster leaned back, his hands balling into fists. How did I answer without giving away my identity? “The others mock my research. I’ll show them.” His fist hit the table with a thump, my glass of water sloshing over the rim.

“I thought Synergy wanted to help heroes?”

“The right heroes.”

Zaster jumped before reaching under the table. Flipping open his phone, he scooted from the table. “I have to get back to the lab.” I shivered at the word. Whoever called, I wanted to thank them for ending this date.

He stood by the table, impatiently tapping his foot. “Are you going to give me a hug goodbye?”

Did I have a choice? I wanted to say, “I do not consent,” but I bit my tongue. If it ended the date faster, I’d fly him back to the office and toss him in a window. I slid from the booth and reluctantly held out my arms. He stepped in, wrapping his arms around my chest.

“We should do this again.”

Did we have to? I’d have to ask the others about human customs and my requirement to see the man again. I prayed they had a method of firmly but kindly saying no to future interactions. When I let go, he continued holding onto me. I had a sudden urge to take a shower.

“That’s a lot of muscle,” he said. “You must live at the gym.”

“Just genetics,” I said.

“I bet,” he said. I’m pretty sure I heard him mumble, “Lucky bastard,” under his breath.

Somebody bumped into me from behind. I hissed as something poked me in the leg. Zaster refused to let go, rocking back and forth as if we were dancing.

“Oh, sorry,” came a gruff voice.

Zaster let go, and I could see a biker from outside standing behind me. He barely came up to my chest, but his shoulders were almost as wide as mine. Outside, I had assumed they were looking for a fight. Consider me surprised when he held up his hands, profusely apologizing. He tipped his head with a slight salute as he continued on to the bar.

“What a nice man.”

Zaster shook his head. “You’re none too bright, are you?”

Before I could answer, he walked past me and toward the door. I had listened to Arthur talk about his dates with Ricardo. They’d go out for dinner or attend dance parties. In the break room, he’d share stories, and each time, his face lit up. He thought it went unnoticed, but I could hear the glee in his voice. I wanted that feeling of giddiness. Instead, I stood in a bar in Southland, deflated and wondering why anybody would subject themselves to this.

“I want to go home.” My real home.

I stood in front of my apartment building. While I could have flown from the bar and made it home in under a minute, I needed time to process my horrible night out with Zaster. He had made me feel different, less than. The thought always existed, just beneath the surface, but never had somebody forced it to the surface.

I thought about calling Earth Mom. She’d have said something supportive, trying to wash away the stain he left. I loved her. She took me in when I had nobody, but I had discovered loving mothers didn’t always understand. On a planet filled with people, I was unlike anybody else. She’d claim that was my greatest gift. Right now, it left me feeling small.

I looked into the sky, past the street lamp and the buildings. They were barely visible, but somewhere amongst the twinkling lights stood home. Millions of miles separated me and a sense of belonging.

“Ahh!” I hopped into the air, fist drawn back, ready to attack. I let out a calming breath as I realized my attacker was nothing more than a vibrating phone in my pocket.

Unknown: Is he as arrogant as I imagined?

I stared at the text, trying to figure out who had gotten my number. While I might not know the texter, there was only one person in my life who personified arrogance.

Wyatt: Totally. Who is this?

Unknown: Save a guy’s life and he forgets who you are. ;)

Adding the winking emoji said everything I needed. One symbol and the icky feeling washed away like the skies unleashed a cleansing rain. The sadness retreated, sinking beneath the surface as I tried to think of something funny to write back.

Wyatt: I needed saving tonight.

Dustin: The night isn’t over.

I turned about, sitting on the steps. Going inside and drowning myself in Fudgy bars no longer seemed necessary. With a few text messages, Dustin had already taken an awful night and turned it around. What if I saw him in person? Would that make it even better?

Wyatt: What did you have in mind?

Dustin: Candy store is closed. Want to join me on the boardwalk?

A quick glance back and forth confirmed nobody had eyes on me. I shot straight up, flying above the buildings. I fumbled with my phone, almost forgetting to reply.

Wyatt: Nearby. Meet you at the fountain.

I picked up speed, zipping past buildings. After the gross exchange with Zaster, I wanted to end on an uplifting note. Dustin might be the only thing sweeter than chocolate. I flew fast enough that I came close to breaking the sound barrier. I skid to a stop, dropping downward to the fountain.

There he stood, hands in his pockets, pacing back and forth. I set down behind a tree, so I could watch my handsome security guard. He wore a brown leather jacket that hugged his body. If he ever wanted to redesign Discord’s suit, I’d vote for leather.

I jogged toward the fountain, toward redemption. I didn’t want Dustin to shoulder the responsibility for my well-being, but I needed a sign. Just as I could make out the splashing water, he waved at me. As I got closer, he threw an arm around my shoulders, patting me on the back. Adult men had a particular way of expressing intimacy with quick touches. Dustin lingered.

“You weren’t kidding.”

His cologne had hints of vanilla that tickled my nose. “Kidding?”

“That you were nearby. You must have flown here.”

I stiffened. “Ha. That’s funny. I wish I could fly.”

He pulled away but, in the process, took me by the hand. “When I can’t sleep, I like to come out here. It’s peaceful at night.”

I followed by his side, crossing the grass and walking onto the boardwalk. Made of wood planks, they overlooked Vanguard harbor, freight ships passing by slowly as they approached the docks. The distant lights of the city reflected off the water, shimmering.

“I’ve never been here before.”

“Really? Have you been in Vanguard long?”

I found it hard to focus as his fingers twisted and tied with mine. It took us a few steps before we found our rhythm. I had to slow down to match his shorter legs. If this was what happened when we held hands, what would happen if we kissed again?

“Earth to Wyatt.”

I knew that saying. “Oh, sorry. Did you say something?”

He spun around in front of me. “Vanguard. Have you been here long?”

I shook my head. “A couple years.” I tried to think of the entire conversation with Zaster. His only question had been an attempt to incite a fight. He didn’t want to know anything about me. We had barely started walking, and already, this surpassed my date with the scientist.

“Are you okay?” He rested a hand on my neck. “Something seems off.”

I had been alone ever since I came to Earth, but tonight was the first time somebody left me feeling lonely. I stifled a ragged sigh. “My date with Zaster didn’t go well.”

“So it was a date?”

I didn’t understand the question. “Isn’t that what it’s called when somebody invites you out to drinks?”

Dustin didn’t blink as his head tilted to the side. I recognized the expression. I had said something that didn’t make sense. Navigating humans and their culture shouldn’t be this hard. In the past, I thought it had been me. Now, I realized they were a confusing species.

“I guess that’s a date, but not like a date .”

“Now I’m confused.”

“Trust me…” He squeezed my neck. “It’s confusing for all of us. How can I make it better?”

Did I confess he already had? I leaned against his hand, the scruff of my beard rubbing against his skin. “Tell me a story.”

“About what?”

Anything. I wanted to hear him talk about himself. The topic didn’t matter. I wanted to know more about the man who made my heart race. “A happy story. I want to smile.”

His hand slid down my arm until it reached my wrist. As he let go, I wanted to reach for him. I followed him to the railing overlooking the harbor. I feared I had said something he considered weird. The more time I spent with humans, the more opportunities I had to out myself. I hoped?—

“For my sister’s birthday, she asked for a pink dress. You know, one of those dresses with all the ruffles. The bigger, the better.” He chuckled at the memory. “But it had to be pink. She talked about it for weeks. By the time her birthday came around, I couldn’t listen to another word.”

Earth Mom insisted I have a birthday. She celebrated my ‘gotcha date’ each year by making a cake. She’d always ask what flavor I wanted, as if she didn’t know the answer. Chocolate. Always chocolate.

“Imagine her shock when she and my mom got home and I had unwrapped her present. They had gotten her a pretty pink dress.” It sounded more mean than happy. “It fit me perfectly.”

“You were wearing it?”

“I was five, and she turned six. I had put it on and was making a beeline for her birthday cake. It ended with us throwing cake at each other. My parents wanted to be upset, but how can you be mad at a five-year-old in a pink dress? They felt bad for my sister, so they bought her a dress of her own.”

“So you matched?”

“Oh no, this is where it gets funny.” He laughed at the memory, a sound I’m sure I’d never get tired of hearing. “We had a family portrait done later that year, and they made us wear the dresses.” The thought of him and his sister in identical dresses made me smile. “But wait for it… the picture still hangs over the fireplace at their house.”

“I’m sure you made a pretty princess.”

“Damn straight, I did. All I need now is a tiara.”

He held his hands out to his side and gave a graceful curtsey. The thought of this burly security guard, who moonlighted as a superhero, wearing a crown made me laugh. I didn’t need to understand Earth customs to see how his face lit up at the memory. He remembered it fondly, and that warmed my heart.

“Okay, your turn,” he said. I gestured to myself. “Turn about is fair play. Tell me a happy memory.”

“I had difficulty speaking as a kid.” I skipped the part about crashing to Earth and not speaking any language humans understood. “Mother would speak to me all the time, but for a while, we mostly communicated by drawing pictures.”

During the first few weeks in her cabin, my senses were assaulted by unusual smells as she cooked. Her shelves had objects she called knickknacks but served no real purpose. She could have been terrified finding a teenager lost in the woods. When she found my spaceship, it didn’t stop her from treating me as if I was hers. I still remember when she plopped me down in the kitchen chair and sat across the table with a pad of paper between us.

“Want to guess the first word I spoke?”

“Mom?”

I shook my head.

“Chocolate?”

I chuckled at the suggestion. It would have made sense, but that didn’t come for another few months. “Home. She made a crude shape of the cabin and taught me the word home. Here I was, a stranger, and she gave me a new home. She jumped up and down, happy that I finally spoke.”

“You’re adopted?”

“Yeah, she gave me a home.”

His hand slid down the railing until his pinky brushed mine. The sloshing of water and the breeze coming off the river vanished. Only a square inch of skin existed. Just as I was about to pass it off as an accident, it hooked my finger, giving it a light tug.

“You’re not like other guys.” If anybody else had said it, I’d have worried. I’d fake a phone call and excuse myself. Zaster had made me feel different in a way that hurt something inside. Dustin’s words mended the damage, picking up the pieces one by one.

“Thanks,” I whispered.

“It’s like you’re experiencing the world for the first time.” His words danced a dangerous line. I didn’t want to run away to protect my identity, not from him. If I blurted out my secret, he, of all people, might understand.

“This is the date I wanted,” I confessed.

“With Zaster?”

“With you.”

“Wyatt…” He stepped closer until our shoulders touched. Leaning on the railing, he reached up, turning my head. Just as our eyes met, he leaned in, lips grazing against mine. Brief, I wanted more.

I grabbed him by the waist and lifted him off his feet. He wrapped his arms around my neck as I squeezed him tight. Our lips pressed together. When he pushed his tongue inside my mouth, I almost commented it was like the videos I watched. Now it made sense why they liked it so much. I liked it, too, enough that I had to focus to keep from levitating off the boardwalk.

When he pulled back, I chewed my bottom lip, unsure of the next step.

“Hope this makes up for your first date tonight.”

I nodded so fast the world vibrated. “It does. A lot. Like… a whole lot.”

“Good.” He let go before hooking his arm in mind. “Should we continue our stroll?”

“I’d like that.”

“Me, too,” he said. “So, how did you wind up at Secret Identities?”

Did I start with the ad in the newspaper? Arthur needed employees, or he’d lose a big grant. I only applied because I thought it was a company that catered to the alter egos of superheroes. I don’t think he was going to hire me, but then a supervillain attacked. In one of my braver moments, I clobbered the bad guy. I still didn’t know if he hired me because of my lovable personality or because I saved his life.

“It’s a long story.”

“Good,” he said. His head rested on my shoulder as we continued walking. “I don’t want to go home.”

Me neither.