Closer to the Heart

The moon beams crawled along the floor of the living room having long vanished from the coffee table’s surface. Bathing in the grey light was Hector, his chest slowly rising and falling with the fur unkempt from previous activities. She mused over what Hector was doing while she was in her room. Hector sighed, and then twitched as he slept.

She caught herself breathing and could not escape regulating her own intake of air. The nightmares were getting better but it seemed as if they would never go away. Her sleep was interrupted because of their violence or disturbance. Either way, she was glad not to have woken Nathan. He seemed unconscious after tonight’s lovemaking. It had been sometime since she was involved in a sexual relationship. When she went to Vegas last year to see Tracy, the two of them had an evening reminiscent of the times when they were both "executive companions". But before Nathan, it had been several years since she was with a man, the last being that scum Vargis. So it has been many more years since she was involved in a “relationship”. Scarlet smirked recalling the evening – her skills had not diminished with time. If anything, her endurance may have improved as a side-effect of her transformation or hero-work. Lucky for Nathan, she thought with a grin.

But what about her? She admitted Nathan was keeping her attention and she admired his courage to seek her out in the first place. His honesty in all things seemed rivaled by Crimsonstar’s purity in truthfulness. Scarlet raised an eyebrow: comparing Nathan to Marsius felt unfair, but that’s how impressive Nathan seems: he even looks ”heroic” … if such a thing is real. He would look good in costume, she was sure of it, so he was somehow more attractive because he was not a hero. Scarlet’s brows twisted in thought: why were heroes attractive and villains unattractive? Why do evil women tend to look like sluts? The stereotypes were almost comical – yet Scarlet played the part, sort of.

She reached up to touch her eye-patch. It was always worn while having sex, as a rule of hers, to protect her self-esteem even at Nathan’s insistence she didn’t need it around him. That was sweet, but until they were married, then it’s her way or the highway …

Scarlet’s face revealed surprise. She looked out the window hoping no one was watching an embarrassing moment.

Marriage?!

Did she actually even think that? She immediately became uncomfortable as if realizing someone witnessed her making a mistake. Craning her neck to look into the bedroom, Nathan had shifted position but otherwise was still asleep. Thank God he doesn’t snore.

Scarlet looked back to Hector who was awake, sitting straight up and looking at her. He yawned wide then stood to stretch his back. She gently smiled while watching Hector turn in place and curl into a ball onto the floor.

Shaking her previous thoughts out of her consciousness, she stood and quietly walked toward her purse. Finding her Dawn Patrol communicator, Scarlet activated the PPD band. A hologram lighted above the badge and lit the room with a bluish hue. Her fully naked body was revealed in the azure light as she placed an ear bud close to her ear. Listening to various reports, she found one that appealed to her: one involving the Council. Scarlet activated her hero ID and then shut down the police band.

Within minutes she was in her original hero  suit with jacket and locking the door to her condo. A note rested on the kitchen counter.

Closer to the Heart

Her arm was wrapped around his and she pulled herself closer as they walked down the clean sidewalk. The gloaming of the day invited a romantic evening and a slight breeze swirled around them. Her brown double-breasted jacket easily protected her from the cold, but the Scarlet Scorpion could just as easily deflect blasts of ice from super-powered villains. Yet she still seemed effected from the weather as if she were not a heroine. Nathan relished the affection. Kathryn was a beautiful woman and he felt more handsome just being near her. The fact she was a superhero was receding further from his mind.

A switch blade silently locked into place from down the alley they passed and Kathryn tensed up which caught Nathan’s attention. They slowed their pace until she did not hear any footsteps, then she resumed walking, slightly dragging Nathan.

Caught off guard by Kathryn’s movements Nathan said, “did you hear something?”

Kathryn nodded, “yes, just ignore it.” Nathan had learned when Kathryn was being serious and this moment was one of them.

“Hey. You two. Gimme yer wallets or ya get cut.” The thug’s voice from behind them pierced through the air with its raspy quality and low tone.

The red head stopped and slowly turned. Facing the criminal she said, “we don’t want trouble.” Nathan stepped forward, “Look, just take my wallet but leave her out of it.” Kathryn looked to Nathan wide-eyed at his bravado.

The criminal seemed unprepared for the counter-offer and quickly recovered. “What the f … shut up and hand ‘em over!” He took a step forward.

Nathan leaned forward at took a combat-ready stance. “In a city of heroes, do you want to take the chance we are not metas?”

The thug stopped and looked into Nathan’s eyes. His resolve broke, and he turned to run back down the alley.

Only when the footsteps receded to silence did Nathan relax. He turned to Kathryn whose mouth was gapping open in shock. He smiled and she said, “did you just fake being a hero on a gamble he would buy that?”

Nathan grabbed the lapels of his jacket, rocked on his feet, gave a boyish grin and said, “Yep!”

“Don’t ever do that again”, she rebuked. He stopped and the smile started to fade. Kathryn grabbed his coat and pulled him to her. The force of her kiss surprised Nathan for a second until he could not control his passion for her.

They kissed for several minutes.

Closer to the Heart

Even in the sunlight the coffee whispered vapor from the surface. A slight breeze pushed the light cloud from the cup’s rim. Scarlet was watching the stillness of the liquid surface until she saw Daikar’s reflection looking back at her.

She looked up to see the man, the Grand Battler, standing near her table. “Good to see you,” she said and extended her arm. Daikar took it and leaned at the waist to kiss the back of her hand. “The pleasure is mine, dear friend.”

He filled the seat across her and straightened his jacket. Waving the server away indicated he did not need attention. Daikar watched Scarlet sip her cup then looked toward sky and other places, as if to fill the silence between them with motion.

“I appreciate your coming Daikar. You look well.”

“As do you, but have you invited me here for small talk?”

Scarlet placed the cup onto the saucer gently. “Not really, but it’s been a while since we talked at all.”

The dark blonde hero smoothed his mustache. “True. I’ve noticed the Dawn Patrol has been a little quiet lately. I am prying because I detest small talk.”

She smiled. “You’re blunt. Your observations are also accurate. With the second Rikti invasion, our members thinned out from casualties. Nothing like the first time of course, but it happens unfortunately.”

Daikar nodded. Scarlet sipped.

“How is your love life?”

She kept her surprise from showing and placed the cup down then sighed. “I should not be surprised you could tell.” She smiled and blushed lightly. “I have an admirer.”

He leaned onto an arm, “I’m surprised it hasn’t happened sooner. What do you think?”

“Honestly, even after everything I’ve been through, I’m a little scared.”

Daikar sat back, “Then end it now.”

Stunned, Scarlet straightened in her seat. “What? Why would you say that?”

“Because fear is your greatest enemy, it will kill you or him … or both.”

She sighed. “I remember the lessons, Daikar, no need to be a teacher today. Just be a friend.”

He raised both hands, “Forgive me.”

Scarlet smirked, “It’s ok. Look, he’s not a meta and I’m trying to get it straight. I’ve spent so much effort being a good “hero” for everyone else that I have put everything else on a shelf. Honestly, being in a relationship is the last thing I have even considered in many years. I had more business … partners … than friends. Regardless, I’m thinking I’m due for someone to celebrate “me”. No training, no leading, no fighting. But with my powers, my status, should I get involved?”

“Kathy, you don’t need me for any relationship advice. But I will say this: every action has a reaction – good or bad. So do what you want to do and do not regret what could or should have done.”

She nodded and the breeze sliced through the silence between them. Daikar looked away. “Are you happy?”

Scarlet shrugged lightly. “Yes. Maybe. I don’t know. No?”

“You look happy, but you hide yourself very well.”

“It’s a part of the craft from my past. Some things are hard to forget.” She smiled.

Daikar looked down, remembering something he didn’t want to remember. “I know.” He looked up. “Kathryn, never regret anything you do in life … or love.” Standing, he never looked away from Scarlet. “He is a lucky man.” The Grand Battler turned to leave when Scarlet grabbed his hand.

“Can I call on you?”

“Always.” He slipped from her grasp and walked away.

Closer to the Heart

The flowers were unlike any she had ever seen before: long, white petals with a green-purple hue radiating in helix curls from the floral axis to the tip of each petal. Their delicate fragrance did not overpower the senses and her office was filled with the wonderful fumes. Scarlet was in a blind reverie from it.

“Smells like someone is in love.”

The Scarlet Scorpion jumped in her seat. “Northern Might, you startled me!” She was a little embarrassed having been caught off guard, especially in her own office.

“I should note this day in my calendar as that is a first. I must admit, I’m not used to seeing you in your office, much less looking so …”

“What? In love? Psht. Not me. But getting flowers from an admirer is almost never bad. It’s been a while, you know?” Scarlet looked to her comrade with a hope of understanding.

Northern Might got the message but was in a playful mood. “Not really. Marsius is a romantic at the molecular level.”

Rebuffed, “Lucky you. So what can I do for you?”

“Nothing. What can I do for you?” Northern Might's emphasis accompanied her looking toward the flowers.

Scarlet followed her friend’s glace and understood the subtle signal then waved her hand toward a chair. Northern Might accepted the offer and slid stealthily into the hard plastic chair.

“For starters,” Scarlet sat back in her chair as if to dictate to her secretary, “I’m no stranger to being with men, far from it. But it’s been a long time since any relationship was not … solicited or advertised.” She raised an eyebrow at the last words.

Northern Might nodded, “so you’re wondering why would a non-meta try to get involved with a meta … knowing that the risks almost outweigh the rewards?”

Sitting forward with enthusiasm, Scarlet replied, “That’s the rub: ARE the risks worth it? Isn’t fulfillment subjective?”

Northern Might shrugged. "It’s not so scientific, but even that statement has its own perspective. It’s a minefield of ethics, sorrow and happiness. Have you asked him: why you? Let’s face it, of all the heroes in Paragon, show me an ugly one.”

Scarlet snorted and sat back. “
If I asked, then I'd be disappointed. I've heard it all before. But ... there is sincerity out of desperation and sincerity from truth.”

“What do you mean?”

A smile crawled on Scarlet’s lips. “Desperation for sex. A man will say anything for sex, especially if he anticipates it to be good. But Nathan …” Scarlet looked away as if she entered a trance. “He is genuinely interested and this time it seems different to me.”

It was Northern Might’s turn to smile but was silent, choosing to let the red-head talk. Scarlet raised a hand to her eye patch and paused, then continued to run the hand through her hair. She sighed.

“So, if anyone is in love it is definitely him.” Scarlet smirked with a wink. The room was still for a few more seconds as the two women looked at each other.

Then Northern Might raised an eyebrow.

Scarlet received the question. “Nope, not yet. If this is the real deal, then he will have to wait. If not, then …” Scarlet shrugged with a wry smile.

“So how do you know he is not desperate?”

“Women’s intuition,” Scarlet said with a smile.

Closer to the Heart

The restaurant was what Nathan Maddox expected from his beautiful guest. He gave her the choice and she chose well; Alpines was an up-scale steakhouse. In the center of the dining room was a booming fireplace surrounded by a clear heat shield. Radiating from the European stone-work fireplace were the dining tables, mostly for two to four people with the larger party seating near or against the wall. The menu did not have a single digit priced item (aside from the drinks) and everything was in whole dollar amounts. Nathan was lucky to overhear a conversation where the unfortunate customer inquired about a selection of steak sauces, only to be embarrassed in front of his date by the server: Alpines’ steaks were so good that no sauces were available to ruin the quality of the meat. Nathan silently thanked the guy to take the bullet for him.

He glanced around and caught a few other men eying his date. Again, it was what he expected and Nathan felt a sense of pride. How could he be jealous of other men, he would have done the same! Of all the men in the world she could be with tonight, the Scarlet Scorpion allowed him at least one night. But that is making her more than she is.

Drinks were ordered and Scarlet kept it on the light side. Even if she were not in uniform she was still “on” as a hero. It was an unfortunate side effect of taking on the hero mantle and she had been doing it long enough to make it a part of her life now. After the order she settled into the moment, the small talk was basically over and she was waiting for Nathan to dig deeper, if he dared.

“So, Scarlet Scorpion, let’s cut to the chase …” Nathan swirled his dark liquor and looked inside the cup to pull a question from the thick liquid, then finding one. “What’s your real name?”

Oh, he’s blunt. Score one point.

“Tsk tsk Mr. Maddox, that’s for me to keep for myself.”

Nathan smiled. “I expected you to say that. I hope you don’t mind me trying?”

Scarlet smiled back, “Not at all. I’m a little impressed you made the attempt so early this evening.”

“So, why keep it a secret? As you know, some heroes have chosen to make their real identity open. As all heroes are registered, why keep it hidden from the public? You don’t wear a mask, haven’t you been recognized somewhere at some time?” He used his fingers to deftly mimic the scars on his face.

Scarlet broke a piece of bread as he spoke. By the time he finished she had swallowed the piece and quietly thought about the answer, ignoring the motion he made with his hand. “For protection: my own and people around me … like you. You’d be amazed how a simple hair style change makes a difference.” She chuckled to herself then almost pulled the hair in front of her scar back and decided against it. “I wore a mask for a couple of years. But when I moved to Paragon decided against it.”

It was Nathan’s turn with the bread and he gulped to get his next word out. “Why?”

Scarlet leaned forward and rested her chin on the back of her hand as her elbow gently rested on the table. “Nathan, I am not sitting here because I was cautious. I don’t believe in luck. When I came here I wanted my name to be synonymous with Justice. As silly as it sounds, I also believe Justice has a face.”

He leaned in, enjoying her candor. “It’s not silly one bit. It’s admirable and I hope not sound misogynistic.” He leaned back, “What about credit cards? Do you use your real name on them?”

She leaned back and sighed, a little disappointed, “Yes … You have a lot of questions about how I live. Although I understand the game of making me feel like the center of attention, this is starting to feel like an interview.”

Raising his glass as she spoke, his eyes popped open at the last remark. “I apologize. That was not my intent. I admit my curiosity get ahead of me.”

Scarlet sipped her drink to clear the acid from her previous comment. “I understand. Don’t get me wrong, the attention is nice.” She smiled slightly trying to give him slack. “How about you ask me something less … newsworthy?”

Nathan smiled broadly, leaned back in his chair and cupped his hands together. “Ok, how did you get the scar?”

Her eye widened and she looked over her shoulder quickly. Scarlet was caught off guard and she got hot at the realization.

His arms spread out. “Is that too personal?”

Recovering just as quick, “No … no, I asked for it.” Scarlet paused.

“It’s alright, I don’t really want to know anymore. It adds to your beauty.”

Scarlet didn’t blush but almost rolled her eye at the line. “Answer me this, aren’t you concerned at all that you are having dinner with a superhero? Being with Dawn Patrol, I’ve made a lot of enemies. Some may know who I am out of uniform.”

“A little, but I’m willing to take a risk – if there are any?”

“It depends if you make me mad.”

They smiled to one another and the server brought a tray with two plates of food to the table.

Closer to the Heart

She pinched at a fleck of dust on the right shoulder of her purple vest. Scarlet huffed outwardly in frustration as she abandoned the pinch and resorted to flicking it off with success. Gemini Park was a beautiful place in Paragon City. One of the more famous parks within city limits and a very popular site for social gatherings. It was also popular for the Hellions and Skulls gangs to prey upon non-Heroes. Sometimes they were foolish enough to challenge a Hero, and on very rare occasions the gangs were victorious, but only by weight of numbers. Today, the Scarlet Scorpion strolled through the park. She's is considered a powerful Meta-human, and when dressed in her civilian clothes, none of the gangers would suspect anything more than a cry for help, much to their dreaded surprise.

But Scarlet was not at Gemini Park to clean up the place of Meta-thugs or punks: newly registered heroes roamed around Galaxy City in plenty of numbers to handle most crime. The Skulls she just encountered happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, for the Scarlet Scorpion was going on a date, and nothing was going to stop this first meeting. It's not that she was excited, nor was she afraid, but more curious. As a registered Hero, anyone has access to limited information about her. As a Captain within the Dawn Patrol she was well known by name and it was uncommon for people to recognize her in stores or restaurants. The Dawn Patrol is known more for their achievements than by the people who achieve them. Still, no one in her three years of service sent her roses with romantic intentions directly to the base.

Looking around the park, the adrenaline from the earlier fight had dissipated completely and she calmed down. Scarlet looked over her white pencil skirt and hoped not to spot any loose fibers, dirt or ganger blood. Not seeing any, she opened her purse and grabbed a compact to re-inspect herself for the thousandth time. Not finding any flaws (other than the scars on her face hidden behind her long hair), and marveling her hair was not disheveled, she smiled and dabbed a line of fire red lipstick. Putting the makeup away, Scarlet looked up and around hoping to eye her suitor before he had a chance to get too close. She resisted using her powers to hear him walking up to her, not that she needed to: the park was pretty empty as the gangers kept most people away today. News would flash around of its "freedom" and citizens would start arriving soon. Even so, a tall, red-haired, smartly-dressed woman standing in the middle of the park is out-of-place, even if gangers never existed.

Standing in the middle of the park meant she was not cornered and could catch a surprise attack easily. Also, once in combat she would have more freedom to maneuver. Scarlet realized she was behaving tactically. Deciding to give the suitor a break, she sauntered to a bench at the edge of the park, inside the fence line, and sat down. After several minutes, Scarlet realized she was tapping her foot. After another minute she closed her eye and threw away any sense of fairness by focusing on the sounds around her ...

Slight breeze ... Bird chirp ...
Rustling leaves with the wind ... Blades of grass fluttering ...
Gravel crunching under tires ... Engine piston pumping ...
Leather seat squeaking ... door gently closing ...
Calm footsteps ... Rapid heartbeat ...
Short breath ...

Each sound was like a wave lapping against a beach. Some sounds were softer than others, all of them familiar to her, nothing threatening. But then, that sound ...

"Scarlet Scorpion?"

She spun her head to the right and shifted her weight on the bench, ready to leap or fly away from the source. Her long, deep red hair flowed across her face to hide her limited view of the man. His arm was extended forward with palm up, fingers closed. Bending slightly at the waist, his light-colored jacket opened to show a well-fit shirt with dark colored slacks. His golden, thick, almost straight hair seemed to billow from the front to a shorter cut toward the back. The smile showed no teeth, as his lips tightened into a erudite smirk: he knew he surprised her.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you!" He straightened quickly with both hands in front as if to shield him from a verbal reprisal.

Scarlet relaxed at his disarming voice and posture. She stood and corrected her hair from her face, making sure she kept her scars hidden to the left of her nose. He was her height. Looking level into his eyes, she asked, "Who are you?"

"Nathan Maddox, and the pleasure is entirely mine."

Closer to the Heart

Hello Urbanknight. What can I do for you? Sure, I’ll have those requisition forms for the tech bay to you by the end of the day. Oh, by the way, nice work on the meeting room!”

Huh. Did I just WINK at him?! Silly Scarlet. If he files harassment charges for that, I’ll punch the color out of his hair.

And what about that? Being a hero has its risks, right? But in this city, you’d think would get that any woman they talk to might just have a secret hero identity. For that reason, their girlfriend may just disappear.

Scarlet looks away from her computer screen and stares at a collection of photos, from an earlier time, resting on a shelf to her right and across the door to her office.

Is that fair to him? Is that fair to her? What about me? I chose to do this though, to be a hero. There’s an inherent danger to this ‘job’, so it’s not really a matter of fairness? Cops and firefighters have similar risks, and yet they have relationships. Damn, look at Shan and Jason! Maybe it’s easier for them because they are both heroes? The danger is the same, fairness is the same. They should write a book. Logically, if they can do it – then anyone can do it. Even me!

Scarlet twists her lips, showing disagreement.

But do I want a relationship? Last one, at least monogamous was … high school? Am I ready for love?

Scarlet smirked to herself.

I love Hector! The way he rolls to the side when I talk cute to him. Then again, he needs to stop using furniture as a scratching post. The little shit.

An alarm rings from Scarlet’s communicator. Dogma’s ‘voice’ was gentle yet serious, “Fire in Steel Canyon. Outcast group involved.” Another beep, “This is Crimsonstar, I’m on it.” A second beep, a different voice, “V’ril, on the way.” Scarlet caught herself half-way out of her chair and relaxed back into it.

There’s another one – Crimsonstar and Northern Might. Very cute couple there and devotion is obvious, even though his time with Alumette … wow, talk about racy. It was cute to see them try to hide it though.

Scarlet sighs. She looks down to her chest and traces the gold lines of her Captain rank with her eye.

Maybe I love the Dawn Patrol too much? Is this group my lover? Weird to think of it that way. Actually, too weird.

Scarlet’s office phone beeped.

Scarlet.

Miss Scarlet, you have … something waiting for you at the front desk.

Scarlet rolled her eye.

Chip, I’m too busy to guess. And unless it’s a dozen roses then it’ll have to wait.

Umm, ma’am. Then it can’t wait.