Disclaimer: This story, though maybe not in this chapter but in subsequent chapters, will have celebrities in it. I have no knowledge of their sexuality and this is not intended to imply their sexuality. This is all from my own mind. Scary!! People actually get a glimpse into my mind!!!
Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, Angel and all related characters created by Joss Whedon. Copyright 20th Century Fox.
Batman, and all related characters created by Bob Kane. Copyright DC Comics and Warner Bros.
X-MEN, and all related characters created by Stan Lee. Copyright Marvel Comics and 20th Century Fox.
Star Trek and all related characters created by Gene Roddenberry. Copyright Paramount Studios.
I don't know for sure if I will use all the above elements, but just in case, I have myself covered.
In this story, which has been floating around in my head most of my life, you will find many universes merging, as the above copyrights reveal. I hope you all enjoy this. I appreciate any feedback that you may want to give. This story doesn't deal so much with sex, sex, sex, but more of my feelings that I struggled with and am starting to come to terms with. Part of his background is mine. I do hope that you enjoy it!!!
jmsotc@yahoo.com
Chapter 10 Fire
I awoke the next morning feeling rather lousy. I had not gone to bed feeling very happy and, when you do that, your dreams tend to not be very good. Your nights end up restless with you tossing and turning. I got up, showered, dressed, and poured myself a bowl of cereal. After eating, I brushed my teeth and went to work.
The day dragged on, as we didn't have many appointments that day. I had a bunch of paper work to do and Joshua asked me to do some research on a subject for him. Surfing the net and reading old books can be fun, unless you have to do it for work. Ha, ha, ha. At lunchtime, I became occupied with how Batman could do more. I had noticed a newspaper headline of some trouble that had gone on through the night. I know I can't be everywhere at once, but I would like to catch someone sometime doing something majorly wrong. It would help me to know I was doing something.
After lunch, I continued with my research and meeting some new clients Joshua had. They were nice kids who happened to have tough lives. Poor kids. If I could, I would take all the children up to a mountain village and teach them not to hate, teach them to love, and teach them to defend themselves. But, this is reality, not a comic book.
At the end of the day, I went home and made dinner. It was okay. Macaroni and cheese. Yummy. I brushed my teeth and settled down to read a book. Just then, the phone rang.
"Hello."
"What are you wearing?" replied a dark, shadowy voice.
"What?"
"What are you wearing?"
"None of your damn business, freak." With that, I hung up the phone. "Where do these guys come from?"
The phone rang again.
"Hello."
"What are you wearing?"
"Listen, if you don't stop, I will hunt down your punk ass and..."
"Eric, relax! It's just me!"
"Justin? What in the hell are you doing?"
He laughed. "I just thought I would have a little fun with you."
"That wasn't funny."
"Sorry," he answered, coming out of his laughter. "How are you?"
"A little mad at you, but happy you called."
"That's nice to hear."
"How's Florida?"
"Good. It would be better if you were here."
"Awl, thanks. That's sweet of you to say."
"Well, don't you wish you were here?"
"If I were there, I wouldn't be doing my job. Going across the country with a new boyfriend isn't exactly in the handbook as an appropriate day off."
"You could always take a 'personal' day."
"I just started. I don't have personal days yet."
We both laughed.
"Eric, I just called to say I miss you. Maybe you can fly up to New York and be here for our concert. Then we can have a weekend in New York and come back on Sunday before you have to be at work."
"Sounds tempting. Maybe I'll take you up on that offer. I'll talk to Josh."
"Cool. If you want, I could talk to him."
"No. I'm his employee, it's my duty to talk to him, not my boyfriend."
"I could threaten to rough him up a little bit for you."
"Thanks, but no." I smiled at Justin's offer. That was very sweet of him.
"I'll talk to you later. Sweet dreams."
"You, too."
I hung up the phone and smiled. I'm sure you are wondering why we didn't say, "I love you" to each other. For a very good reason: we didn't know each other long enough. You shouldn't say, "I love you" until you know for sure one-way or another if you do. And you can't know that until you've spent time with that person. Love needs to be nurtured along with trust. You can't nurture unless you are in the company of that person for a long time. Justin and I hadn't been together long enough for that to happen. But I knew the time would come. I was looking forward to it.
I went back to my book when, suddenly, the air was broken by sounds of shrieking sirens.
"What's going on?" I wondered aloud.
I stood up and went to the window to see a fire truck blaze down the street.
"Hm, must be a fire." Then, realization dawned on me.
I ran to my bedroom and climbed into my suit. It still smelled Downy fresh as I had washed it this morning before work. I climbed out the window and was greeted by another fire engine tearing down the street. I ran as fast as I could up to the rooftop and across the buildings, racing toward the fire. When I was a block away, I saw the fire. It scared me.
Across the street was an apartment building ablaze. Many people were being treated for smoke inhalation and burn wounds. Nothing major. Then, I saw a breaking of glass at an upper story window. Squinting my eyes, I could see a small form through the smoke. It was a young child, maybe seven or eight years of age. I looked around to see if anyone had notice the little one. Sadly, no one had. I guess it was time for the Batman to save a life in front of others.
I looked around, trying to find my way into the building. I noticed a telephone line running to the floor above. It would have to do. I maneuvered myself so I would be able to grab onto the cable. But, I needed something to hold onto that would run across the cord. I found an old spark plug wire lying amidst some rubble on the roof.
"Man, people don't even clean up their roofs here in L.A."
I poised myself on the edge of the roof, taking deep breaths, psyching myself up to act. With great trepidation and fear, I jumped. I landed on the cable and slid across the road. No one really noticed until I got to the building, since that was the focus of everyone's concern. Putting my feet up at the last second, I crashed through the window on the floor above. I took a deep breath and ran into the bathroom. Thankfully they had a shower. I turned on the cold water and stood under the shower, getting my suit as wet as I could in a few seconds time. Then, I turned the showerhead to face into the bathroom, figuring the water would help fight the blaze.
I ran to the door to the apartment, checked the door for heat and opened it. I was met with smoke and some flame. I sprinted to the stairwell and checked my location, determining which way to go when I got to the floor beneath me. Running down, I burst through the door and down the hall. I ran through the second apartment door and checked the place out. Unfortunately, it wasn't the one I wanted. I ran to the next one and was in luck. Lying on the bedroom floor was the dark-skinned girl. I reached down and checked for breathing. It was shallow. I wrapped her up in my damp cape and looked out the window hoping to see a way out from this side. There were none, so I did the next best thing.
I ran out the door and down the stairwell again, only this time, I went as far as the first floor. Busting out the door, I sprinted to the entrance to the apartment. I dodged flame and even jumped over smaller ones. I got to the apartment door and jumped through the glass, rolling as I landed.
Several onlookers gasped in amazement. Rescue workers headed my way. I unwrapped the girl from my cape, which had been attached to my back the whole time and, without hesitating, ran back into the inferno. I knew they wouldn't follow me in as they had more pressing matters to attend to. It cleared my escape from people. Now, if I could just escape the burning building. I ran to the back and found a door. I went through and, surprisingly, bumped into a young man, knocking him and myself down. I stood up quickly and looked over to him.
"Are you okay? Do you need assistance?"
"No. I'm fine," he replied in a rather quiet voice. Then, without warning, he took off running. It looked as though he were heading toward the front where rescue workers were battling the blaze and helping the injured.
"Probably a volunteer fireman," I thought. Then, I ran in the opposite direction, keeping to the shadows. It wasn't till I got a block away that I rejoiced at what I had just done: I saved a life.
I took a few minutes to relax and then went on a quick patrol, finding nothing of interest. Then, returning home, I showered again (no wonder I'm getting dry skin) and went to bed.
The next morning, I awoke and went through the usual routine. I went to work and the first thing I was greeted with from Debbie was "Did you hear what happened?"
"No, what?" I asked, wondering if it was about last night.
"There was a fire last night. The cops think it was arson."
"Really? Any suspects?"
"None yet. But that's not the strangest thing."
"Strangest thing? You mean someone deliberately setting fire to someplace isn't strange enough? Not to mention sick and twisted?"
Debbie just looked at me. Undaunted, she continued. "There was a little girl trapped inside the burning apartment building. I guess someone saw a black figure slide across a telephone cable and break through the glass. Some say it looked like someone dressed as Batman. Can you imagine, a real life Batman?"
"Really?"
"Yes, really. The police are thankful he saved the little girl's life. But they are wondering if he set the fire or if someone else did."
Just then, Joshua came out of his office with the newspaper in hand. "I can't believe they didn't notice anyone suspicious around there. Usually someone who sets fire to a building is either angry or a pyromaniac. In either case, they would want to stand around to watch their handy work do the damage."
My mind immediately wandered to the guy out back that I collided with. I still remember his features plainly. He had coal black hair and dark eyes. He also had a tan complexion and a nice body. Okay, so I checked him out. I'm gay! What do you expect? Anyway, I wondered if he might be the arsonist. It's possible. I knew that I would have to go out on patrol that night. I went back to work and it was business as usual.
That evening, I went home and got cleaned up. I ate rather quickly in anticipation for nightfall. The phone rang, as it did the night before. I knew who it was and smiled.
"Hello?"
"What are you wearing?"
"Right now, my boxers. But Nick Carter is waiting to take them off."
"Jerk!" Justin yelled out, then laughed. I laughed with him. "So what are you doing?"
"Missing you."
"Aw, Eric, you are too sweet."
"So are you. You call me when you don't have to."
"But I want to. How was work?"
"It went okay, a bit busier than yesterday. I had to do research for Josh yesterday. Today was pretty normal."
"That's good. Did you get a chance to talk to Josh about taking Friday off?"
"Not yet. There's been some excitement."
"What do you mean?" Justin asked.
"There was a fire last night. The police think it was arson. Kind of scary stuff."
"Yeah. Was it close by your apartment?"
"Not too close. But the fire engines did come past not too long after I hung up with you." I yawned just then, but tried to hide it. I couldn't hide it, though, from someone who's been singing for several years.
"You sound tired. I think I'll let you go. Talk to you tomorrow."
"Okay. Sleep well."
"You, too."
I hung up from Justin and got a cup of coffee. I was rather tired and was looking forward to the caffeine to help wake me up. After I finished the last gulp, I suited up and began patrol, not expecting to find anything.
It was two hours later that I figured I would return home. On my way back, I decided to stop at the crime scene from the night before. It was deserted. The rescue workers were able to find places for the tenets to stay until they found a new place to live. I looked around the charred building, inspecting the rooms.
"Where did the blaze start?" I wondered.
As I looked around, I heard a rustling. I stopped where I was and listened more intently, hoping to locate the source and the creator of the noise without it knowing I was present. It sounded like it came from beneath me. The basement. I quickly went to the nearby stairwell and descended quickly and quietly, like a shadow.
When I arrived, I moved quietly, sticking closely to the walls, looking for the cause of the rustling. I noticed something hunched over by the far wall. Quietly I moved until I got close enough to move. I jumped and tackled whoever it was; however, my momentum caused us to separate. I stood and saw the person was already standing, ready to attack.
"You!" he replied.
I looked closer and noticed it was the dark-haired gentleman I met the night of the fire.
"Coming back to see the damage you caused?"
"How do you know it was me?"
"Call it a hunch. Anyone who was near the fire would rather be on the opposite side of the fire hoses. It would figure the arsonist would stand close by to see their handy work. Unless you can offer a good explanation for being there last night."
The man smiled at me. "You're good, almost as good as your comic book counterpart. I'll bet you even know my name."
"Nope. Unlike my 'counterpart', I have to work for a living. But it didn't take me long to figure out that you were responsible. Of course, I haven't figured out why."
"I suppose you would like that, wouldn't you? Me telling you the sad sob story as to why I destroyed a building by fire, almost killing a dozen or so families."
"I think you owe an explanation, if not to me then to the families whose lives you completely destroyed along with all their possessions. You left most of them with absolutely nothing. I don't think your reasoning could balance out the scale, but it is certainly needed to give them some semblance of sanity to your insane act."
The man began laughing at me, almost hysterically.
"You find that funny?" I replied.
"I find YOU funny. You even use such big words as Batman. As far as an explanation, I would have to say...no." He ran up the steps and out the door with me close on his heels.
When I reached outside, I found it hard to see. It had begun raining and made it more difficult to find him. But I did not have long to wait. His fist found me first. I stumbled on his impact, as I was not expecting it. Not that I could have prepared myself for that blow. He had power behind his punches. I fell into the wall and turned, trying to get my bearings.
"So, I took you by surprise. I don't know how often I've read about the real Batman knowing something like that was coming. I guess you're not the real Batman."
"Not real, my ass," I replied.
I swung at him. He dodged and I swung again. The second punch was blocked.
"You're not going to win this," he said mocking me. Then he punched me in the stomach.
I fell to the ground clutching my stomach. This guy had lots of power.
"Thanks for the warm-up." Then he strolled off into the rain.
I was in no position to pursue. I had to regroup and come up with a new strategy. Either that or start working out more. In either case, I had to do something.
I returned home and got a warm bath. I threw my suit into the dryer and just relaxed for the evening, trying to come up with a plan to trap this arsonist. He had to have something wrong with him, a grudge or a past pain, something that would drive him to set an occupied apartment building on fire. But what could it be? Maybe he just liked fire.
I lost. I lost to someone who was better than me. It was always a possibility. I had always considered it would happen. I just hoped it wouldn't happen so quickly. I know I have more to do to be ready. It takes more than good intentions and a costume to do this line of work. It was time I figured out my next level of training.
I grabbed the phone book and looked up several martial arts places. I would have to wait until tomorrow morning or on my lunch break to call. I lie down and fell asleep rather quickly.
The next day, I went to work as usual, but was preoccupied by what I needed to do. At lunch, I called the martial arts studios and found one that sounded reasonable in price with fairly good training. After work, that's where I went.
Arriving at the martial arts studio, I went in and sat down, watching the current class. And, oh, was it a sight to see. Several young men were sweating while doing moves. Their hair was matted with sweat. The smell of testosterone flowed throughout the place. Being a gay male, you react to testosterone as opposed to female pheromone. And I was definitely reacting.
After fifteen minutes the teacher, or sensei I guess you call them, talked with his students then dismissed them to get cleaned up. He saw me sitting on a bench and approached me.
"Hello. I'm Kyle Rand."
"I'm Eric McCoy. We talked earlier on the phone."
"Ah, yes, I remember. What was it you needed?"
"Classes."
"Okay. Do you know what kind of classes you want?"
"Uh, self-defense classes."
"There are a wide range of styles and forms that I can teach you."
"Like what?"
"Jujitsu, aikido, tai chi, just to name a few. Like I asked, do you know what style you are interested in?"
"Not really."
"Let me get you a pamphlet."
Kyle walked off as a student came out of the locker room. My eyes fixed on him for a moment before I turned away, not wanting to cause a scene. Unfortunately, it was too late.
"What are you looking at?" the guy said approaching me.
"Nothing," I answered and got up.
"No, you were looking at something. Were you looking at me? Were you checking me out? Are you some kind of homo?"
I tried to calm my anger and quench the butterflies flying in my stomach. I hated confrontations. I always froze. I guess that's why I do so well as Batman. With my face hidden, I can be brave and not worry about lasting repercussions on my real self.
Kyle came out and clearly could see something bothered me.
"What's going on, Mike?"
"This guy was checking me out. I think he's a faggot."
"Now, now, Mike. I'll take care of this. Go into my office."
Mike left us. Kyle turned to me.
"So are you?"
"Am I what?"
"Are you...you know...?"
"What?"
"Are you gay, Mr. McCoy?"
"Does that matter?"
"I'm afraid it does. I don't teach gays. Sorry. I am just not comfortable with that. Sorry."
I tried not to get angrier than what I was. I knew that my face went red. I turned and left the studio. I couldn't believe the feelings that came back to me from a year ago when I came to terms with my sexuality. The anger at myself, the anger at just being gay, the anger towards hatred and bigotry flooded back, threatening to consume me like wildfire. My emotions were reeling, so much so that I didn't hear my name being called.
"ERIC!!!" Footfalls got louder as the owner neared. "Eric!" Someone grabbed my shoulder and I turned. It was Jessica. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing." I pulled away from her grasp.
"Don't tell me nothing. You are mad about something. What is it?"
I turned and went down a nearby alley, wanting to escape the joyful sunshine. It was not helping my mood. It seemed to be mocking me. Jessica followed.
"Eric, please. If we are going to be friends, we have to learn to open up to each other. What's bothering you?"
"Do you know the martial arts studio down the street?"
"Yeah."
"I went there to get training. I got beat last night. I need to get some new moves, do some training. I got there only to discover that they don't teach gays."
"Oh. I'm sorry."
"I mean, why? Are they afraid that if a gay man puts down a straight man it makes them less than a man? Are people that insecure with themselves that they have to throw it off on another group just to make themselves feel better?"
"Unfortunately, yes."
I looked up at Jessica and saw compassion in her eyes. It felt good to have someone care. Then I turned and walked further into the alley.
"I guess Batman's career is short-lived. My first major villain and I go down for the count."
"First major villain? You beat Turic."
"I'm not referring to Turic. Besides, he's a vampire. That's your turf, not mine. I'm talking about the arsonist of the apartment building on 43rd."
"You know who did that?"
"I've seen his face." One side of my mouth curled into a smile. "It wasn't that bad of a face." Then I shook off the smile. "And I've seen his fist several times. He beat me."
"Well, if it's training you want, I can see what I can do."
"What do you mean?" I said, turning to look at her.
"I can ask Garrett if he would be willing to help train you."
"Garrett?"
"My Watcher. I'm sure he wouldn't mind."
"Are you serious?" Hope began to flow back to me.
"Sure. I can try. I don't think he would have a problem with it. That is if it's okay that I explain the situation. You know, who you are."
"Do you trust him?"
"With my life."
"Then tell him. Don't give him my real name. Just tell him the Batman wants some training."
"Okay. Sure will. I'll let you know tomorrow. Can I have your number?"
I gave her my number and returned home. As I walked to my door, I heard the phone ring. I fumbled with the keys as the answering machine picked it up.
"Hi, Eric. This is Justin. I called earlier and you weren't in. I miss you. I was hoping to talk to you. I guess you've been busy. That's okay. I'll call you tomorrow. Oh, and don't forget to ask Josh! I love you. Bye."
Justin hung up as soon as I got to the phone. He was too good for me. I closed the door and locked it. I went right to bed feeling very exhausted physically and emotionally. I had much to do and I needed my rest.
To Be Continued...
What do you think so far? Some interesting turns in the story. Batman gets beat; Eric gets a taste of homophobia directed towards him. How many of us have gone through that? How many have feared going through that? It's such a strange, terrible and wonderful world out there. We must become comfortable with ourselves if we are going to help others get comfortable with us. We can't change everyone, but we must start with ourselves, and then offer it to those we meet. I would like to know if you have experienced this or feared experiencing this, like I have. Sometimes you get lonely. I've been there and still do. Feel free to email me. I would love to know what you think.