The suits were essentially butlers when I woke up the following morning. I creaked open my door just enough to see them flushing up the couch pillows, taking the briefcase to clean off the table, and refilling any food I had eaten the night prior. Let's just say I downed half the fridge and leave it at that. I slid out another black cigar, fishing it out with my teeth. Lighting and watching the view again, just with the sunlight peeling through the clouds. Watching different heroes traverse the city and citizens living their normal lives. Ironically Duncan knows everything about me and I know nothing about him. I imagine he wants to keep it that way. Whatever angle he's got falls under two umbrellas. He's either working for the Globe and trying to get on my good side before shit goes sideways because it always does. Or he's a double or trouble agent for another corporation, most likely the government, and wants to put all superheroes as part of purely military power. Either scenario fucks me but considering I vaporized the onto person I cared about and the other is in the dirt I don't have anything to lose if I decide to go apeshit. Either side wouldn't want that either I presume.
"Ma'am? Do you mind if we clean up?"
"No. Go right ahead."
They continued their duties only room and bathroom then bowed and left out without another word. I had a hunch that if I used my powers they'd rush back in here. Then again if that was the case they are inside not out. Titling my head, I stamped out my cigar on the ashtray just deciding to roam the condo again. I couldn't see them but I could hear the cameras around hidden behind things like a painting or a speaker. Thankfully I didn't hear one in the bathroom, that doesn't mean it isn't there but I'll just pretend it's not. The telephone rang in my bedroom and I picked it up.
"Leto. How is the living space?"
"Good. Creepy good."
Duncan chuckled when I said that.
"I stressed to my suits that there should be a level of predictability but keeping the space clean and welcoming is the goal."
"Can I ask you something?"
"Whatever you need."
"Why are you helping me? Or at the very least being so forthcoming about this cover-up?"
I asked sitting at the edge of the bed, tussling the cord in my fingers.
"Good question. The Globe had done the same routine for the last fifty years, it's time we change that."
"That doesn't put you in remarkable danger?"
"Oh, it certainly does. That would be threatening if the Globe had any actual power over me."
Now that's an interesting response.
"Any more questions?"
"No, that'll do it."
"Wonderful. Let my suits know if you need any company, they'll happily oblige."
"Duly noted."
****
"I didn't expect you to call so soon-"
"Don't assume you're here for more than informational purposes."
Ripley sucked his teeth hoping I wouldn't say that, adjusting his burgundy suit and flashing his gold chain at me. His demeanor reminded me of Duncan which made me wonder if there's something more there than professional courtesy.
"Tell me about Duncan."
"Ah..."
Snapping finger guns at me, he chewed on a toothpick gazing down at me on the couch fiddling with the briefcase.
"So that's what you want to know."
"Don't leave me in suspense."
I mumbled sarcastically, rising from the couch and adjusting my black jeans and tank top.
"He's human."
"Hilarious-"
"Let me finish."
Rolling my eyes, I gestured at him to continue. Ripley closed the space between us, tilting his head at me.
"He's a jealous man. A dangerous jealous man."
"So why are you helping me?"
"It's cute. Seeing you run around in circles."
"I don't share the same admiration."
"I'm aware. Quite frankly I think you're asking the wrong questions."
"Enlighten me."
Licking his lips, he leaned over to whisper in my ear.
"The question you should he's asking is why are you such a fucking pussy?"
Scoffing I pushed past him, a sneering laugh slipping out of him.
"I mean, come on! You are the living embodiment of chaos. Use that shit!"
"You can go now, Ripley."
Dipping my head at him with crossed arms, Ripley twitched his eyes in disappointment, mine twitched in irritation. He left out throwing insults at my suits before flying off somewhere. The phone started ringing and I knew who it was.
"How's your case going?"
"I've hit a wall."
"How convenient."
Indeed.
"What else do you want to know?"
"I'm not entirely sure I can trust you, Duncan-"
"No. What do you really want to know?"
Swallowing harshly, I combed some hair out of my face.
"How powerful am I?"
"Now we're getting to the real questions."
****
Go back to doing sup things as normal. You've been stable for the past few days, my suits will leave you be. Just for an extra measure of comfort, I will switch off the cameras as well. Should you run into any more problems, I will be there to mop up the mess.
"Hey! Let me buy you coffee."
"Kira."
I was in my suit, near the Globe staring at the engraved having a different meaning now.
"You good?"
"Yeah."
Clangs
Pour
Click
"I haven't seen in fuck forever, what the hell happened?"
"Too much."
I sipped on my coffee, seeing the wondering eyes start to recognize me.
"You can talk to me. You know that right?"
"I know. The issue is if you knew, that's put you in danger."
"I like danger-"
"Not this kind. I'm not rolling the dice on it especially since I don't even know where the boundaries stop."
Kira leaned in her hand smirking at me for a long time.
"What?"
"It's just really good to see you."
"It's good to see you too."
Our five minutes of peace were over and people started to come over to me to ask for autographs. I got a quick hug from Kira, a tight one then she left as I dealt with the buzz.
