Early mornings in Gotham were unforgivingly cold, and the nights were bitter and scathing. The smog field acted like a noxious barrier from heat when the sun didn't shine. If it was cold outside of Gotham's boundaries, it was even colder inside. The chill only got worse with rain.
Maxie hugged herself tight for whatever it was worth. Moisture still hung in the air as it had rained a bit just before she woke up. The humidity clung to everything, making the environment feel wet, heavy, and paradoxically cold and warm. When the wind blew, the cold won out significantly. She rubbed her arms for whatever warmth it might provide, and she began to contemplate going back into the hospital for shelter from all the ickiness.
Before she could seriously consider it, the sound of a familiar engine sputtered louder and louder. Its approach signaled the promise of relief in its wake. She turned her gaze up from the rain-slick asphalt, and there he was — Lucian — wearing that silly goggled helmet on his head, riding his merry way towards her. The tires kicked up water as the bike moved, and the splashing died down as it slowed.
She couldn't help the smile forming on her face. "My soldier in matte leather armor," she joked when Lucian stopped directly in front of her.
He got off the bike, they stood face to face. That close, she was reminded of the disparity in their statures. She was only a couple of inches past five feet; inversely, he was only a couple of inches away from reaching six. She was lean and almost skinny, and him... 'Wow...'
"Protection for my village girl," Lucian jabbed back. He had already removed his helmet and placed it on her head before she realized, securing the strap under her chin. He had leaned down to her level while doing so, bringing their faces really close.
Maxie flushed up, but didn't say anything. She hoped the goggles did a good job concealing that from his sight.
Moments later, she was now also wearing his leather jacket, all matte black and collared with white fur. It still carried his warmth and scent, and she felt the cold tension leaving her body. It was two or so sizes too big for her, but it was also surprisingly comfy and dry. What in the quality clothing was up with that?
While she was distracted by the jacket's miraculous properties, she had absentmindedly handed over her belongings, letting Lucian hang them from the motorcycle's handlebar. She returned to lucidity when she realized that she was hugging his body from behind.
'Since when did his shirts fit so tight...?' she wondered idly.
Acting bold, she allowed herself to 'subtly' feel him up. There was this soft buffer as her fingers sank a tiny bit into his surprisingly tender skin — this was through the shirt's fabric, of course — just before she confirmed what was there. Lucian had adjusted his posture to get the bike back on the road, and the muscles underneath shifted like tough ropes being pulled taut.
'The butterflies are real...!' She squealed in her head.
"You ready?" Lucian asked.
She nodded into his back, not daring to say a word; if she did, she might say something dumb. She loved how soft his voice got when talking to her. Just like that, they were back on the way to Inigo's diner for work. Maybe Gotham's mornings weren't so harsh after all.
...
The ride didn't take too long. Traffic was really light that morning, and Lucian somehow expertly evaded everything from potential dangers to annoying hindrances. Car about to run a red light at the crossing? He had already stopped even though their lane was green. Road rage about to happen? He had already switched a lane away from it. Someone about to break check them? He had already diverted paths, turning in through a narrow alley that cut through a block, which was somehow completely empty.
It was deeply unusual, but then again, Maxie did notice that Lucian was supernaturally perceptive. At work, he would be facing down entitled customers before they could even get a word in. If anybody turned to violence, they were subdued and pushed out of the diner completely unharmed and utterly dumbfounded. They didn't even realize that they'd been ousted until they were already outside.
It was one of those things that she could never really parse about him. For a brief moment, she even allowed herself to consider that he might just be psychic. In a more serious line of thought, he might have developed it from how he lived before. He had shared a few details about his life before Gotham. It must have been harsh, whatever parts he hadn't told her yet — what she knew about his family's situation was already really rough.
Inevitably, Maxie was pulled out of her musings as the motorcycle sputtered to a stop in the alley behind Inigo's diner. She hopped off the bike with Lucian, took off the helmet, and gave it back along with his jacket.
"What time is it?" she asked.
"Six-twenty-ish," he answered.
Lucian didn't check his wristwatch, Maxie noted. He'd been wearing that thing since she went out with him — a gift from their boss. Maybe he'd just checked it before dismounting, or when he pulled up into the alley. That was something that Lucian would have done, workaholic that he was.
'Or maybe he's actually psychic,' she joked to herself, smiling.
"Mind taking me to the gym?" she then asked. "There's still time before eight, and we don't exactly get showers at the hospital."
Lucian didn't even seem to debate it. He just said "Sure," parked the bike, and locked it with a chain. Then, he started walking her to the block across the street.
She was graced with the comfort of a hot shower once they made it there. When she entered the women's bath, Lucian was being talked up by some guys who were taking a break from their sets. Something about his gains and being all natural. When she came back out, fully-clothed and done up practically, both of them were cheered on their way out by the gym bros.
She honestly expected to be treated worse, but maybe being around the people she was with now wouldn't be so terrible. Luce was great, her boss was nice, and even their connections seemed to be good people.
Life might start looking up for her now, despite all that had happened recently.
...
When they crossed the street and returned to the back of the diner, Maxie didn't really feel like going in yet.
"Do we still have time?" she asked.
"About an hour more," said Lucian. "A little less, but that's about that."
"Keep me company?" she followed up timidly. She might have also played it up for effect — Bailey told her before that acting shy in just the right way could help steer guys where she wanted them to go. Funny that she was doing that now, as she had fully expected to go her entire life without indulging in such things.
As for Lucian, he seemed stunned for a beat. In the end though, he did as she asked, sitting with her at some of the plastic chairs that Inigo had put up out back.
From her Little Eco-Bag of Stuff ™️, Maxie pulled out a half-empty pack of cigarettes and a plastic lighter. "Do you mind if I smoke?" she asked. They were originally her sister's, but were given to her just that morning. Bailey said that she would just get more from her construction crew later.
He seemed to perk up a little. "Didn't even know you smoked," he said. "I'll only mind if you don't share," he added, stoking her curiosity.
"They're bad for you," she countered, incredulous. He seemed like the type to care a lot about his health — not obsessively, but to the point of avoiding most vices.
Contrary to expectations, Lucian counter-countered. "They're bad for you too, Max. 'Sides, I've been smoking since seventh grade. Never in front of the family, though." A wistful smile formed on his features.
Shaking her head, Maxie could only sigh. "Alright, fine. Buuut~ you'll have to light your cig' off of mine." It was a tease — she'd just use the lighter.
Then, Lucian leaned in, holding a hand out expectantly. "Deal."
Maxie wished — not seriously, of course — that she could punch that stupid smile off his face. Still, she was the one that challenged him. She tapped them each a stick, lit hers, then proceeded to face him.
Their faces were so close at that moment. It was the second time in just one morning, and it was closer than the last. Maxie had to play it cool. She wasn't sure if the heat on her cheeks was from the burning tobacco or just her own face flushing up.
When Lucian's cigarette was properly lit, he finally leaned away. Maxie could breathe now, and they both just enjoyed their mutual vice in silence.
She reclined casually, taking her smoke slow and just basking in the moment. She risked leaning against Luce after her second puff. He didn't move away, and she let herself settle into place, snug at his side.
At some point, Lucian started blowing smoke rings. He even twisted his smoke with air tricks that she had never thought were possible.
They only smoked two sticks each, as Maxie only had a handful more left. They settled into companionable silence just being there behind the diner until they had to turn up for work.
Overall?
Her morning experience was amazing. Even after the teasing as they entered their workplace, it had all been worth it.
Life was good.
◎ ◉ ◎
Gotham's suburbs passed by at a moderate speed. The car ride was so casual and mundane that it was almost idyllic.
Almost.
This was still Gotham City, after all. Looking out through the silver car's heavily-tinted windows, the city's skyline was half-concealed by thick smog. It wasn't anything that sunlight couldn't shine through, but it still blocked out a good portion.
"Where to now, sir?"
The gruff voice came from the luxury car's driver. It was a deep, rough voice. Such... deference usually wouldn't have been expected from it.
"One of my sister's maids gave me a good tip," a smooth voice responded.
It came from the back of the car, sounding almost princely. The only thing keeping it from going all the way was the fact that it sounded a little too sweet.
The words continued. "There's this little restaurant called Inigo's. One of a handful across the city. Apart from the cuisine, there's something else that I want to stake out..."
"Understood, sir," said the driver.
Instructions were given along the ride. The car left the suburban areas, finally, and entered the typical Gotham scenery. The ride was leisurely and they made several stops along the way, checking in on small business fronts owned by Aleck's family and the like. The ride took a little longer than an hour, not counting the time it had taken to drive Miss Watson to her home.
Finally, the car stopped in front of an unusual sight. Not quite rare, let alone impossible, but it would still turn every other average Gothamite's head.
Inigo's stood out with its primarily green-painted outer walls. The paint was chipped and faded, covered in dust and grime, but it was still visible. A glowing sign hung above the door. It was the type with a printed design, lit up from within by fluorescent lights. The design cheered with a yellow background, and bold red text, outlined in black, spelled out the establishment's name. The colors were faded, yes, and the outer layers of the sign were flaking, but it still seemed cheerful.
"Quite the place," Aleck commented. "Find someplace to park. I'll go in by myself."
The driver and the other man in the front passenger seat both nodded in response. Aleck left the vehicle on his own, and once the door had shut behind him, the car took off.
Inigo's front door was wide open. The morning air was still cold, and the interior radiated warm air from the inside. The mixed aromas of numerous meals sailed out along the weak draft, sparking a tingle in the back of Aleck's tongue and making his mouth water. He had to gulp before entering.
There were a handful of free tables once he stepped inside. Either the morning rush was over, or it was just about to start. If he had to bet, it would be the former; it was a little past eight in the morning by then, after all.
He sat down gingerly on a table near the serving counter. He had seen a handful of servers going around and taking orders, and one of them... oh, one of them caught his attention. A familiar head of ginger hair passed his line of sight.
Waiting for the figure to pass by him, Aleck interlocked his fingers, leaned his elbows on the table, and rested his chin on his hands. "Good morning, Miss Steele," he greeted. His voice dripped from his lips like a slick, oily syrup.
The girl stiffened. He loved the way she simultaneously flushed up and paled — it was quite amusing to watch. In time, he expected her to only blush, and solely for him. Instead of responding like most women likely would have, she just brushed him off and proceeded behind the counter, tray of empty dishes in hand. Instead of genuine indifference, however, her posture had stayed rigid, and her eyes stared ahead unnaturally.
'Shame,' he thought. 'If only I could've gotten her to shake my hand... alas, she's only ever spurned me at every turn. What an unlucky girl...'
Still, she seemed to feel powerless against him despite everything. That would have to do for now; she would break down eventually. And when she finally let him in...
Broken out of his daydreaming, a certain voice grabbed Aleck's attention.
"Are you about ready to order, sir?"
It was a charming voice, almost like Aleck's own. It was strong without force, and carried no undue tension or arrogance. The primary difference was that it carried an artificial politeness to it instead of guile — a modified version of the typical customer service voice. Still, something stuck out about this one.
Aleck looked up at the server. Neat trim with intentionally messy hair, making it look wild without feeling uncared for. Sharp eyes looked right at him without betraying any real emotion, and a polite smile was plastered on his lips. His stance was confident and evoked dignity.
And then, there was the nametag that the server wore: "Lucian," it said. That was the same name that Miss Watson had given him when prying into Miss Steele's life.
But enough pondering; he was taking too long to answer. Buying time, Aleck hummed in thought, scanning the menu board just above the counter. There were so many dishes that the board almost spanned the interior's entire length. The options were mostly Mexican, but there were selections from other cuisines as well — various European offerings, Asian, South American...
"So many options," Aleck hummed, "but the grilled chicken calls to me today. And I'll have a dark-brewed coffee with it."
The server nodded, thanked him, and went off to the back. And now that he had gotten the time to internalize the new information, it clicked in his head. He imagined that server's voice with static over it, as well as some slight muffling. It was practically an identical match to the Phantom Brawler's voice.
'Was Lucian Albrecht involved in the underworld...?' As the Phantom Brawler, it sort of made sense. Could have been advertising for the restaurant owner's purported protection services with his physical might.
Aleck had no time to waste. He clicked a button on his smart-watch — technology developed under his own laboratories. He wouldn't trust any other sources. The modified prescription contact lenses that he wore lit up faintly, and an interface appeared in his vision.
'I'll have to capture an image of that man when he returns... if at all. If not, I'll have some people stake out this place and gather information that way.'
◎ ◉ ◎
Lucian was waiting by the counter, solving a decorative Rubik's cube over and over at speeds just shy of absurd. Some of the customers observed with interest, but all of his coworkers passed by without so much as a second glance. It was the usual scene in the morning workspace.
He was waiting for his next batch of deliveries to be wrapped up and stored away into a square bag. Just as he was about to pick them up, however, [Danger Sense] flared.
But it wasn't for him.
Following the instincts imprinted into his brain, his eyes landed on Maxie and... some guy. He looked like an absolute sleaze, despite his polished appearance and good looks. Moreover...
Whenever Lucian concentrated Ki in his eyes, he could see faint auras around people. He discovered it while passively fucking around with Ki circulation. This guy? His aura undulated in positively yucky patterns, like thick, oily dye staining the pristine water around it. Before a second could even pass, he dissipated the Ki in his eyes.
Meanwhile, [Danger Sense] stayed active, constantly pinging both Maxie as a target and the sleazeball as the source.
Glancing around, Lucian fell into step with her. "Hey, Max, what's going on?" he asked. "You looked really tense just now."
"It's nothing," she started to say, but her face scrunched up a little. "Actually, it is something." She tilted her head to the back of the building where the kitchen was, and Lucian followed. Their coworkers stared curiously, communicating wordlessly with one another, and a couple broke off and followed suit.
One of the ladies spoke up as soon as she settled against a counter. "Was that guy bugging you?" she asked.
The guy that followed piped in. "I caught him following you with his stare. I figured he was just flirting when he greeted you, but then Luce happened. What's going on?"
Max gritted her teeth, fingers tightening around the countertop's edge as she leaned back against it. "He's from my university," she explained. "Aleck. One of the Donovans, if you know 'em. Absolute creep, thinks he's king of the world because of his family. He got to my best friend and keeps trying to add me to his 'collection' of girls he's dating all at the same time. You can imagine the rest..."
Lucian felt... something roar inside him upon hearing that. It wasn't Penny, and it wasn't him, either. 'Did my copy of One for All have the previous holders' wills inside, too...?'
Their two coworkers kept cool while he stayed silent. They were talking smack about Aleck while also consoling her. Then, they made suggestions.
"Hey, Luce," said Gracie. "Mind taking over server duty for Max? She can cover for Don back here in the meantime."
"Who's gonna do the deliveries?"
"That'd be me. Stick around, yeah? Poor girl's most comfortable with you around. Besides, we can't have her serving with Lord Creepazoid out there."
All of that led up to where Lucian was now. This sleazeball, this absolute fucking cunt. He was gonna eat this one alive.
The disgusting aura was so thick up close that he didn't need to focus Ki into his eyes to see it. Even his skin started crawling from the proximity, and he felt like it would peel off just being near. Hell, just making eye contact made Lucian want to unhinge his jaw and bite the guy's head off with that creepy stare he had. Not that he could do that yet, but he had been eyeing the Changeling class' Doppelganger branch for a while now. He planned to invest in that now that he had one level each in Monk and Mage.
In the end, Lucian held his composure and persevered. He took Aleck's order, passed it off to the crew, and went on his merry way. He was also the one to deliver the food to Aleck's table, but once that was done, he was glad that they didn't have to interact anymore.
He'll have to take Maxie out after work that day, so he'd skip overtime to do that. Cleanse her emotional palate, so to speak. Headmaster knew that he needed it himself, too.
—=—=—=—=—=—=—=—
[A/N]: Hi! It me, Mr. Blorp.
This is another one of them setup chapters, but there's more stuff going on than last time.
I should have the following chapter set up sooner than it took to write this. As for why this is so late... burnout. I burnt out. It happens to me a lot, actually, so uh, just watch out, 'cause now I'll really have no real chapters since my backlog's been dry since a few weeks ago.
Anyway! I got out of burnout after binging... counts volumes in my collection... six whole volumes of Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling!
Yes, I saw the anime's key art thingamathing. Me very like. Anyway, any improvements I make from this chapter moving forward, I absorbed it from that!
Now, I gotta go make up for lost time
Toodles~!