HOME | DD

Description

“Monty, you worry too much.”

“Do not--”

“Sorry, forgot.” Peter grinned and held both arms up as if to ward off a blow. “So. Manticore. Buddy. Can I go talk with your little friend now?”

“Talk?” Manticore’s eyes narrowed. “Are you sure that’s all you’re planning?”

“You know,” Peter placed a hand over his heart, “it almost sounds like you don’t trust me.”

“I don’t trust you.”

“But you did hire me,” he prodded, trying and failing to suppress another grin. “No gear without your say-so. Scouts honor.”

“The only reason I considered you is because I remember what you can do. And it looks like this nut is going to take an around the clock effort to crack.” Peter nodded, his eyes bright, but he kept his mouth shut. Manticore always did like to talk. “Look. My client is getting impatient. I’m getting impatient. “

“You know I do my best work under a deadline Mon--Maaanticore...”

“Just do your part when it’s your shift.”

“I live to serve,” he said, pulling out his cell phone. “Give me a rough sketch of the time table?” Peter asked, thumbing through his apps.

“You can start in the morning.”

“Morning shift?” Peter asked, looking wounded and appalled.

“But you can meet him tonight. I’ll handle your introduction.”

“Generous of you,” Peter said, ducking his head in acknowledgement.

“It’s best it comes from me. You’re just a hireling, remember?”

“Sharing never was your strong suit.” Peter grinned, then added, “Sir.”

“Loans give better returns than handouts.”

.....

Peter resisted the urge to skip when the door opened and Manticore gestured graciously for him to enter. He walked into the room, his eyes taking in the space as well as the dejected figure dominating it. Peter waited to approach Dex until he heard the click of the door latch against the lock plate. He generally didn’t let an audience effect his work, but he wanted some space for this job. At least until Manticore trusted him. If he ever would. The thought made Peter roll his eyes.

Peter did have every intention of carrying out Monty’s orders anyway. So what if he had an additional objective in mind for Dex? Monty still took himself too seriously, which made him easy. Peter could feel Monty’s humiliation though his cell phone when he called. Sure, Monty had an appreciation for the work, but he had too much of an ego to give himself over to the craft. Breaking a body was child’s play. Breaking someone down until they wanted to go against everything they believed in? That was art. And there was no canvass like the human spirit.

“Hey,” Peter said softly, stopping just in front of Dex. He cocked his head to one side, reading into how limply Dex was hanging from his bonds. “It’s Dex, yeah?” He crouched down so Dex wouldn’t have to lift his head to see him. He smiled when Dex opened his eyes.

“I’m Peter. Here, let me,” he reached out with both hands but froze when Dex winced and struggled to get his feet under him. “I’m just here to talk. If you’ll permit me, I’d love to take that off you.” His smile widened when Dex squeezed his eyes shut. “I’m not a big fan of gags,” he explained. He shifted from his crouch onto his knees, though he was careful to avoid kneeling in the pool of saliva (among other things) on the floor under Dex.

“May I?” He entreated again, extending one hand as he looked up into Dex’s face. A faint whine made Peter’s heart skip a beat. “It’s okay,” he murmured soothingly, bringing himself practically nose to nose with Dex as he reached behind his head and carefully unbelted the ring gag. He was gentle, shifting the ring horizontally so he could slip it out of Dex’s mouth. “There you go.” Peter set the gag on the floor off to the side. “How’s that?”

Peter didn’t flinch when Dex sobbed weakly, tears starting to bead up on his eyelashes.

“You know, you’re right. It is pretty uncomfortable down here. Let me do you one better.” Peter sighed as he got to his feet and crossed the room to where the motorized winch was bolted to the floor. The remote was right where he expected, nestled in its built-in holder on the winch on the opposite side from the motor. Peter grinned when he saw Manticore had rigged it to the building power supply, then fetched up the winch remote.

Kids and their gadgets. You’re going soft, Monty...

“This is going to hurt,” he warned Dex, returning to his side. “I’ll help but it’s still going to hurt, yeah?” Peter stepped in so his hip was braced against Dex’s, then wrapped an arm around Dex’s waist, tightly gripping the waist of his jeans on his far side. “Ready?”

Peter pressed a button on the remote and the winch hummed to life, reeling out rope until Dex’s bound arms were resting against his back. He kept a firm grip as Dex twitched and cried out in pain. When there was enough slack to allow it, Peter slowly eased Dex down onto his knees on the floor. He even set the remote aside and rested his free hand palm-up on Dex’s sternum to keep him from face planting. Peter let Dex lean into him for support as he let go of his grip on his waist, taking a moment to switch off the winch with the remote. That done, Peter gently lowered Dex onto his side on the floor and then sat before him cross-legged.

“Better now?”

“W-who are you?” Dex asked, his voice hoarse, really looking at the stranger for the first time.

“It’s Peter. Good to meet you.” Peter slapped his tights with his hands and beamed down at Dex. “So, Dex, I’ve heard you’re someone who’s all about doing the right thing...”

“N-not going to...t-tell you...anything.”

“That’s fine. I bet you’re tired, right? You can just listen.”

“Screw...you.”

“I beg your pardon, I hardly know you.” Peter laughed at his own joke. “Anyway, I’m not here for that sort of thing. I bet Monty has you covered, there. I’ll leave it to him.” He smirked when Dex flinched and looked away. “I’m really just here to help you learn something.” He carefully stroked Dex’s hair back, smoothing it off his face. “A truth. About right and wrong.”

“Don’t...touch me.”

“Alright, alright,” Peter held his hands up, palms out.

“What...do you want?”

“Already told you: I’m here to teach you something, Dex. May I call you Dex?” He laughed when Dex narrowed his eyes. “Don’t worry, I’ll be out of your hair momentarily. Monty doesn’t trust me with you yet, but he will.” Peter grinned and winked.

“Leave me alone.”

“Sorry kiddo. I would, but,” Peter shrugged, “you’re too important. Special, actually. That’s why you need to know. I came here to tell you this one thing.” He held up a finger. “And it isn’t something people like to admit to knowing, and I’ve heard all the reasons for burying it.”

“Really like the sound...of your own voice...don’t you?”

“That,” Peter shook his head, chuckling a little, “is true, but not what’s important right now. So. The truth.” He raised his eyes, giving Dex a measuring look. “Keeping what I know from you wouldn’t protect you, Dex. Hiding the truth only protects the people in least danger of needing protection. And if you’re really here to be a hero? Save the world? Then you need to know the truth. Do you understand?”

“What...are you saying?” Peter could see the confusion in Dex’s face, see the way a glimmer of hope made him relax the muscles in his shoulders.

“The truth I have for you is that not every life is precious.” Peter paused for emphasis, staring meaningfully into Dex’s eyes. “Do you get me? Not every life is worth saving. If you want to keep all the boys and girls safe from monsters, you need to get that though your cute little skull.”

“You’re wrong.”

“See, what you have a problem with is breaking the status quo. No, listen. It’s a pretty common thing with your crowd. You know, super heroes?” Peter sniffed. “This isn’t about boundaries, or principals. This is a fact. The truth. And if you’re willing to compromise on what it takes to stop monsters from hurting people, what good are you?”

“I don’t believe you.”

“I bet you don’t. That’s exactly what I’m here for, Dex. Take, for instance, our...mutual friend?” Peter shook his head, his brow furrowed. “Monty likes to hurt people, yeah, but he’s not a monster. He works for monsters. Monsters that I am convinced you currently lack the fortitude to deal with.”

“You could untie me and let me go. I promise I’ll fortitude right up, take care of those monsters.”

“Nice try,” Peter laughed. “But I have a job to do. It’s sort of for Monty, mostly not? It’s complicated. Anyway, me and Monty knew each other a long time ago. Came up in the business together, you might even say. I was different then.” Peter sniffed, then met Dex’s gaze. “Not so different from you, maybe.

“Monty was pretty much the same,” he shrugged. “Less of an errand boy for big, bad people back then though. While I recognize Monty’s current employment choice is a bad thing, in and of itself, Monty was the means to this end. Lucky for us, I’m nothing but dedicated to this cause. And I’m an excellent liar.”

“Funny, I was getting that impression of you.”

“Nice. Fist bump?” Peter held up one hand, wiggled an eyebrow at Dex, and laughed. “All kidding aside? I might not be able to change your opinion, but I don’t need to. For my purposes? Your body can learn everything that you won’t let me talk into you.” Peter grinned at Dex’s frown. “Trust me, I know. Bodies are a bit magical that way. And when I’m done with yours? You’ll get it. You’ll know everything that I do, so deep down, you won’t be able to deny it.”

“Maybe you could just give me the cliffnotes version? Please?”

“Now, Dex, don’t tease, I’m being perfectly serious. That’s why I wanted to have this talk with you first. It’s important to me--” he broke off, frowning, and shook his head. “I mean, you’re important. Your potential? Who you can be, what you’ll be able to do? That’s what really matters.”

“If you think that, why do you want to hurt me? Why help Manticore?”

“Think of it like this, bad things don’t happen because of something you did. You didn’t bring this on yourself.” He leaned forward, catching hold of the collar of Dex’s shirt to keep him from pulling away while he gently touched his forehead to Dex’s. “Bad things happen because of what you are meant to do. And I’m convinced. You were meant to be a hero.” Peter let go of Dex’s shirt and sat back up. He planted his hands on his knees. "If you survive this...what won’t you be willing to do to snuff out evil doers?”

“Please.” Dex’s eyes were huge with fear. “You don’t have to do this.”

“Ah, Dex...” Peter’s hands shook for a moment as he moved to cup Dex’s face. He leaned in slowly, closed his eyes, and kissed Dex on the mouth. “Thank you,” he breathed. “Before I met you, I could only hope. Now that I have? I know you won’t disappoint me.” He smiled sadly as he pulled away, one hand lingering on Dex’s cheek.

“Please,” Dex begged again, shivering. He didn’t try to throw off Peter’s hand. Peter could tell that contact felt too good, too real. He was impressed with Dex’s control, seeing how clearly Dex was resisting sliding into a panic.

“I’m going to stop calling you by your name now, okay? Names get personal, even for me, and I respect you way too much to risk botching this job.” Peter got to his feet. He kept his eyes on Dex’s, watched his chest shake with suppressed sobs. “We won’t get started just now. Monty’s being a bit of a control freak. I think you’ll come to appreciate the differences between how Monty works, and how I do.” Peter stretched and cracked his neck. “Well, this was great. Really looking forward to spending time with you, Dex.”

Peter started for the door, but he paused with his hand stretched out for the doorknob and glanced back over his shoulder. “Ah, almost forgot. I want you to know that I’m not going to gag you. Ever. No matter how long we’re together. I believe talking yourself though what I’m going to do to you is important, in terms of processing.

“I will hood you, though, at least sometimes. I apologize in advance, as the hood is more for me than for you. Like I said, I don’t want to botch this. Alright. See you in a few, yeah? I’ll let Monty help you back up...”

Description

“Monty, you worry too much.”

“Do not--”

“Sorry, forgot.” Peter grinned and held both arms up as if to ward off a blow. “So. Manticore. Buddy. Can I go talk with your little friend now?”

“Talk?” Manticore’s eyes narrowed. “Are you sure that’s all you’re planning?”

“You know,” Peter placed a hand over his heart, “it almost sounds like you don’t trust me.”

“I don’t trust you.”

“But you did hire me,” he prodded, trying and failing to suppress another grin. “No gear without your say-so. Scouts honor.”

“The only reason I considered you is because I remember what you can do. And it looks like this nut is going to take an around the clock effort to crack.” Peter nodded, his eyes bright, but he kept his mouth shut. Manticore always did like to talk. “Look. My client is getting impatient. I’m getting impatient. “

“You know I do my best work under a deadline Mon--Maaanticore...”

“Just do your part when it’s your shift.”

“I live to serve,” he said, pulling out his cell phone. “Give me a rough sketch of the time table?” Peter asked, thumbing through his apps.

“You can start in the morning.”

“Morning shift?” Peter asked, looking wounded and appalled.

“But you can meet him tonight. I’ll handle your introduction.”

“Generous of you,” Peter said, ducking his head in acknowledgement.

“It’s best it comes from me. You’re just a hireling, remember?”

“Sharing never was your strong suit.” Peter grinned, then added, “Sir.”

“Loans give better returns than handouts.”

.....

Peter resisted the urge to skip when the door opened and Manticore gestured graciously for him to enter. He walked into the room, his eyes taking in the space as well as the dejected figure dominating it. Peter waited to approach Dex until he heard the click of the door latch against the lock plate. He generally didn’t let an audience effect his work, but he wanted some space for this job. At least until Manticore trusted him. If he ever would. The thought made Peter roll his eyes.

Peter did have every intention of carrying out Monty’s orders anyway. So what if he had an additional objective in mind for Dex? Monty still took himself too seriously, which made him easy. Peter could feel Monty’s humiliation though his cell phone when he called. Sure, Monty had an appreciation for the work, but he had too much of an ego to give himself over to the craft. Breaking a body was child’s play. Breaking someone down until they wanted to go against everything they believed in? That was art. And there was no canvass like the human spirit.

“Hey,” Peter said softly, stopping just in front of Dex. He cocked his head to one side, reading into how limply Dex was hanging from his bonds. “It’s Dex, yeah?” He crouched down so Dex wouldn’t have to lift his head to see him. He smiled when Dex opened his eyes.

“I’m Peter. Here, let me,” he reached out with both hands but froze when Dex winced and struggled to get his feet under him. “I’m just here to talk. If you’ll permit me, I’d love to take that off you.” His smile widened when Dex squeezed his eyes shut. “I’m not a big fan of gags,” he explained. He shifted from his crouch onto his knees, though he was careful to avoid kneeling in the pool of saliva (among other things) on the floor under Dex.

“May I?” He entreated again, extending one hand as he looked up into Dex’s face. A faint whine made Peter’s heart skip a beat. “It’s okay,” he murmured soothingly, bringing himself practically nose to nose with Dex as he reached behind his head and carefully unbelted the ring gag. He was gentle, shifting the ring horizontally so he could slip it out of Dex’s mouth. “There you go.” Peter set the gag on the floor off to the side. “How’s that?”

Peter didn’t flinch when Dex sobbed weakly, tears starting to bead up on his eyelashes.

“You know, you’re right. It is pretty uncomfortable down here. Let me do you one better.” Peter sighed as he got to his feet and crossed the room to where the motorized winch was bolted to the floor. The remote was right where he expected, nestled in its built-in holder on the winch on the opposite side from the motor. Peter grinned when he saw Manticore had rigged it to the building power supply, then fetched up the winch remote.

Kids and their gadgets. You’re going soft, Monty...

“This is going to hurt,” he warned Dex, returning to his side. “I’ll help but it’s still going to hurt, yeah?” Peter stepped in so his hip was braced against Dex’s, then wrapped an arm around Dex’s waist, tightly gripping the waist of his jeans on his far side. “Ready?”

Peter pressed a button on the remote and the winch hummed to life, reeling out rope until Dex’s bound arms were resting against his back. He kept a firm grip as Dex twitched and cried out in pain. When there was enough slack to allow it, Peter slowly eased Dex down onto his knees on the floor. He even set the remote aside and rested his free hand palm-up on Dex’s sternum to keep him from face planting. Peter let Dex lean into him for support as he let go of his grip on his waist, taking a moment to switch off the winch with the remote. That done, Peter gently lowered Dex onto his side on the floor and then sat before him cross-legged.

“Better now?”

“W-who are you?” Dex asked, his voice hoarse, really looking at the stranger for the first time.

“It’s Peter. Good to meet you.” Peter slapped his tights with his hands and beamed down at Dex. “So, Dex, I’ve heard you’re someone who’s all about doing the right thing...”

“N-not going to...t-tell you...anything.”

“That’s fine. I bet you’re tired, right? You can just listen.”

“Screw...you.”

“I beg your pardon, I hardly know you.” Peter laughed at his own joke. “Anyway, I’m not here for that sort of thing. I bet Monty has you covered, there. I’ll leave it to him.” He smirked when Dex flinched and looked away. “I’m really just here to help you learn something.” He carefully stroked Dex’s hair back, smoothing it off his face. “A truth. About right and wrong.”

“Don’t...touch me.”

“Alright, alright,” Peter held his hands up, palms out.

“What...do you want?”

“Already told you: I’m here to teach you something, Dex. May I call you Dex?” He laughed when Dex narrowed his eyes. “Don’t worry, I’ll be out of your hair momentarily. Monty doesn’t trust me with you yet, but he will.” Peter grinned and winked.

“Leave me alone.”

“Sorry kiddo. I would, but,” Peter shrugged, “you’re too important. Special, actually. That’s why you need to know. I came here to tell you this one thing.” He held up a finger. “And it isn’t something people like to admit to knowing, and I’ve heard all the reasons for burying it.”

“Really like the sound...of your own voice...don’t you?”

“That,” Peter shook his head, chuckling a little, “is true, but not what’s important right now. So. The truth.” He raised his eyes, giving Dex a measuring look. “Keeping what I know from you wouldn’t protect you, Dex. Hiding the truth only protects the people in least danger of needing protection. And if you’re really here to be a hero? Save the world? Then you need to know the truth. Do you understand?”

“What...are you saying?” Peter could see the confusion in Dex’s face, see the way a glimmer of hope made him relax the muscles in his shoulders.

“The truth I have for you is that not every life is precious.” Peter paused for emphasis, staring meaningfully into Dex’s eyes. “Do you get me? Not every life is worth saving. If you want to keep all the boys and girls safe from monsters, you need to get that though your cute little skull.”

“You’re wrong.”

“See, what you have a problem with is breaking the status quo. No, listen. It’s a pretty common thing with your crowd. You know, super heroes?” Peter sniffed. “This isn’t about boundaries, or principals. This is a fact. The truth. And if you’re willing to compromise on what it takes to stop monsters from hurting people, what good are you?”

“I don’t believe you.”

“I bet you don’t. That’s exactly what I’m here for, Dex. Take, for instance, our...mutual friend?” Peter shook his head, his brow furrowed. “Monty likes to hurt people, yeah, but he’s not a monster. He works for monsters. Monsters that I am convinced you currently lack the fortitude to deal with.”

“You could untie me and let me go. I promise I’ll fortitude right up, take care of those monsters.”

“Nice try,” Peter laughed. “But I have a job to do. It’s sort of for Monty, mostly not? It’s complicated. Anyway, me and Monty knew each other a long time ago. Came up in the business together, you might even say. I was different then.” Peter sniffed, then met Dex’s gaze. “Not so different from you, maybe.

“Monty was pretty much the same,” he shrugged. “Less of an errand boy for big, bad people back then though. While I recognize Monty’s current employment choice is a bad thing, in and of itself, Monty was the means to this end. Lucky for us, I’m nothing but dedicated to this cause. And I’m an excellent liar.”

“Funny, I was getting that impression of you.”

“Nice. Fist bump?” Peter held up one hand, wiggled an eyebrow at Dex, and laughed. “All kidding aside? I might not be able to change your opinion, but I don’t need to. For my purposes? Your body can learn everything that you won’t let me talk into you.” Peter grinned at Dex’s frown. “Trust me, I know. Bodies are a bit magical that way. And when I’m done with yours? You’ll get it. You’ll know everything that I do, so deep down, you won’t be able to deny it.”

“Maybe you could just give me the cliffnotes version? Please?”

“Now, Dex, don’t tease, I’m being perfectly serious. That’s why I wanted to have this talk with you first. It’s important to me--” he broke off, frowning, and shook his head. “I mean, you’re important. Your potential? Who you can be, what you’ll be able to do? That’s what really matters.”

“If you think that, why do you want to hurt me? Why help Manticore?”

“Think of it like this, bad things don’t happen because of something you did. You didn’t bring this on yourself.” He leaned forward, catching hold of the collar of Dex’s shirt to keep him from pulling away while he gently touched his forehead to Dex’s. “Bad things happen because of what you are meant to do. And I’m convinced. You were meant to be a hero.” Peter let go of Dex’s shirt and sat back up. He planted his hands on his knees. "If you survive this...what won’t you be willing to do to snuff out evil doers?”

“Please.” Dex’s eyes were huge with fear. “You don’t have to do this.”

“Ah, Dex...” Peter’s hands shook for a moment as he moved to cup Dex’s face. He leaned in slowly, closed his eyes, and kissed Dex on the mouth. “Thank you,” he breathed. “Before I met you, I could only hope. Now that I have? I know you won’t disappoint me.” He smiled sadly as he pulled away, one hand lingering on Dex’s cheek.

“Please,” Dex begged again, shivering. He didn’t try to throw off Peter’s hand. Peter could tell that contact felt too good, too real. He was impressed with Dex’s control, seeing how clearly Dex was resisting sliding into a panic.

“I’m going to stop calling you by your name now, okay? Names get personal, even for me, and I respect you way too much to risk botching this job.” Peter got to his feet. He kept his eyes on Dex’s, watched his chest shake with suppressed sobs. “We won’t get started just now. Monty’s being a bit of a control freak. I think you’ll come to appreciate the differences between how Monty works, and how I do.” Peter stretched and cracked his neck. “Well, this was great. Really looking forward to spending time with you, Dex.”

Peter started for the door, but he paused with his hand stretched out for the doorknob and glanced back over his shoulder. “Ah, almost forgot. I want you to know that I’m not going to gag you. Ever. No matter how long we’re together. I believe talking yourself though what I’m going to do to you is important, in terms of processing.

“I will hood you, though, at least sometimes. I apologize in advance, as the hood is more for me than for you. Like I said, I don’t want to botch this. Alright. See you in a few, yeah? I’ll let Monty help you back up...”