Chapter 5

Dastun yawned, reaching for his cup of coffee. It was lukewarm.

"Bleeh," he grumbled.

Angel reached into the back, pulling out a thermos.

"Want me to top you off?"

"Nah, we said we're about to call this a bust, right?"

"Yeah, but I figure you need the caffeine for the drive back."

Dastun and Angel were both in his personal car, parked in a parking garage that overlooked the location that Angel had mapped out. They had been here for almost five hours and aside from watching a few drug deals, a questionable item trade deal for a decent size statue figure, and various adult encounters, nothing had borne fruit from the stakeout. The hour was late. No one had entered or exited the building in question all night. Dastun held his hand up.

"Thank you, but lukewarm coffee is not my favorite."

Angel picked up the binoculars again, looking at the lot as she had spotted movement.

"Are you kidding me? Not again!" She set down the binoculars, disgusted with what she had seen. Dastun picked them up again, adjusting them and saw what Angel was looking at.

"I believe that is the… seventh pair we've seen tonight? Seems like the rich have too much time on their hands." He set the binoculars down, chuckling.

"It's not funny Chief."

"It's Dan, when I'm not in uniform. Forgive me, it seems there are no differences between the rich inside the domes and the general population, outside the domes. Just laughing at the irony. The only difference is the rich can afford their affairs or their luxuries, while those outside the domes use it to escape, then worry about the money later."

Angel noticed his tone had turned sour at the last part of his statement. "You don't seem to care for dome dwellers."

"It's not that, really. It seems there's a disconnect with the government. You know, it made my stomach squirm that your former boss didn't seem to care about those who lived outside the domes. Roger and his firm, do care. I had hope once I saw the megadeus fighting for those outside the dome. But now… everything seems more complex than ever. A lot is at stake. But we don't know who the enemy is now. I feel like we're fighting a war, blindfolded."

Dastun brough the cup of coffee to his mouth, but stopped. "I guess, I'll take you up on that offer, for a top off."

Angel unscrewed the thermos cap and topped off his cup.

"But, aren't the dome dwellers and those who live outside the domes just doing the same thing? Just trying to escape?"

"Maybe? I dunno… I guess it's hard to explain. Lemme see… Okay, for example…. Let's take a burglary. A burglary inside the domes is different than one outside the domes. Generally, a burglary inside the domes involves items of personal value, like jewelry, art statues, money. A burglary outside the domes normally involves items needed for living, like food, water, medical supplies. The value of these items are worth more because they are sorely lacking in these areas. While they can be easily accessible inside the domes, dome dwellers usually can tell who is not from their neck of the woods and either jack up the price or refuse to sell. Does that make sense?"

"I see." Angel took a sip of her coffee. "So that's why there's such a disconnect."

"Your former boss didn't care for people outside of the domes. I gathered that from my orders that were issued to me. But you… you're trying."

"I have. But… the opposition is so strong. These people are so wrapped up in their own worlds, anything outside it's foreign to them."

Dastun shrugged. "But you're trying. By getting out in public and showing yourself, you're showing that you care. These public works projects will get you support. Trust me. This project with Electric City, it's a start as well. We need to connect to other areas and build strong relationships. Paradigm is weak on its own. Though everyone above me is of the opinion that no one else exist outside the domes when…"

"They actually do," Angel filled in bitterly, "I've been having problems with that view in the council myself. It's ridiculous to think that Paradigm City's the last bastion of civilization. I see what you're saying now. It clicks."

Dastun grabbed the binoculars to check the lot. "Apparently that couple didn't click, because now she's yelling at him… ooof. That had to hurt."

"What?"

"He got kicked in groin. Must've done something bad."

"I guess…"

Angel leaned back in her seat. Dastun set the binoculars down.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure. I'm pretty sure if we kill enough time, we can see another couple thrash about."

Dastun chuckled and took a sip of his coffee. "This might seem personal, but that night, at Roger's place… could you tell me why made Dorothy human? The real reason?"

Angel was taken aback by the question. "Why do you want to know that?"

"Because Roger rarely cusses. And he cussed after you left. He'll never do it in front of a lady, children, or the elderly. Not his style. But, he will sometimes cave and do it under extreme pressure or stress. So… I guess the reason why I'm askin' is because if Roger's under that amount of pressure, as a friend, I'm concerned."

Angel looked down, feeling her face burn, but not from the coffee. Dastun saw the expression on Angel's face and turned pink.

"I'm sorry," he said, quickly, "I didn't mean to get you upset." Then Dastun remembered the night when she found Angel and the man, named Alan Gabriel in a standoff with Dorothy injured. "You…. You like Roger, don't you?"

Angel sighed. Her face had given her away and showed her hand. "I did," she said softly, "and… I still do." She shook her head. "Let's just say, I got close to him and well… he didn't do anything. He held back. I don't know if it's something related to his code or what, but it didn't feel like that. It felt like… his heart belonged to another."

"Dorothy," murmured Dastun and Angel nodded her head.

"I thought it was ridiculous. How could he fall for an android? I thought she was just a shell. But it turns out I was wrong. Very wrong. Even in her android form, she was very complex, and I saw that, the night Alan attacked her. But… I let my feelings get in the way of saving her…"

Angel faltered in her words, brushing the tears that had begun to form in her eyes.

"So… you let Roger… go," Dastun said slowly.

Angel nodded, sniffing loudly. "I probably didn't lose much," she said, trying to regain her composure, "He couldn't admit his love for her while she was android. It probably would've been the same for me."

Dastun smirked. "You damn well don't believe that, and you know it, forgive my language." He took another sip of his coffee. "But you still haven't answered my question."

Angel sat up, sighing. "I'm trying to get there. It's hard, a large part is because of everything I saw during the reset."

Dastun bobbed his head. "Yeah, a lot of what you said threw me for a loop. But how does that factor into my question?"

"You don't let up do you?"

"'Fraid not. Once I get my sights on something, I normally don't let go until I get an answer. Old habit."

Angel gave Dastun a coy smile. "Okay, Dan, let's try this one for size. Imagine you are in the director's chair, seeing all the 'movies' you've created, in this case, adventures with Roger. In each version, you see the person you are fond of, turning down your advances every single time and going for someone else, the same person regardless of what form she's in. It's only then you come to the realization that no matter how many times the world gets reset, or you get reincarnated, whatever, that man will never love you. Apparently, it's just not in the cards. How'd you feel, in that moment?"

"Huh, good question. Not sure how I would feel. Maybe severe disappointment." Dastun looked at his coffee, wondering how far this conversation was going to take him and how much trouble he would be in if he kept going.

"Well, let's take that and now you feel a threatening presence. There's no other way to describe it. It was maniacally threatening, and it felt… just horrible. Now when Dorothy entered my thoughts along with Roger, that presence was beyond joyful. It felt like it had discovered something they could use. I had seconds left. I realized that if I didn't do something, I would lose Roger and I would lose someone who I hoped would be my friend. I had to make a choice. I didn't want to experience that guilt, that blame for when Roger would eventually find out that I had the power to prevent this and refused to act."

"So, your choice was selfish and not selfish. And you hoped Dorothy would be grateful and get on her knees, thanking you for being her savior? I can see why Dorothy's upset. I would've felt used myself. There's probably more to it on Dorothy's end, but that's messed up. Why would you be hoping she would be your friend?"

I dunno… I… I just thought…"

"You thought you were doing her a favor, by making her human so she could have a shot at the man you let go, hoping that maybe that shot would miss, and you would have another go? Or if the shot made its mark, you could gloat how you made that happen? Or maybe it would because you could relate to someone with a similar circumstance that happened to you, seeing as she has been used to activate megadeuses and their powers in the past?"

Angel now became flustered.

"Okay, now you're just being annoying!"

"Apparently, I hit the mark. I apologize Madam President, old habits."

"It's Angel."

"You're technically my superior, Madam President. Respect where respect is due."

Angel crossed her arms and looked away from Dastun. This conversation was not one she expected to talk about, to anyone really. In fact, to now have the feelings out in the open made Angel feel more vulnerable than ever, but at the same time, she also realized how ridiculous she was. She was a fool, a damn fool. She rested her head on the window.

Dastun finished his coffee and threw the cup in the backseat. He cleared his throat loudly, trying to get Angel's attention.

"I'm not in the mood for talking," groaned Angel.

"Well, good. Because I am. All I'm going to say is this. What you said just now? That proves you're human."

Angel turned around in her seat quickly. "What? What do you mean? Didn't you hear the part that night when I told everyone what Gordon told me? He told me I was a memory."

"And Gordon was wrong about a lot of things, was he? Like that book he supposedly wrote?"

Angel had no retort. It was a valid point. Dastun continued on.

"Gordon was a product of his first reset. You might have been the end result of his reset, or whatever the case may be. But what you said just now, about wanting Roger, having hopes you could still have a chance with him, that's human. That's all human. You're more than your memory, Madam President. You're more than that power you talked about. You're a lot stronger than you think you are and, if you are the director, as you put it, why are you listening to others tell you what you are or who you are? Aren't you the director? Don't you have say in who you are, just like you did with Dorothy?"

Angel was speechless. No one had ever talked to her like that. It wasn't a reprimand. It was a realization, an assessment firm and fair of the situation.

"I… I… never thought of it that way." She looked down at her feet.

Dastun grabbed the binoculars, looking again at the lot. "You know, if you know you have this power, I think you would start to focus on how to control it, so that no one else does. If that's your biggest fear, then knowing how to control your power and see what it can do would be a priority for me."

"Except, the only problem with that is, I can summon Big Venus and end the world as we know it."

"If you feel that way."

"You're really starting to get on my nerves."

"Then that's a good thing. It means whatever you've been putting aside and not wanting to deal with, I've been doing my job, bringing that out in the open. But I think your power depends heavily on what you want, your desire. You just need to be clear about what you want."

Angel looked annoyed. Dastun set down the binoculars. Nothing stood out during his inspection. He took a deep breath.

"I know this conversation is annoying you, but I got my answer, and you can rest assured this will stay between us, though Roger's pretty observant, so don't give him anything to figure it out. But I will say one more thing. You are the president, and you feel your job is to protect the people. You have a power that can possibly protect them or end the world. It's about time you start understanding it, otherwise, if that enemy you talked about figures out how to activate your power, everything you care about, well… it may not come back if they decide to do another reset."

Angel let these words simmer for a while. They were heavy, but he was right. If she was not prepared to face the enemy, they would get the drop on her. And all the efforts she had been trying to accomplish would be for nothing. She finished her cup of coffee and threw it in the backseat.

"Thank you… for the kind words. It's more than I've been getting lately."

Dastun closed his eyes and nodded. "Happy to help."

They both sat in silence for a while, thinking over the conversation. But the reflection was cut short when Dastun opened his eyes briefly, spotting light inside the building. Dastun sat up and grabbed the binoculars, startling Angel.

"What is it?"

"Something… there's a light inside." He handed the binoculars over to Angel. She caught the flickering of a light inside the building, growing in intensity.

"FINALLY, some action! Let's go…"

"Wait a sec…" But Angel was already getting out of the car. Dastun got out quickly.

"Hold on a sec. We don't know what's going on and what we could be walking into. We should wait and see…"

Dastun never finished his words. A flash of light and followed by a shockwave knocked him and Angel off their feet and onto the cold cement of the parking garage floor. He got up slowly, rubbing his head, Angel was sitting up, rubbing her lower back. Dastun walked slowly over to the railing wall. The building, which they had been watching all night, was now consumed in flames. Angel got up and walked over to him. Dastun's vein popped on the left side of his head, his fist closed, shaking.

"This changes everything." He turned to face Angel. "Did you tell anyone what you were doing tonight?"

"No… no I didn't! I keep to myself."

Dastun growled. He walked back to the car. "We need to leave… now. The military police will be swarming the area in a few moments. If we're caught, it won't look good."

Angel remained where she was, watching the fire.

"Madam President, we need to leave."

Angel huffed a sigh and turned around to get into Dastun's car. Dastun put the key in the ignition, started the vehicle, and left the parking garage quickly. He raced to the freeway. Something deep down told him they needed to leave the dome and quickly. Angel would need to be back at Grand Central dome as she would probably receive a phone call about the situation in a few hours' time. Dastun cleared his throat.

"I'm going to assign you a detail," he said.

"What? But why?"

"Did you not see what happened just now? It's possible someone knows that we know and that we are looking around. We can't take any chances. I have a few good men I keep close to me. They're good… but they can get rough when needed."

"I don't need protection, Dan. What I need to do is find out what's going on…"

"And get blown to bits??? I don't think so. We need to change our game plan. Someone may have knew where you were going tonight. Check everything when you get home. And even if you don't find anything, I wouldn't talk about any of this any way in any personal space of yours. If you need to speak to Roger, I'd suggest some place public. I guess the same goes for me. Tomorrow, we'll need to meet up with Roger and tell him everything we saw. More than likely, they'll try to cover this up and give you a report that doesn't match what we saw."

Angel's face looked grim. "I have obligations outside the domes. If I start having protection around me, the people, who are already frustrated with current economic situation, will think I'm a fraud and doing all these projects outside the city for show!"

"Okay, I'm going to put this bluntly. I have a hunch they knew we were watching the place. I've been in this game too long to know when things are coincidental and when they're not. They blew up the place to either cover their tracks or to get rid of you. There's a good chance it's probably both. You'll be of no use to the people when you're in a body bag. And even if it were coincidence, maybe getting rid of you might've been a minor inconvenience, but something they could overcome. Which means…"

"They… don't need me anymore or my power." Angel felt the weight of these words petrify her to the very core of her being.

Dastun was right. She needed to get a move on figuring out her power, and fast.

***************************************************************

The meeting the following day with Dastun and Angel did not go well in Angel's favor. Dastun and Angel informed Dorothy and myself that the stakeout had been a flop and they were moving on to the next location, aside from observing the lifestyles of the rich at night. While I understand the need of protecting her public image to win over the people outside the domes, I did agree with Dastun on the need for Angel to have a security detail. I added suggestions if she needed to go out in public to have them dress undercover. I also suggested she have second vehicle detail as a decoy, if she decided to continue pursuing her theory. I trust Dastun's assessment of the situation and even I had to agree that our enemy in the shadows was possibly one step ahead of us, cleaning up their mess. Dorothy even participated, suggestion that she should be random with her schedule and not share it with anyone. This took me by surprise that she was giving her helpful advice to someone she didn't like. Angel seemed taken aback by it as well, but agreed to Dorothy's suggestion. The plus note was that Dorothy did not act coolly towards me as she had before the meeting. So, I took the victory.

The explosion inside the dome was chalked up to poorly maintained gas line. One of friends from my days at the academy let me peruse the grounds. If it had been a gas line, the pipes would have shown some kind of pressure buildup or warping. No, it was an explosion of some kind. There wasn't much of anything left. But, the excuse was the distraction our enemy needed as now the rich were concerned about their gas pipes in their homes. I guess ignorance is bliss. Had someone from the public taken a closer look, they would've found scientific research equipment destroyed beyond repair. In fact, there was nothing to be found. My guess was the building hadn't been used in a while, things had been moved, or apparently was no longer needed.

I looked around the area near the Townsends home and asked questions, seeing if anyone saw anything unusual that night outside the domes. Even the ladies of the night were no help. Big Ear told me that the utilities board had been told to renovate and repair electric lines for an undisclosed amount of time. Whoever our enemy is, they're good at covering their tracks. I had begun reviewing the information Dastun gave me, to see if I could find clues, but a call regarding the expansion project came up. The survey company was almost done, ahead of schedule by a week thanks to favorable weather conditions and finalizing their report. So, naturally, I had to play negotiator for a time to meet with Beck and Paradigm Corp. The meeting is tomorrow, and I've been reviewing my notes from the meetings up until now, as well as factoring information from Big Ear on things that he hears about the project. Labor seems to be the big issue as there has been some conflicts with the pay and worker dissent is growing. It seems I have my work cut out for me on this case.

Norman had informed me of what happened at the clinic, and now, Dorothy volunteers as often as she can when her schedule allows her to. Many clients have been pleased with her work and so have I. In many ways, she allows me to be in two places at once and I'm grateful for that, especially in the finances. I think interacting with those kids has helped her with her recovery and helped her with her work, as she now understands that each of our cases can have a profound impact people's lives, especially on those outside the domes. When the assessor's decision came back for the Townsends, ruling in their favor, they thanked me profusely for sending such and I quote, "a wonderful associate" from my firm.

Now with Dorothy's routine settled, it appears she has found her love for the piano again. I actually did miss it, including that annoying wake up tune of hers. However, she has been playing one that sounds wonderful, the melody changing from melancholy to peaceful, but easy on the ears. According to Norman, it's the same tune she played that day at the clinic. She called it "The Merry Go Around of Life." The kids seemed to have listened in awe. Norman told me he felt like a weight had been taken off of his shoulders, just hearing and watching her play the piano. I feel the same way.

As she begins discovering herself, I learn new things about her I didn't know. Aside from writing and piano playing, she came home one time, her work out uniform covered in paint. She could hold a pose for any portrait, but she's talented with watercolors. She had been teaching the kids watercolor painting and apparently, one of the jars of water spilt on her. But she presented me a watercolor drawing she had made, painting the back courtyard bathed in the light of the dome, as a gift. I was so taken aback, I fumbled again with my words, but at least I got a thank you out. Now, the painting is framed and on my desk, next to my favorite hour glass. On the days I look over case files, it's a nice distraction and allows me to refocus.

Self-defense classes have also been going well with Dorothy. Norman volunteered as well, figuring it would boost her confidence, seeing as he was not as strong as me. After we get done practicing, I do my workouts and she goes running around the block. She told me once that running made her feel free, even though this world was directed by the whims of someone who remains in the shadows. For all the stuff I preached about free will, her words hit me hard. Once this expansion project calms down, I need to buckle down on Angel's case, because not only will a resolution grant Angel freedom, but I think Dorothy will find her peace in her freedom too.

"Roger?"

"Sorry. Lost in thought Dorothy. Okay now, so when you're in this position this is what you do."

Roger and Norman were demonstrating her move for getting out of a grab from behind.

"You drop your weight, your center. From here, you can attack, if need be, or break the grip if it's been loosened and free yourself."

"Okay, so, what if it doesn't break?"

"It will. By you dropping your center, you throw your attacker's weight off balance. Use that moment of confusion to give yourself the upper hand. Do you wanna try with me or with Norman?"

"No offense to Norman, but I think I should try with you. You're stronger and I have a feeling that practice might come in handy."

"No offense taken Miss Dorothy." Norman stepped off the mat.

Roger took his position, followed by Dorothy.

"Ready and go!" Norman called out.

Roger sprung quickly, grabbing Dorothy from behind. Dorothy tensed up and tried to drop her center like Roger taught her, but Roger held on tight. Dorothy grunted, struggling to break free.

"I'm not off balance. You need to drop lower. Remember… I'm bigger than you."

"I…..get that. But you're being difficult… to break free of."

"Less talking, more… hey!"

Dorothy finally succeeded in breaking free of Roger but fell in the process. Roger's foot slid off at an angle, throwing him off balance. As Dorothy struggled to get back on her feet, Roger regained his balance and tackled Dorothy to the floor, pinning her arms. Dorothy winced in pain.

"It's okay, you got this. Don't freeze. Your attacker has you on the floor… what do you…"

But Roger's eyes met Dorothy's. Dorothy breathing hard from the previous struggle, but now it was beginning to slow down as she studied Roger's eyes. Roger gulped nervously. Norman turned pink and studied Big O, to see if he had missed any maintenance on him from the afternoon. He also wondered about the roast that was currently cooking and wondered if it was time to check on it. He did not get too busy in his thoughts as Roger let out a yelp of pain a short while later. Roger had been distracted by Dorothy for too long. Dorothy regained her senses and kneed Roger in the groin as hard as she could. Roger doubled over, grimacing.

"Splendid job, Miss Dorothy!" cried Norman, as he walked over to them.

"Yeah… splendid. Now… can I get some help?" Roger groaned.

Dorothy rushed to her feet and went over to check on Roger.

"Roger, I'm sorry, but…"

"No, no… you did fine. You did everything right. But that really hurt, Dorothy. Not gonna lie…"

"I think we should stop here, Master Roger. No work out today. Some rest will probably do you some good." Norman helped Roger to his feet.

"Agreed Norman. Ow, ow! Not so fast…"

"Best get the pain over with, Master Roger. It'll subside faster."

Dorothy supported Roger on the other side.

"Come, to the lift." Norman and Dorothy kept pace with Roger as he limped to the lift. They stepped inside and Dorothy shutting the gate and hitting the button for the kitchen. Dorothy avoided Roger's gaze, feeling nervous.

What was that I saw in his eyes? No… what was that I felt in response to what I saw? I think… I think…

She put it out of her mind. No. Not right now. Later, she would think and write on that.

Roger closed his eyes, wishing the throbbing would stop. When the lift came to a halt, the jolt from the stop made Roger wince again. Norman and Dorothy kept pace with Roger until they made it the butcher block. Roger gingerly took a seat.

"Thank you. Oh, this hurts." Roger leaned back, closing his eyes, trying to clear his mind from the pain below. Norman went to the fridge.

"Miss Dorothy, could you run to the closet and get the first aid kit? I believe I have some pain relievers in there."

"Yes Norman," and Dorothy walked out quickly to the closet.

Roger sighed. "Well, I shoulda saw this coming." He shook his head.

"I think even in the best of times, one can be caught by surprised, sir." Norman closed the fridge, holding a pitcher of water. He found a glass in the cabinet and walked back to Roger, setting them both near him.

"Norman?"

"Yes sir?"

"What… what am I doing? I feel like, I'm stalling."

"Stalling? Your feelings for Miss Dorothy, sir?"

Roger groaned and put his hand to forehead. "I'm doing this, all for her. And all I want to do is just tell her… I want to move forward to the next step with her."

"Then just admit that to her, sir."

"I'm trying, but every time… the words get caught. And I'm afraid she'll say… no."

Roger uttered the last part in a whisper Norman could barely hear.

"Master Roger, if I may, I think not knowing is what's bothering you the most. It would be best to just tell her how you feel. You've faced down murders, terrorists, and giant monsters. But Dorothy is apparently your Achilles…"

Norman trailed off, his gaze wandering past Roger.

"Oh dear."

Roger grimaced in pain as he turned around to see Dorothy right behind him at the entrance of the kitchen, holding the pain relievers in her hand. But it was the look she was giving him that made Roger regret. She was visibly shocked. The pain relivers dropped out of her hands and she turned out of the kitchen, running back to the lift.

"Dorothy!"

Dorothy ran, not wanting to admit to herself what she overheard between them. Not now. Why? Why? Why does everything have to come so quick? Can I just have a moment to process one thing, then move on to the next? Why, Roger, why? Why can't you just tell me how you feel?

Roger stood up quickly. A sharp pain radiated from his groin, but he did not care.

"Sir?"

"Norman, I'm leaping," and Roger took off after Dorothy.

Norman smiled, watching Roger limp after her, nodding in approval.

"Indeed, you are sir. Indeed, you are."

Roger saw the lift going to the main living floor and he made for the stairs. In his state, he would not make it in time if she was going to her room. He fired his grappling hook from his watch and rode the line to the top. Roger grabbed the railing and vaulted himself over it. However, he did not land correctly, causing more pain. He caught his breath for a moment, but then heard the lift creaking to a halt. Roger scrambled to his feet, half limping, half running to entrance of the hall.

Dorothy stepped out as the gate opened and made her way for the living area. She just wanted to get to her room and be left alone.

"Dorothy, wait! Dorothy, please!"

Roger burst from the stairs, running after her. Dorothy ignored him, the tears welling up in her eyes. She couldn't see. She wiped her eyes again.

"Dorothy please! Dorothy… please stop! Ow!"

Roger's foot caught the carpet, and he tripped falling face first onto the floor. The thud made Dorothy stop and turn around. Roger was groaning in pain. He straightened himself up, rubbing his forehead.

"Ow, that hurts." He realized Dorothy was looking at him.

"Dorothy, please. No more running. Could you…" He struggled to get up, but the physical injuries finally took their toll, and made him stumble. Dorothy took a deep breath and walked back to Roger, sitting beside him.

"I was going to suggest we sit on the couch, but…"

"It's okay. It's kinda my fault you're in this state."

Roger waved off her comment. "No, it's my own fault." He closed his eyes, drawing in a deep breathe, slowly exhaling. He turned to look at Dorothy, staring at her eyes.

"Dorothy, I'm sorry for not telling you sooner. I…I…like you. I like you. A lot. And… well… I had been wanting to tell you for a long time, before the reset happened. But… you were going through so much and I know you still are, so I held back. I wanted you to focus on yourself, to get better, to be happy, but I… I guess my feelings… they just slipped. Normally, I have better control, but when we were on the mat… and when I looked at you…I…I… I'm sorry you found out they way you did."

Roger took a deep breathe. His feelings were now out in the open. He felt exposed, vulnerable, and had no place to take cover, but he continued to stare at Dorothy, feeling his heart pounding. Dorothy broke his gaze staring at the floor, bringing her knees to her chest. She closed her eyes tight, searching herself and how she felt in this moment. So many emotions and nothing attached to them. These were her own. She felt her body relax. These were her own emotions. But now, she knew Roger wanted an answer. How did she feel about Roger?

"Dorothy, don't be afraid. It's okay. You don't have to tell me how you feel just yet. I just wanted you to know. Just whenever you're ready… uh…"

Dorothy released her knees and slid her legs out and leaned against Roger, taking Roger by surprise. Roger turned pink.

"Dorothy?"

"Thank you… for telling me how you feel. But the truth is, I've been holding back too. I wanted to make sure my feelings for you were genuine and not…."

She took a deep breath.

"Roger, these memories I've been having… they were of you. Well, not you, you. It was your previous incarnation and… well…."

Roger put his arm around her shoulders and held her.

"You don't have to tell me anymore, if it's too difficult. But, when you're ready, I'm here for you."

"I just wanted be sure… if I like you… and these are my own feelings. Not my previous human incarnation's. I… like you too, Roger."

She looked up at Roger and smiled cheerfully, her heart calming down and not beating fast, now that her feelings were out in the open. Roger felt himself relax and he brought Dorothy close to his heart. Dorothy turned red, hearing his heartbeat. Roger rested his head on top of Dorothy's.

"You've been such a big part of my life and I'm glad you're still in it, Dorothy Wayneright."

"Me too, Roger, me too."

They sat on the floor, enjoying each other's embrace and time seemed to stand still for them, allowing them to enjoy the moment. Roger closed his eyes, breathing in the scent of her hair, feeling how soft it felt on his skin. Dorothy heard Roger's heartbeat slowing down, his t-shirt, still slightly damp from the physical activity earlier, sticking to her face. Even while he was sweaty, he did still smell nice. After a while, Dorothy looked at Roger.

"Can you stand?"

"I think so."

Roger got up on his feet. The pain in his groin had subsided, but it lingered as a dull pulse.

"Norman is probably finishing dinner for us. I think we should get changed."

"Okay, I'll see you in a few."

Dorothy headed back to her room while Roger walked to his. Dorothy grabbed a set of fresh clothes and took them to the shower. She wanted to freshen up before dinner, but as she was taking off her shirt, she caught Roger's cologne scent. She held her shirt close, picturing Roger's smile, one of her own forming as well. She put down the shirt and turned on the shower, finishing undressing. She stepped in, rinsing off the workout quickly, then shut the shower off. She grabbed her towel and dried herself off, pausing only to stare at herself in the mirror.

So, I guess this is…it. I'm really doing this with him. I hope… I hope… well… I just hope this all will work out. Because if it doesn't, it will make things rather… awkward…

Dorothy styled her hair, drying it off with her hair dryer. She noticed it was getting longer as she put on her headband. Her bangs were nearly covering her eyebrows and the back was touching her shoulders. Dorothy finished getting dressed and walked out of the bathroom, down the hall. Roger had exited his bedroom, wearing his lounge clothes. They both stopped walking when they noticed each other. Dorothy let out a small laugh and continued her way into the dining hall. Roger smiled, shaking his head, following her.

It was only then when they entered the dining hall that they realized news of their feelings for one another had not got past Norman. Instead setting up the table at the opposite ends like he normally did, Roger's normal place was set up, but to his right, sat a chair and plates next to him. Roger and Dorothy both turned red at the seating arrangements.

"Uh… NORMAN!"

"Yes?" he called from kitchenette.

They both had called out his name in unison, surprising themselves and one another. They turned to look at each other, both noticing that each was red in the face. But the way Norman replied was so innocent and curious, that the embarrassment they felt evaporated, and they both chuckled.

"Never mind, Norman, never mind," Roger replied, shaking his head once more. He walked over to Dorothy's chair and pulled it out for her. Dorothy seated herself, Roger pushing towards the table. Roger sat down in his usual spot.

"So, I guess nothing got passed him," observed Dorothy.

"Well… I told him I was going after you and I guess he just filled in the blank from there," Roger replied, scratching his head nervously.

"I see. So, you're not the only person who confides in Norman."

"Well…he's the only person I know, aside from Dastun that keeps his lips sealed. Any secret is safe with him. He's also my friend."

"Mmm hmmm…"

Roger poured Dorothy and himself a glass of water.

"I noticed your hair is getting longer. Are you growing it out?"

"I'm not sure yet. Maybe, maybe not. Guess I'm still trying to figure out what I like. I do know I prefer it short. I guess I've been so busy, I hadn't noticed it until I got out of the shower. Normally, my headband keeps it pushed back…" Dorothy blew air upwards toward her bangs, "I just don't want the bangs getting in my eyes."

Roger smiled at her demeanor. "Well, there are some stylists around the city that have some great reviews. If you wanna trim it or get it styled, I'm sure you can find one that works for you…"

As Roger continued his conversation with Dorothy, Norman was in the kitchenette of the dining hall, finishing up a cream sauce for the night's dinner on a portable stove, listening intently to their conversation. A wide smiled grew beneath his mustache as heard their chatter, teasing of the day's events, and laughter. He continued stirring as he took the pot off the heat, shutting off the stove, pouring the sauce in a silver bowl and ladle.

"It seems everything is coming together quite nicely," he said to himself.

The night's events evolved from dinner, to Norman checking over Roger's head for a noticeable lump that had formed from his tumble earlier (an ice pack would later reduce the swelling), to Dorothy sitting at the piano, playing a slow yet familiar jazz theme he knew so well. Roger stood at the entrance to the back courtyard, a night cap in hand with his robe on, the door open. As he breathed, his breath took form and escaped into the night. He stared at his drink, then closed his eyes, smiling.

The song finished and Dorothy shut the cover for the piano, observing Roger for a moment. Roger seemed at peace during the evenings before bed, but this time, he seemed more relaxed than ever. She admired him Roger and his debonair charms, but seeing him like this, it was as if he was dropping his guard if but for a moment and letting his true feelings come to the surface. She felt like she was intruding on something, but she did not want to stop looking either as curiosity had got the better of her.

He finished his drink and shut the door as Dorothy got up from the piano.

"I'm going to call it night. I have a case tomorrow. An estate dispute over in the Union Central East Dome."

Roger smiled. "Good night, Dorothy. See you in the morning."

Dorothy smiled and nodded, giving Roger a slight wave before heading down the hallway to her bedroom. Norman was busy turning off the lights and came with a tray to take Roger's empty glass.

"Anything else I can get for you sir?"

"No, I'm good. I think I'll go to bed too."

"Understood sir. Your sheets have been turned down for the evening. I shall see you tomorrow."

And with that, Norman bowed and turned to go back to the kitchen.

As Roger went into his bedroom and shut the door, he leaned on it for a moment.

The weeks have seemingly flown by. One moment I was just talking to her, then I'm asking her to be my partner in my firm, and now… this. What's gotten into me? This isn't like me. I guess Dorothy is my Achilles heel after all.

Roger took off his robe and threw it on the chair next to his bed. He crawled into bed, sleep finding him within moments as deep snores escaped him.

****

The following morning, a familiar piano song raced through walls in Roger's bedroom. He stirred, grabbing another pillow and putting it over his head. The tempo increased and got louder. He curled into a ball, but it was no use. He finally gave up. He threw the pillow and the sheets off and grabbed his robe from the chair, putting it on in one motion. He burst through the door, finding Dorothy playing the tune that he hated, but now had grown to miss at the same time.

"What's the big idea Dorothy?" he asked irritably.

"Your meeting with Gold Industries is today and early. Norman has made you breakfast, and I had enough time to see I could get you up."

"But I thought you hated mornings."

"I do, but this case is important and the largest case you have done so far for the firm. If you succeed, your name will be at the top of everyone's list. Also, you said you missed this song."

Roger groaned. However, a sheepish smile crept across his face, while he scratched his head. "Dorothy Wayneright…"

I tell her about my feelings for her and this is what I get. Well, I did say I missed this song. I need to learn to keep my mouth shut.

WE HAVE COME TO TERMS

Next – Act 28: THE DATE