The Anthem Force Chronicles

Flashpoint

There was an eerie calm in Anthem City. Thick storm clouds hung in the distance, threatening the rare moments of sunshine we’d been getting. My communicator has remained silent, which I take as a good thing amid all the trouble looming in the distance. My own personal storm clouds.

“I need coffee and I need it now,” Lexi groans.  Her hair is uncharacteristically pulled back in a ponytail, curls still leftover from last night.

“Someone party too hard?” I tease as I munch on my toast.

We’re eating at the usual café in the town plaza, bundled up in thick jackets and scarves as we try to stick out the weather.

“Maybe…” she grins, “But we’re in college Dante we’re supposed to be having fun- excuse me! Waitress! Coffee please.”

After Lexi successfully flags down her drink she turns back to me with a raised eyebrow. I know where’s she’s going with this. I’m no fun.

“I’m a full time student with a full time job as a-.”

“A superhero,” Lexi interrupts, “Yes we get it. Dante Caslon is a superhero. That doesn’t mean you can’t ever have any fun!”

“I have fun. I have fun punching bad guys.”

Lexi rolls her eyes. “What am I going to do with you?”

 Oh Lexi. She means well… deep down. It’s moments like these that I’m glad we were able to rekindle our friendship. Lexi may be a little airheaded but she keeps me grounded.

We’re in the middle of breakfast, me munching on the daily special while Lexi protectively sips her coffee when suddenly a strip of bacon is snatched up from my plate.

“Hey!” I call out as I swivel around in my seat.

David is there, grinning as he munches on my bacon. My mind races back to last night and what Alex told me. David likes me…. or at least she thinks so.

Now that he’s here in front of me her confession takes new light. David, my David, the one I always saw as a friend might like me.

Lexi giggles and I don’t blame her. David looks good. Really good. It’s as if I’m seeing him in a new light; David’s black hair sticking out from under a rugged beanie, the way his smile kind of crooks a little, and not to mention those new muscles from all his “hero” work.

“Sorry, were you eating this?” he teases.

My voice catches in my throat for a moment. Cool it Dante. It’s just David. “Yah I was actually. How’d you even know I’d be here?”

“You’re talking to a master detective here Dante,” he grins. Master detective? More like highly trained sleuth/thief, but I’ve always known that about him. Some people might find David’s stalking ability a little creepy but it’s part of who he is. All us superheroes are a little odd. I mean, I just admitted I like punching people for fun. Maybe our craziness compliments each other.

“Stalker,” I tease.

For a second something flashes across David’s face. He almost looks… nervous? “I am a stalker, which is how I know you’re free tonight,” David says.

“How do you-,” I start.

But Lexi interrupts, “Please Dante you’re always free.”

Fair enough.

“So would you like to go out with me… like on a date?” he says. It suddenly hits me. A date! It’s different this time. The last time he asked me out it had been with a cocky grin, this time he almost looked vulnerable.