[Vincent Maxfield]

New York.

It seemed like he visited far too often. He’d gotten tired of the bustle of the city and the people and oh god the traffic. Why did all the important people have to live in the city. Couldn’t he meet a world leader in the countryside for once? He was feeling more irritable at the moment than he’d felt in a long time. He was used to high stress situations, and was more often than not able to stay rather zen in any given situation, but right now he couldn't help but bounce his leg up and down in the back of the luxury Porsche he was riding in. Karla Black was his driver today. She was an older woman with wavy salt and pepper hair that just reached her shoulders. She typically wore a smile, but this smile was morphed into a tense, straight line across her face. The knuckles gripping the wheel had turned white. They were surrounded by a chorus of honks and screeching tires. They were moving maybe three inches a minute. Vincent checked his watch. At this rate they were going to be more than late, they were going to miss the meeting entirely.

”Excuse me, Miss Black,” He smiled politely, leaning forward in his seat, not an iota of his annoyance showing, ”do you think we could take a different route? I don’t think this one’s going anywhere anytime soon.”

She smiled back at him in the mirror, but her smile was tight-lipped, tenser than normal. “We could, but it would take us through some pretty shady areas.”

”Let’s do that.” He replied without pause.

“Are you sure?” There was evident worry in her eyes.

”Yes, I-” He was rudely interrupted by a sharp honk to his right. It made him flinch, but he quickly recovered. ”Yes, I’m sure, I really can’t miss this meeting.” A bit of his haste was creeping into his voice.

“Of course, Mr. Maxfield.” She responded.

”Thank you.” He leaned back in his seat. Karla slowly creeped up to the next turn, and once there made a sharp right. They started moving at a much faster pace, and Vincent let lose a little, reserved sigh. They were going to make it after all.

That thought, however, disappeared as the streets slowly became clogged again, and once again they were inching down the road. Vincent looked out the window. He could see their destination from where they were, a large skyscraper made of glass. He could easily make it there on foot far faster than the pace they were currently going. He unbuckled his seatbelt. ”I’ll get out here.”

“Are you sure, it’s pretty sketchy around here, especially this time of day.”

”I’ll be fine.” Vincent assured her calmly as he stepped outside. ”Thank you for the ride, Miss Black.”

“No problem,” she responded. “Be safe out there.”

”I will.” He promised, smiling gently before he closed the door behind him.

He began fast walking down the sidewalk, not really paying attention to his surroundings. He was answering emails on his phone as usual, responding to calls on his bluetooth. He didn’t stop to think that a well dressed individual such as himself with a fancy watch and the latest iPhone would ever be a target.

That was a mistake.

He didn’t see the first punch coming, as it came from behind, but it knocked him flat on his face, the phone skittered out of his hand. He then felt a kick, straight to his abdomen, then another kick on his back. Someone lifted his head and slammed in into the concrete, he heard a crack as his nose fractured. With a surge of adrenaline, he was able to pick himself up off the ground and saw three individuals, they were smiling, laughing as a fist flew into his face, knocking his glasses off and sending him falling to the ground once more. Vincent was by no means a weak man, but he had no training in self defense. He was completely outnumbered, helpless, and in great need of assistance.

[Deleted]

Máire always had an uneasy feeling when it came to having to separate from Jeanie for a time. A constant clawing feeling like something bad would happen to her the moment that she wasn’t in Máire’s capable hands. However Máire did know it was best that Jeanie stay home and Máire go out to run errands for her to ensure Jeanie wasn’t exposing herself more than she needed to, reducing risk and all that such. Besides, these errands weren’t something that needed Jeanie to supervise over her, she had her orders and she would make sure that they were carried out.

And while cars were obviously the easiest way to travel from point a to point b for any errand running, New York roads never cooperated, and Máire wasn’t about to sit in traffic and take longer than she wanted to for convenience. That was why she found herself on foot, clad in her personal clothes as to ensure that she drew as little attention as possible; no one really takes a double look at someone dressed in normal clothes, while a suit or something Jeanie would have picked out would have drawn unnecessary eyes to her.

Especially since she was going through one of the shadier parts of the city and really didn’t feel like having to beat potential muggers away after they thought she was rich. No trace that she was employed by someone wealthier than Máire could dream of and no way for them to think that she was someone worth bothering.

However it seemed like not everyone thought the same way that Máire did, had more book smarts than street smarts. And the scene of a man on the ground, with three men attacking him really proved that point. As Máire kept walking closer to the group, she could see that the man definitely had some money to him; Iphone laying on the ground and suit clearly not bought off the rack of a bargain store. She had half a mind to walk by, let him take the beating that they were giving to him and hope that he learned his lesson. But, another part ended up winning out, the part that told her that this was a situation like Jeanie had been in before they had met; not that she was looking for a new employer.

She sighed a little to herself and could see one of the men take notice of her and turn to face her, glaring her up and down as he tried to puff his chest out; like that was supposed to make him look stronger. Looking him up and down a smirk came to her face, especially when he started to speak “Keep walkin, or do you want to join him down there?” Máire looked to the other two, still beating on the downed man and chuckled a little “Y’know…” she said, walking up to him, clearly shorter than all of them “You are making a right bags out of mugging ‘im. You done banjaxed his phone for all ya know.” she continued, as the other man pulled back his fist and launched a punch at Máire’s nose.

And there was zero response when the punch connected, just a sigh from Máire and a shake of her head, before she reared a bit back and smashed her face into his. The sound of breaking bones could be heard as the man dropped to the ground, out like a light. “You two, Leg it now or ya can join’im down there” she said, a grin on her face as she rolled her neck and stepped closer to them. Either they ran away or she dropped them right then and there, they wouldn’t be able to scratch her and she could scratch them. Ball was in their court.

[Vincent Maxfield]

Vincent wasn’t used to pain. Mental pain, yes, he’d been under acute mental stress his entire life, but the worst physical pain he’d ever endured before this point was went he got his wisdom tooth removed. Compared to this, the wisdom tooth was nothing. Eventually, he was reduced to a curled ball of a man on the sidewalk, knees tucked under, hands over his head, waiting, praying for this to be over. He could just imagine his parents scolding him for how pathetic he looked, how undignified, but he couldn’t help it. He’d never felt so helpless in his life.

He barely noticed the appearance of a fourth person. He could just make out the exchange, it sounded like a woman. There was a loud crack, and then the beating ceased. Vincent turned his head to see one of the muggers lying on the ground, bleeding heavily from the head. He tentatively uncurled himself to see the woman facing the two remaining muggers. His ears were ringing, but he could hear her threat. It seemed the other two muggers were sufficiently intimidated.

He slowly stood up, his legs were shaky, but he managed. He quaintly dusted off the shoulders of his torn and disheveled suit. ”Before you go…” He said with perfect composure. He grabbed one of the muggers by the shirt color as he was running away, pulled the mugger towards him and punched him square in the nose. Blood went flying as the bone broke clean in half. He let him go and the mugger ran away, hands over his face.

That felt good. Vincent spent hours working out, and it seems they’d finally paid off. He never dreamed of using his specially toned muscles for violence, but here he was. Immediately, he turned towards the woman. He wiped away some of the blood gushing from his nose and straightened his disheveled and loosened tie. ”I must express my gratitude. I fear I would’ve suffered far worse had you not come along.” He told her sincerely in his deep, velvety voice. It truly amazed Vincent sometimes how quickly he is able to shift to business mode, no matter what the situation. ”Would you mind handing me my glasses? I’m sure they’re cracked, but I’m afraid I’m quite blind without them.” Indeed, the world was little more than a blur without his glasses. ”Vincent Maxfield, by the way. It is more than a pleasure to make your acquaintance. What might your name be?” He asked.

Outwardly, Vincent kept his composure, but inwardly, he was shaken. He’d never been so vulnerable before. He knew this encounter would have some long lasting repercussions, both physically and mentally, but he’d put those off for now. At the moment, he needed to gather his belongings, and more importantly, properly thank his savior.

[Deleted]

Máire shickered a little as she saw the cockiness from the two men who had the number advantage realized that they were the ones who were at a disadvantage. It was actually a little sad how lacking of a backbone they had, she had at least expected them to threaten her with a weapon before they legged it. Watching the man who had been receiving end of the beating slowly and shakily stand up before pulling one of the muggers over and decking him in the face; sending blood and breaking bone.

That was at least a little impressive to the woman, and she might actually put some money on the man to at least drop one of them if they didn’t get the drop on him. Bending down she grabbed the unconscious man with one hand and dropped him on the grass; looking like she put as much effort in that as one would have picked up a bag of groceries.

Máire nodded to him and shrugged a little with the smirk still on her face “Fair play on that last punch. Though that lot looked like the type to throw shapes then leg it.” she said as she watched as he tried to make the suit look as nice as it could at that point, it more resembling the dog’s breakfast than anything else. “And no sweat, I was figuring you could use some help” she continued, hearing him ask for his glasses, admitting that he was blind without them.

Deciding to go one further Máire grabbed his glasses and phone, figuring that if she was already down there that she might as well get both of em. She held out his glasses to him, holding the phone till he put them on before she held out his phone. “It was no bother, just a couple o dossers” she said, a little dismissively as she spoke. It was pretty clear that she viewed her intervention as something that had no risk to her in the slightest.

And when he introduced himself, Máire nodded and extended a hand out to him, offering it for a handshake. Whether he took it or not didn’t matter to her, but it was something that Jeanie had made sure to remind her time and time again was something you should do to be polite to some people. “Máire Reid, at your service” she said, if he shook her hand a firm handshake would be what he received; a mix of her strength and her professional demeanor when around Jeanie.

However her demeanor didn’t stop her from asking a question that likely sounded fairly rude, but one that she needed answered. “So, ya not the full shilling? Walking round here all dressed fierce and not expectin them to give you a gawk?” she asked him, her tone not angry and worried but curiosity “An would ya like a lass to walk you outta here, you look like you gotta crack on.” she then offered, it looked like they were going the same way, and at least this way she would know he wasn’t about to get jumped again. Do her good deed for the day, it sure beat helpin someone’s ol wan across the street, not to mention maybe she might be able to make a connection for Jeanie at a later date.

[Vincent Maxfield]

Vincent smirked slightly at her comment on his punch as he was straightening out his cuffs. ”You know, that’s the first time I’ve ever struck a person.” He replied. ”I must admit, I have mixed feelings.” Violence was wrong and undignified, his family taught him that the only worthy battles were those fought with words. Still, revenge felt oh so very sweet. ”Although, and forgive me if this sounds rude, but I can’t imagine this was your first rodeo. You did very well.” He complimented. ”I can’t thank you enough. Sincerely, I may owe you my life.” That thought scared him for a second. He really truly could’ve died. But he didn’t. That was in the past. He was alive and somewhat well and all he could do was look to the future.

”Thank you.” He said as the woman handed him his glasses and his phone. He slipped the glasses on. The right lens was definitely cracked, but otherwise they were in working condition. His phone, however, hadn’t fared so well. The screen was cracked beyond repair, and when he tried to turn it on, he was greeted to a quick flash of color before it turned off again. Oh well, he could easily buy another one. Luckily, they hadn’t had a chance to get to his wallet.

”Máire Reid,” he met her firm handshake with his own, ”I owe you a great debt Máire.” He smiled gently at her. Indeed, he needed to repay her one way or another. Luckily he had more than enough resources to do so. He thought of just taking her to an bank - he rarely carried any cash on him - and handing her a thousand or two, but that seemed a little crass. He would have to think of some other way to repay her.

He offered a little apologetic smile at her inquiry. ”In all honesty, I wasn’t thinking straight. I was in a bit of a hurry to get to a meeting, however, it looks like that’s no longer an option. I cannot arrive looking like this.” He looked down at himself. His suit was torn, disheveled and bloodied. That, and he had several wounds on his head and his nose wouldn’t stop leaking blood. Once again, he wiped away at his nose. ”I’d be more than happy to have you escort me out of this area.” He accepted graciously. ”Do you happen to have anything I can use to block the bleeding from my nose? If not, I suppose I can use my tie.” He looked down at his tie, disheartened. It truly was a fantastic tie, but it was already ruined, a bit more blood wouldn’t tarnish it any more than it already had been.

”And, if you don’t mind me asking, are you a metahuman or simply a fantastic fighter? Or perhaps both.” This was a dangerous question, not one he was sure he wanted to answer to, but it was for the company. That, and his genuine curiosity.

[Deleted]

“Well, coulda gone south faster, take it as a sign for some luck.” Máire said with a grin as she listened to him. It was a little strange hearing that he had some mixed feelings about the the whole hitting the man, but then again Máire was old hat at that kind of thing and never really had all that many hang ups on inflicting violence on others; though there was a part of her that guessed that there were a few differences in how they had been brought up.



“And you are bang on with that statement, been in more fights than I can think of.” she admitted, shrugging a little before waving hand in a dismissive gesture when he said that he owed her his live. “Wasn’t like it was a murder t’do, didn’t even make a hames outta my clothes.” she might collect debts from time to time, but that tended to be money and nothing personal. Sides, headbutting one man wasn’t really something that Máire thought was all that hard to do, it just required a hard skull or a lack of care for oneself.



Though he seemed a little set on at least giving her a thanks in some form, which while she didn’t really think it had warranted it; she had experience in saving people from a situation that she didn’t was serious but was serious to them. She nodded and shrugged again as she added “If ya wanna then I won’t eat the head off ya, I’m no holy joe.”



And when he gave his answer she chuckled a little and gave him a little look up and down, “Aye to that, suits looking a little manky.” she said, smiling a little as he then accepted her offer of providing escort. “Grand, let’s not let em have another lash at ya” she said, as she started taking a few steps, waiting for Vincent to follow. And when he asked for something to stop the bleeding Máire dipped into her back pocket and produced a red handkerchief, one of strangely excellent quality given Máire’s current attire “As long as ya don’t bunk off with it ya can use it. It’s seen enough o my blood so what’s a little more?” she offered “Sides, your tie is already pretty gammy, just gonna make the nose look worse.”



Another question was levelled to Máire, and one a bit more personal, asking if she was a meta of a good fighter. “Little o column A, little o column B. Been fightin’ for a long time, not so much with the other one.” she said, her demeanor not really changing all that much, but she was looking his way. He didn’t look like the type to be carrying, but Máire hadn’t made it off the street without being at least a little cautious.



“And what’s the craic for ya? That punch ya threw was too deadly for someone who's never thrown shapes before…” she asked in return, her eyes still scanning him for a demeanor change. Máire might not be smart but she did know people and fighting. “Also, figured since you seem right mortified of turnin up at your meeting looking like ya been on the tear. I got a bit of a meeting myself, the boyo is a bit of a cute hoor but his suits are savage. I walk ya there, do my meeting get something for ya to wear and then we’re suckin diesel” Maybe that would break some of the awkwardness Máire expected to come out of the returned personal question. He didn’t need to know Máire’s business was making a round for collections.

[Vincent Maxfield]

”Well, you certainly show it.” He commended in response to her statement about her experience. ”I should invest in a bodyguard.” I muttered, more to himself than Máire. Wouldn’t that show his family. Madison most certainly had bodyguards, but Sidney and Ashley didn’t, neither did his parents. Wouldn’t that show them how important he was, wouldn’t that elevate his status; he was vital - and rich - enough to afford and require bodyguards. He could just imagine the looks on the faces when he had someone escort him to their house next Thanksgiving. He’d definitely have to put that on the itinerary.

”Don’t sell yourself short. You’ve done me a greater favor than anyone has in a long while.” He replied. ”It’s only common courtesy that I repay you.” He couldn’t imagine this debt go uncollected. An eye for an eye goes both ways.

Vincent followed in step with Máire, walking with confidence, although, if one looked closely, they could see his eyes shifting nervously back and forth. Vincent had always been proficient at looking like he knew exactly what he was doing, it was a skill he learned from a young age. He always held his head high, with a small, relaxed smile on his face. Even in the tensest of interactions, he spoke in a smooth, even tone. But this experience had truly shaken him and his facade - just barely - had cracked. It made him supremely uncomfortable.

”Thank you.” Vincent said as he graciously took the red handkerchief and pressed it tightly against his nose. He had two surgeons in the family, he knew how to position it to stem the bleeding. He had to tilt his head backwards somewhat and pinch his nose tight. It looked somewhat awkward and, well, undignified, but it’s not like there were many people around to witness his embarrassment, not that he acted embarrassed. No, he acted like he’d done this a million times. Confidence, as always, was key.

”That’s true.” He retorted to her evaluation of his tie, ”Although I can’t imagine looking any worse than I already do.” He answered jovially as a thin red line of blood slithered down his forehead, past his eye, down his cheek, and dripped onto the ground.

”So you’re a meta.” He commented nonchalantly, although inwardly his heart sank. He knew he’d have to offer her up to the company as a potential candidate. She’d already had the misfortune to trust him with her full name. He’d just have to repay her before they potentially scooped her up off the street. ”What’s your power, if you don’t mind me asking?” He asked.

He laughed good-naturedly at her comment about his punch, although he found his laugh hurt his nose, so he kept it to a minimum. ”I just happen to work out a lot. I’ve dabbled in some kickboxing before, not competitively, I just work on the punching bag. I simply try to stay healthy.” He responded. ”I never dreamed of using my exercise for violence.” He explained.

"That sounds lovely.” He responded to her offer to take him to a tailor. He had his own personal tailors that he went to, and, judging by her fashion and personality, the places she shopped at were far from what he was accustomed to, but his New York tailor was very far from where they were currently stationed, so he happily accepted her offer.

Deciding to make some small talk as they walked, he asked, ”That accent, are you native Irish?” Vincent dealt with many types of people from all over the world, he was very proficient at recognizing and understanding different accents, but if didn’t take an experienced man such as himself to identify her accent.

[Deleted]

Máire smirked a little and nodded a little to reply back to his statement about the showing it “A donkey’s year of practice’ll do that to ya. And my suggestion at least in the short term is ta avoid places like this, even if you got a bodyguard they are gonna tell the same. Just a little professional advice” she offered to him, he had been nice enough so far, and she would prefer to have less attention brought to areas that she frequented. And areas that Jeanie operated out of.

“Ain’t about selling myself short, but I get the idea that ya might be a little stubborn bout this” Máire said, a smirk and a genuinely happy smile danced on her lips as the thought of Jeanie came to her mind and how this was a very similar situation that had gotten her hired under her charge. “Must be somethin to do with being well off. Money to burn or whatever” she finished up, a joking tone in her voice as she continued to recall her own experiences.

Máire looked at him again and chuckled a little and shrugged “Ya coulda ended worse, look the bloke we left on the ground” she offered with a clear joking tone to it “Ya walked with life and wallet on ya, Best that could be asked for” she continued, a slightly less joking tone in her voice this time. He had gotten away with his life but that had been luck.

“Aye” she replied simply, having no worry in her voice as she admitted to this. She didn’t really know this guy, but she was sure she could take him. Not to mention the hell Jeanie would cause if something did happen to Máire. “Sorry, that’s a trade secret. Lady can’t be giving all her secrets out on the first meetin”. This was mostly for a safety thing for Máire to do, she couldn’t let all her secrets get out there. Her being known as a meta wouldn’t cause any problems, she had a reputation with the people Jeanie dealt with. What most people didn’t know was how her powers worked, and that was something she wanted kept a secret.

Not to mention something in the back of her mind was a little worried about a sharp dressed man in a crappy part of town who was now asking her if she was a meta. The only person who truly knew how her powers worked was Jeanie, and she made sure Máire’s lips were kept under tight lock about that.

An eyebrow was raised at his explanation on how he threw that punch, which Máire didn’t fully believe and had some reservations about. But she didn’t really feel like starting some shit with someone right now, besides she had a job to do and one that she didn’t want to screw up for Jeanie. So best to keep things cordial for now and see what happened “I guess we have different ways of workin out. Granted, I think we have very different jobs.” she said with a grin, watching as he held the handkerchief up to his nose to stem the bleeding.

Máire kept walking with him beside her, able to keep up with his longer strides though just walking faster than normal. “Me ol dear immigrated, but she taught me how to gab. Oul fella taught me t drink and run away from me problems” she said with a grin, clearly not too mad or upset about bringing up her parents “Also my employer likes the accent, and I don’t like to disappoint them.”

And as they continued to walk Máire looked over to him and shrugged “So, whatcha do for a livin? Got a custom suit an all the signs of money. More than just a random desk jockey” she asked as the buildings went from complete crap to more mid range houses. “Musta been a big meetin heading to if they won’t forgive a bit of bump and scrape. Though, I guess its expected o me an never needed to worry about making the good first impression, thats for my boss to do”

[Vincent Maxfield]

”I’ll keep that in mind.” He smiled, covering his inner embarrassment at the stupidity of his mistake. He most certainly didn’t need Máire’s advice, he’d more than learned his lesson. Everything hurt, and he found there was a distinct pain in his side that grew worse with every breath. They must’ve hurt his ribs. Hopefully they weren’t fractured, but even so, there wasn’t much he could do about. He’d learned from his mother and Sidney that the best thing for a rib injury was rest and relaxation. He didn’t think anything was broken besides his nose, but his body still hurt like hell.

”I am indeed.” He retorted. He was a man of means and money, he would be remiss if he didn’t pay her back in the best and perhaps only way he found suitable. Especially since he was going to have to share her identity with the company. Not that he would feel particularly guilty - business is business, there is no guilt in business - but there was the small and unavoidable part of him that would feel some measure of wrongdoing turning her into just another asset.

Vincent licked his cracked lips, tasting blood. His lip must’ve split open. At Máire’s suggestion, he looked behind him to see the man laying on the ground, head split open, slowly getting smaller as they walked away. ”That’s true.” He said almost listlessly, but still with undeniable confidence. ”Thanks to you.” He said, looking back at her.

”Of course.” He responded. ”I apologize if I touched on something personal.” The company would no doubt discover her powers on their own. He was simply hoping to expedite the matter. That, and we would like to know the value of an asset before he took the time to offer one up. Still, any metahuman would make a very valuable asset, no matter what the power.

Vincent chuckled slightly at Máire’s mention of their jobs, but quickly stopped as his nose pulsed with pain. ”Yes, I exercise admittedly purely for health and aesthetics. You seem to have a much greater purpose to keeping in shape.” He replied.

Vincent simply smiled as Máire mentioned her family. Despite the admitted dysfunction, she seemed to have far less strings attached to her parents than Vincent did. ”Who is your employer by the way? If you don’t mind me asking, of course.” Máire seemed to keep things somewhat close to her chest, and he didn’t want to dig too deep and make her uncomfortable, but he was genuinely curious who she worked for and why they might someone with skills like hers.

“I'm executive assistant for the Axon Corporation.” He stated plainly, though with unmistakable pride. “You probably haven't heard of us, we're not particularly public.” He started to relax as the buildings became somewhat less disreputable. ”Thankfully I’m not missing a particularly important meeting, but nevertheless I can’t arrive like this. In my business, appearances are everything.” He tried turning on his phone again, to little avail. ”If my phone worked, I would call and explain the matter. Could I use yours?” He asked. ”If you’re not comfortable with that, I understand. Maybe we’ll find a shop that’ll let me use their phone.”