Meeting Black Lightning

Aaron and Cassandra stepped out of the taxi, the humid of Negril, Jamaica air wrapping around them like a warm embrace. The resort in front of them was a modern marvel—a tall silver building situated right next to a beach. Co-owned by Wayne and Towman, it was clearly run by locals.

They entered the grand lobby, the cool air-conditioning a welcome contrast to the tropical heat. Talking to the secretary at the front desk stood a tall, well-built black man in a crisp white linen shirt, his salt-and-pepper beard neatly trimmed. He looked up.

Cassandra blinked and became excited. The black man was already turning and smiling. Cassandra tackled him into a hug. There was laughter.

Aaron knew who this was. This was the man that managed the hotel.

“Jeff!”

Jefferson Pierce—AKA the Black Lightning. A member of the Outsiders and a leader in many circles, he was a man that everybody looked up to. Not a single hero had a bad word to say about him as far as Aaron was aware.

“Yo, Cass.” Jefferson rubbed Cassandra’s hair and pulled her back. He looked her up and down. “I swear you’ve gotten bigger.”

“Pregnant.”

Jefferson blinked rapidly. “Wait…really!?”

“Really.”

“You have kids now!? You!?” That was when Jefferson noticed Aaron. “Oh, is this your husband? Hey, man.”

“Hey.”

“No, seriously.” Jefferson took a step back and crossed his arm to judge the couple. “You look…I mean, not pregnant. How long has it been?”

“A year? Ish?”

“And you’re talking a vacation why—stupid question, you’re loaded with money.” Jefferson blinked and pointed at Aaron. “Wait, is he…?”

Cassandra made a cute x-mark with her arms. “Not a hero. Just a guy.”

“Civilian, eh?” Jefferson Pierce—Black Lightning—walked right up to Aaron and offered a hand. “Nice to meet you, man.”

“I’m Aaron.”

“Jeff.” A chuckle. “I hope the little lady didn’t wring you out. She’s quite literally the best fighter I know in hand to hand. During spars, I could barely keep up.”

Aaron smiled. “I do my best.”

“You got friends in high places. Toyman set you guys up real nice.” Jefferson gestured to the young woman at the desk, who placed down a set of keycards for Jefferson to pick up and hand to Aaron. “You ain't just getting a room—you’re getting the entire top floor. Kid wanted to show off the state-of-the-art amenities.”

Cassandra and Aaron exchanged glances. They had only expected a single suite. This was half-Wayne-owned but they didn’t want to make too much of a splash. Hiro, it seemed, disagreed with that.

Aaron took the keycards with a nod. “Appreciate it.”

“A year after pregnancy…” Jefferson looked at Aaron, then Cassandra, then back to Aaron. “Was it a shotgun wedding?”

“....”

Aaron rubbed the back of his head. Cassandra blinked. “What does that mean?” she asked.

“Nevermind. Just don’t wreck the place,” Jeff said, smirking. “And maybe try to get some actual relaxation while you’re here.”

Oh yeah, this guy knew the couple was about to hit pound town.

Cassandra blinked. She understood what he was saying so she went on her toes, leaned into Aaron, and whispered something in his ear.

“Last more than a minute. You win.”

Aaron's eyebrow twitched. He wasn’t sure if she was teasing him or issuing a real challenge. Either way, the message was clear.

Time to fuck Cassandra Cain.

Again.