Nighthawk: A Superhero Story (closed for Siobhancan99)

[siobhancan99]

Monica considered PJ Padilla and the scene before her. For one, she thought that there should be a school for superpowered vigilantes on the best way to take down your nemesis in situations like this. Like how to choke someone out without killing them. Of course, to her knowledge she was maybe the first superhero in the world so if there was going to be a school she would have to found it, and to found a school she'd probably have to figure this shit out so having the school... not super helpful. She thought about smacking him in the head with something, but with as strong as she was she had to worry she'd just kill him or worse turn him into a vegetable. Then she'd be that weird chick at the hospital sitting next to PJ Padilla and like... reading him the classics or something in the hopes that some day he'd wake up. So... yeah. Can't just smash the dude in the head.

Further complicating things was whoever was upstairs. She had money on his mother, but his mother could shoot her dead just as well as anyone else. She wasn't super keen on testing the bullet proof nature of the super suit. So she had to be quiet, but she also had to either convince him to come with her, or make him... while not busting up the place. Sure. Super easy. the easiest. Like that time Kayla told her riding horses was easy and she got thrown over a fence and into the brambles. She inhaled, then slowly exhaled thinking she should message Kayla, then made herself focus. She crept up behind the guy, relying on his attention on the game to get the jump on him. She tried wrapping an arm around his throat and said softly "Don't make a sound."

 

[Halcyon638]

Padilla attempted to slip underneath her arm, but she was too quick, firmly grasping him around the neck. Padilla’s body froze, though he still held onto the game controller. He nearly dropped the cigarette from his lips but chomped on the end with his teeth. “Who is it?” he said, voice quavering a bit. The acrid smell of the smoke made Monica’s eyes water.

 

[siobhancan99]

Briefly considers saying she's Sisyphus but then rejects that out of it being too self-aware and also on a more conscious level because she's 99 percent sure he won't get the allusion. She freezes a moment though, as she doesn't have a snappy superhero name and she can't really say "I'm Monica Bergensen" so there's an awkward moment "It doesn't matter who I am Mr. Padilla. What matters is that while I strongly prefer not to hurt you I don't particularly view not hurting you as a requirement. Also I'm a person with the resources and ability to find you when the cops could not. Those two things are all you will ever need to know."

She immediately realized that he needed to know more things like, that she wanted him to stand up, and preferably keep his hands where she could see them. and then maybe put them behind his back and hopefully find some shoes, but that would all hopefully happen in time. "I'm going to gently pull you back over the couch. Drop the controller and hold your hands up"

She snaked her other arm around his chest, then tried to slowly and quietly pull him up over the couch. 'God this would be easier if I was tall. Why couldn't I be tall?' She thought 'oh well'

 

[Halcyon638]

Padilla let the controller hit the carpeted ground with a soft thud. He appeared to be following along with Monica’s directives. Suddenly, he wormed out of her arms, sliding down the front of the couch and just out of her grasp, his cigarette rolling out of his mouth and landing in the middle of the piece of furniture.

Now, Padilla was lunging for the gun, shouting the word "Zo" or "So" at the top of his lungs.

 

[siobhancan99]

"Fuck you, PJ" She said, done with his bullshit and only having just met him. 'that's great banter Mon, will make a great addition to the movie of your exploits' she thought, even as she put her shoulder into the couch, ramming forward and using it to smash against his legs and pin him against the entertainment stand, frankly at this point hoping she broke something. Fuck him and his fucking gun. "Why can't you mother fuckers fight with your hands like in the movies?"

 

[Halcyon638]

The couch lumbered forward into Padilla’s legs, fixing him in place, his gun just out of reach. “Fuck!” he shouted, grimacing in agony. He shouted, “Zo! Zo! Get down here!” Monica could hear heavy footsteps pounding the upstairs hardwood and then making their way down the first steps of the staircase leading down into the living room.

 

[siobhancan99]

Monica sighed. She had to clear the gun, so she wasn't shot while tangling with... zo zo? who was probably some giant dude. She leaped for the gun, kicking it into the next room. She had contemplated tripping the dude on the steps, but the gun was the real important piece of this. Padilla looked like he'd be no help at all. THe kind of guy whose manhood was in his pants only because that's where he kept his gun. "you chose to do this the hard way, PJ." She said "remember that. "

 

[Halcyon638]

As the gun skidded far out of reach, PJ Padilla winced and shouted, “Shit!” A man who looked to be roughly 30 came halfway down the steps, pistol in his hand. He was tall and powerfully built, wearing just boxers and a red T-shirt bearing the logo of a local pro sports team, his big, round eyes looking bleary with sleep and still adjusting to the light. “What the fuck…?” he said before beginning to raise the gun.



“Shoot her!” PJ called out, still pinned in place.

 

[siobhancan99]

Monica ducked, barreling towards the man and trying to smash her shoulder into him. She threw herself into it, trying to knock him off balance so he couldn't bring the gun to bear "next mother fucker that pulls a gun on me gets shot."

 

[Halcyon638]

Monica knocked him off balance. Apparently not expecting such an impact from someone with her physique, the gunman spilled over the wooden railing of the staircase, cracking it and landing hard on his back about 10 feet below. The pistol thunked against the steps before landing a few feet beneath where she was now positioned.

PJ Padilla had managed to wrench his leg free from the couch but was reduced to crawling, using his hands and his rear muscles to move. Neither man seemed to pose a threat any more, and the fear in the wiry man’s eyes reflected that awareness. “Please. Don’t kill me,” he said.

 

[siobhancan99]

Monica had no intention of killing him. Well. She did, she wanted to kill him but really she wanted to kill the man who killed Tom, and PJ Padilla had not, to her knowledge, been that man. She also knew that the family of Eric Ramirez would feel hollow after the piece of shit that killed him turned up dead and finally... she wasn't a killer. At least... not in this circumstance.

She stalked over to the gun and grabbed it, then put it in her pocket and drew out a zip tie "PJ, its your lucky day. Well not really if it was your lucky day your stupid ass would have listened to me and your leg wouldn't be busted. You're gonna feel real fucking stupid in jail in a cast." She grabbed his arms, wrenching them behind his back, then kneeled on his back to zip tie him. While she looked 130-135 her density meant she weighed closer to 200 pounds. It was part of how she was so strong. She kept him in place, then stood, grabbing him. She looked around for his phone, then pressed his thumb against it to unlock it. Pulling out the detective's card from the bar she called, hoping that he picked up.

 

[Halcyon638]

Padilla was as docile as a newborn as Monica slapped the zip ties on him. After four rings, she heard Detective Brendan Knapp’s slightly weathered voice on the other end of the phone. “Knapp here,” he said with a twinge of disorientation to his tone.

 

[siobhancan99]

"Knapp this is... uh... the girl from the club. You know the one. From TV. I have PJ Padilla here. He's ready to be turned over to the police. I'd prefer not to call 911 or involve myself with regular cops. If you don't want to pick him up I suppose I can figure something else out, but I thought you might want to be a hero."

She was fine with him taking credit for tracking Padilla down, or giving her credit or whatever. Either way she didn't want to get arrested for being a vigilante, or beating up Padilla or his mook "DO you want the address or should i fly to you?"

 

[Halcyon638]

“You found PJ Padilla?” There was a brief pause on the phone. “I don’t know about ‘hero,’ but something like this could dig me out from a bit of the deep shit I’m in with the boss. I’d tell them you’d found him, of course. But I’d owe you two. Not sure how I feel about that,” Knapp said, his tone light. He sounded more awake now. "Are you okay? I realize I'm asking the girl who beat the shit out of 3 Russians the size of Range Rovers."

“You tell me,” he said at her question regarding the address. “Wait…you can fly?”

 

[siobhancan99]

A moment went by and she was thinking "what the fuck?" and then she laughed "no. no. I have a super secret flying spy car. Well not super secret now, because I told you. But no I'm not superman. I'm just a girl who has issues to work out." She looked down at PJ and gave him a little kick. "And I'm ok but I'm sort of tired of nearly getting shot. In the comic books and movies these mooks use their hands a lot more. I guess that's what I get expecting life to resemble art. if people used their fists more you and I wouldn't really exist huh?"

She let that sink in a minute "anyway, Are you coming to me or am I coming to you?"

 

[Halcyon638]

“So you’re not bulletproof, either? I heard people on social media were saying you could shoot lasers out of your eyes or something.” He fought back a yawn. “Yeah, unfortunately, these fuckers tend to go right for the gun. When I was a kid, they’d at least have the common courtesy to try to stab you first. I think it’s short attention spans. Blame TikTok or whatever.”

“I’ll come to you,” Detective Knapp said. “It sounds like you’ve already had enough of a night without carpooling with a couple of assholes.”

When Monica gave him the address, he told her he’d be there in 15 minutes, but made it in 10. They’d agreed to meet around the rear entrance of the home to give her plenty of cover to slip away. The detective looked tired, but the bruises and cuts on his face from their previous encounter seemed to be healing quite nicely. He wore a slightly rumpled blue shirt with a black tie, the sleeves rolled up midway over toned arms.

 

[siobhancan99]

Holding PJ Padilla out in front of her like a viper, at arm's length she offered the man to the detective "I think I broke him" She looked the guy over "I feel like I got you out of bed. Is there a Mrs. Knapp that's gonna be mad at me?" she laughed, sort of fishing because well.. I mean she wasn't married to Austin and hot cop could maybe teach her a thing or two. Maybe not though. There was a difference between looking at a guy her dad's age and wanting to actually bed him. Still, it had a little forbidden fruit vibe to it that she momentarily considered "aaaaaanyway" she dropped Padilla on the ground "There's another guy unconscious inside but.. I think this one will do it. That guy didn't actually even attack me. he didn't really get a chance. Technically I don't think he's done anything wrong. This little shit though... pulled a gun on me. that seems like attempted murder doesn't it?" she shrugged "anyway, I should probably get going..."

 

[Halcyon638]

Detective Knapp shoved Padilla into the car and closed the door. “Couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy.” When Monica inquired about a Mrs. Knapp, a momentary gleam flashed into his honey-brown eyes. “No, there’s not. Not for a few years now. I do have a golden lab that was all geared up for a 2:00 A.M. walk, though,” he said with a smile.

“Yeah, unless you feel like testifying, I think we’ll work on just putting that fucker away,” he said. “Though we could probably get his cousin on lying to us.”

“Look,” he said, “I don’t know why—or frankly, how—you’re doing this, but I think you’re doing good. Not that you need a gold star from me. I just…if there’s anything I can do—run some plates, background checks, even if you just need to vent about some of this shit—you have my number. And I do owe you."

 

[siobhancan99]

Monica smiled "I'll hold you to that Detective. As to the why well, I don't think I'm introspective enough to give a good answer" though she did have an answer, saying "In March my boyfriend was killed in a carjacking/mugging" would probably lead them right to her, and well. She wasn't keen on that. It would be bad all around. She had an idea from TV that maintaining the secret identity was pretty clutch in these situations.

"For now, I have your number. If I ever figure out how to let you message me without giving away who I am, I'll give you a way to do it." She gave him a quick look over, then jogged off to the ship. It was late, and she had homework to do tomorrow. Plus she hadn't spent any real time with Gabi so maybe a movie and some lunch was in order for the next day. She made it home, sending the craft off to park itself, then changed in the apartment roof and stowed her shit in her bag. She worked her way down the fire escape, then went in the front door. She tossed her bag in the corner of her room, then went for a shower. Under the steamy water she felt energized. Really, aroused frankly. She sat in the shower, closing her eyes and let her hands drift over her body. What was it about these situations, the danger, the rush of the hunt that had such an incredible sexual component? It was probably her heritage. Her parents had alluded to such, still... her hand slid down between her legs, fingers gently teasing, slipping around and around. She kept her eyes closed, imaging Austin... then hot cop. Then Austin and hot cop. Yeah that was more like it. Four hands, two mouths. The brush of hot cop's perpetual stubble. The feel of Austin's athletic body. The strong grip of the both of them. She bit her lip and let out a small pleasured sound, her fingers moving in subtle circles, stroking as she imagined being pinned between them, the smell of their skin and the feel of their flesh on hers.

It only took a few minutes, and she could feel the familiar coil of tension signaling impending release. She slipped her finger into herself then out, dragging it around and around the button of her clit, till she arched, gasping, letting go, feeling all that tension deliciously unwind. She sat for a few minutes, letting the shower beat down on her, then got up, finished cleaning up and hit the sack.

 

[Halcyon638]

The wind whipped Monica's hair as she walked down the street with Gabi. The unseasonably hot weather that had made the beach such a relief on Friday had started getting ushered out by the rain Saturday night, and now a front rolling in from Canada was finishing the job.

They were downtown and on their way to a 1:30 matinee. Gabi was sipping a smoothie and telling Monica about her experiences at the Latino Students’ Association the day before. “One thing they do is tutoring in some of the schools in underserved neighborhoods, which I’m really interested in, but on the other hand, I don’t know if it’d be too much for my first semester,” she said. “They said I could do as little as two hours a week but I’m just factoring in, like, travel time…though they do carpool. What do you think? Would I even be a good tutor?”

Monica received a text from Austin. “Hi. Did you want to maybe grab a bite to eat and study for the physics quiz tonight?”

People in her various social media feeds were also posting about the masked vigilante hauling in Eric Ramirez’s murderer last night. Daunte Ellis, apparently a candidate for District Attorney, had commented on her when asked by reporters at a campaign stop. “While I would never condone taking the law into your own hands, I think the fact that this city is responding to her so strongly is a clear sign that the people don’t feel the system is serving them. And that has to change.”

 

[siobhancan99]

Monica turned and put her hands on Gabi's shoulders, looking her in the eye "are you kidding? you totally got me through High School English. You can do anything you want to in this world, chica hermosa." She smiled "I think you'd be a great tutor. I would, however, ask what sort of security they are providing. The underserved neighborhoods are underserved because they are dangerous. Look at that poor Eric Ramirez. Just out for a night and boom. Some fucking piece of shit shoots him." She let go of Gabi "so if they're doing something to make sure you're safe and all, you should totally do it. Just you know. Be smart." She resolved to maybe tag along on this venture "and if they need math or science help maybe I can come along."

She texted Austin "I accept your valid pretext for seeing me. ;-)" then looked over at Gabi "I might have Austin over tonight. Speaking of... how are things with Shaun? I noticed he's not around is he at home with his family?" She didn't want to tell his story for him but it was tempting to let Gabi know she had a winner on her hands. He was hot, smart, family oriented. He would make Gabi happy and making Gabi happy was one of her priorities. it had been since they were little kids.

"so anyway. speaking of bad neighborhoods. What do you make of this crazy chick out fighting crime and whatnot?"

 

[Halcyon638]

“Thanks, Mon,” Gabi said. “Cristina said it’s fine since we’ll just be there during the day. That was so sad about that teacher. Cristina actually knew him a bit and she was still kind of in mourning about the whole thing.” A pair of handsome students exchanged glances with the two women as they walked down the sidewalk.

“You should totally come along!” Gabi said. “It’s not just restricted to Latinos. I’m sure you would do great, too. Though it’s kind of a commitment. They generally want you to sign up for 10 weeks so the schools have some consistency.”

Austin responded, “Ha totally busted,” to Monica’s text. “I do legit need to make with the studying tho.”

Gabi smiled at the mention of Austin coming over. “Cool. Shaun and I actually went out for dinner last night though he had to get up early to help his sister with something so we called things a night pretty early.” A pair of 50-something men were standing near one of the sidewalks belting out a solid version “Stand By Me,” and open suitcase nearby. Gabi tossed a dollar bill in as they passed.

“I don’t know what to think,” Gabi said on the topic of the vigilante. “I thought it was a hoax or something but then apparently the cops said she tracked down the guy who shot Eric Ramirez? So it sounds like she’s going after the right people. There’s some speculation she’s some badass MMA fighter but then from the park video it doesn’t seem that she’s that big, so maybe it’s two women? That’s it. That’s the theory I’m going with. Gonna put out an explainer video tonight and go viral.”

They strolled into the theater and found their seats. It was Monica’s turn to pick a movie, which came as a bit of a relief. Gabi was one of the smartest people she knew, but her tastes were pretty limited to sci-fi, fantasy, or comedies. She was mostly a good sport, though, and even ended up enjoying some of her friend’s artier picks.

 

[siobhancan99]

Monica picked a gangster movie "The outfit" with Mark Rylance. It hit a little close as it was a crime thriller and it was kind of like watching someone do a job you do. Still it was good. She considered the offer to help Gabi, but was wondering when she could fit it in. Still. Something she should really consider. "I'm glad things are going well with Shaun. He's really great and I'm glad you two are doing alright." She drank a huge Dr. pepper and ate a bag of popcorn. After the movie she ribbed Gabi playfully "so I was giving it some thought." she slurped at the last bit of her Dr. Pepper "what if the vigilante is like... from Krypton or something" She grins and nudges her friend "So maybe there aren't two. Maybe she can fly and shoot lasers out of her eyes and shit right? I mean that's a thing." She tossed the paper cup and then leaned against the wall as she finished her popcorn. "or maybe there are two and the other one is invisible. Like some H.G. Welles shit right? maybe we can do a point-counterpoint."

They headed home and she got a few steaks and potatoes, some broccoli. She texted Austin "Come over for dinner and we can study. Bring some wine if you can."

 

[Halcyon638]

After Monica and Gabi made it home, Monica got caught up on some the other homework she’d put aside to hang out with her friend. When she was taking a break, she scrolled down to find that Hadley had texted the group text to see if anyone wanted go with her Thursday night to open auditions for a campus play. Gabi apologized saying she had the first official meeting of the Latino Students’ Association while Nick said he would go as moral support, prompting Hadley to tease him about bailing on her at the improv show.

A little past 7:00 as Monica was finishing up cooking dinner, she received a text from Austin that he’d be there soon. “You know, I can always head over to the library if you want,” Gabi noted. “Just give me a signal. Maybe we should have a codeword?”

A moment later, there was a knock on the door. Gabi opened it to find Austin standing there. “Hey,” she said cheerily, looking up at the tall, blond athlete.

“Hey, Gabi,” he said. “Hope you like peanut-butter chocolate no-bake cookies.” He held up a square, store-bought container alongside a bottle of wine.

“Definitely,” Gabi said, taking them off his hands.

“Good study fuel,” Austin noted. His smile widened as he caught sight of Monica emerging from the kitchen. “Hey.” He walked over and put his arms around her, leaning down to give her a fairly innocent kiss on the lips.

As Monica finished up in the kitchen, she, Gabi, and Austin caught up regarding their respective weekends. “I was so tired last night I was seriously in bed by, like, 11:00,” Gabi noted after Austin recapped an evening hanging hitting a barcade with some of his teammates. “I didn’t even hear you come in,” she said to Monica as Austin leaned up against the door jamb, drinking a soda.

 

[siobhancan99]

Monica hmmmed "yeah I was out for a run. You were totally out of it when I got back." She felt bad lying to Gabi, but it was best really for all of them. She threw the potatoes in the oven to bake and leaned into Austin a little, drawing his arms around her from behind "Must be nice to be let into bars without an ID Mr. Star athlete." Then she realized she had no idea what year he was "or are you uh. 21" She laughed "I just realized I have no fucking idea." She kept pressed back against him, subtly rocking her ass into him to tease him a little "Scandalous. Older man picking on young impressionable freshmen girls. a tale as old as time"

She was glad for the chance to deflect from her own nocturnal activities at any rate. After a minute she disentangled from Austin and put broccoli on to steam "you're eating with us right Gabi? We will study after." She took the steaks out of the fridge and seasoned liberally, then set a cast iron pan on the burner to get really really hot.