Nighthawk: A Superhero Story (closed for Siobhancan99)

[siobhancan99]

"ellis why don't you pretend for a moment that I 1) know about the restraining order and 2) that when someone gets a restraining order there's a record of everything that happened and 3) a judge made a determination that your sister's version of events is true and 4) I and everyone who views the recording you're making on your phone there will be able to tell you're full of shit. Why don't you take a moment to understand that what I do for a living is make men who hurt women regret their life choices. Why don't you try again, with honesty and feeling." She stood up and walked over, then leaned in and whispered softly enough it wouldn't be picked up by a phone "why don't you take a moment to understand that there are things worse than death. I could snap your spine, for instance."

 

[Halcyon638]

Ellis sat, face frozen, staring at Monica, speechless. He adjusted his position, perhaps unconsciously, sliding farther up onto the bed away from her. “I…no,” he said. “No. You can’t…Please. I’m not a bad guy. You can’t…hurt me. I’m a good guy.” He put his hands up in front of his face, defensively, his words growing more tremulous with each phrase. “You can’t.”

 

[siobhancan99]

"No, Ellis. you are not a good guy. I am going to give you the opportunity to be a good guy." she took out her phone "you're going to start again, from the start. You're going to say what you did to your sister to make her so scared of you. You're going to say for real what you're doing in Prospect City. You're going to say what your plan was for when you got ahold of her. You're going to say it all while looking into my phone. When you're done saying it you're going to give me your parent's phone numbers and you're going to have a chat with them. After the chat, you're going to get in your car and fuck off back to Michigan. You're being given a second chance, Ellis. I am not famous for giving second chances. I'm famous for picking up a motorcycle and slamming it into a man. I'm not a cop, Ellis. I am the rage of the people personified. Now. Start again without your bullshit. Hard truth time Ellis. To thine own self be true And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man and all that shit."

She turned on the recording "Now. Fucking talk."

 

[Halcyon638]

Ellis swallowed. His eyes kept flitting between Monica and the phone’s screen. “I…hurt my stepsister. I got mad and I threatened her. I followed her around and took pictures of her and…I came here because…I was mad that she…she tried to forget about me.” His eyes fixed on Monica’s now. “I did it, okay? Is that what you wanted to hear?”

 

[siobhancan99]

"No, Ellis. I want you to explain exactly how you hurt her. See, right now your petulant little admission is devoid of facts. it's not an admission at all. I want you to talk. I want you to explain what you did to hurt her. I want you to go into detail about your stalking and most importantly, I want you to say exactly what your plan was here in Prospect City."

 

[Halcyon638]

After sitting in silence for a minute or two, Eve’s stepbrother began to talk. In very calm, measured tones, his facial expression remaining barely readable, he detailed an ongoing pattern of abuse and stalking going back years and spanning 3 states, and admitted coming to Prospect City to try to terrify her once more. He similarly complied with Monica’s request regarding talking to his parents.

 

[siobhancan99]

Monica uploaded the video to a file sharing site then got his parents numbers, texting the link and password to them, prompting him to then communicate to them that they should watch the video. "Your sister will be getting a copy of this Ellis." She stood "Now, I'm sure part of you thinks that since I'm not actually friends with your sister you might have time to do something awful. That might on some level be true. However, Ellis, if your sister disappears... well. She's in a band. I'll know. and I'll assume it was you. If she gets struck by lightning, I will assume that it was you. If she joins the Ukrainian army and is shelled to death by the Russians... I will assume that you called her position in to the Red Army. I hope you are sufficiently clear on this point. If you do not check out and drive out of Prospect City in the next 30 minutes, I will assume you stayed to do something awful and you will be handled accordingly." She gave him directions on how to best get out of the City towards home "so slink back to whatever trailer park hellhole in the UP you came from and find some skank who thinks your weird stalker bullshit is hot. Raise some six fingered children. Drink coors light. Stay the fuck out of this state. Stay the fuck away from your sister. Because if you don't, time will pass and when you think you've gotten away with your bullshit I will be there. I will make you regret your every waking minute, and I will do so in a way that ensures you live through it. And that you lack the capacity to kill yourself."

Leaving Ellis to his misery, she texted Gabi to say she'd be home soon. She texted Eve from her own phone with the link the video and also "calling. I know, its like its 2005 or something"

She inhaled, then exhaled before hitting the call button.

 

[Halcyon638]

Eve listened to Monica (as Nighthawk’s) account of the call. She sounded somewhat dazed, as if she was having trouble processing the information. Monica briefly heard Ian ask a question in the background.

“Thank you,” Eve said. “I’m not…I’m not used to someone taking my side.” She sounded on the verge of tears, but held back.

From the Sliver, Monica observed Ellis’s Honda speeding away from the motel, headed out of the city.

 

[siobhancan99]

Heading home she felt sick and weary. Mostly because she knew there were a thousand Eves in town, and she couldn't help them all. She certainly couldn't punch her way through the problem. She packed her things for the trip, new thong, demi-cup matching bra, little black dress. She went all out because she assumed Gabi would. After a long hot shower she curled up with her girl "I think I'm going to volunteer at a woman's shelter" she kissed the back of Gabi's neck "I know you wanted me to do your thing but I feel like I have to help these women and I have to help in a way that the Nighthawk can't."

 

[Halcyon638]

Gabi let out a yawn and pulled the blanket up over both of them as they cuddled on the couch. “Sweetie, that’s a great idea,” she said. “There’s got to be a bunch around town. Probably one really close to campus, too.”

She idly flicked through the Netflix display screen, only half paying attention. “Is Eve okay? I didn’t want to text her to bother her if she just wanted to be left alone tonight but…I’d like to check in with her this weekend.”

 

[siobhancan99]

"I'm sure she'd like that. She's... I mean how would you be you know?" She stroked her hand along her girl's stomach, brushing the skin, more just for the intimacy than to be sexy."so you're not gonna give me a little hint as to where we are going?"

 

[Halcyon638]

Gabi smiled. “Well…it’s in the city, don’t get your hopes too high,” the dark-haired girl said, playing with one of Monica’s feet. “But I think you’ll like it.”

The two girls nestled together for a good hour or so before Gabi finished up some studying and began her bedtime routine. At 2 minutes to 12, she came in to “count down” the time until Monica’s 20th, then kissed her at midnight.

Monica’s three classes on a Friday seemed interminable, all the more so considering she was finishing up at 2:50 and Gabi had finished her tutoring over an hour ago. She’d sent Monica a text: “Go ahead and dress comfy for the ride. We’ll get changed up once we reach our destination!”

At last, Gabi made it home and told Monica they were waiting for a Lyft. A little over a half hour later, they arrived in the Westbridge neighborhood of Prospect City, one of the up-and-coming sections of the city. The driver dropped them outside a towering chain hotel.

Their hotel room was located on the 17th floor. Though without a ton of frills, it was nice and clean, and featured a king-sized bed. “Ta da!” Gabi said, hauling her suitcase in. “What do you think?”

 

[siobhancan99]

"I think you must have broken the bank" she wrapped Gabi up in her arms "I love it. You didn't have to go all out like this baby. I'm really touched." she sucked softly on Gabi's lower lip, then her upper. Her fingers drifted through Gabi's hair "guess we finally get to have hotel sex. you know the kind where you feel bad for whoever changes the sheets" she joked and brushed her nose along Gabi's "I kinda want to strip you down and play with you in front of that big window with you facing the street."

 

[Halcyon638]

Gabi kissed Monica’s jawline. “Well, this is the first birthday where I get to be actually in love with you instead of just secretly in love with you, so…I kinda did have to go all out.” She looked into her lover’s eyes. Blushing a bit, she said, “Also, I saved up some birthday money for this, so, like, my kinda homophobic abuela’s paying for some hot lesbian sex.” She grinned as Monica brushed her nose.

The Latina peered over at the window. “Ooh. That does sound pretty hot. And naughty. But first, other birthday stuff!”

She made her way over to the massive bed with her suitcase, then sat, opening it. “So, here’s the plan. I’ve got a dinner reservation for us at 7:00 at a place not too far from here, but I thought we could get ready for around 5:30 and just wander around a bit. Thoughts?” It was a little after 4 now.

As Gabi was talking, she produced a small wrapped package from her case. “Happy birthday, baby. Open it.”

Monica unwrapped the paper to find a small black box inside. Opening it, she found an elegant silver necklace with a garnet pendant. Gabi looked at her expectantly.

 

[siobhancan99]

"Baby oh my god these are so nice. They're so much better than what I got you." She looked over at Gabi "I love them. really you didn't have to go to all these lengths" She smiled though and didn't want Gabi to think she was rejecting the gift. "Put the necklace on me baby" She walked over to the mirror, pulling her hair to the side so Gabi could fasten it behind her neck.

 

[Halcyon638]

Gabi beamed. “Carino, don’t say that. Everything you’ve given me is special.” The dark-haired girl followed her over, standing close behind her. Looking at their reflection, she deftly slipped the jewelry around her girlfriend’s neck and then fastened the clasp.

“You’re so beautiful,” Gabi said in awe, looping her arms around Monica’s waist and kissing the back of her neck. She pressed her warm, curvy body against the older girl. Gabi’s lips touched the base of Monica’s neck, then just below, then the bit of bare shoulder between her neck and the collar of her shirt.

“God, I want you,” Gabi said. A moment later, her phone chimed. “Sorry. One sec. Ruben’s been texting me about some LSA stuff.”

After a quick reply, she returned her attention to Monica again. “I should probably start getting ready. If we want to walk around before dinner. And I’ve still got one more birthday surprise for you,” she teased.

 

[siobhancan99]

"yeah lets get dressed and get ready to hit the town" She hoped this wasn't why Gabi was putting in so many long hours. Still it was touching she wanted to do it for her and she wasn't about to say anything that diminished Gabi's joy in doing it. She leaned in and kissed Gabi, tugging on her lips each in turn. "I love you, baby. Thanks for making this special for me."

 

[Halcyon638]

Gabi closed her eyes as they kissed. “You’re welcome, baby. Mi princesa hermosa.” Nodding toward the bed, she said, “Go ahead and give that thing a test drive while I get ready.” She walked over to her bag, unbuttoning her white button-down shirt as she did. “No peeking,” she teased as she revealed a swath of her pink bra, then picked up her bag and went into the bathroom.

Monica caught up on some birthday texts as her girlfriend got ready, mostly from her on-campus friend group.

Her father texted, “Happy birthday, honey. You have brightened every day of my life for the past 20 years. I still don’t know the science behind exactly how I ended up with a daughter as amazing as you, but I’m smart enough not to question it. I love you and can’t wait to see you soon.”

Eventually, Gabi emerged from the bathroom. She was dressed in a long, magenta, sleeveless dress with a square neckline that showed off more than a little cleavage. The garment’s skirt had a slender side slit that also bared some of her light brown left leg. “Your turn!” Her phone chimed again, and she took a quick glance at it.

 

[siobhancan99]

"oooh Corazon you look so good." Monica got up and kissed her girlfirend's cheek "go on and answer it. You know you want to" she slipped into the bathroom, then slid into her thong, wriggling a little. She still wasn't used to wearing them, preferring a boy short really. Still, she knew Gabi liked it. She worked herself into the bra and then the little black dress, doing her hair and makeup after. She did a smokey eye, taking more time than usual so she could look good for her girl, then slipped out of the bathroom and into a pair of heels "don't know how practical these are for walking." she was at once intensely curious as to who kept texting, but at the same time for now respecting Gabi's privacy.

 

[Halcyon638]

Gabi smiled at the compliment. “Sorry. Ruben’s just trying to correct something in the socials but for whatever reason he can’t log in,” she explained. “I’ll be waiting with baited breath,” she said as Monica slipped past her.

“Oh my god, sweetie,” Gabi said as the blonde girl emerged from the bathroom. “I need a pic. Or ten.” She lifted her phone. “Give me sultry! Pouty. Hangry?” Eventually, she looped her arm around Monica and took a selfie.

As they made their way toward the door, Gabi looked down at her own strappy shoes. “Yeah, I didn’t really think about that. There are a couple of places really close to here I’d like to check out. Maybe we can just hang out there for a little while and head over to dinner a little early? More time for…umm…celebrating.”

Gabi took Monica’s hand and they made their way out of the hotel, drawing more than a few stares despite needing to still cover up with midweight jackets. There was a clothing store and home décor store that Gabi wanted to explore, along with a small, trendy-seeming art gallery. At the home décor store, the younger girl had nearly purchased salt and pepper shakers in the shape of cats before thinking the better of it.

As they walked to the restaurant, Gabi said, “So…what do you think about getting a cat?”

 

[siobhancan99]

Monica wrapped her girl in a small hug "well I'm torn baby. I'm torn between my desire to never deny you anything and my desire to not be evicted for breaking our lease." She grinned and squeezed Gabi "besides baby, you're the only pussy I need in my life" she laughed and kissed her girlfriend's temple after making her joke, then ran her hand along Gabi's hip "maybe some day when we have our own house and all that." By that she meant perhaps the twelfth of never, but she didn't want to ruin the moment by putting her foot down too strongly on not getting a cat.

 

[Halcyon638]

Gabi nodded. “Ohh…I honestly didn’t remember anything the lease said, for the most part. I think I was still vibing too hard on the idea of living with you to pay attention.”

Perking up at Monica’s touch, she said, “Maybe we can move into an off-campus apartment next year! In one of the cool neighborhoods.

They made it to the restaurant. From the exterior, it didn’t look too fancy, and they were perhaps a little overdressed. “Okay. Time for your last birthday surprise,” Gabi said, kissing Monica right below the ear as they sauntered to the door.

They walked into the waiting area where several people were gathered near the hostess’s station, waiting.

“Happy birthday,” Monica heard a familiar voice say. It was Zoe, dressed in a beige sweater with one bared shoulder and a pair of dark jeans. She was wearing more dramatic makeup than usual, and smiling as she made her way toward Monica for a hug.

 

[siobhancan99]

"oh rueben was texting you huh?" she rolled her eyes at her girlfriend playfully "love you baby" she leaned in and kissed her, then wrapped an arm around Zoe and drew her in against her. She squeezed her tight "hey half-pint"

She grinned and released the little swimmer, rubbing her back softly a moment "that's a fun surprise baby. I'm guessing she's joining us for the weekend?"

 

[Halcyon638]

Gabi blushed. “Aww, I thought I totally had you,” she lamented, then smiled, leaning into the kiss.

Zoe returned the hug. “Having a girlfriend who’s bad at lying isn’t the worst thing in the world,” she noted, smiling wryly. “Yes! You didn’t think I was going to miss your 20th birthday for some family wedding, did you?” She reached over and stroked Gabi’s hand as Monica touched her back.

“There was some plotting and scheming going on,” Gabi said. “Unfortunately, I just got the hotel for tonight, but I figured we can make the most of it and then chill at the apartment for the rest of the weekend.”

The brunette approached the hostess. “Hello!” she said sunnily. “I’ve got a reservation for 3 under the last name Ruiz.”

The hostess led the three women over. As they did, both Gabi and Zoe took one of Monica’s hands. “Wow. You two look incredible,” Zoe raved as they took off their coats to reveal their dresses. Glancing around at the stylishly-but-more casually dressed patrons, she added, “I don’t know if I’m underdressed or what. I hope this is okay.”

 

[siobhancan99]

"you're very stealthy baby" She laughed and squeezed Gabi close "you're fine" she said to Zoe, "you're cute as always." She looked over at the hostess, then followed to the table. "so how are things back in cottersville? you decide where you're going to transfer to? you coming here or going to state? what's going on with you?" She figured the petite swimmer could fill them in on all the home drama while they waited on their waitress. Scanning the menu, she found a few things that she might want to try, but kept listening to Zoe.