defying gravity.

Thad lets out a laugh at her skepticism and subsequent apology. Now the assumption that he would want something was right on the money. She had him there, but he hadn't expected the apology to accompany the accusation as well. It surprised him in the best way.

"You know that you don't have to apologize to me right?" He chuckles still amused by the apology he hadn't earned in the least, "I mean I wouldn't have thought you would have cared about acting like a jerk anyway. Considering, y'know, You are a vigilante and I am a villain." He reminds.

"But nah, you've got me there. It does in fact include a small favor on your part." He barked out the laugh. 'Strings attached' might as well be Thad's middle name whenever it came to helping heroes, "But, hey, don't worry it's nothing unscrupulous. Just, the next time you see me in Gotham? Ignore me. That's all I'm asking. A good deal right? No skin off your nose. No trouble for either of us." He smiled.

DUBIOUS OF HIS SUGGESTION, Steph regards the speedster with a creased brow. It's a simple enough ask...but why bother reappearing in Gotham at all? Most speedsters avoided her grim little city. As if they know we have enough crazy to deal with... Sapphire orbs gleam as she squints at Inertia—what's his angle?

If she gave in, and if his next visit turns catastrophic... How the hell would I even explain that to everybody?

Realistically, it's not like she'd be able to catch him, but at the very least, she could warn her allies. Let them know that Inertia had some sort of interest—benign or otherwise—in Gotham.

Her breath hitches. He's aware she's a vigilante. How? It's not like she advertises her nightly activities... Bruised lips suck inwards as she narrows her gaze upon him. He's too much trouble.

Deciding against his offer of 'help,' the blonde takes a slight step back. She shoves her hands into the pockets of her loose jacket, heaving a beleaguered sigh as she glances away from him. "I'm going to have to decline the offer, Inertia. Thanks, but no thanks..." Cool metal touches her fingertips. Do I have a way out? Digits curl around what she suspects is the emergency signal, crushing it to alert anybody nearby that she needs assistance. "You're too much of a risk for me, so I'll find my own way to the hospital."

ANGSTY TEXTS, BITCH

[text] You should have told me you wanted me out of your life. [text] I should have never let you back into my life. [text] Okay [muse’s name] what’s the deal, pretty sure this is you…listen if you want me to leave you alone, please just tell that. [text] Please don’t walk away. [text] Please don’t do this. [text] When are you going to realize I want nothing to do with you? [text] You want nothing to do with me, I get it. [text] I’m an idiot. You fooled me again. [text] When I think things are about to change … I’m always proven wrong. [text] I just want you to be happy. And you’ll be happier without me. [text] I just hate that someone could make me trust [him/her/them] the way that I did [text] The truth is I’m not over you. [text] The truth is I never really wanted to be with you. [text] I’m seeing someone else. [text] How the hell did you get my number, stalker? [text] You’re so selfish. [text] I just saw you leave with [her/him/them]. [text] FUCK YOU AND YOUR DUMB CUTE FACE

LOVING TEXTS, BITCH

[text] Did I tell you today that you’re the most adorable? Cause, yeah. [text] Be careful. [text] I’m only saying it because I love you. [text] I’m only saying it because I care about you. [text] Okay, I’m bringing coffee. [text] I’m thinking dinner and a movie later this week? [text] Let me take you out, please? [text] Let me make you dinner tonight. [text] I want you to be happy. [text] You’re always safe with me. [text] I can’t stop thinking about you. [text] I seriously don’t know what I’d do without you. [text] I know you may not feel like you are, but you are loved. And important. Please don’t forget that. [text] It was so good seeing you. [text] You don’t need this shit. [text] I’ll be there in five minutes. [text] Let me help, please? [text] You’re important to me. [text] Stop falling asleep in the bathtub. You’re going to drown and die and leave me and I’m not having that. [text] I would gladly watch Netflix and eat Thai with you any day. [text] I’d give up my phone charger AND the last piece of gum for you. That’s love. [text] Hey beautiful no judgment but why is there a bucket of KFC chicken in the bathtub??

ANGRY TEXTS, BITCH

[text] If you don’t want me to bust your window, I suggest you answer the phone. Now. [text] To quote Mean Girls, you’re a fugly slut. [text] Are you SERIOUSLY bringing that up right now!? [text] Lose my number, asshole. [text] You’re so predictable and obnoxious. And it’s not only me who thinks so. [text] …The least you could do is answer, wtf. [text] You’re a piece of shit human being and an even worse friend. [text] This is YOUR FAULT. And you can’t even pretend like it isn’t, because you know it is. [text] Why couldn’t you just stay out of it? [text] Holy fucking shit, take a hint, asshole. [text] Go fuck yourself. [text] What the fucking hell is wrong with you? [text] You can take your stuff back as long as I don’t light it on fire first. [text] I have cramps and a migraine so you do NOT want to mess with me right now [text] Bye and have a very fuck you day

SEXY TEXTS, BITCH

[text] Just let me suck your dick and be happy. Let me have this. [text] Why are you so hot…like honestly, it’s not fair. [text] Yeah, you looked good in your [dress/shirt/pants] last night but really, they looked way better on my floor. [text] Come over. With condoms. [text] You should come over, clothing optional. [text] I feel like a nasty slut and I LOVE IT [text] Sorry I got drunk and texted you about my sex life [text] Sex on a rooftop - trashy or adventurous? [text] If you’re not at my apartment, shirtless, in five minutes, I will be personally offended. [text] I don’t think he likes that I’m always sending him pictures of me in my bra but he needs to get it together [text] It’ll be like The Notebook, except with way more of my penis. [text] I didn’t know that all of his brothers would be hot and musically inclined, too. That’s a dick move on behalf of biology. [text] I DON’T WANT YOUR DICK. I WANT BRUNCH. [text] So is it your turn now to pretend like dating someone else would stop us from fucking? [text] I just need some of your time and all of your body. [text] I am available for nakedness [text] I think about [him/her/them] when I masturbate so I guess you could call it love

DRUNK TEXTS, BITCH

SENDER forces RECEIVER to keep moving despite exhaustion.

SENDER lifts RECEIVER over an obstacle they can't clear alone.

OUR MUSES get separated briefly and panic sets in.

OUR MUSES light a fire for warmth using scavenged materials.

OUR MUSES wade through floodwater, gripping each other for balance.

OUR MUSES emerge into daylight to see how much the world has changed.

SENDER blocks RECEIVER from seeing something horrifying.

OUR MUSES take turns standing watch through the night.

OUR MUSES navigate by landmarks that no longer exist.

SENDER covers RECEIVER'S mouth to keep them quiet.

SENDER confesses fear to RECEIVER in a rare quiet moment.

OUR MUSES shelter in a vehicle that may not hold.

SENDER gives up their share of medicine for RECEIVER.

SENDER promises RECEIVER they'll get through this together.

OUR MUSES climb to higher ground as water rises.

SENDER wakes RECEIVER just in time to avoid danger.

SENDER helps RECEIVER wash ash or grime from their face.

OUR MUSES mourn someone they couldn't save.

SENDER collapses and RECEIVER helps them back up.

OUR MUSES cling to each other as the ground shakes.

OUR MUSES listen to emergency broadcasts on a dying radio.

OUR MUSES sneak through an area crawling with danger.

OUR MUSES share the last dry blanket between them.

OUR MUSES shelter together as debris batters the structure around them.

OUR MUSES argue quietly over whether to leave shelter or stay.

SENDER gives RECEIVER the last flashlight battery.

SENDER shares a memory with RECEIVER to distract from fear.

SENDER gives RECEIVER their coat despite the cold.

OUR MUSES break into an abandoned building looking for supplies.

OUR MUSES follow a map they don't fully trust.

SENDER scouts ahead while RECEIVER waits, terrified and alone.

OUR MUSES hold onto each other in complete darkness.

OUR MUSES move through ruins that were once familiar.

OUR MUSES barricade a door as something pounds on the other side.

SENDER cleans blood from RECEIVER'S hands, steady and careful.

SENDER hands RECEIVER a weapon.

OUR MUSES share whispered plans over a flickering flashlight.

OUR MUSES hide in silence, listening for signs they've been found.

OUR MUSES ration food between them, unsure when help will come.

OUR MUSES wait out the storm in a cramped, unsafe space.

SENDER teaches RECEIVER how to start a fire without matches.

SENDER teaches RECEIVER how to use a weapon they've never used before.

SENDER drags RECEIVER out of a wrecked vehicle.

SENDER reassures RECEIVER during a panic attack.

SENDER carries RECEIVER when they can no longer walk.

OUR MUSES share a silent moment of relief after surviving something close.

OUR MUSES watch the skyline burn or collapse from a distance.

SENDER makes a hard call that puts them both at risk.

SENDER helps RECEIVER breathe through shock.

SENDER pulls glass from RECEIVER'S skin carefully.

SENDER pulls RECEIVER into cover just as something explodes nearby.

SENDER refuses to leave RECEIVER behind.

OUR MUSES wait for rescue that may never come.

SENDER struggles to pull RECEIVER back from a collapsing ledge.

OUR MUSES wait out danger inches apart, barely breathing.