Catcall Part 2

As I said before, Krimo and, by extension, this messed up world of ours prefers big and flashy over small and subtle, which is why I'm ever so thankful that I had an ability that gave me all the time in the world to appreciate those finer details. It may be only for a few seconds at a time, but that might as well be eternity through these eyes.

Pulled muscles, subtle microexpressions, different rhythms, all of it was as loud as thunder for me, which is why like I clockwork, I would predict who would speak first.

"Goddamn it, Port, can't you take the time to look where you're aiming? That was Nerve you nearly shot," Eternus said in his usual barking yet cute angry tone.

"And if it hadn't been, what did you want me to do, yell think fast before firing. I've told you before we don't have the luxury to be polite, Eternus!"

At that moment, Gum, Ricochet, and Fury all engaged in their unique but equally adorable pleasantries.

"Hello, Nerve," Fury said enthusiastically.

"What's up?" Ricochet said in a relaxed tone.

"Good to see you Nerve, you're looking tantalizing as always. It's been months, though it seems we always find a way to stick on each other's paths. So what brings you here?" Gum said through a mix of faux delight and hinted flirtation.

All that combined with Frag's trademark dead-eyed stare were all I needed to confirm that despite what the media was saying. These were still very much the same cute little Cons that I met all those months ago. And considering my eidetic memory, that was a rather accurate statement. Just because Robin Financial was The Cons's first major victory didn't mean it was their first attempt.

"He" maybe my real target, but I've made quite a name for my plight across both Krimo's superhero community and the underworld. Said adventures sent me straight through both the upper levels, lower levels, and everywhere in between.

On one of my said adventures, I was going to make a "withdrawal" from a convenience store a neurotic Bratva lieutenant had stashed creds. Word on the street was it consistently hide his money from his rather hungrier rivals and enemies. Unfortunately, it was only a matter of time before I managed to track them down.

However, what was supposed to be a simple in and out undercover became a rather fun exchange. Under the guise of a civilian, I bore witness to The Cons in their full "glory." To say I was utterly amused was an understatement.

I must have spent hours upon hours in my little world, painting the elaborate picture of my "captors" through the clues that were as clear as crystal. Eternus was the best example, so fiery, passionate, and exciting to see while making paltry threats.

By the time that the Bratva managed to actually get their bearings together and counterattack, creating just the opening I needed, I was about to make a clean getaway with the effort of your average jog. And call it mild amusement, nostalgic sympathy, enamored fascination, or even honor amongst thieves. But I decided to help out my fellow thieves in arms and let them escape unfettered, leaving behind my regards, thinking that we would never see them again.

Yet surprisingly, whether through my unconscious interest or recent alliances, we kept meeting instead of becoming the most casual of acquaintances. So much so that we came up with a protocol in case something like that happened again. One that The Cons never particularly like. But then again, all is fair in love and war all that. So I decided to cut to the chase.

"I'm here on a bit of personal business. Let's just say someone's caught my ire, and I'm ensuring he gets what's coming to him. Unfortunately, that revenge has no room for a split-up at the moment. So I'm taking it all here and now. Which means we are at an impasse. This means we'll decide it is the only way we know-how," I said with a playful smile.

"Fine, by me," Port said predictably while leveling her pistol.

"Cool it, Port, maybe we can still talk this out," Eternus said, cautious while still lacing with some strong empathy.

"This stuff is worth a fortune; I will not let your man crush get between me and what could very well be the easiest money we'll ever get," Port said selfishly.

Eternus was about to go to speak up some kind of response. Instead, I forced his hand even further with my following phrase.

"I appreciate the chivalry Eternus but don't worry about it. I like to play rough," I said seductively baiting the man in front of me.

With that all too easy, I saw a flicker of "it." A hidden hunger, or much so a strong desire, one that consumed any attraction that he couldn't help but feel given the beautiful subject involved.

This is why I already started to control my breathing and readied my stance, showing my resolve. With that, any strand of guilt soon got buried deep enough to where even my god-like eyes could see as Eternus rallied his men to combat. Those beautiful grey eyes of his shining with alluring danger.

"If this is what you want, Nerve, then fine by me, just go easy on us, even if you know we can't do the same," he said as The Cons formed a tight formation.

And in seemingly no time, we got to business, as next thing I know, I found myself dodging a crazy cavalcade of powerful projectiles!