Blazion

HEROIC

Shall I post again without Cosmos?

HEROIC

Absolutely not. Only the freshest of milk for Zoey, straight from the soy.

HEROIC

Fastest post (from me) in the West.

Also obviously everyone ends up at the hospital and Grim's alter ego has a quiet meltdown. Get out of her hospital you degenerates.

HEROIC

“Yes.” The two had ended up on a fire escape, like one of so many in this city. This one was rusty yet quiet, taking up a good portion of the too-small alleyway that nestled between a little convenience store and a gyro place that was frankly amazing considering how many health violations it had. The escape didn’t quite lead up to the roof, but they still had ended up at the top floor outside a dirty window.

Grim gestured Joel back a moment before pressing their fingers against the glass and lifting it with the pressure. It only went up a few inches before a block stopped it, but the hero just moved one hand inside and carefully moved it to the right. Something clicked. Then another, then one more, then Grim’s hand moved to the left and there was a quiet thump before he finally gripped the window and opened it fully.

“Sorry, I don’t really use the door. Except to buy these green tea kit kats the place downstairs sells.” He stepped inside, letting the window go which stood propped open now. On the inside of the window was what could only be described as a booby trap - a wire configuration leading to an unmarked canister, a net hanging from the ceiling, and finally a simple cinderblock that appeared to be on a crude springboard.

It was a bit odd for a hero that had the persona of a golden retriever.

“It’s just a place for me to lay low, but it has the basics. First aid kit, some non perishables - don’t drink the water, I have bottled water and beer in the fridge.” Grim sighed as he pressed his hands to his lower back, stretching out and getting a satisfying series of cracks. “You can stay here for now while you … decompress.” Beneath the mask steel-grey eyes swept the apartment. It wasn’t exactly a Hilton, nor even a Four Seasons, but it was leagues cleaner than the cesspool they had just left. Aside from a layer of dust almost everything seemed serviceable, maybe the white walls a bit off color but nothing honestly terrible. It even had cable hooked up to a little TV in front of a surprisingly plump couch.

Grim politely waited a few moments before clearing his throat.

“Look, tonight was … a lot. And I don’t have a lot of context for everything that’s gone on but … Anyway, I’ll handle that Doctor, that I can promise you. In the meantime, uh… Do you need the number to a new therapist? I know a good one. Discreet.”

HEROIC

“Fuck me,” The curse slipped out at the reminder of what Joel had gone through just hours ago, mentally kicking himself. To be fair, usually when escorting someone on the run that was a standard question - and considering how fucked the whole situation was quickly being revealed to be, it was a pretty good way for Grim’s mind to drift.

Much better than drifting back to charred bone and melting skin and screaming-

Oop, back to repressing.

“Right, well who knows who she called so let’s-” Grim paused as his sentence was suddenly interrupted, for a moment staring at his hand. It’s not like the slap particularly hurt since that was his hand still adorned in the thick leather glove, but it still left coffee all over the ground. And glass. And a handle. But the coffee was probably the most important part.

“Yes Joel, prions,” Grim tried not to sound as tired as he felt, but it was a losing battle. “We could’ve tested it.” That part was little more than a mutter under his breath, quiet and sullen. It was not the hero’s first time pulling a night this late, or even going a day or two without sleep himself, but despite the fact the hour was suddenly weighing in very heavily. It wasn’t even over yet, as who knew what kind of ruckus the Old Lady Spy was setting up for them?

The best way to stop that, of course, was to head it off. Besides, he’s been in rougher situations. It was time to man up. Mentally Grim slapped his cheeks and visibly steeled himself, pulling out his phone to do a few quick swipes. In the clouds above the Crow drones began to move across the city, quietly patrolling as they always did - though this time subtly checking for interception. With that done the phone was replaced, and Grim turned his gaze to Joel once more.

“Don’t worry, I’ve sniffed you out a place to lay low and lick your wounds. But we have to leave, now, so I sure hope you’ve gotten everything important.” Grim stepped toward the wall, half his body sinking into the shadow that solidified and became a portal just to reappear in the alley opposite them across the street. He raised his injured hand to offer Joel. “Come on. I’ve got your back.”

HEROIC

Bro do NOT be judging me I WILL cry.

HEROIC

Can't believe Joel is such a good friend he stopped Grim from stealing a coffee pot and ruining his rep.

HEROIC

Fine, you can have cheese brain but Grim stole Joel's coffee pot and he's not giving it back. He still has it

HEROIC

A truly grim existence.

HEROIC

Short post crew vs long post crew