Author's note:

Hey.

Well, first and second chapter up. It's a DC fic, obviously, and the protagonist in an OC. Currently I've got a few more chapters finished, and I've got ideas for a good deal more. Chapter size will be somewhere around 7-10k, and I expect to update regularly (i.e. bi-weekly to monthly). I hope you'll enjoy, and if you have questions or concerns, by all means, let me know.

Chapter 1 - Collateral City

So living in Metropolis doesn't sound too bad, right? The thing is, Metropolis, the city of tomorrow and home of Supertights himself is looking a little less spectacular from where I'm standing. Oh don't get me wrong, the commercial districts with their snazzy ultra-modern skylines, and the islands where all the money lives are picture-fucking-perfect. Regrettably, like a sizable minority in Metropolis, I live in the part of the city where cameras go less often, and where most of us are constantly harassed by rising insurance premiums and weekly power outages. I'm sure the people the picturesque part of Metropolis has another name for my part of the Six Boroughs, but I like to call my little slice of heaven Collateral City.

You ever wonder where all the super powered fights end up, after they're forced away from the precious skyline? They end up here in Collateral City, where no two trips to the university are ever the same. There's always a cratered road or a leveled building blocking one of the roads into the city proper, and even when disaster hasn't blocked the roads, the following reconstruction efforts have. Man, construction companies must be making a killing out here.

I should probably stop whining though - at least it isn't Gotham. Sure, we have to deal with stray lasers and falling buildings, but there isn't much in the way of organized crime, drugs and protection rackets… unless you count good ol' Metropolis insurance rates of course.

I know I'm coming across as overly dramatic or pessimistic, but staring at the human shaped dent in what used to be my car will do that to you. Especially with your hands full of groceries and a two mile hike home.

"This again? Really?" I muttered despondently while putting down my groceries. I suppose the only good part about having dealt with this before, is that I knew who to call this time around. All I could hope for was that my insurance premium wouldn't rise again, as I was already struggling with keeping myself afloat with an apartment, car and university costs. I snapped a few pictures of my car, especially focusing on the man-shaped dent. Maybe my insurance company would be a bit more lenient knowing it was the obvious fallout of yet another superpowered fight.

"Hey kid! Need a ride?" an accented voice called, breaking my out of my reverie. I turned towards the cab where the voice came from, then down at my bulging grocery bags and up again "Yeah, I suppose I do. Not getting far in a car with only two wheels still attached" I called back on my way towards the cab. I got in the back with my groceries, trying not to lose anything while scooting in.

"So, where to?" the driver asked giving me pitying smile. I told him the address of my basement apartment which shouldn't be more than 10 minutes away in a car - provided there were no further surprises. Fortunately, cabbies seem to have sixth sense about dodging both traffic and road-related problems in general. Something I'll admit I've yet to master after a year and now two cars here.

"You look familiar kid. You ever been in my cab before?" he asked brightly. I thought about it. I try not to spend too much on cabs, and normally I would have walked, but a two mile walk carrying my backpack and all of my groceries was a hassle I just couldn't imagine after losing my car. Again. Shit… that was it, wasn't it? "I actually think this is the second time you've picked me up after losing a car. You remember picking up a completely soaked guy on the side of the street a few months back? Smelled like burning rubber and was probably light on manners?" I said looking at the rear mirror with an awkward smile.

"Hah! That was you? Wait, wait, wait. Let me get this right. I picked your sorry ass off the side of the road because your first car got torched? Man your luck is certainly something else! How did it even catch fire in the middle of a damn rainstorm?" Tomek (or so the nameplate said) asked, barely containing his laughter.

"Yeah yeah, laugh it up" I said trying to contain a smile. Even I could see the comedic value from his perspective. "The thing is? No one knows. No one actually saw what happened, but I'm told by my garage that the car didn't stop burning for hours. There was literally nothing to save by the time the fire stopped" and so I had to dance with the insurance bureaucracy in order to get at least some money for a new car.

"That's a tough break kid. I swear, things used to be better this close to Metropolis, but there are just too damn many super-weirdoes these days. Don't seem like the cops or the tights out there can keep up out here". Tomek had a point. Statistics for insurance rates, damages etc. had been steadily rising most of my life due to the advent of superpowers. Collateral damage was just a part of living these days. "Actually, it's much better the further away from the big cities you are. I grew up in the Midwest a couple of hours away from any of the big cities, and we were rarely bothered by any of the supers." I stated a little curtly. "It's a little like criminal statistics before superpowers. Most super powered events are concentrated around major urban centers. More people, more money, more everything" I continued matter-of-factly. "You sound like one of those news-people. You work for a paper or study journalism or some such?" Tomek asked with a tone of approval. "Nah, something much less glamorous I'm afraid. Political Science at MetU" I said, just waiting for the inevitable joke. An unimpressed grunt met my ears a second later "Political Science? Really? And here I was starting to like you!" he exclaimed with a comically pained expression.

The truth is, political science isn't exactly popular here in the states, or hell even in most of the western world these days. A mixture of incompetence and helplessness on one side and corruption on the other has tarnished the credibility of the political sciences… well, further tarnished it. "Well, we're here" Tomek said with a smile, and I forked over enough bills for the trip and a fair tip. "Thanks for the ride, I hope the rest of your day is less eventful than mine Tomek" I said with a brief nod before leaving the car".

"Tom!" he shouted after me, much to my confusion "Excuse me?" I said turning around "Not Tomek, Tom! No one calls me Tomek here. What's your name kid?" Right, I could relate to not quite embracing your parents idea of naming conventions. "Tom it is. I'm Will". Well, that's not strictly speaking true, but much like Tomek, I really prefer people not calling me 'Wilhelm'. "Good to meet you again Will!" Tom called driving off in a screech of tires.

I walked up to my soot-covered red-brick apartment building… and continued all the way around. See I don't live above ground with a nice view of the good parts of Metropolis, but that's entirely by choice. Instead I've rented a series of converted basement rooms in the rough shape of a two bedroom apartment. It sounds worse than it is though. It was renovated sometime within the last decade, and has a full kitchen and bathroom. Truth be told, I had a full bedroom more than most people in the building, and for basically the same cost. Apparently most others here didn't want to live underground with only marginal access to natural light. I didn't particularly mind though. In between school and my part-time job, I was often home around sundown anyway, and the extra room meant I didn't have to worry about storage.

My phone signal is a bit wonky though, and you do have to get used to some of the odd sounds from heating units and such, but like I said, small price to pay. My spare bedroom also had the bike I hadn't used since I put it there, comfortably snug beneath a noticeable layer of dust. I put my groceries away, and with a deep sigh I got out my phone, it was time to arrange for my car to get towed back to my local garage, and then the always courteous, albeit wildly frustrating, folks at my insurance company.

An hour and most of my remaining patience later, I'd finally gotten my car taken care off. The insurance company would be in contact with my garage, and then me once they'd evaluated the damages and whatever compensation that might net me. For now though, I was restricted to my bike and whatever public transportation was convenient and affordable.

They say the best way to handle a band-aid is to tear it off in one go and quickly. I stared longingly at my fridge, but I knew I had one last call to make. "Wilhelm?" a soft but surprised voice sounded over the phone. "Will, mom. Will" I automatically corrected her "Look, I've got some bad news. My car is in the shop again. Judging from the person-shaped dent in the hood and windshield I think it's safe to say it's another casualty of Metropolis unique circumstances". I could all but feel my otherwise mild mannered mom's temperament spike "Another car Wilhelm? How are you going to get to class without a car? And have you called the insurance company? Do you need any help? Do you need us-"I quickly interrupted her rant "Mom! It's fine. I'll bike or take the bus for now, and yes I've called my insurance and the garage that dealt with my last car. No I don't need any help, though I do appreciate you offering. Don't worry about it, I just wanted to let you guys know"

I could hear my mom taking a deep breath, and calming herself a bit before speaking again "If that's what you think is for the best - but you know we're here if you need help, right?" By 'us' she meant her and my dad, and they would help if I asked – they always had before, but they weren't exactly rolling in money, and I didn't want to abuse their help. Besides, they were already paying for most of my college expenses. "I'm sure mom. Just wanted to let you guys know. Look, I've gotta get some dinner ready and then do some reading for class tomorrow. Say hi to dad for me" I responded climbing out of my soft couch in order to get started on dinner "I will. Be safe" she said before hanging up. It was time to brave the kitchen and try out my questionable culinary skills. Joy.

I went the extra mile this morning and decided to park my bike in the underground parking complex connected to MetU. No falling building façades this time, no siree! It meant a longer trip on my bike, and a longer walk to class, all the way through the natural sciences departments of campus – you know the well-funded departments with the cushy chairs in their student lounges and plenty of power sockets. It was also home to the exhibition lab.

This time around, it seemed that STAR Labs scientists on loan from the West Coast were working on some metagene wizardy – odd pulsing tubes here and there, and a red one prominently on display in the middle. Personally I thought there were too many supers as it was, but it wasn't like I had any say in it. Walking from the natural sciences departments and, through the humanities and all the way to political science department a clear trend was forming, everything was getting noticeably more dull and worn. The colors were slightly faded here and the furniture had clearly seen better days. With that being said, everything was still fully functional, it just wasn't magazine cover material.

I walked into the lecture hall nodding to a few of the people that I had worked with or talked to over the past three semesters. My classmates were nice enough I guess, but between different specializations, electives and a part-time job on the side, I wasn't really winning any socialization prizes. To be honest, I'm probably making excuses. I could do more – hell I should do more, but I never really imagined staying around Metropolis after getting my degree, so that factored in as well.

An unassuming young man started waving, the motion catching my eyes "Hey Will! I saved a seat for you buddy!" I gave him a smile and a wave back, walking over an empty seat in the center of the middle row "Hey David. Cheers, I appreciate the seat" Ah, yes. David. He was a great guy really, only he tried a little too hard at times. Frankly I would have even less of a social-life here in Metropolis if it wasn't for his good natured nudging. Physically he was my opposite, short, dark-haired and slightly hefty, where I was on the tall side, with blonde hair and if I was being a little generous, lean. David's jovial nature and personality made up for his lack of physical presence however, and he was generally well liked. "So Will, you gonna join me and some others for a drink one of these days? There's always room for one more, you know" he asked in a cheerful voice. I mulled it over for a bit. I don't particularly mind drinking, or even the company of David and the group he usually went with, but I made most of my money on weekends. "I don't know man, either I'll have to trade some shifts, or I'll show up barely awake" I stated, trying to let him down easy. "You always work on weekends Will. You need to live a little you know? See the sights, dance with a girl, get some air!" David said, wildly gesturing with his arms. I sighed while grabbing my phone; time to bring out the big guns.

David's cheerful mood starting dying real fast after seeing the pictures of my car, I didn't have to explain why I was hesitant in spending any money that I didn't strictly have to "Holy shit! Did you see who decide to get intimate with your ride? Did he even leave a tip?" trying to lighten my mood a little. He understood – everyone who had lived in Metropolis for any length of time had seen the collateral damage of super-powered fights "Nope! Not a cent. Didn't even leave a number" I smiled, grateful for him trying to lighten the mood a little.

We didn't get any further as our teacher walked in, already in full swing with today's lecture before even getting to the small podium front and center in the lecture hall. With a familiar noise of chairs scraping over linoleum flooring and the sound of clasps and zippers opening, everyone hurriedly got notebooks or laptops out of bags – the tapping sound of fingers dancing over keys followed soon after.

I was falling into a bit of a daze by the time the lecture wrapped up. Too much theory delivered at break-neck pace often does that, but looking at the mess of broken sentences and isolated words on my screen, I did get in a good amount of notes – I mostly understood them too.

While I was packing up my bag, and about to leave David spoke up "Will. I don't mean to intrude or beat a dead horse and all that, but you really should join us one of these days. We won't be young forever, right? Anyway, I'll leave you to it. Give me a call if you change your mind!" I gave him a small smile "I'll keep it in mind. Don't worry, I've just been a tad busy lately. We'll get a beer or something once I've dealt with the car. Deal?" David snorted, shaking his head a little "Sure buddy. Give me a call and we'll figure something out. Take care."

I spent the next couple of days trying to manage the vortex that was school work and subbing as many shifts as I could get my hands on, making for a long couple of days when combined with my own weekend shifts. The thing is, my fridge was running empty, bills were right around the corner, and I just knew I wouldn't like what my insurance company eventually had to say.

Well, I suppose I was right. Sort of. Monday after class, I was finally contacted by my insurance. News wasn't exactly good – partial coverage – but at least my car was fixable. The reason for the partial coverage had to do with a nifty (for them, not me) little clause about damages related to "super-powered incidents" meaning they only had to partial compensation, and I'd be stuck with my deductible and a some of repair expenses. On the bright side (for me, not them), the same nifty clause meant they couldn't raise my premiums, as I had no control over damages of that type. Small victory, that, but I'll take it.

The interesting thing about the call however, was that they apparently had CCTV footage of the incident. Made sense I guess, what with all the storefronts around the parking lot. Deciding I needed a drink, I slowly got out of my desk chair, a small stretch provoking a series of popping sounds from various bones and joints – probably the result of my sedentary lifestyle these days. Well that and my height. I've yet to meet anyone my height that's gone through his teenage years without picking up some minor problems with either their back or knees.

I found a lonely can of soda rolling around on the top shelf, practically calling my name. Ah well, might as well have a little something sweet to go with the sour taste of watching my car go death by super calamity. I heard the distinctive buzzing sound of a phone vibrating on a hard surface and turned to see a flashing light from the top of my desk - probably the mail I was preparing for. Well then, time to see what asshole had wrecked my car this time. I opened my mail, and sure enough, the mail was there waiting, a media file embedded. I forwarded a surprisingly non-grainy and full-colored recording of my pre-wrecked car to my TV on the wall. I turned towards the screen and leaned back, the chair creaking in familiar protest. I started getting a little impatient when it happened. A man in a weird form-fitting metallic suit crashed spread-eagle unto the hood, windscreen and roof of my poor car, the shock of the landing, sending two tires violently tearing off their joints and axles, and bouncing out of view. At this point, my biggest regret was that there was no audio, so I didn't get to hear metal-suits following and very obvious groan of pain.

I'll give him this though, he could take a punch. A few seconds after the crash, he rolled off my car and quickly, albeit with a distinct flopping of his tube-like right arm, ran out of the picture. Who was this guy supposed to be, anyway? I mean I follow the news, and I've seen a fair few of the supers on TV, but this guy didn't ring a single bell what-so-ever. I suppose at this point, he was the problem of my insurance company or the police, but if I ever saw that asshole, I wouldn't mind giving him a piece of my mind… at a distance of course.

Metropolis proper really was a good looking city. Modern and sleek, parks and green areas interspersed between neighborhoods and districts at regular intervals. One thing that really made a difference though, was the smell and how clean it looked. Miami might try for that whole white to off-white color scheme, but most of the buildings were discolored from exhaust fumes and time, and while the Big Apple itself looks cleaner with its metal and glass design, there was the smell! Garbage bags dumped on every street corner and rats skittering around in broad daylight. No, Metropolis proper had none of that; the main parts of the city looked exactly like it was ripped out of a post card. It was all smooth and clean buildings, beautiful parks and large public recreational areas.

Passing several LexCorp buildings, a STAR Labs facility and even a Wayne Foundation building, it wasn't hard to imagine why Metropolis was a modern marvel of urban planning and architecture, it essentially being home to some of the largest commercial enterprises in the world, and probably the single largest concentration of high-tech development in the western society – City of Tomorrow indeed.

I was actually enjoying biking up one of the main avenues, the feeling of the late summer breeze on my skin and the smells of the city were pleasantly invigorating, although the surroundings were appealing, It didn't escape me that a large part of the price for all of this was carried by the people on the outskirts of Metropolis, people like me. I couldn't do much about that right now, so I made the most of what the city had to offer.

I pulled up to the sidewalk, and jumped off my bike, almost falling on my face when my left foot caught the top of the frame. I ended up jumping around on one leg a few times before getting my other foot over the bar, hoping in vain that no one had seen my little impromptu dance. While some amused looks were sent my way, I decided that discretion being the better part of valor; if no one commented on it then I sure as hell wouldn't either.

I ducked my increasingly reddening face, bunched up my shoulders and pulled my bike across the road to my destination, trying to firmly ignore everything else but my goal: The Bookstore. Not "a" bookstore, no, to me this was THE bookstore. I had yet to leave the store disappointed in the year that I'd known about it. It took up the first three floors of an older but pristine building from before Metropolis was even called that. On the ground floor old-world fairytale figures cut into the grey stonework of the building façade, and what seemed like the original door was still in use, robust dark wood freshly lacquered, but showing the little scratches and dents of several decades of use. The robustness and style of the ground floor was reflected inside, with lots of dark wood and cushy but well-used furniture. To me, it felt like home. I think it was the smell. Anyone who's ever been to an old bookstore or a library storage room will know what I'm talking about, that distinct but pleasant smell of hundreds of different kinds of paper made from different materials and different techniques over the decades. Combined with the scent of old wood, leather and coffee, this was as close to ideal as it could get.

"Afternoon Mr. Sanders, busy day?" I greeted the elderly gentleman behind the desk with a tired smile, still a little embarrassed about my stunt across the road. "Good Afternoon Will. We had a good showing some hours ago, but I daresay most of my customers are looking for food at this time of day, not books and coffee"

"I know, I know, people have dreadful priorities these days" I said with a smirk and getting a knowing smile in return. I didn't really mind the mixed crowd that one would usually find here, but I did prefer browsing the store when there were fewer people around. Less obstacles and waiting around that way. "Say Will, are you looking for something specific today or are you planning on going on one of your treasure hunts again?" Oh yeah, I'd definitely been here too much over the past year. "Just exploring today sir, maybe a coffee as well" I said with a hint of curiosity. Sure, we greeted each other, and he knew my name, but this was probably one of the longest conversations we'd ever had. "Marvelous. I don't suppose I can impose on you to keep an eye on the register while I haul a few boxes upstairs?" Mr. Sanders asked with a bright smile and an eye-crinkle. Huh, so that was what the reason for his sudden bout of verbosity. "Of course, but I could just grab the boxes for you instead? I'm heading up anyways" I genuinely offered. As far as I was concerned, hauling a few boxes up the stairs wasn't worth mentioning. "I would truly appreciate the assistance. The stairs do get more daunting with every passing year. Tell you what, you get these three boxes" Mr. Sanders pointed at three neatly packed wooden boxes stacked besides the large desk with the register on "- and the two by the coffee bar up to the den on the second floor, and I'll let you pick out a book to take home. I hope that seems fair" he did genuinely seem relieved at not having to brave the stairs, and frankly I'd have done it for free – but gift horses and mouths, right? "More than fair, sir. I'll get right on it" I said while moving towards the boxes with a spring in my step.

I was about to grab all three boxes at once but thought better of it. Not only would it probably be heavier than I expected, but I wasn't entirely sure the bottom box could actually handle the full weight of all three. I could see Mr. Sanders doing an amused shake of his head, probably noting my fingers grabbing at different handles and guessing at my little international discussion. "Don't hurt yourself lad" he said in an amused tone. I smiled back sheepishly, picking up the top two boxes and started up the stairs, the creak of wood under carpet following each step I took.

If the bottom floor was an expression of tradition, then the first floor was its opposite. It, like the third floor I was heading for, was recently renovated and judging from the décor, probably to attract a wider range of people. As I made it up to the second floor, I was greeted by the always welcome aroma of coffee mixed in with the more artificial scent of newer books with their colorful and shiny covers. There were posters covering most of the walls, and a few cardboard cut-outs from several franchises here and there. But what really made the second and third floor different from the first, was the huge panorama windows taking up one entire side of the floor, giving the customers and readers a fantastic view over the park across the road. While not quite homey, it was bright, inviting and always gave you something to look at.

I lowered the boxes a little so I could see over them. Wouldn't do to make a fool of myself and almost fall twice in a single day. Fortunately the second floor was largely deserted just as Mr. Sanders had indicated, so I wouldn't have to get creative in getting to the second floor stairs. The third floor was similar to the second, in that it was fairly bright, and had the wide panoramic view over the park, though arguably an even better view due to the height. It was also different though, in that the shelves filled with books, were positioned in such as way as to make a little den-like area in the middle, were a couple of new, but comfortable couches and easy chairs were clumped in a rough semi-circle. While I preferred the first floor greatly, the den was definitely a passable alternative. I gently put down the two boxes by a table, and started down the stairs again.

Mr. Sanders briefly looked up the screen on the desk and nodded distractedly when I picked up the last box and hauled it up to the third floor. I only needed to get the two boxes by the small coffee bar downstairs. I rubbed my fingers a little, trying to get the blood flowing again. The boxes were heavy, and being made of wood made the handles slightly more abrasive than I'd thought. Not a big deal though, and two more boxes certainly wouldn't harm. I got down the creaky stairs to the second floor and saw a young blonde sitting at the coffee bar. The bar wasn't currently manned, so she was drinking instant coffee – left out for customers for just such a situation. The creaking of the stairs alerted her to my presence, and with a small start she turned her head towards me.

She was… pretty enough I guess. She had her blonde hair up in a messy and slightly lopsided bun, and round glasses that were frankly too large for her head. Despite that, she was still attractive in her own way, but she certainly wasn't doing herself any favors. When she leveled her gaze at me, I tried for a comforting smile, which honestly probably came off as a bit of a grimace. She seemed slightly startled, and I probably had some color in my cheeks from walking up and down stairs a bit faster than was strictly necessary. It was needlessly awkward, so I –

"Excuse me, do you work here?" the young woman asked in an even tone, breaking into my thought-stream.

"Uhm.." I said, displaying the height of intelligence, while trying to force myself to breathe through my nose and not my mouth. I was in better shape than this, damnit! "Uh no, not as such. I'm just doing Mr. Sanders – the owner – a favor, that's all." I got out, somewhat more coherently. Way to go Will!

The blonde's face fell a little "Oh. Never mind then, I'm sorry I interrupted your work – I mean favor"

Hah, guess I wasn't the only one caught on my back foot. "It's okay, no harm done. Besides, I'm sorta a regular here, so I could probably help you out if there's something you need to find?"

The young woman produced a startlingly bright smile, transforming her from sort of attractive, to pretty damn attractive. Welp, not really what I needed to improve my coherence.

"I'd like that" she beamed while continuing "Do you know where I can find the academic section? I need a book for one of my university courses"

"I usually get mine at the MetU library – student discounts and all that, but Mr. Sanders does have a selection downstairs. I can show you the specific section if you want?" I offered, almost slipping into that customer service personality that everyone who's ever work in the service industry inevitably develops.

"If it isn't too much trouble" she smiled "You said that you're a student at MetU? What do you study? Oh! I'm Linda by the way, Linda Lang"

I gave a light laugh at the way she managed to rush out her own little introduction, making her blush ever so slightly, and avert her eyes for a moment. "I'm Will. Will Putnam, and yeah, just started my fourth semester at MetU Political Science."

"Oh! that'so cool! Public service is a very admirable path! I just started my first semester, but as you can see, I'm missing a book for class" She said with frankly more enthusiasm than I'm used to regarding my chosen field

"Sure, thanks I guess" I said taken aback, that was a lot of assumptions on her part, but I didn't have the heart to tell her that with a few electives during the bachelor and especially the masters program, I could just as well get a job in the private sector focusing on economics or management.

She gently picked up the plastic cup from the bar, and gulped down the rest of her steaming coffee, before throwing the cup in the garbage can. I fully expected a whimper with how hot that coffee looked, but she didn't even seem to react, simply turning around on the stool on sliding off. She self-consciously smoothed down her knee-length skirt and her too-large cardigan, looking away the entire time. I didn't get it. Sure, I didn't expect anyone to show off all their goods the way some girls (or even guys - save me from skinny jeans!) do, but she seemed to go out of her way to tone down her looks. Oh well, wasn't my place to comment, I barely knew her, and like most things there was probably a reason.

I cleared my throat and walked down the stairs to the first floor, Linda following me down, and proceeded to guide her towards the correct section when Mr. Sanders spoke up "Will, are you done with the boxes?" Drat. I may have gotten a little sidetracked there.

"Not quite yet Mr. Sanders, Linda here" I pointed at the blonde, the attention making her give small smile and wave "- asked me if I knew where the academic section is. I'll get the last two boxes now"

"No cause for alarm Will, I can hardly blame you for helping someone in my store" With that said, his focus was back to the screen on the desk, the sound of keys being pressed intermittently gradually fading while we walked to the back corner of the store.

"Well, here we are" I said, gesturing at a several solid shelving units filled with books of various sizes, and divided with little index cards, roughly telling a prospective customer where to look. "If it isn't on the shelves, you could ask Mr. Sanders if he can order it in. Might be faster than ordering online"

"Thank you so much Will. I hope I didn't get you into trouble or anything?" she said with a small smile, some concern obvious in her voice.

"Don't worry about it, I'm hardly in trouble – it's not like I work here" I said with a quiet laugh

"Well. I won't take up any more of your time. I'm in a bit of a hurry – I wasn't planning on this trip taking so long. Besides, I seem to recall that you have two boxes waiting for you" the young woman said giving me a relieved smile, her fingers fidgeting with a string of messy blonde hair, trying to tuck it behind her ear.

"Ah right, I suppose they won't move themselves. Well, I hope you find what you're looking for." I gave her a sheepish smile, and a nod as I turned around, heading for the stairs.

"Hey Will!" I heard Linda calling from behind me, turning towards her again with a surprised look on my face.

"I'll probably stop by here again. I mean, you can't beat the view, right?" Linda chuckled a little nervously then realizing how that might sound with only the two of us there "I mean the park! The windows! Upstairs!" A loud groan and a mumble followed her panicked exclamation. "Ugh, If you see me again, come say hi, okay?" she finally finished, quickly disappearing down one of the aisles.

Huh. That has got to be the first conversation I've had with a pretty girl, where I wasn't the main source of the awkwardness. Go team Will!

I finally got the boxes up to the third floor, but by the time I said goodbye to Mr. Sanders and walked out of the bookstore I'd completely forgotten about my free book.

I brought a large lunch to class today; well I suppose it could be a large dinner considering that this afternoon lecture wouldn't be done until early evening. I had a paper that was later the following week, but I wanted to get ahead on it, so I could grab some more extra shifts if and when they popped up. So I brought a large lunch/dinner to class, so I could spoil myself a little in the nice natural sciences student lounge while writing the paper. It would also mean being closer to MetU library in case I needed it, and the chairs here were frankly better than any I owned, and it was a much less distracting work environment. Probably the point I guessed. I took my usual notes, but in the back of the class this time, as David hadn't shown up and saved a seat this time. I thought about sending him a text, but it frankly wasn't entirely uncommon for my David to "accidently" skip a couple of the later lectures. If not for the paper I was planning on writing, I would probably be a little envious of his decision. Some lectures are great with loads of student/teacher interaction and such, and others were more of the "let's have Professor A read from a paper for hours straight variety" this was, unfortunately of the latter type.

One good thing about David not being here, Is that I could escape from the lecture hall with a minimum of fuzz. Some polite goodbyes, nods and waves, and I was on my way through the deserted hallways. I was actually expecting more activity when I got to the natural sciences departments, but they were just as deserted. Fair enough, that just meant even fewer distractions for me and an absolute guarantee of a good spot in their student lounge.

A few hours later I was sitting in the now-completely deserted natural sciences student lounge, writing the last part of the paper when the noise and vibrations started.

Shit! I got up and walked to the windows looking out towards the city center when I saw a beam of yellow spearing the sky from the streets and briefly banishing the darkness of the evening. I jogged back to my laptop and backpack, quickly packing up. If needed, I was going to be ready to take off.

With another series of vibrations a light flashed towards the sky again, this time much closer than before. Double shit! Most super powered conflicts were usually either dealt with fairly quickly or pushed out of Metropolis proper – the density of people, high-tech ventures and sky-scrapers too much of a risk for prolonged fights. Usually they ended up much closer to my neck of the woods.

A third flash of light and even heavier vibrations forced me to make a decision. The fight was definitely getting closer to the university, too close and too fast. I wasn't planning on being here when it finally arrived.

I got on my light coat and backpack, already one leg out the door of the student lounge when a cacophonous wave of pressure and sound hit my body from behind. The next thing I knew, I was lying on the ground, my vision hazy, plaster and dust raining down around me. I struggled to my knees, finally seeing the huge gash, leaving the student lounge and the hallway open to the elements. I finally got all the way up, my knees a little shaky, one shoulder leaning against the wall, but my eyes were still hazy, and I didn't seem to be able to get rid of the ringing in my ears. I stumbled forwards, trying to move quickly towards the nearby stairwell, hopefully then being able to get to the parking garage, where not only would I be safer from stray what-ever-the-hell was being shot off, but I'd be able to get to my car and leave.

I stumbled forwards, ignoring the now oddly soundless flashes of light and vibrations, trying not to think about the wet feeling running down my face. I could see the stairwell further ahead, or at least the door. Step by painful step I got closer, the proximity giving me a much needed second wind, I straightened up and took a deep breath, steadying myself on the cold smooth glass.. wait, what? I turned my head, and found myself looking straight into the STAR Labs exhibition lab, despite everything on the other side being covered by a layer of dust and debris, it couldn't cover the pulsing dark red light coming from a the huge tube that was hooked up in the middle of the room. I stumbled back, jerking back my hand like it'd been burned. This is NOT where I wanted to be with the building falling apart around me.

I frantically scrambled over the hallway floor, but lost any all traction to the dust-covered floor. I only managed to straighten up when something hit me again. I felt brief flare of pain bathing the left side of my body, before with the crash of shattering glass the pain was joined by a burning sensation down my entire right side and then shortly after, nothing at all.

I woke up to the smell of something acrid and synthetic, and the taste of blood and something I couldn't quite place. I felt warm – too warm, and my heart was beating an uncomfortable staccato rhythm. I tried opening my eyes, but only one eyelid listened to my command, the other one on fire like the rest of the left side of my face. I reached up with one hand, gingerly touching my face. It was wet, my hand coming back the familiar red of blood and a brighter glowing red, the two liquids almost like oil and water. Running on fear and instinct, I pulled myself to my feet when I heard a groan from the other side of the lab. A man was lying in a heap of broken glass and machines, close to the massive hole in the wall; A man in a metallic armor with a tube-like right arm – the end of it glowing the tell-tale cherry red of hot metal.

I couldn't help but notice him, even without his helmet on. I'd seen him wrecking my car on film only a few days ago. The groaning increased, and he rolled over onto his hands and knees, his head facing the floor. I'm not sure what happened, but the next moment I was running towards him, with energy I was sure I didn't have five minutes before, something solid in my hand. With a wordless shout, I smashed the object over the back of his head, the action making him fall back to the ground quiet, and me slip and fall over again. I was breathing heavily, on the edge of panic, crawling backwards. The sound of nails on a chalkboard made me look at the object I was dragging with me across the floor, the object I'd just brained metal man with. I almost let out a crazed laugh when I found myself looking at a solid and technologically advanced-looking metal helmet - his technologically-advanced looking metal helmet.

I crawled backwards, trying to get some distance, when I felt one of my hands touching familiar fabric. I pulled up my bag, distractedly noting that it was too light. I let out a wheeze and a dry laugh, scooping up the pile of cables and papers that had spilled out of my bag, I ran towards the now-absent glass wall and towards the stairwell. The smell of dust and plaster in the air had been replaced by that of smoke, and I absently felt an unnaturally cold breeze coming from the huge tears in the hallway. I stumbled down the sub-level parking garage, each story going by in a blur of colors and impressions, sometimes I seemed to black out, skipping an entire floor number or two.

I was finally down, breaking through the door and looking for my car. The parking garage was basically empty, but my car still wasn't to be found. I must have taken the bus or walked? I didn't have time to waste, metal man could wake up at any point. I hoofed it. I ran as hard as I could the smell of smoke in the air and the sound of sirens gradually approaching and then fading. I heard questioning shouts and the screech of tires, but it didn't really process. My heart was beating like a machinegun, and I felt like my lungs were coming apart, but I needed to get away, far, far away!

I felt a pulling sensation and my vision went black. My sight came back, but I was further than I thought I should be – I must have kept running down the street. I blacked out while running several more times, but I finally made my way to the basement entrance of my apartment building, swaying and gasping as I turned the key and shuffled inside. I fell over near my couch and I didn't seem to be able to summon the strength to get back up. Oh well, my couch was pretty comfortable and-