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𝗩𝗢𝗟𝗨𝗠𝗘 𝗜.      The Truth About Heroes

You know you're in good company when you can let your guard down and still feel completely safe.
📜 𝗨𝗻𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗻

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐈𝐕𝐄
[ 𝗦𝟬𝟭𝗘𝟬𝟯︰#𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗸 ]

❛ 𝑰'𝒗𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖. ❜

Cᴏʟᴇᴛᴛᴇ Bʀɪɴᴋ's POV

"WHATTA MAN" BY SALT-N-PEPA ECHOED THROUGHOUT JORDAN AND I'S DORM ROOM. The pulsating beat almost concealed the rhythmic thuds of Jordan, now in their female form, striking the 160-pound punching bag. I grunted softly, my body swaying as I steadied the bag for Jordan.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"If she's ahead of me when tomorrow's rankings come out," Jordan paused to punch the bag, making me grunt, "I'm gonna lose my fucking shit."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I started to respond, but my gaze drifted down to Jordan's fists, which were held in front of her chest. Jordan was wearing a grey sleeveless tank with no bra, and the room was slightly chilly.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Two plus two equals hard nipples.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I cleared my throat and looked up at the ceiling, trying to focus on the conversation as Jordan continued, "If you'd just let me tell everyone..."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Jordan shook their head, sending various punches to the bag, and their voice came out slightly breathless, "I want Marie to suffer, not you."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Something in me warmed, and my lips tipped up for a moment before I composed myself.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Jordan grunted, sending a powerful punch that had me staggering back, "Fuck, that little liar is stealing all my credit."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Just as Jordan went to throw another punch, a knock sounded on our door.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Jordan grumbled and rolled their eyes, throwing another punch. "Go away!"

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"Jordan, is that you?" A familiar voice came through the door, and both Jordan and I widened our eyes. We both froze until a woman's voice came through the door, "Honey?"

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"Uh, sorry, that was me, Mrs. Li!" I called out just as Jordan spoke out, shifting their voice modules to their male form, "Uh, just a second!"

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"Jordan!" Mr. Li called out.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀We shared a small look before we began to scramble around the dorm room. We tossed away empty beer bottles, hid Jordan's many bongs, shoved Jordan's makeup in their drawers, and put whatever couldn't fit on my vanity.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀More knocking sounded, followed by Mr. Li's voice, "Hey, open up!"

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Jordan shoved all of their drugs in their closet as I grabbed all the photographs of Jordan in their female form and put them under Jordan's bed.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"Jordan!" Mr. Li called out again, making me huff as I let Jordan's mattress fall back onto its frame. "Your mom and me are here!"

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀More knocking followed, and Jordan sent me an exasperated look. I only sent Jordan an apologetic look with a frown. "Your favorite parents."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I adjusted my clothing, which looked a bit sweaty from when I had been punching the bag. Jordan glanced over at me, making sure that I had finished composing myself before we walked over to the door, quickly shifting to their male form just as they opened the door.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I turned off my Bluetooth speaker as Ms. Li spoke to Jordan from the other side of the door, "Surprise!" Ms. Li let out an elated chuckle before pulling Jordan into a hug, "Are you surprised?"

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"'Surprised' is a word that I'd use, yeah." Jordan put on a fake smile as I stood off to the side, quickly scanning the room to make sure I didn't miss anything in case Jordan's parents decided to come in.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Ms. Li pulled away from Jordan, and I heard her speak, her voice a tad less excited, "We wanted to pay our respects to Brink tonight. We know what he meant to you."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I rolled my eyes as Mr. Li added to his wife's words, "He thought you were such an upstanding young man."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I watched Jordan's smile fall, and, without hesitation, I cleared my throat and stepped behind Jordan, putting on a smile for their parents, "Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Li."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I watched Mr. Li's eyes light up as he waved me off, "Please, Colette, call us Paul and Kayla. We've known each other long enough to avoid formalities."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I let out a small, fake chuckle and watched as Kayla stepped forward, eyeing my flushed cheeks.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I lifted my hands to my hot cheeks and instantly noticed that they were probably flushed. I watched Kayla glance over at Jordan's equally flushed cheeks.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Oh, fuck.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Wait.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀What the fuck?

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Jordan and I shared a look as Kayla nudged her husband, not so subtly motioning to me and Jordan with an enthusiastic expression.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"Well," Kayla clapped her hands together, "we should let you two get back to what you were doing."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Jordan pursed their lips, trying their best to conceal their laughter while I subtly sent small glares at them.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Paul nodded with his wife before looking at me, "Yes, and I'm sorry for your loss, Colette." I nodded curtly, and Jordan stepped back slightly, going to close the door.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Just before they did, I caught Paul winking at Jordan.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀What the shit?

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Jordan blew out a breath as they shut the door and leaned against it. After a moment, they burst out into laughter, making me swat at them lightly, "It isn't funny, Jordan! They thought we were having sex!" But after a second, I started laughing too.

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Cᴏʟᴇᴛᴛᴇ Bʀɪɴᴋ's POV

BRINK'S MEMORIAL MORPHED INTO MORE OF A FUNDRAISER, but it didn't bother me very much. It's as though a perpetual skirmish rages within my mind. One part yearns for sadness, for the right to grieve, but there's no grief to be found when it concerns those you'd rather see gone.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀The singular annoyance amidst this charity event lies in its covert nature. It involved a silent auction—meaning I was burdened with entertaining donors, and coaxing them to bid generously on items.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀The gala took place within the Crimefighting building, its facade an unfamiliar sight. Draped with yellow streamers, adorned by bold, dark yellow lettering that proudly proclaimed #THINKBRINK. Right at the entrance, a red carpet was outstretched, boasting the same hashtag.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I elegantly adjust my scarlet dress as it slips off my shoulders, and strut towards the red carpet, a black clutch clutched in my hand.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀As the sharp-eyed photographers in the front line spot me, I muster up a bright smile and begin to wave with an air of feigned happiness.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀For all I care, they can choke on their precious SD cards.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Pausing at intervals along the red carpet, I pose with a modicum of grace. After a few minutes of this charade, I blow kisses to the paparazzi and stride into the venue, ignoring the doorman's gaze, and he, in turn, wisely refrains from stopping me.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Inside, I Am the Future by Jaime Fuentes resonates through the event space, and I suppress an instinctive groan, seeing that yet another red carpet lies ahead on my path to the main room.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Fuck me with The Deep's Flounder Pounder.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀This time, instead of stopping, I gracefully press on, offering smiles in every direction.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀At the conclusion of the second red carpet, I come up on a thin table with a bowl. It brims with blue and pink striped ribbons, a stark contrast to my outfit. However, with all eyes on me, I reach out and fasten one to the sleeve of my dress.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀The instant I step away from the red carpet, I find myself ambushed by donors and businessmen. Maybe "ambushed" is a bit excessive, but, fuck, these people latch on like leeches.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀After all, it's a game we all play.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I feign interest in their questions and conversations, and in return, they feign fondness for my presence.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀They get recognition and a dash of fleeting fame, while I secure their financial backing and support.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀As long as I'm on top, that is.

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Cᴏʟᴇᴛᴛᴇ Bʀɪɴᴋ's POV

I NOD AND SMILE AS IF I HAVE ANY CLUE WHAT THE DONOR IN FRONT OF ME IS SAYING. The truth is, I stopped listening when he told me his name.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀And even then, I don't really remember his name. I think it's Charles or Clanton.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Thankfully, as soon as I tune back in, another man comes up and pats him on the shoulder, saying, "Fredrick, you're boring the poor girl."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Oh, it's Fredrick.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Close enough.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Clanton—err, Fredrick—glances between our newest arrival and me with a slight wince, then says, "I guess I'll take my leave then." It's at that moment I notice he has a small accent, but he walks away before I can say anything.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀My savior steps in to replace Fredrick, and I tilt my head, meeting his gaze. "Was it that obvious?"

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I take in the guy's features. He looks Italian, evident in his strong jawline, prominent cheekbones, and dark eyes. He begins to answer me, "Just a bit," holding up his thumb and pointer finger a few centimeters apart before extending his hand in my direction. "I'm Soren."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I take his hand, feeling the calluses on his palm as we shake. "Colette."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"I know," Soren winces slightly, nodding over to a giant poster in the corner. I look over and see a picture of Brink and me during my 21st birthday, which was also a gala. Underneath the picture is small text: PROFESSOR BRINK AND HIS BELOVED DAUGHTER, COLETTE.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Beloved is a bit of a stretch, but okay.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I clear my throat and turn back to Soren, taking in his suit and jewelry this time. His suit looks like it's made out of Vicuña fabric, which easily goes for 7K in most stores. His watch has a black band but a gold clock. I focus closely on the text inside the watch. It's a ROLEX.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀So, he's got deep pockets.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀As a waiter passes by with a tray of champagne, I grab two glasses and hand one over to Soren. "A toast to life?" I offer, tilting the glass in his direction slightly.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Soren takes the glass from me and nods, a smile growing on his lips as he clinks his glass with mine. "A toast to life."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Just as I lift the glass to my lips, I spot Jordan in the corner of my eye, wearing the pantsuit they let me borrow yesterday. I straighten my spine when our eyes lock together, and a smile naturally graces my lips.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I wave at them discreetly, but they look away from me, their gaze fixed on Soren. My smile falters slightly as Jordan walks past us with their parents trailing behind them, their eyes narrowed at Soren, seemingly ignoring me.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀What the fuck was that?

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Jᴏʀᴅᴀɴ Lɪ's POV

WHY THE FUCK IS SHE WITH THAT GUY?

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I take a sip of the champagne in my hand. The drink doesn't do much to ease my irritation.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I inhale sharply, wrenching my eyes away from Cole and her new companion, and shift my attention to Kyle Vogler. He's a trustee, and if I want to secure a spot in the Top Three, I need to get him to like me.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀How hard could it be?

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀We walk alongside each other, my eyes fixed on him while his remains forward. "I don't like to ring my own bell," I begin with a touch of modesty, "but I am putting up the best stats of anyone here," Kyle grunts slightly, but I press on. I won't get his attention by staying quiet, after all.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"Forensics, combat," I list off, punctuating it with a phony, pearly smile.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Kyle tilts his head in my direction but doesn't meet my gaze. "Mm, but you don't like to ring your own bell?"

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"Look," I sigh, allowing my smile to wane slightly as Kyle turns to face me near the drinks table, "I know how it works. I know that the trustees decide the rankings."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I lower my guard a bit and sigh, revealing a hint of vulnerability, "Look, I'd love your vote."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"I like you, Jordan," Kyle assures me, prompting a slight lift in my smile, "I just wish I liked your numbers.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀My smile instantly fades, and my eyes convey disbelief as he continues, "Q Rating, Name Recognition, Social Trending...all down."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀It wouldn't have been that way if Marie hadn't stolen my fucking credit.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I take a deep breath and try one last defense, "Well, Brink always said those aren't the numbers that matter."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Kyle inhales and glances over to the stage at the end of the room, where there's a big framed photo of Brink, "He's not here anymore."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Don't I fucking know it.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Then, I feel myself pushed aside, and my parents slip in beside me. I lower my head slightly as my dad shakes Kyle's hand. "Hi. We're Jordan's folks," Kyle acknowledges them, and Dad gestures to my mom, "Paul. My wife Kayla."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"Nice to meet you." Mom nudges me aside to shake Kyle's hand, and I suppress a grunt.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"Kyle Vogler," Kyle responds. But when he looks back at me, I hastily paste back on my smile. "You've got a fine kid. A real go-getter."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"Don't let him fool you," Dad chuckles, and my heart aches, and not in a good way. Dad pretends to jab me, and I join in, offering an awkward smile. "He was a holy terror as a boy."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Dad and Mom start laughing, and I follow suit, retreating into my thoughts.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Brink would've corrected them. He always did.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀As soon as they disappear into the crowd, my smile fades, and I turn around to get as far away from them as humanely—or superhumanly, I guess—possible.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Bad fucking idea.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀My eyes are instantly drawn to the dance floor, where Cole and her new friend are swaying together. Some onlookers cast those awestruck looks that scream, "Look how adorable they are together."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Well, they aren't together.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I would know...wouldn't I?

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I fixate on Colette's face, noticing a slightly dreamy expression, and my heart sinks.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Fuck me.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I down my glass and leave it on the table, trading it in for a new glass.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I was gonna need it if I was going to deal with the fucking fuckery that was this memorial.

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Cᴏʟᴇᴛᴛᴇ Bʀɪɴᴋ's POV

MY FEET ACHE FROM THE THREE LONG DANCES I DID WITH SOREN. During our dance, I managed to milk him for some information. Useless information, but it's a start and it got him to open up more.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀After we left the dance floor, I subtly invited Soren over to the bidding room. Now, we're strolling along the maze of tables, examining the array of items.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀We stop at the row of tables designated for members of The Seven. My eyes are instantly drawn to The Deep's bidding section, and I shudder.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Five years ago, Starlight went to the "Believe" Expo and revealed to the entire world that The Deep had forced her into a compromising situation. After her revelation, several other individuals came forward with their own stories. The Deep issued a public apology and then took a sabbatical for a few weeks.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Nobody ever spoke about it again.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Vought certainly knows how to sweep things under the rug.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"So," I clap my hands together, looking over at Soren with a small smile, "Anything catch your eye?"

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Soren just looks at me.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Before my dad died, I would've enjoyed this. I would've used Soren's interest to make a dent in his wallet, but now? Well, now I don't enjoy it.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀It feels wrong.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Unprovoked, my thoughts go to Jordan, and I feel strangely more at ease.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I clear my throat, focusing back on Soren. Despite my discomfort, I muster up a flirty smile and look over at Soren, clarifying, "Things that are up for bid."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"So, no amount of charm could get me a night with you?" Soren asks me, and for a moment, I feel a warning twinge in my gut. I keep my smile up, using it as a shield, "Who said you had charm?"

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Soren staggers back as if I had punched him. Maybe I bruised his ego.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Soren then smiles at me and nods, "Touché."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"So," I speak as we continue walking throughout the room, "You came alone?"

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Soren shakes his head, making my eyes widen slightly, and he cringes, "I didn't come with a date. I came with my best friend. You might know him. Kyle Vogler."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀My eyes stay wide but for a different reason.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Kyle Vogler is a trustee.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I inhale sharply, turning to Soren, "Yeah, I do know him," I search my mind for any information I have on Kyle, and a lightbulb goes off, "He has a business, right? Vogler Collectables?"

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀A look of respect passes over Soren's face before he nods, "Yeah, he does. I'm his COO."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I sure know how to pick 'em.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I clap my hands together, "Well, I might've heard that you guys are having a small authenticity dispute," Soren's face turns grim and I quickly continue, "I can make that go away if you do something small for me."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Soren tilts his head at me, his eyebrow quirking up, "What?"

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I fight to not show my excitement as we stop walking. I inhale, "I want you to put in a good word with Kyle to ensure my friend makes it into the Top 3."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Soren's eyebrows shoot up, probably not expecting me to ask for someone else, "Must be a pretty special friend."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"Yeah," A genuine smile takes over my face, "They are special."

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Jᴏʀᴅᴀɴ Lɪ's POV

YOU KNOW THAT QUOTE: You can run but you can't hide.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Apparently, I fucking suck at running.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Mom found me ten minutes ago and led me over to the seating area where Dad and Kyle were talking. To maintain some distance, I settled by the large fireplace, just staring at the flames.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀The warmth and wisps of the fire didn't drown out the conversation between Mom, Dad, and Kyle.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"Don't embarrass him," Mom tells Dad, but I can't focus on the fact she was defending me. I only heard their pronouns for me.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Every time they said 'he,' 'him,' 'his,' or 'boy,' I felt a piece of me wilt inside.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀From the corner of my eye, I see Dad wave off Mom, "No, it was forever ago. Jordan used to chase Ruby around the playground, trying to kiss her," Dad chuckles, "Try getting away with that in this day and age."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Kyle chuckles along, making me ball my fists. Dad continues talking as if this story is remotely entertaining, "Until one day, Ruby whacks him clean in the face with a Noir lunchbox. Knocked his front tooth out. Now, that's spirit."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I concentrate harder on the sound of the flames, letting his voice muffle in my ears slightly. "I used to say, 'Jordan and Ruby, they're gonna be husband and wife one day,'" Dad's voice pauses, "Whatever happened to her, Jordan?"

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I relax my fists and lean forward. As I reach for my champagne glass, I shift to my female form midway.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Once I lean back against the pillar behind me, I cross my legs, staring directly at my dad. "Well, Daddy, we used to try on prom dresses together in high school. So maybe we can be wife and wife."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Dad shifts in his seat, clearly uncomfortable. Good. I want him to fucking look at me and see all of me, not just the parts he wanted.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀He clears his throat and looks over at Kyle with an apologetic look, "Sorry about this. He can get dramatic."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀They, Dad. Fucking they.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"Nothing to apologize for." I look over at Kyle, half-expecting to see clear disgust on his face, but he has a better poker face than I thought. He glances at my parents, and I see a crack in his expression, "You've got a great kid here. I'm just gonna let you catch up."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀He leaves like his ass is on fire.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Dad turns back to me with a disappointed look. A look that I still let get to me sometimes.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I scoff and look away from Dad, keeping my eyes on the fire.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀He sighs, "We really did come just to show our support. Not an easy drive, FYI," There he fucking goes, trying to guilt trip me, "but Dr. Cohen says we got to meet you halfway."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Clearly, you guys aren't learning much.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Mom places her hand on Dad's knee, "Paul, not here."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Dad ignores Mom, and finishes his sentence, "Point is, we're trying."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Not hard enough.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I try to tighten my grip on my glass, but I don't have it in me. I don't have any anger left. I'm just tired.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"I'm not a boy, Dad," Then I look at him, but he can't even look me in the eyes, "Not all the time. And I'm sorry that you hate that."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Dad shakes his head and finally looks at me, but it's as if he continues to see me as a boy. "But you are. You're my firstborn son," Every chance he gets, he reminds me that I was born a boy, "The day you were born was the best day of my life. I thought we were giving you a gift with Compound V."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀My eyes narrow at him. "You did give me a gift."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Mom, always the mediator, tightens her grip on Dad, "Can we please not talk about this?"

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"For you, maybe," Dad continues, making me shake my head, "I'm no bigot."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Could've fooled me.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Seeing the look on my face, Dad sighs, "I know a lot of kids don't have a choice. But you do. You can be a boy forever if you want," Then, with a deep breath, he finishes, "Sometimes I think you change into a girl just to spite me."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀For a second, I wonder if he could hear my heart breaking.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀My eyes heat with unshed tears. I hate myself for giving him so much power over me.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"I'm just..." My eyes flutter for a moment, trying to keep the tears at bay, and I put down my glass beside me. I take a deep breath before looking at Dad, "the kid addicted to their PlayStation. The one who goes to Olive Garden just for the breadsticks, who binges Property Brothers. I've never changed, Dad. I've always just been me."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Dad just looks away, and I feel the tears coming.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I sniffle, and my bottom lip quivers. My entire body aches, like someone is crushing my heart with their fist.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I get up from my spot beside the fireplace and walk away speedily, trying to outrun my tears.

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Cᴏʟᴇᴛᴛᴇ Bʀɪɴᴋ's POV

SOREN AND I WALK OUTSIDE FOR FRESH AIR AND A BREAK FROM THE PAPARAZZI. There were so many cameras flashing that when I close my eyes, I still see lights.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I blink rapidly, swaying slightly as I adjust to the lights. I accidentally sway into Soren, and he places his hands on my hips to steady me.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"Sorry," I apologize, turning to face him. I place my hands on his chest and blink, finally adjusting, "All the camera's flashing got to me."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Soren nods, understanding in his eyes, "It's okay. I think if I were in your place, I'd already be blind."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I chuckle lightly, feeling the effects of all the champagne I drank. "I think if I weren't a Supe, I'd be blind."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I begin to pull away from Soren, but his hold on me just tightens. Instantly, my walls skyrocket. "I'm good, Soren," I push against his chest, but he doesn't let me go.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Instead of talking, he leans in, and alarms blare in my head.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀No fucking way is my first kiss with this dick.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I feel my veins vibrating with the Compound V in my system, and I use Luke's powers to knee Soren as hard as I can in between his legs.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀He let out a loud hiss as he staggers back, blood seeping through his suit.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Guess the world won't see any Soren Jrs.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Soren looks up at me, his eyes flaring with electricity. Just as electricity outstretches from his hands, an energy blast hits him from the side, knocking him into a nearby tree.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I gasp and turn to the source, only to see Jordan, in their female form, with their hands out. What scares me the most, though, is that tears are running down their puffy cheeks.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I've never seen Jordan cry like this before, and seeing it makes my heart ache.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Jordan doesn't look at me as they pass me, their eyes solely on Soren, "She said she's good, asshole."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Just as Jordan goes to blast another energy bolt, this one bigger than any I've seen before, I jump in front of them.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Jordan pulls back at the last second, staring at me widely, "Move, Cole."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I shake my head, turning my back to Jordan and walking up to Soren. I crouch down beside him, and a ball of fire appears in my hands. I hold it close enough to him that he can feel the scorching heat on his skin.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"If you ever try that on me or anyone ever again, I will come for you," I grab the side of Soren's suit, pulling him close to the fire in my right hand, "Oh, and if you tell anyone about this little," I glance over my shoulder to see that Jordan has their hands down, then I turn back to Soren, "conversation, I will deny it and I will burn you to a crisp."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Soren spits the blood in his mouth onto my face, and the fire in my right hand goes away. I wrap my hand around his throat and lift him up against the tree, flames in my eyes, "Do I seriously need to ruin another body part?" My eyes trail down to the blood in his pelvic area before I look into his fearful eyes.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"No," He grits out, making me release my hold on him. He drops to the ground and I whisper into his ear, "Now, go before I change my mind."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I swear for a moment, just a moment, I feel something else humming in my veins. Something other than Luke's powers.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀A second later, the feeling is gone, and Soren is hightailing it.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I take a deep breath, feeling my body vibrate with adrenaline.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀After giving myself time to compose myself, I turn to Jordan, who looks dejected.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"Hey," I step towards them, my eyes on the tears running down their face, "what happened?"

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Jordan just looks up at me with pain, and I don't hesitate to pull them into a hug, holding them tight against me.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I run my hands through their hair, rubbing their back, "I've got you."

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Jᴏʀᴅᴀɴ Lɪ's POV

COLE LOCKS THE BATHROOM DOOR BEHIND US AS I STAND BY THE SINK, shuddering. I feel pathetic and stupid.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"You're not any of those things, Jordan," Cole mutters behind me, making me startle. Did I say that out loud?

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I catch Cole's eyes in the mirror, and she shrugs softly. "Yeah."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I inhale a shaky breath, leaning against the bathroom sink as I close my eyes. Behind me, I hear rustling, footsteps, and then water running nearby. I grip the sink, anchoring myself to reality before I open my eyes, seeing Cole wiping the blood off her face with a fabric towel.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀God, I'm such an idiot.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"I'm sorry," I whisper, and Cole turns to me, all the blood that used to be on her face now on the towel. "I could've really fucked things up for you," I let out a scoff. "If I had killed that dick, people would've thought it was you."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Cole looks at me in a way she has been lately, and I can't say that I hate it. "It's fine, Jordan. If roles were reversed, I wouldn't have stopped." She then turns to wash the towel under the faucet, leaving me to stare at her. Her words ignite something in me. Something that feels dangerous yet beautiful.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I don't say anything, though. I just stare at her. With the now clean and damp towel, she turns to me, lifting it. "Can I clean you up?"

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀My eyes linger on Cole for a brief moment before I settle down beside her, my gaze fixed on her for longer than I think I should. Longer than is appropriate, considering that Luke died not five hours ago.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"Cole," I speak with a gentle tone, but it still makes Cole's lower lip quiver. It's in this moment that I realize that I never want to see her like this, not if I can help it. "Can I help you clean up?" She looks at me from the corner of her eye, and I hold up a soft washcloth and a small bucket filled with water.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀A watery smile grows on my lips, and I nod, turning to her as she steps up to me. I catch the corners of her lips twitching, as if she's fighting off a smile.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"What?" I ask as she lifts the towel to my face, gently dabbing the cold cloth at my cheeks.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"Nothing," she shrugs, but it doesn't feel like nothing.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Cole lifts her other hand to cup the back of my neck, just as I did for her before. My cheeks flush as she steps closer to me, only a step away.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Both Cole and I stay silent as she wipes the tears away.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀After a moment, she pulls away and turns me around gently to face the mirror, her head resting on my shoulder as she looks at me through the mirror. "Better?"

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"Better," I nod, gazing at her face in the mirror. My heart beats a little faster as she smiles. "Cole...I—."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Then someone knocks on the door.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Cole and I jump apart, as if we were doing something wrong. That's not possible, though, because it was the rightest thing I've ever felt.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Cole stares at me for a moment, and my heart sinks as I watch her walls go back up. "We should go," she nods, already walking toward the door.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀As she puts more space between us, I feel her taking a piece of me with her.

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Cᴏʟᴇᴛᴛᴇ Bʀɪɴᴋ's POV

"I WANT TO THANK YOU ALL FOR COMING OUT HERE TONIGHT TO CELEBRATE THE LIFE MY FATHER, RICHARD BRINKERHOFF, HAD," I pause, making eye contact with the crowd from my spot behind the dais.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Instinctively, my eyes seek out Jordan, who is already fixated on me.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"Better," Jordan nods, their gaze connecting with mine through the mirror. They look at me like they see the real me, a part of me I didn't fully recognize, and for the first time, it doesn't make me want to run. "Cole...I—."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Then, there's a knock at the door.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Jordan and I jump apart, and it feels like a bucket of ice-cold water has been dumped on me.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I hold Jordan's gaze for a moment, and my heart aches. Not because I'm unsure about what I want, but because they don't deserve to be tangled in everything I have going on. "We should go," I suggest, already turning my back on them.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀As I put more distance between Jordan and me, it feels as though I've left a piece of myself behind with them.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I clear my throat and look back down at my script, reading off of it as if it were my own words. "My beloved father's death was not just a tragedy. It was one of the darkest days in Godolkin's history."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀My eyes already seeing the next words, blurred slightly with tears. "For Golden Boy..." I pause for a moment. They didn't even write his name. They just wrote two words that described his powers, not him as a person. "to commit such an evil, unspeakable act, it just..."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I shudder, wanting to go off script but I couldn't. The consequences would hurt me and those around me. At that thought, my eyes flicker to Jordan again.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I exhale, putting on a fake smile. "But in darkness, stars can truly shine. Like myself and," I hold a hand out to Marie, feigning pride. "Marie Moreau. The Guardians of Godolkin."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I give everyone a moment to applaud, and the number of camera shutters goes up.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I swallow the bitter lump in my throat, fighting to not look at Jordan. I look down at my paper, continuing, "So let's give stars like myself and Marie the futures we deserve. A donation to the #ThinkBrink Foundation will provide long overdue upgrades to the combat gym and the recording studio. So please open your hearts and your wallets."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Everyone laughs as if I said something funny. Guess Ashley Barrett does have a sense of humor.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"Right, Marie?" I look over at Marie, who gives me a wide-eyed look. I want all eyes on her just so she can see how many people she's lying to.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Marie turns to the crowd with a smile, and I fight to not roll my eyes as I keep reading off the script, "Any donation would be appreciated, but, of course, a large donation would be more appreciated," Laughter fills the room, and I pause for a second. "But, really, from the bottom of my heart, thank you."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀After smiling at the crowd for a second, my eyes go to the spot where Jordan was standing, only to see them moving through the crowd and towards Cate, who was at the bar.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I walk off the stage, trying to get to Jordan, but Ashley Barrett steps in my way. I grunt under my breath, and flash Ashley a small smile, stopping.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"Great job up there," Ashley compliments, but I know it's just a nicety. "Thank you, Ashley," I play along.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Ashley's smile falters a bit as she speaks, "I saw your little live last night," I look at her expectantly, and she continues, "It was good and raw, but, next time, tell me so that we can write you a script, just so you don't say anything wrong."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"Got it," I flash her a fake smile before pushing past her and making my way over to the table where Cate and Jordan are sitting.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Once I approach the table, I see Cate pour herself a glass of London Dry Gin. "Used your powers on the bartender?" I ask, a small smile on my lips as I sit between Cate and Jordan. Cate winks at me as she puts the bottle of gin down, "You know it."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I chuckle before glancing over at Jordan, who took a gulp of their glass. I lean into them, making sure that Cate won't hear our conversation. "You okay?"

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Jordan puts down their glass and nods, tapping their fingers against the glass. "Yeah, I was just overwhelmed."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"Your parents?" I assume, and they nod, "Yeah...my parents."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I don't believe that's the real reason, but I wasn't going to push them.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I nod, about to lean away but Jordan speaks up, "Why were you with that dick anyway?"

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀There's a bitter tone in their words, and I can't help but smile a bit, "I was doing it for you. He's friends with Kyle Vogler. I thought I could bribe him into helping you get back into the Top 3."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Jordan's eyes light up and their eyebrows shoot up, "You'd do that for me?" I don't speak, I just nod before sighing, "Well, now that plan's a bust, but I'll figure something else out."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Jordan's eyes soften, and they shake their head, "You don't have to."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"I want to," I say wholeheartedly.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I smile at Jordan before turning over to Cate, nudging her under the table with my heel, "Are you feeling better, Cate? Did Andre take care of you?"

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I notice Cate's cheeks heat, and she nods, avoiding my eyes, "Yeah, I'm totally fine."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀What the fuck was that?

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I open my mouth to comment on it until I hear Jordan's voice beside me, "Hey, Moreau."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Cate and I both look over to see Jordan staring at Marie, who is a few yards away.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Marie picks up her colossal skirt and lets out a defeated sigh, "I'm not in the mood, okay? You can attack me in the morning."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀She then begins to walk past our table, making Jordan scoff, "I'm surprised you can walk straight with everyone's tongue lodged up your ass."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I hold a hand up to my lips to hide my small smile as Marie scoffs, talking as she keeps walking, "Leave me alone. You don't know shit about me."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Jordan tilts her head at Marie, "Brownnoser, one-upper. Mommy and Daddy's perfect little hero."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Marie stops at Jordan's last comment, and I feel a weird feeling in my gut as Marie turns around, holding her arms out, "Yeah, well, that's definitely not me, because my parents are dead."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Jordan looks down with a smile, clearly not believing Marie.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"Because I killed them. You happy?" Marie declares, making my eyes widen slightly, but Jordan just lets out a humorless laugh, "Bullshit."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"I didn't know I had powers until my first period," Marie begins, her voice heavy with emotion and her eyes watered, "I couldn't control the blood, and it sliced through my mom's body. Dad came in. Same deal."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Our table falls silent, but Cate speaks up after a moment, "Fuck."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"Yeah," Marie's voice is hoarse, "I'm the last person who thinks they're a hero. I fucking hate myself half the time. And I just spent the entire night being dragged around like a show pony, so I'm not in the mood for your shit."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"Well, that wouldn't have had to happen if you had just told the truth about Jordan," a small voice in my head whispers, but I push it aside.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I reach out for a chair and pat it, calling out to Marie, "Marie."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Marie looks at me for a moment with disbelief before she concedes, walking over to the chair.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀As soon as Marie sits down, Cate speaks up, "We were camping. I was nine."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I frown, knowing where this story leads, and listen to Cate, "My parents were setting up the tent. My little brother kept kicking at my shins, so I grabbed him by the arm and I told him to go away and never come back. So he did."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Cate inhales sharply, "He just walked right into the woods. That was the first time my powers showed up. I didn't know. There was a...search party. Dogs. You know? It went on for weeks. But...nothing."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I clear my throat, my heart beating fast with each second. After a moment, I glance around the table, "You guys know my mom, right? What happened to her?"

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Jordan nods, looking at me with confusion, "Yeah, she was killed in a house fire."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Brink kept patting away Colette's tears before cupping her face, "Colette, you must stop crying," She furrowed her eyebrows at his words, but he continued, "I'll handle this. Nobody has to know that you did this...unless you show them. You can't be weak if you want to survive."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀You can't be weak if you want to survive.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Well, Rikki Rogers once said that strength doesn't come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn't.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I thought I'd take my secret to the grave, but here I am.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"That's what all the newspapers and articles say," I inhale sharply, "but that's not what happened."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I tap the table, looking down at my lap as I explain, "The night the world found out about Compound V, I went to my mom's house to ask if she knew," My eyes water slightly, and my jaw clenches, "She did."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I look down at my hands, "She also had powers. Sonic screaming," I look away from my hands, "That was the first and only time I lost control of my powers."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"I just..." I sniffle, "I touched her and she just kept saying things. Things I didn't want to believe. Then I just screamed, and I killed her."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀A tear escapes my eye, and I purse my lips, feeling Jordan put a hand on my thigh. I put my hand over theirs as I look up at Marie, who has a look of understanding and sorrow, "I had no idea," Marie's eyes bounce from me to Cate, "I'm so sorry."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀With conviction in her voice, Cate looks at me before looking at Marie, "It is not your fault. Your parents shot you up with a dangerous drug when you were a baby to make a buck off you."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Marie shakes her head, "No, my parents weren't like that."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Cate tilts her head, "Yes, they were. They did this. You didn't. Don't spend a fucking minute crying over them."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I hold Jordan's hand a bit tighter as I wipe the tear that escaped my eye, inhaling deeply.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"I killed my grandpa with my powers," Jordan whispers, making my eyebrows shoot up. I let out a small laugh with a tilted head, "You visited your grandpa in Tribeca last month."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Jordan sighs before a smile grows on their lips, "Yeah, I know. I was just feeling left out."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀The table bursts out into laughter, and once it dulls down, I narrow my eyes playfully at Marie, "By the way, nobody knows about me being involved with my mom's death. If I see a headline about it, I will assume it was you and I will maim you."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Marie smiles at me, nodding, "Noted."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀A second later, footsteps approach our table, and I look over to see Andre walking up to us, "Hey! Guys, uh..." He looks around for a moment before leaning in, his eyes on Cate and me, "I fucked up."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀My spine straightens, and all amusement on my face vanishes, "What do you mean you fucked up, Andre?"

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Andre inhales deeply before pointing at Marie, "It's about her roommate."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Marie's eyes fill with concern, "Emma?"

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"Who the fuck is Emma?" Jordan asks, glancing around the table. I lean into Jordan, "The bulimic chick."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Marie's head snaps over to me, "She's not bulimic."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I hold my hands up in defense, "Well, excuse me, but she is literally the definition of bulimia. She vomits to get small and eats to get big. That's basically supernatural bulimia."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Marie grunts under her breath for a second before turning to Andre, "I-Is she okay?"

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"I think she's stuck." Andre vaguely says, but Cate and I know what he means. He took Emma to the Woods.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"Stuck?" Marie mutters before letting out a confused snort, "Where?"

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"You know where..." Andre looks at Cate and I.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"Andre," Cate narrows her eyes on Andre, "You promised."

𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑'𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄

One thing about me is that I change my mind more than Nick Cannon changes his girlfriends.

Alas, more Jordan & Colette's POVs?? (It actually helps me get into their minds and make better dialogue for scenes).

Anyway, here are the GIF options I had for this chapter! (I love making gifs, might make a graphic shop fr)

▍PUBLISHED . . 10/20/23 — ♡︎ ୫
© POETICLULLS, 2023