"What's the deal? Why can't he look
into my eyes when I have words
of appreciation lined up for him.
Has he simply forgotten
how he feels?
all his emotions plunged into oblivion.
or he is so full to talk about it.
He won't confide in me
which I understand is his choice.
I really wish to but
I can barely get under his skin.But what I know about him is
he feels very sad and
he has honest eyes.
And every broken heart should
have a place in this world."
― Tanya Gambhir

Tommy nudges the apartment door open. He steps inside, kicking the door shut behind him with his heel. When he sets down his pair of keys on the hook above their shoes and a box with his new gaming device on the small bench under that, Tommy notices the lights are on throughout the apartment. He frowns, peering into the apartment. Serenade is lounging on the couch with his comfortable mask and clothing, eyes trained on the television as some sort of game show played. If Tommy didn't know who he was looking at, he would assume that Serenade was a simple person. He would even be warmed at the thought that someone was waiting up on him even though the night was stretching thinner. However, Tommy isn't going to fool himself into thinking that he cares about Serenade or that the villain cares about him.

"What are you doing up?" Tommy calls out as he turns the corner into the kitchen. Serenade looks away from his television show to watch Tommy roaming around the dark kitchen. Tommy searches for his packets, hoping to get a meal in. When he doesn't see the box, he decides that he'll deal with that problem later. He can simply get another box from the guild and hide that one somewhere Serenade and Thermoculus won't find it.

"My mission ran longer than we expected. I'm catching up on some shows I missed today," Serenade shrugs, muting his television show. He shifts his body, twisting halfway as he puts his arms on the back of the couch facing away from the kitchen. Tommy walks out of the kitchen, coming to stand behind the back of the couch. "How was your mission, Vendetta?"

"Better than yours, I bet," Tommy explains. He turns around to sit on the back of the couch. Before Serenade can move, Tommy allows his body to flop backwards. He lands rather painfully on Serenade's legs. His own legs are thrown over the couch, his knees bending to give him enough space. Serenade makes a pained noise, and Tommy resists the urge to laugh at him. "As you might know, I went with Ravager to check out Snowchester. The Syndicate is shit at maintaining it, by the way. That place is fucking depressing. There are barely any people there. I mean, it was always pretty isolated, but damn, you guys let it get bad."

Serenade huffs a disbelieving laugh, but he doesn't say anything beyond that so Tommy continues, "Ravager and I talked about Minotaur for a little bit. Shit subject. You should teach him some small-talk."

"I've been trying for a long time," Serenade tells Tommy. The blonde's eyes dart away from Serenade's eyes, instead looking towards the roof.

"Just when I was about to teach Ravager a lesson in etiquette, I found a dog! A dog, Serenade. They are literally the second-best creatures in the universe, after cows, of course. Well, maybe third. I do like spiders a lot. And chickens. Damn, why are there so many good animals?" Tommy lists off, acting like he doesn't love literally all animals. He just likes how different they are from humans, and he obviously likes looking at cute things.

"The world is full of amazing animals. And then there's anteaters," Serenade growls the name. Tommy splutters a laugh as he turns to look at Serenade again. The villain is glaring into the distance, probably imaging the horrid little creatures. Tommy thinks he's seen an anteater before, but he doesn't remember enough of it to share Serenade's opinion or refute it. "The little shits deserve to die. If I wasn't busy, I would make it my life's mission to genocide those knock-off rats."

"Very strong and interesting opinion, but we were talking about my day, so shut the fuck up," Tommy silences the supervillain with a mock glare. Serenade rolls his eyes, but he returns his attention to Tommy, slotting his cheek against his hand to support his head. "Anyway! Ravager and I met a dog. A female dog. A bitch, if you will, but this one was no bitch. She was amazing. Ravager named her Atalanta. Some warrior woman from the stories of the Ancient Builders. I was playing with Atalanta when we heard a howling in the distance. Atalanta ran off because she's smart and knows how to pick her battles. Ravager is an idiot, but he's pretty strong, so I let him stay with me when we noticed the Scarlet Demoness and Fenrir."

"That doesn't sound good," Serenade comments. There's concern in his tone, but Tommy doesn't know who or what that emotion is meant for.

"Ravager fought Fenrir because he obviously knew I wouldn't be able to fight a wolf. They're just big dogs, you know. I fought the Scarlet Demoness. She's the real bitch in this situation. I don't know what her power is. It seemed like telekinesis, but it actually might be the ability to cause bad luck. Maybe a mix of both? I need to do some research on her, especially since she confirmed she's part of the Red Army. She's even part of the Cult of Erythr, the big-shots," Tommy continues with his story without acknowledging Serenade's emotions. He doesn't have time for that, even when Serenade is blatantly staring at him.

"The Scarlet Demoness appeared a little while ago. At first, people thought she was a serial killer, but they later figured out that she was actively targeting small-time crooks and gangs. She was labeled a vigilante, but it seems she's fully made the switch into villainy. I would say good for her, but she chose the Red Army instead of the Syndicate," Serenade explains to Tommy. The blonde frowns. He really should be keeping up-to-date with vigilantes and villains. He's been a little too narrow-minded, but he supposes that it won't matter much if the end of this little mission with the Syndicate will end soon.

"I didn't know you were recruiting."

"Oh, dear Vendetta, we're always recruiting. It's always good to have allies. In fact, if you ask me nicely, I might consider letting you join," Serenade informs Tommy. While his tone does sound joking, Tommy sees something serious in Serenade's eyes.

Tommy laughs bitterly. "I knew you were batshit, but I didn't think it was this bad. I'm not joining the Syndicate, not unless I'm spying on the leaders. And I don't need to do that when I've learned so much about them already through this partnership."

"I do wish you luck against Azrael and Inchling. I will miss you," Serenade mocks Tommy.

"Ugh, shut up. Back to my story," Tommy rolls his eyes. "I was fighting the Scarlet Demoness, but I decided that wasn't enough. We didn't know enough. I struck a deal with her. I let her hold me down so she would trust me. Or, at least, trust that she had the upper hand. We talked back and forth. I told her some shit; she told me some shit. I can't confirm if she was telling the truth, but here's what she told me: every member of the Red Army wants something different. She specifically wants to be strong enough that no one abandons her. Every member of the cult was found by someone called Crimson. We find out who this fucker Crimson is and what they want, we've cracked this whole case wide open."

"Wait... you let her hold you down?" Serenade asks, tilting his head to the side curiously.

"Yes, I did, keep up. It wasn't too bad. My pride takes a blow every fucking time, but sometimes you have to look weak in order to trick your enemies. She held me to the ground. I could have escaped if I wanted. I just didn't want to," Tommy rolls his eyes, getting the uncanny feeling that he's had this conversation before. "Ravager, the fucker, pulled her off of me before I could get more information. He just threw her like she wasn't exactly what we wanted. I argued with Ravager about why I would act recklessly. He eventually dragged me to Dyscardia and Captain to get my wounds checked out."

"Wounds?"

"Serenade, you need to fucking listen. Yes, wounds. When we were fighting, she squeezed my chestplate. It cuts into my skin. Captain healed me, though. Dyscardia wasn't there, but I really didn't need either of them. I bandage would have done nicely instead of wasting Captain's time," Tommy explains, kicking his legs over the back of the couch. He swings all the way around so that he places his feet back on the ground and sits up. Serenade unconsciously shifts his legs to give Tommy more room as the blonde finally gets off of them. Tommy is able to Serenade's face from a right-side up position, and he realizes just how worried the villain looks.

"Vendetta, you can't risk your life like that. What if she tried something? What if Ravager wasn't there to save you?" Serenade asks, and Tommy realizes this is going to be like his argument with Ravager. The only difference is that Serenade seems less angry and more upset than Ravager did. Tommy honestly would rather face a pissed off Serenade than whatever sentimental bullshit he was getting.

"Why the fuck do you care? For that matter, why does Ravager fucking care? I got vital information that will help us. I could have gotten more if not for Ravager's inference, and instead of belittling him, you're sitting here, lecturing me," Tommy demands, lifting up his body to stand up. He was trying to get the edge on Serenade, but the higher ground doesn't help ease the strange bundle in his gut.

"I don't speak for Ravager. I could not tell you why he reacted the way he did," Serenade corrects. Tommy frowns but allows Serenade to continue. "But I do speak for myself. You could have gotten killed."

"I am too powerful for the Scarlet Demoness to kill. I would have destroyed her before the thought even crossed her mind," Tommy disagrees.

"Vendetta, she has killed entire gangs all by herself without leaving a trace. She has massacred dozens of people in a single night, and you think she would have hesitated to take your life?" Serenade's voice has grown sharper with his worry. Tommy has the sudden urge to vomit, but he refuses to let Serenade know that his visible concern is affecting Tommy. The blonde is stronger than his emotions.

"I have dealt with far worse than an esper with abandonment issues who can kill gangs filled with powerless people too drunk or high to know the difference between right and left. The Scarlet Demoness is not a threat. She's a fucking nuisance," Tommy argues. He has beaten people far more powerful than her and with a longer list of crimes under their belt, too.

"Are you seriously acting like that is a good thing?" Serenade snaps. Tommy realizes from the frustration in Serenade's eyes that the comment has been a long-time coming. Serenade has been wanting to demand an answer to that particular question for probably as long as the two have known each other. Or maybe just to the point when Serenade figured out how fucked up Tommy was.

"It is the responsibility of a guild member," Tommy proclaims. He took a set of vows when he first joined the Hero's Guild, as did every other member. They all pledged to purge the world of evil, and while Tommy wouldn't go so far as to call himself a paragon of good, he's done his best to live up to that oath. His main goal has always been the Syndicate, but he has done other things before. Usually because he's going to get something out of it, but no one said that guild members have to be pure of heart. They just need to be willing to fight the hard battles, and Tommy isn't an A-ranked hero for nothing.

"How actually good is this guild you are supposedly so loyal to? I don't think something that markets itself as the saviors of humanity would condone those shitty food packets. I also don't think that the guild can be good if you are constantly sleep-walking into suicidal situations to the point that you have to chain yourself to your fucking bed!" Serenade proclaims, gesturing towards the hallway that leads into their rooms as he stands up. Unfortunately, Serenade is slightly taller than Tommy. The blonde doesn't like the way Serenade looks down at him. It almost feels like Serenade... no, Tommy refuses to go down that dark path.

"That isn't fair. I learned the chain trick from the Hunters, and I first started sleep-walking because of the Syndicate," Tommy argues. The chain part was actually his idea, but the concept came from watching Reverie and the other Hunters.

"And there's another problem. The Hunters are brutal. I don't understand why you were there or why the guild doesn't seem to care," Serenade gestures vaguely with his hands like he can talk as much with them as he can with his words. It wouldn't matter since his words were plenty enough. When Tommy first arrived at the guild, the master did question him about his time with the Hunters. His testimony was put on file. That was the end of the matter unless someone needed some consolation, but even then, they usually went to Tommy's file before they went to him. He's avoided the Hunters, and everyone in his life has let him.

Tommy sits down on the couch. Serenade's face startles with surprise, but he quickly switches back to his passive aggressive concern. Tommy frowns, looking away. "Fuck off."

Serenade freezes before sighing. He sits down on the couch beside Tommy. He opens his mouth once, but nothing comes out so he closes it and leaves it shut. Tommy stares up at the window. The night sky stretches above the world, dotted with twinkling stars. The ocean is below it, even though Tommy can't see it. Tommy tries to keep his attention there, but Serenade has opened a box of memories Tommy can't quite seem to lock.

He first met Reverie the night his family died. Less than 24 hours after losing everyone he ever cared about, Tommy met Reverie. Rather, Reverie found Tommy. The villain was coming to see if Wilbur and the others were going to join him like Eret did. Reverie was shocked to discover everyone was dead until he noticed that some objects were floating in the air. In the center of the wreckage, somehow hidden from all the heroes, Tommy was sobbing and begging. Reverie held out his hand to Tommy, a beacon of security and safety. Tommy latched onto Reverie because he didn't have anything else. It didn't matter that he hated and resented the Hunters a few days prior; he was willing to give up anything to have some semblance of family again.

The Hunters weren't a family. Reverie, Reishi, and Inferno were close, but mostly the Hunters were a group of villains working together because of a mutual interest in chaos, not because they all liked each other. It was made abundantly clear when Wraith and Pan defected. Adamantine joined for Reaper's sake, and Avenger later joined because of Reverie. Enderwalk- called Monochrome- came along two years after Tommy did without anyone on his side. Tommy was close with Monochrome, but that connection was born from a dark place. They both just needed someone who treated them better than Reverie did- not a high bar but definitely a difficult one in an environment run by the villain. Tommy was pretty close with Warden and Inferno, but it definitely wasn't enough to call either of them his friend or confidante.

Tommy only escaped from the Hunters because he felt sympathy for Monochrome. He wasn't made for the life of villainy, and while he had nothing material, Monochrome continued to have hope and dreams for the future. He was different from Tommy, who only stuck around because he didn't have anywhere else to be. Tommy escaped with Monochrome, with some help from Warden, and they parted ways on a rooftop. Tommy would have stayed with the Hunters if not for Monochrome. Tommy would have died at the hands of the Hunters, and he probably wouldn't have cared too much.

Something pitters against the window. Tommy refocuses on the present to see Crowfather on the railing of the balcony. Tommy smiles slightly at the distraction. He reaches for the balcony door, pulling it open. Crowfather caws a greeting as if he probably didn't just get back from an argument with Jolt. Tommy huffs a laugh, reaching for the sandwich Crowfather must have brought him... except nothing is there. Instead, Crowfather is holding a piece of folded white paper in his beak. Crowfather sets the paper on the railing. Tommy eyes it curiously, picking it up. He unfolds the paper, reading the contents.

Dear Theseus,

I hope this letter finds you in good health. I am writing this at your discretion. You swore to me that your bird would find you no matter where you went. I am merely testing this theory. It might prove useful to have a rather intelligent creature who can carry messages between us. For now, I suppose the bird will get used to sending letters between you and me.

I do not have much to inform you about. Not much has happened since I have seen you as that was earlier this day. I have spoken with the others about the information you gathered. They agree with me that your move was risky. Warden, Enderwalk, and Red Dragon in particular are against your actions. They have, however, assured me that you frequently make ploys like this. I hardly understand why. There must be easier ways to ascertain information, ones that do not include risking your life.

I have also been told that I should apologize to you. It is not my place to comment on your foolish actions no matter how idiotic they are. Regardless, I will not apologize. You must find better ways to get information, ones that do not risk your life or compromise your mission.

That is all I wish to tell you. You may send a letter back if you so desire. It will allow me to see if this bird of yours is truly capable of being our messenger.

Ravager

Tommy broke into a loud laugh. He didn't expect Ravager to actually send him a letter even though Tommy called it a good idea earlier. Tommy should have expected that Ravager was the type to write letters. He has good handwriting, at least.

"Hold on, Crowfather," Tommy commands the bird. Tommy enters back into the house. He searches around the corner Serenade shoved all his research into for a blank piece of paper. He finds a pen first before eventually getting to the paper. He smiles softly to himself as he steps back outside. He places the paper on the railing to start writing across it.

Dear Ravager,

I hope this letter finds you in poor health. I really hope you're puking your guts out right now.

Unlike you, I have had a very exciting day, especially since you weren't part of it. I went to Jolt's warehouse to watch the greatest movie ever, Up. If you haven't seen it, you're a failure of a human being. Put this letter down and go watch it. Right now... good movie, right? Yes, I'm assuming that you haven't seen it and just went to watch it. I will quiz you on the movie the next time we meet, so go watch it again and get back to me.

I also talked to Jolt about some Big Man stuff. You wouldn't know. Jolt wasn't concerned about my stunt with the Scarlet Demoness. Serenade was, though, which is stupid as shit. I don't understand either of you. Does it matter what I do in the pursuit of information? Sure, I could have died, but that was extremely unlikely. I'm built different. She wouldn't have hurt me. She literally couldn't. Everything was under control before you got involved.

Regardless of what did or shouldn't have happened, I accept your apology and will also not be issuing one. I did nothing wrong. Get on my level. You can tell Enderwalk and Warden to fuck off. Red Dragon gets one pass, but he's on thin ice. Tell them all I said that. I dare you. I'll tell them myself if you don't.

We should keep sending letters. It will allow me to show you how fucking brilliant I am in comparison to you.

Vendetta (not Theseus or any other nickname)

Tommy smiles at his completed letter, ignoring the difference between his handwriting and Ravager's. Tommy folds the paper up before the wind can carry it away. He raises it to Crowfather. The bird accepts the paper in his beak. Once it's secure, Crowfather lifts up into the air, carrying it to wherever Ravager might be right now. Tommy smiles as he watches it go, holding Ravager's letter to his chest. He almost starts laughing again at the absurdity of the situation.

"What was that about?" Serenade asks from his spot on the couch, looking at Tommy with a half-smile on his face.

Tommy whirls around, answering Serenade's question with another question, "When can I go to the black market?"