[𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐲]

BLACK FRIDAY

A single night could feel like days, weeks, or even months. One day you’re fighting an invasive species of land-conquering fish. The next you’re hunting for the best deal Black Friday can offer. We pushed back our date to capitalize on the discounts offered by the system capitalizing on our labor. Whatever works. As long as I get my phone I don’t care who makes a profit.

Afterward, she’ll treat me to brunch. I’m thinking seafood. The irony pairs well with lobster tail and baked potatoes. I stand outside the hospital waiting for her release. I’m not family. I’m not her friend. I’m not really a date, even. There’s no reason for me to step inside.

What I am is an opportunist. I’m taking advantage of her attempt to manipulate me. It serves her right. If that’s how she responds to someone saving her life, then you can consider this karmic retribution.

Phone in hand — her phone, to be perfectly clear — I go about my day as if this were my replacement. I scheduled an interview with a hero agency that was interested in my performance against the unnamed, unidentified villain. A few reporters had reached out to me, too.

I’ll get back to them later.

---

rhea

[rhea]

if i'm a danger to myself Just think what I could do to you 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐲

There were few things in this world that infuriated Rhea more than being outplayed. Some of the older Japanese considered themselves to be the best in the world, and looked down on someone like her because she wasn't one of them. It wasn't quite what fed her desire for revenge, but it did keep the coals warm at night. Rahul was not one of those people, but the fact he was the way he was stoked her desire to murder her fellow Man much more than usual. It was something she had to stymie before she met with him.

Her injuries weren't severe enough to leave a scar, something she was thankful for. While she knew there might be a day she would have to be open with her activities, she had to keep herself as pristine as possible; scars attracted attention, and regardless of what some guy might say scars were not attractive. Once released she'd saunter into the lobby with a skirt with a cut going partway up the side and a crop top on, sandals clacking against the floor. Once her gaze landed on him she realized why he frustrated her so much; she was used to looking down at other people, but he exuded energy that put him on a level that made them equals.

That was intolerable.

Unfortunately, for the time being she had to smile and play nice; she'd figure out how to bring his downfall in the future. Based on their last interaction, he was a student. That meant he was fair game in the grand scheme of things. "Before we leave, I'm going to need my phone back."

0 Victims

OWL

[𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐲]

“This is my phone until you fulfill your end of the bargain.” While the day had changed, that didn’t magically turn me into a sucker. If I gave her the phone, she could run off without repaying her debt. And at that point, I would have been a thief for taking what was hers — at least in the court of public opinion. I was attractive but I didn’t carry the same helpless aura that she did. Plus, it’d take another few hundred years to free us of the cultural biases inherited by previous, ignorant generations.

“Once you gift me a new phone, I’ll return the collateral.” I offer a flirtatious smile, one she’d see the malice in. I was playing her game if only to show her how these tactics will not work on the likes of me. In this domain, she is the challenger.

“What you’ve got planned for brunch?” Salt in the wound. Knowing her, it’d be some shoddy fast food place. She seemed eager to free herself and I couldn’t say I’d wish any d

---

rhea

[rhea]

if i'm a danger to myself Just think what I could do to you 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐲

Rhea looked at Rahul, studying him. How pompous...how self assured. She didn't need this interaction to determine that she hated him, she came to that conclusion not even an hour after the incident occurred. She brought her hand up, looking at the watch on her wrist. "A thought occurs to me, I'm meeting someone important today, and I don't know if we'll have time for lunch. Or even shopping, for that matter. I can always get myself a new phone later. The bill is due in two days, just so you know." Without so much as waiting for Rahul she began to depart, walking towards the door. What he didn't know was, technically speaking, he was in possession of stolen goods. Like the one she had before, she'd steal a new one. And food? She could do anything regarding food, either going home to fix something or finding a place without Rahul. She'd just have to figure out a way to be thrifty about it.

Assuming he didn't chase after her, though she found that unlikely. Her charms didn't have the desired effect on him, and while she was hydrated using her quirk on him this early was likely to spell trouble. He seemed to have some level of resistance to it, so her usual method of strong arming her way into his head was likely to backfire. The sad true was she had to cut her losses while she had the chance.

0 Victims

OWL

[𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐲]

The power was in her hands. Emphasis on was, if that wasn’t clear. If she had turned down the offer and let me steal her phone — which she could have reported to the authorities — then I would have been at a loss. Unfortunately, she had given me her phone. I had gone about my day and used it as my own. And because of the access I had, and the fact she presumed it’d return to her, there were still inklings of her life that she would have rather remained hidden. So, power? Gone. It was in my hands now.

“Lilith, right?” Her bluff means nothing. If that’s the first time she’s had that thought she should spend more time thinking. “Funny thing about her. Well, nevermind.” I see every lie that soft, jiggly body of hers. “You’ll see in two days.”

The seeds were planted. But a little water never hurt.

“If she has two days.”

---

rhea

[rhea]

if i'm a danger to myself Just think what I could do to you 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐲

One would think a girl like Rhea would be cowed with such a threat, but the look on her face said otherwise. While her smile was sweet and innocent, pure malice burned in her eyes. "Really? Does she? Are you sure you wish to levy that threat against her? My father is still alive, you know," she says, venom dripping from every word. "The least you hero types could do is finish the job you all started by removing him from my life. God only knows it would make things so much easier. Though if you want to make yourself target number one, by all means. Go with your plan.~"

She turned again, brushing her hair back. "If you want the new SIM card from the phone I'm getting, you're free to have it. But I expect to get the one currently in your possession in return." She should have reported the theft after that event, but she didn't feel like dealing with the police. She'd have to hope this new deal situated him. If not, she'd carry on per usual.

0 Victims

OWL

[𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐲]

I wasn’t threatening anything. The implication was that something had happened. Something external to either of us that demanded Lilith’s detention — something that would have put her in danger. But what I stumbled upon was a pressure point deeper than a few raunchy text messages and flirtatious emoticons. She carried a bias against heroes and even brought up her father. Normally, a new phone wasn’t worth the trouble. Not that I was supposed to get one at this point. But for whatever reason, this misinterpreted threat resulted in a new arrangement…. a SIM card? Whatever. It works, I guess.

“That works.” A proper explanation wasn’t worth the effort either. There were times I wanted to be understood but this wasn’t one of them. I wanted a phone. And to maybe dig a bit deeper and see what I could learn about her father. What did heroes want with him?

“Dealer’s choice.” I’d let her lead the way. She was clearly struggling financially.

---

rhea

[rhea]

if i'm a danger to myself Just think what I could do to you 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐲

Rhea didn't respond. If anything, she was furious. Rahul was the kind of thing she hated most, people that hid behind their titles and their status. The kind of people she had every intent on reaching out and touching.

She'd head down the street and begin to pick her target. A cell phone shop would be the obvious choice, but for her it was closed off, and she could apply very little leverage. After a bit of walking, though, she decided to take a bus towards the closest mall, with or without Rahul. Once the fare was paid and she took her seat, she'd keep to herself, humming idly as she looked out a window.

Once reaching the mall she wouldn't immediately head for the tech center. Instead, she'd window shop various clothing stores and the like as she made her way around, canvassing other places. Of course, the other goal was to annoy Rahul enough to force him away, but before she went in she turned and found him there, a frown crossing her face. "Oh, you're still here. Do me a favor, darling, stand here and look pretty? I don't need a lost little puppy following me and attracting attention.~" Boundary drawn, she drew her back closer to her and headed in; it was time to get to work.

0 Victims

OWL

[𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐲]

“Sure.” It was easy to disarm her. For reasons beyond me, she was invested in whatever was happening. Something about my existence aggravated her. Considering the unwarranted comment about her father, she likely projected what she disliked about heroes onto me. If she wanted a villain, then I’d be one. As long as I got my phone. Or, well. SIM card in this case, as archaic as they were. “I would attract more attention than you.”

I reframed a her snide remark without looking up from her phone. Holding onto a nonchalant demeanor should irritate her further. And it’s not like I couldn’t have another pair of eyes on her anyway. As she walked into, I’d smuggle in a bunny to stalk her as it hid between various objects to obscure it’s presence.

There’s a reason she wants to go alone. Her behavior is erratic and suspicious. I’d be more offended at her thinking I was an idiot if I thought her capable of higher levels of thought. Then again, to give her the most grace possible, she was reasonably stressed about the ongoings of her alternate lifestyle.

Her phone told me too, too much.

---

rhea

[rhea]

if i'm a danger to myself Just think what I could do to you 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐲

Rhea was going to kill him. She didn't know how or in what way, but she was going to plot that out. Unfortunately, it'd have to take a backseat to her other plans.

Stepping through the store, oblivious to the rabbit following her, she'd begin to look over some of the phones on display. Part of her wanted to save what data she had on her phone, but what exactly was worth saving? A few pictures, some search histories, her Dreamworld tickets...she was careful enough to not save any vital or incriminating data on her phone, but surely it couldn't be perfect. She'd have to cross that bridge when she got to it. "Excuse me, miss?" A worker would step up to her, tilting his head with a smile. "Did you need any help?"

A smile crossed Rhea's face, saccharine and mischievous. "I could use a little help, yes. Perhaps you can provide assistance?" She didn't have to provide too much pressure, not initially as he was inclined to help to begin with. They conversed, and over time she'd add in a few notes to make him more pliable. What kind of data did this phone have? What sort of geolocation was on this one? Speed, camera options, etc etc. On one hand, she seemed like a phone connoisseur. In reality, she was prepping her target for the big act. And once she found an opening, she took it: "Could you give this one to me?~" Woven into all her questions were comments about how much of an influencer she was, hinted that she wanted him...and it all seemed to work. Before long, he was handing her the phone, as well as his number and handles. Not the easiest type of job in the world, and certainly would be difficult to replicate when she needed to, but she had what she was there for. With a smile and a wink she'd make her way out, careful not to trip the alarms. Once outside she'd rub her throat, not even waiting on Rahul as she went to find a place to sit down.

0 Victims

OWL

[𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐲]

The bunny knew what to do.

Once she had left the store, it scurried and disappeared into smoke. It drew attention, but people were more concerned with technology burning out than the side effects of someone’s quirk. They gathered around an area, afraid to breach a certain radius as the curious onlookers tried to see what happened.

Interesting. I saw what happened. I heard what happened. She used the same quirk on me to save her life — it would have had a stronger effect if I weren’t already immovable in my resolve to see her live; a testament to my ability to save those I care about. Still… compulsion was…. frustrating

Why didn’t she use it to disengage from me then?

“You were afraid I’d see you steal it?” I walked seamlessly with her. People wouldn’t even notice that we were apart only moments ago. “I don’t care how you got the phone, I just needed mine replaced.”

Anyway, that was likely the end of our business. Rather annoying that petty thief that I’d care at all about petty thievery. Unfortunately, she betrayed herself. If that’s all that was… she wouldn’t have acted the way she did.

---

rhea

[rhea]

if i'm a danger to myself Just think what I could do to you 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐲

Rhea glanced at him, raising an eyebrow. There was no way he followed her in, she was sure of it. "Me? Stealing?" She scoffed, shaking her head. "I'm a citizen, a law abiding one at that. I don't appreciate the accusation." There was venom in her words, but most of it was focused on her citizenship. Like she resented it.

"I hope you don't mind if I back the data up on my old phone, before I get the card for it. I'm sure some of the more...flamboyant photos on there might get you in trouble with whatever lady friends you have." She'd find a spot that was less travelled, which was already hard to do considering their surroundings. She'd open the box, sifting through the contents before pulling up the new SIM card and holding it up for him to see. "That's merely a preference, though. I care more about keeping the same number."

0 Victims

OWL

[𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐲]

A thief necessarily lies. Whether you’re disguising your intent as you walk through the crowd, whispering sweet nothings to an innocent salesman, or lying about the person you are not to the man in front of you — a man ready to accept things as they are as long as he gets what he wants — but to lie to yourself about what you’re after in life. It was obvious that she wasn’t a people person, but when you can make them do what you want by asking, why would you need to be?

I don’t know why she hasn’t used it on me again, but I won’t press the issue. Not until I develop some kind of counterplay. Not until I understand the ins and outs of her quirk… mind control is deadly. Especially if she were to worm her way into a mind as capable as mine.

“Do what you want. I just need a phone.” I don’t know if her statements were true, but I had already backed up the phone. If there were unsavory pictures, those would be the first I’d rid of. “And then you’re done with me. Forever.”

It’s what she wants to hear. And at this point, it’s what I want to hear, too.

---

rhea

[rhea]

if i'm a danger to myself Just think what I could do to you 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐲

If there was one thing she could reliably lean on, it was the fact that men were simple creatures. It wasn't often she came across one that sweated details, but if there was one thing that did get on her nerves it was the ones that always had drive.

Taking a moment to ensure all her personal data was saved, she'd extract the card from her old phone and begin to insert it into the new. "Unfortunately, forever isn't long enough," she says, sliding the new device into her purse. She would have to do some setup on it eventually, but for now she just wanted to get away from this guy. Potentially see what else she could get away with. And maybe take advantage of a few sales; doing too many illegal things within such a short period in the same place could prove to have disastrous results. And assuming he did nothing to stop her, she'd be gone within the crowd.

0 Victims

OWL

[𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐲]

Of course, I watched her walk off. There’s no reason to stop her from doing whatever it is she’s going to do. We are water and oil, two sides of the legal system. But I don’t care about criminals, or crimes, or anything that doesn’t directly obstruct the wellbeing of my grandmother. Wela lives far in the mountains — not a business to her name, not a product to steal. There is only her health and her peace.

But I’m curious about what she plans to do next. While still in sight, I send a black rabbit with blue eyes to follow her. It will try its best to keep up. It will eventually get spotted, either by some lonely child in search of a companion or some authority curious as to its existence. What is a rabbit doing here?

Eventually, it’ll disappear in a puff of smoke when it’s least noticeable. Maybe it means becoming a pet and running away when the parents are gone. Or a dozen other options. But I’ll send out the rabbit, praying I get a glimpse of what comes next.

I’m nothing if not nosy.

---

rhea