Hatred Never Looked This Good (Young Justice) [1/3]

18 | Manipulate

*Mature content warning*

Save your sorrows, save them for tomorrow
In the wild we know
That every single touch don't mean a thing

GOTHAM
Nov 1, 00:13

"You've done a very foolish thing, Kobra. You have forgotten that you are not the only god here and you have taken something from me. Because of your disrespect, I can't allow you to go to the mission in Metropolis. Of course, I know I can't kill you and it would be a chore to kill all of your disciples. However, I am extremely pissed and I'd really like to see how far I can get before I get tired.

"So pray, disciples of Kobra. Pray to your God. Because of him, I will bathe in your ashes."

METROPOLIS
Nov. 1, 04:40

The cold morning rain cooled my overheated face as I flew on auto pilot thinking about holding Audrey's lifeless body, the inconvenienced hero, the villains who weren't supposed to be there, and the upcoming mission for the Light and for me. Mindlessly and carelessly, I flew through the clouds of Metropolis and found myself landing on the wrong side of the railing of a familiar LexCorp Tower balcony.

Looking down from the dizzying height, I stood confused, angry, and sad as the rain washed the remnants of my latest atrocity off my skin. I toed the sliver of an edge feeling the wind daring to push me that last inch as if it knew what tonight would mean for the world. And if I had my way, Superman wasn't going to be the only hero to die tonight.

I put out my arms and provoked the wind to push me, to end my bloody beginnings. If I fell, I would accept the universe's way of telling me that my godhood was false and my mission wasn't meant to happen. I was reminded of Two Face and his coin that I had been at the mercy of one too many times.

"Who am I kidding?" I muttered as I put my arms down. "I'd just bail at the last second."

"Darling?" Luthor's voice called out, startling me enough to knock me off the ledge. Instead of accepting the terms of the bargain I made with whatever powers that be, I hovered. I didn't bail at the last second. I bailed the very first. Turning, I saw Luthor walk out onto the balcony, buttoning his cuffs.

"You're at work already?" I said. "Don't you ever go home?"

"I happen to like my work and I have a small apartment here. Just seems easier to stay than go to St. Martin's every night. I think the better question is why are you here? You should be preparing for tonight." His face showed the slightest worry but I knew it was only because he was a good actor so I stayed silent. He was one of my equals and after his stupid test, I didn't see him as a confidant.

So then why was I there? Why, after watching Audrey die, after killing all those people, why did I automatically come here? Did I really think he was still at home? Or was I hoping he was here?

"Darling?" Luthor dropped his hands down from his work on his buttons. "What's wrong?"

I sighed deeply as I flew slowly back over the railing, landing on the balcony toe to toe with Luthor. Our close proximity didn't phase him in the slightest. With a light touch, I took hold of the unbuttoned portion of his white dress shirt.

"I need to clear my mind before tonight," I said softly and pulled him closer to me. He raised his eyebrow, intrigued.

"I believe I can help with that." He flashed his signature smile.

"That's what I'm counting on." I floated up to meet his eyes and for the first time, I saw a composed and calculating Luthor on the verge of losing control. The tension between us was intoxicating and I kissed him, feeling him inhale deeply; his body, tensing. His fingers gently touched my jaw and traced it's way down my neck and shoulder.