>(2/2)

Killing the old man will most likely alert Kingpin to your recent grabs for power unless you somehow find a way to hide the old man's corpse and silence all the potential witnesses. It's convenient that three of the man's capos are here. Maybe you can convince them to join you if you end up killing Silvio. You could clean up the mess and possibly get a hold on Sofia Manfredi before she can be taken out of town. Then again, you could just be getting Ren and your other underlings killed.

It's your call.

>[ ] "Silvio."
>[ ] "It's been a long time, old man. How's your granddaughter doing?"
>[ ] Hold out an open hand. The both of your are equals at least for right now. You might deescalate the current situation and earn a bit of the old man's respect.
>[ ] Kneel, grab his left hand, and kiss his ring. Maybe he'll appreciate the gesture and be more open to negotiations. On the other hand, he might get the wrong idea.(Will roll, +2 modifier DC18)
>[ ] Just the kill the fucker already.
>[ ] Grab Ren in one arm, Silvio in the other, and jump through the ceiling to the rooftop. You can initiate negotiations on your own turf or just kill the fucker this way. He might be more inclined or less to agree to whatever you propose.
>[ ] Write In.

>>2611470
>[ ] "It's been a long time, old man. How's your granddaughter doing?"

>>2611470
>how's your granddaughter
Wolverine claws when

>>2611470
>[ ] "Silvio."
>[ ] "It's been a long time, old man. How's your granddaughter doing?"
>[ ] Hold out an open hand. The both of your are equals at least for right now. You might deescalate the current situation and earn a bit of the old man's respect.

Nice to see you back!

>[X] "Silvio."
>[X] "It's been a long time, old man. How's your granddaughter doing?"
>[X] Hold out an open hand. The both of your are equals at least for right now. You might deescalate the current situation and earn a bit of the old man's respect

May as well greet him with some amount of respect and friendliness. It might unnerve him but it'll at least get rid of the annoying tension in the air prickling at your blood lust. You might even feel less dissatisfied letting him live this way. That largely depends on how negotiations go though and the chances of feeling satisfied in any way letting him live are close to zero. Flipping a man like Itsuki is one thing and a boss like Silvio is another. Ren was a special case thanks to that twin sister of hers you got to have your cake and eat it too. An example has always had to be made of those who oppose you. Doesn't matter who they are, someone has to pay. Letting Silvio off just leaves a bad taste in your mouth no matter how big of a gain it is for you.

"Silvio." you finally say.

You hold out an open hand to man before he can say anything in return.

"It's been a long time, old man. How's your granddaughter doing?" you ask.

Silvio takes a moment to examine your hand before shaking it much to your surprise and everyone else's in the room.

"Two years and about six months isn't that long. At least, for me it isn't." the old man says while letting go of your hand. "Sofia has been doing just fine. She's asked about you several times since our first meeting. I don't understand why but I've tried my best to explain mutants to her and why she can't be around them especially you. Despite all I've told her, she wants you to carry her over your shoulders again."

You take a moment to process the handshake before pondering the man's words about his granddaughter. It doesn't sound like he's keeping her in the loop of his business or trying to instill anti-mutant sentiment in her. Though if either were the case, it doesn't explain why he had her with him when he met you. Might have been some granddaughter grandfather bonding time or something he forgot to schedule away from his meeting with you.

"So tell me, prince, why are you here?" Silvio asks, breaking you out of your thoughts.

>[ ] "Let's sit down first."
>[ ] "I'm here to talk you into dropping your flags and joining me. Let's get a table so we can sort this out."
>[ ] "I'll let Tombstone talk to you before I explain. You came here to meet with him after all."
>[ ] "I came here to make an alliance with you. Kingpin's too powerful for either of us to take on alone. Together we can tear him apart."
>[ ] "I'm here to solve your little Hammerhead problem."
>[ ] Just kill the fucker already.
>[ ] Grab Ren in one arm, Silvio in the other, and jump through the ceiling to the rooftop. You can initiate negotiations on your own turf or just kill the fucker this way. He might be more inclined or less to agree to whatever you propose.
>[ ] Write In.

>>2611786
>[ ] "Let's sit down first."
>[ ] "I'm here to talk you into dropping your flags and joining me. Let's get a table so we can sort this out."

Kojo is smart enough to know how big an asset Silvio is. I imagine he has a decent amount of goodwill in his area like missed competent mobsters do. And with how long he's been around here should know that even with working for us he'll be independent enough to jump ship if everything goes tits up.

>>2611547
>Wolverine claws when
Been thinking about that a lot lately. After we get complete control of New York, someone will eventually approach us with an offer. This is assuming nothing happens to us, that "mysterious" mutant doesn't drag us to the institute, and we're still based in New York.

>>2611967
Going for more than just NY seems like it would be asking for trouble. We could reasonably hold New York and love like a king as long as it's more trouble than it's worth to remove us. Going further invites too many problems. We could set up deals sure but getting territory elsewhere could be our undoing.

>>2612019
Yup, but that's an option for you to take. Upstate New York would be a reasonable territory grab despite the institute. There's going to be a lot of good shit when we're done taking over NYC not gonna lie. People who've figured out the timeline by now probably know what's coming in the future though.

>>2612034
Oh I meant all of NY not just NYC. It's going past that which would be an issue

>>2612034
>Know what's coming
Wut now

>>2612107
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7hsVa18yfA

>>2611786
>[ ] "Let's sit down first."

>>2611786
>>[ ] "Let's sit down first."

>>2612119
What's about to happen? Galactus? The formation of The Scar?

>>2612203
>Galactus?
Doubt I'd ever do something that big.
>The formation of The Scar?
Different universe than Homeless Mutant Quest if that's The Scar you're thinking of.

>>2612203
I honestly haven't noticed anything to particularly telling, but then again I don't follow X-Men really. If I had to guess it's probably near a dark phoenix storyline. Or a cute for mutants. Those tend to be the go to storylines.

If power upgrades are out of the question for now we should attempt to learn a martial art that suits our current abilities, like Urban Krav Maga or Bare-Knuckle Boxing

>>2612270
We should definitely get some kind of style. Power is nothing if all you're throwing is haymakers.

>>2612307
Definitely

>>2611470
Shouldn't we get +4 to will rolls as we have two +2 will modifiers

>>2612344
Nevermind, I didn't read fully

>>2612319
I think a perfect example would be Thanos fighting hulk at the beginning of infinity war. Hulk definitely beats Thanos in raw strength but Thanos completely disassembles hulk due to skill.

>>2612377
I didn't see infinity war, but sheer brutality of action and discipline will greatly help us against our rivals

>>2612377
I'm watching Ip man and although wing chun is amazing I find it's too speedy for our character

>>2612445
I think something involving grappling and joint lockdowns would benefit Kojo better and maybe just some basic boxing/Muay Thai for strikes.

>[X] "Let's sit down first."

Best to get him nice and comfortable before you start talking.

"Let's sit down first." you say.

The old man hums.

"All right then." he says. Silvio turns his attention away from you to his surrounding subservients. "Everyone go back to what you were doing before while I have a talk with our young guest here."

Immediately, they all comply to his command. The three capos go back to their poker game table, the pianist faces back to his piano, and Tombstone moves back towards the bar. Your black albino acquaintance doesn't get very far before Silvio calls out to him.

"Lonnie, come back here. It's been too long since I've seen your face and I want you close for this talk. We can go over why you wanted to meet me in person afterward."

You blink at the old man, turn to see an aggravated Tombstone making his way back to Silvio, and shift your head to face the Maggia don before pointing a thumb in Tombstone's direction.

The old man nods.

Muffled laughter rumbles in your throat as Tombstone arrives.

He shoots you a glance and glares at his former employer. "You know how I feel about that name, old man. I'll guard you while you're talking with the Prince but it's going to cost you."

"I was going to hire you to handle some business for me anyway." Silvio says. "I doubt you can actually hurt the young man but I'm sure you can slow him down long enough."

"A lot has changed since I've worked for your Silvermane." Tombstone says.

Silvio raises an eyebrow at the albino before turning to you. "Lead the way. I recommend a table near the pianist. The owner of this lounge hires the best because he knows how much I love this place. The second floor might be more tempting but the windows don't exactly leave anything visible from the outside as well as the inside."

You haven't checked out the second floor yet. There might be more guardsmen than the fifteen downstairs and the six that came with Silvio or less. Sitting there might give Ren a better chance of not getting shot if things go south. Tables near the pianist would leave you surrounded on all sides. A table near the entrance or the back entrance would be safest for her.

>[ ] Pick a table near the entrance. You're already there and its one of the safest places for Ren.
>[ ] Pick a table near the bar storage room. Maybe you can get Silvio drunk enough to agree to whatever you propose and keep Ren safe if fighting breaks out.
>[ ] Pick a table near the pianist. It's his club lounge place after all.
>[ ] Pick a table on the second floor. It might be safer and if you're by some miracle incapacitated by Tombstone she can jump through the windows.
>[ ] Write In.

>>2612480
>Near the pianist
>>2612462
I think more overwhelming shit-kicking would be better, joint locking martial arts are more for non-lethal takedowns

>>2612480
>[ ] Pick a table near the pianist. It's his club lounge place after all.

>>2612500
My thought process is that Kojo has enough power that he could break someone very easily with it just by applying more pressure. And it gives us a non lethal option for people we want to put the screws to but we might also want to convert.

>>2612566
I feel as though Krav Maga and MMA is a good middle point for us, both have the opportunity for absolute massacres and non lethal takedowns

>>2612595
Fair. Jiu-Jitsu or Judo could help too.

>[X] Pick a table near the pianist. It's his club lounge place after all.

Ren's safest at your side. Your voluptuous bullet-proof skin is more than enough to safeguard her from gunfire. Besides that, you can just grab her and break through the rooftop before leaving her there to kill everyone in the lounge afterward.

You lead Silvio, two of his men, and Lonnie to a table near the Pianist.

Silvio seats himself in a fancy ornate chair opposite to you and you seat yourself to the opposite of him. He motions for the surrounding men and one woman to seat themselves in the spares. The Maggia men and Tombstone comply while Ren turns to you questioningly.

You shake your head. It's going to be easier for you to get her out of harms way with her close. Not that you don't not want her to obey Silvermane's orders. She's yours to boss around and subtly have absolute dominion over.

The old man raises an eyebrow at you but passes it off

"Pianist," Silvio calls out, "play something fitting this little event."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdqJdeKgRnI

You've never heard this song before. All the songs you know you've either heard on the radio or Abuelita taught and sang to you. It sounds beautiful though.

Silvermane looks a bit surprised at the song. He parts his lips to say something before sighing. The old man turns his head back to you.

"Why are you here prince?" he asks.

>[ ] Persuade Silvio Manfredi to join you.(Persuasion Roll DC18)
>[ ] "I came here to make an alliance with you. Kingpin's too powerful for either of us to take on alone. Together we can tear him apart."
>[ ] "I'm here to solve your little Hammerhead problem."
>[ ] Lunge across the table at Silvio and kill him.
>[ ] Write In.

>>2612690
>Join me
Or
>I'm here to kill sharks and chew bubble gum, and I'm all out of bubble gum

>>2612690
>>[ ] Persuade Silvio Manfredi to join you.(Persuasion Roll DC18)


fuck, should have just kidnapped his kid.

good luck rolling anons.

>>2612782
>fuck, should have just kidnapped his kid.
Don't know what y'all were expecting.

>>2612690
>[ ] Persuade Silvio Manfredi to join you.(Persuasion Roll DC18)

It's simple really. If he joins us we get cut off whatever he's doing but he's still in charge of his operations and he helps us out when we go after kingpin. After taking NYC we can give him some more territory to work with. He's a smart guy and should know that it's better to be working with the bulletproof rage demon than against him.

>Persuasion Roll
>DC 18

Best of the first three. Good luck, chums.

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>2614367
Sorry

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>2614367
No bonuses?

>>2614367
HAHAHAHAHAHAH DIDN'T NEED THEM ANYWAY! The real kicker is that I'm the same anon that got the yak lieutenant too

>>2614426
>No bonuses?
We're belligerent towards rivals. Silvermane counts because he's one of the top dogs

>20
Damn, son. We get a free persuasion roll pass if we decide to use persuasion again.

>>2614432
High-roller tier anon you are, yes. Please stick around.

>>2614449
Been around the whole time. I'm not planning on going anywhere.

>[X] Persuade Silvio Manfredi to join you.(Persuasion Roll DC18)
>Persuasion Roll
>DC18
>20 + 3 - 3 = 20
>Critical Success!

>(1/3)

Here goes nothing.

You take in a deep breath and sigh.

"How long do you think you have left, old man?" you ask.

Silvio narrows his eyes at you.

"What exactly do you mean by that, young man? he growls.

It looks like you've hit a nerve there. The old man's probably had to deal with a lot of young upstarts like you over his long years. None of them could ever compare to you though. You've actually made something of yourself instead of being put in a casket buried under six feet of dirt like all the other up and comers. Kingpin's assassin couldn't kill you, the Bratva hit squads couldn't kill you, and the Yakuza couldn't stop you from tearing them apart in a single day. Silvio bending his knee or dying is inevitable. All of New York flying under your non-existent flag is inevitable. Whether the streets run red with the blood of everyone who's stood against you or not depends on them and your mood.

"You're past your prime." you growl back. "Hell, you've outlived your era. The time of the Maggia and the Mafia in New York City is done. Kingpin saw to that when he stabbed Rigoletto in the back and took his little empire from him."

Silvio slams a hand down on the table. Everyone around the two of you flinches but you glare back at the old man. If it had been you, the table would be in pieces by now.

"The Manfredi family has had dominion in New York for over half a century under my leadership! Every other family of the Maggia may be dead and done or turned traitor against mine but my family will carry it on well past my time!" the old man yells.

A smirk makes its way onto your lips.

"What family?" you say. "The little pubescent girl I carried on my shoulders when we first met? Do you really think you're underlings will follow her when you're gone? All Kingpin needs to do to break your family and the rest of the Maggia apart is to take you out. Your capos will fight one another for control of the family remains while Hammerhead moves in to take whatever he can. The fatass will let them tear each other apart before swooping in to kill whoever is left."

Silvio parts his lips to say something but a look of realization dawns on his face. He takes his hand back from the table to fold it with his other. Briefly, his eyes glance down at the table before looking back to you.

"You want me to kneel to you, don't you?" he says.

Not a word escapes your lips. You just stare back at the man. It takes a while before he gives you an answer.

The old man laughs at that for a good few seconds before you interrupt him.

"You won't last long with Hammerhead still at odds with you. Kingpin will flank you from the west while you're weak and take you out before moving onto him." you say.

Silvio stops laughing and glares back at you.

"Hammerhead won't be a problem for much longer." he says.

You scoff at that.

>(2/3)

"You've let it be a problem for too long. Kingpin will make his move against you soon enough. It doesn't matter if you have all the Maggia back under your flag. His private army will tear you apart and he'll rule over whatever is left if he doesn't just send an assassin after you." you say.

The old man scoffs back at you.

"Kingpin won't risk open warfare. It will no doubt out his identity to the public. As for assassination, I'm protected by armed guards every day and hour of the week." he says.

A grin spreads across your face.

"The age of firearms is over, old man. Living weapons of mass destruction like me are popping up everywhere in the world. We're already dealing with superpowered freakshows who make asses out of themselves terrorizing the city. Kingpin can just hire one of them to take you out." you say.

Silvermane pauses for a few seconds and hums.

"Let's say I do kneel to you and we combine our forces. My professional well-equipped men to your experienced peashooter and rusted switchblade wielding thugs. Can't you see the problem already? You may claim to be a walking weapon of mass destruction but your men could hardly compare. We could launch a joint attack on Kingpin but then we'd both be flanked. Me by Hammerhead and you by the Yakuza. Kingpin can easily mow down both our armies and hire one of those so-called super-villains to to take you out. If we try to handle both the thorns to our sides and aren't careful Kingpin could make a push into our territory while we're distracted. Even if we somehow manage to take care of both of them undetected we'd still be no match for Kingpin's forces."

You've. Fucking. Got. Him.

A fit of laughter overtakes you. The surrounding on-lookers stare as you go on to laugh for a good minute. Silvio bowing to you will make them all gape.

Your laughter finally dies down. "The Yakuza aren't a problem anymore. I killed Seong Woo-Jin, flipped his second-in-command, and ordered him to take care of anyone who was loyal to the Yakuza. He's going to bring me all of their new native New Yorker recruits. As for my men's shitty gear, I made a deal with the Bratva to bring me two-hundred orders of military-specialized weaponry and body armor to outfit my boys with. My men are going to be more well-equipped than yours and outfitted well enough to take on Kingpin's private army."

>(3/3)

Silvio, Tombstone, and the surrounding Maggia men stare at you in surprise. The old man turns his eyes away from you back down at the table. For a good few minutes, he sits in contemplation before rising from his chair.

He walks over to your open left side and kneels.

You stick your left hand out for him to greet you in the same manner his men greeted him.

Silvio takes it in his own and graciously kisses the back of your left ring finger.

Everyone of his men stares at the practically historical sight. The proud lion they had known and followed for years had finally accepted his own limitations. Hopefully, none of them will be stupid enough to turn against his choice.

It's not as satisfying as the thought of killing the old man but it feels alright.

"Tell me, my new don. What's your real name?" the kneeling Silvio asks.

>Cognitive Upgrade: Expert Manipulator(+4 to persuasion rolls, You've made a first-rate Yakuza enforcer forsake his organization for your own and a living legend in New York's underworld submit to your authority over his own. There's almost no one you can't play now.)

>[ ] Whisper it into his ear.
>[ ] Say it loud enough for everyone to hear, You're done hiding.
>[ ] "You'll earn the right to learn it in time."
>[ ] Write In.

>>2615265
>[X] Whisper it into his ear. but first whisper that he must take it with him as a secret into death and beyond with it

>>2615265
>[ ] Whisper it into his ear.
We'll announce ourselves when NYC is ours proper. Once we can't be removed is when we make ourselves known.

>>2615352
names have power especially with magic

>>2615265
>>[ ] Whisper it into his ear.

Hey Afungi!
I just caught up. probably won't be around for votes much due to my work hours, but thought i'd let you know you've got another fan.

>>2615895
You have no idea how happy that makes me.

>[X] Whisper it into his ear.

Everyone will know it eventually. That doesn't mean it shouldn't be kept a secret now. You'll keep to the shadows of the underworld for a little while longer.

You lean down and whisper into his ear. "My name is Kojo Reyes. Don't call me by it and don't tell anyone else. Don or boss is good enough."

Silvio nods as you lean back to your seat. He rises and looks back to his capos' poker table. They seem to have taken a break from their game to witness the event. All three of them have the same shocked faces as the surrounding foot soldiers.

"Well, what are you three waiting for?" he calls out. "Come greet your new boss' boss. It's only proper."

The three capos blink before obeying their family head.

Both the older capos kneel and kiss the back of your ring finger but the younger one that almost ordered the surrounding Maggia men to fire upon you hesitates.

He glances down at your outstretched hand and turns to Silvio.

"Are you really serious about this boss?" he asks.

Silvermane narrows his eyes at the young man. The two other capos let out groans of disappointment. Lonnie Tombstone doesn't look all too impressed at the man either.

You, on the other, hand find this situation all too amusing.

"Michael," Silvio says, "I've tolerated your questioning of my orders out of respect for the process you've made in my organization." he turns to look at you. "The problem here is it isn't exactly my organization anymore. You're life is out of my hands."

A grin spreads across your face.

You might find having Silvio operating under your flag more pleasant than you thought it'd be.

>[ ] "Have him taken care of, Silvio."
>[ ] "Ren, take care of him."
>[ ] "Show me what you can do, Lonnie."
>[ ] "Handle him however you see fit. The man's one of yours after all."
>[ ] "I'll let it slide this time."
>[ ] Rise from your seat and kill the man yourself.
>[ ] Write In.

>>2616091
>[ ] Rise from your seat and kill the man yourself.

>>2616091
>Rip Michaels jaw off
Not sure if it'll kill him, lets find out

>[X] Rise from your seat and kill the man yourself.
>[X] Rip the man's jaw off.

Fuck it, why not? You wanted to make an example of Silvio but his shithead capo will have to do in his place. It'll make a fine example for Silvio so he knows what awaits him if he crosses you.

Your chair screeches as you rise from it.

The soon to be dead capo takes a step back but it's far too late.

A hand of yours rises to grip the bottom side of the man's jaw and in one swift motion you rip it off the man's face.

Blood gushes out from the man's now gaping maw. Harrowing gurgles emerge from the widened orifice. The man raises his hands to clutch at the missing underside of his face before collapsing to the floor.

The surrounding Maggia men and Tombstone look on in horror while Ren yawns.

You throw the torn off part of the man's jaw to a side of the room, squat down, and grin gleefully at the sight of the man's fear filled eyes as well as the frenzied gurgling sounds from his open mouth.

Closing your eyes, you breathe in through your nostrils. The delightful aroma of fresh blood quickens your heart beat and makes your mouth water. You'd have concerns about that if you were any other person.

>[ ] Stand back up and let the man have a long drawn-out death. He'll serve as a better reminder that way.
>[ ] Put the fool out of his misery. You've showed off your ruthlessness, now it's time to fake having a merciful side.
>[ ] Swipe some blood gushing out of his gaping face hole and have a taste. It smells nice enough.
>[ ] Write In.

>>2616866
>>[ ] Stand back up and let the man have a long drawn-out death. He'll serve as a better reminder that way.


Fucking metal

>>2616934
Ditto

>>2616866
>[ ] Stand back up and let the man have a long drawn-out death. He'll serve as a better reminder that way.

>[X] Stand back up and let the man have a long drawn-out death. He'll serve as a better reminder that way.

No point being dishonestly merciful here. You're among your own kind; they'll see any display of mercy as weakness. Fear is better than respect anyway. It's what keeps everyone in line.

You stand back up and leave the man convulsing on the floor.

Looking around, you see the fear-filled gazes of your new subservients. They'll probably never forget what you did here. Both convincing Silvio to bend his knee and casually ripping a foolish young capo's jaw off. A fine example for them if there ever was one. If any of them act against you or rise up against Silvio for his decision, they'll have to think first about what will happen to them.

You turn to Silvio and wait for him to get his bearings.

The old man sighs, looks down at the dying fool, and lifts his gaze to you.

"What's next, Don?" he says. "It's only a matter of time until Kingpin realizes you've eliminated the Yakuza. He'll send someone into the Bronx to track you down and then a squad of his private army or a super powered freak to kill you. You may be able to fend off what he throws at you now but we'll have to take care of him while we still have the element of surprise."

Making a move on Kingpin himself is inevitable. You won't be capable of talking him down and you can't force yourself to even consider the thought of letting another rival get off without a scratch. It might be better to take care of Hammerhead first or let your troops get some drilling into them in case anything goes wrong. Hammerhead doesn't seem like much of a boon to have under you but killing him might empower Silvio more although letting him live might piss off the old man.

>[ ] "I'm going to kill the fat bastard before he even knows what's going on."(Assassination, Target: Wilson Grant Fisk AKA the Kingpin, Location: Unknown, Leads: The Empire State Building and Fisk Industries)
>[ ] "Let's settle things with Hammerhead first. Tell me where he lives and I'll bring you his head."(Assassination, Target: Hammerhead)
>[ ] "Let's settle things with Hammerhead first. Tell me where I can find him and I'll have a talk with the blockhead."(Diplomacy, Mark: Hammerhead)
>[ ] "We save that for tomorrow. There's still a few things I need to sort out before we make any more moves."
>[ ] Write In.

>>2618268
>[ ] "Let's settle things with Hammerhead first. Tell me where he lives and I'll bring you his head."(Assassination, Target: Hammerhead)

>>2618319
support

>>2618319
Ditto

>[X] "Let's settle things with Hammerhead first. Tell me where he lives and I'll bring you his head."(Assassination, Target: Hammerhead)

>(1/2)

You can't have any loose-ends to cut off before you make a move on Kingpin. The fat bastard's empire is going to crumble and you'll have to take what you can while everyone's tearing Manhattan apart in the chaos. Having a man like Hammerhead would just attract too much attention to you anyway. Subtlety is something that dumbass has none off.

"Let's settle things with Hammerhead first." you say. "Tell me where he lives and I'll bring you his head."

Silvio doesn't take a beat to respond.

"He lives in a fancy old-school mansion in Forest Hills Queens on 70 Greenway south. I doubt he'd be there at this time of day though. He's most likely going to or already having lunch at Vetro by Russo's on the bay in Howard Beach. If not that, he's having a drink at the Blue Mist Bar and Lounge in Richmond Hill or ogling women at The Lagoon strip club also in Richmond Hill. I wouldn't recommend taking your lady friend to scout out that last one." he says.

Ren crosses her arms and shoots the old man a feisty look.

He turns to her and holds out an apologetic hand by his side.

"I meant no offense, mam. Men who typically go to those kind of establishments have no respect for boundaries whether physical or age." Silvermane says.

The Japanese girl loosens up and accepts his apology with an understanding nod.

An amused smile makes its way onto your lips as Silvio turns back to you.

>(2/2)

"Are you sure you want to handle this yourself, Don?" the old man asks. "Lonnie is more than capable of handling Joseph and whatever he can dish out. I don't have any doubts that you can kill the poor fool on your own but you don't have to deal with a problem I myself let go unchecked."

You blink at Silvio.

"Joseph?" you ask.

The old man sighs.

"Hammerhead before he got a good chunk of his skull blown out and replaced with metal." he answers.

A thoughtful hum rumbles in your throat.

You don't know just how experienced Tombstone is that Silvio would trust him to take out a Maggia family head on his lonesome but he must be the real fucking deal if that were the case. It might be best to just let the albino black man handle Hammerhead while you take care of things back at home. Though, your bloodthirsty side wants to know just how bloodstained the blockhead's artificial skull parts would be in comparison to the rest of his skull when you tear it off and skin it with your fingers. Lonnie Tombstone could come with and he could show off his moves to you by fending off Hammerhead's guards while you're ripping off his head. Ren could also come with, stay here, or make her way back to Hunts Point without you while you finish taking out the Maggia.

>[ ] "I'm used to handling shit on my own. Take care of Ren while I'm gone, old man."
>[ ] "I'm used to handling shit on my own. Make your way back to the warehouse, Ren."
>[ ] "Let me and my people handle this, old man. You can keep Tombstone around to deal with the possible malcontents that could pop up from the new change in management."
>[ ] "Tombstone can come along. I want to see what he can do and I could use an extra meat shield to keep the bullets off Ren."
>[ ] "I'll let Tombstone assist me. I leave Ren in your care, old man."
>[ ] "I'll let Tombstone assist me. Make your way back the warehouse on your own, Ren.
>[ ] "Fine, I'll let Tombstone handle it."
>[ ] Write In.

>>2619691
>>[ ] "Fine, I'll let Tombstone handle it."

>>2619691
>[ ] "Fine, I'll let Tombstone handle it."

>>2619691
>Fine, I’ll let Tombstone handle it

I like the mutual respect thing we have growing with Silvio. And its good for people to see we are willing to delegate.

>[X] "Fine, I'll let Tombstone handle it."

Scouting out four places looking for the hard headed bastard seems like a waste of your time just to kill a now minor crime boss in comparison to you. Tombstone obviously is experienced and skilled enough to handle it if Silvio says so. Besides that, there are only so few hours in a day. You have more pressing matters to attend to.

"Fine," you say, "I'll let Tombstone handle it."

Silvio smiles and nods before turning to the seated albino.

"Lonnie-" he starts.

Tombstone immediately rises from his seat, cutting the old man off.

"Hammerhead's head, I'm on it. I'll make sure to handle things as discreetly as possible." Tombstone says.

The man turns to you, glances at the still twitching fool at your feet, grins, and gives you a respectful nod you graciously return before making his way to the front door.

Silvio breaks his attention off the exiting Tombstone to focus back on you.

"What will you do now, don?" he asks.

You don't have much to clear off your list before Kingpin's all that's left to take care of. It might be better to take him out now instead of later. Then again, if you fuck up an assassination attempt he will send an army after you. Marcus should be on his way back to or already at the warehouse. Jesus is probably drilling your boys while Alex is getting hot and bothered again over all the new knives you ordered. No word from Kenji yet but he should be wrapped up with what remains of the Yakuza by now.

>[ ] "I'm going to kill Kingpin before he realizes what's happened and moves against us."(Assassination, Target: Wilson Grant Fisk AKA the Kingpin, Location: Unknown, Leads: The Empire State Building and Fisk Industries)
>[ ] "I'm going to make sure my boys back at my hideout are prepared for what might be coming."
>[ ] "I'm going to wait before I make another move."
>[ ] "I'm going to have lunch. Got any places you'd recommend?"
>[ ] Write In.

>>2620912
>[X] "I'm going to have lunch. Got any places you'd recommend?

Discreet as Tombstone may be, it would do for our presence to be noted elsewhere, seemkngly without a care, as it goes down.

>>2620912
>>[ ] "I'm going to make sure my boys back at my hideout are prepared for what might be coming."

>>2620918
support

>>2620918
Ditto

>[X] "I'm going to have lunch. Got any places you'd recommend?

Tearing that shitheel's jaw off aroused your appetite. His sweet bloody scent is somewhat reminiscent of beef. You don't know if Ren got to eat before she saw you wet and erect so this would be a good time to take her out for a good 'ole dine & dash.

"I'm going to have lunch. Got any places you'd recommend?" you ask.

Silvio blinks, grimaces, and sighs before he answers you.

"I recommend eating at Queen in Cobble Hill on Atlantic Avenue." the old man says. "You can walk there or I can have one of my men drive you and your lady friend there. With you wanted for questioning I figure you'd like to remain inconspicuous. I can ensure that you won't be bothered or denied service due to your status as a mutant. If you don't like eating around would be on-lookers you can get your own section of the restaurant using my name or simply order take-out. I wouldn't recommend ordering anything meat related considering what just happened earlier; It might spoil your appetite."

Looks like the old man heard about the incident. You wonder why he didn't bring it up doing your negotiations. It's not like it matters much but anonymity is a vital resource you're sure he once enjoyed before things went to shit.

>[ ] "Let's eat lunch there together. There's a lot more we need to talk about. Kingpin is just the tip of the iceberg."
>[ ] "Eh, I'm in the mood for something less fancy. You fine with something low-class because you're coming with us old man. There's a lot we need to talk about."
>[ ] "I'll consider it, your men can drive us."
>[ ] "I'll consider it, we can get there on our own."
>[ ] Write In.

>>2621210
>[ ] "I'll consider it, we can get there on our own."
The whole point is so that kingpin doesn't realize that we have Silvio under our thumb. We can setup a meeting later.

>>2621210
>I’ll consider it, we can get there on our own

>[X] "I'll consider it, we can get there on our own."

While it would be good to talk more with Silvio, you can't afford to be seen with him right now or any of his men. The man's a well known public figure which means Kingpin will no doubt get word of any news surrounding him and his affiliates. Wanted mutant suspect has lunch with members or the leader of a legendary crime organization are headlines that everyone would read. You'd get more heat on you from the boys in blue who'll probably bring in the feds since it concerns the Maggia. Kingpin would put a hit on your head and send a private army of special forces trained mercenaries to kill you or a super-powered dipshit if he suspects you collaborating with Silvermane. No one would think that the old lion has been tamed, however, not that it'd help with the hypothetical fallout.

"I'll consider it, we can get there on our own." you say.

Silvio nods.

"Take care." he says.

You step over the now dead shitheel, motion behind you for Ren to follow, and make your way out the front door past your new foot-soldiers.

A sigh of relief escapes your lips as you step back into the open air. The Fazioli is too fancy for your tastes. It's bartender and selection of alcohol was fine though. You'll probably never shake off the poverty you grew up in but you've seem to done well getting rid of your ghettoness as much as a gang leader living in a cramped warehouse can. Sometimes you miss your sexy, raspy Mexican accent but then remember how it slowly got corrupted by Marcus' ebonics and feel glad that you now speak in a perfect American accent. Having a naturally deep voice enhanced by inhumanly strong mutant vocal cords more than makes up for the intimidation factor lost.

Speaking of deep sounds, to your right you hear a rumble that breaks you out of your thoughts.

You turn and see a beet-red faced Ren doing her best to sink into her jacket.

A muffled laugh rumbles in your throat as you pat her on the head.

It took her long enough but it was worth it.

>[ ] Rooftop hop to the Queen in Cobble Hill. Ren might be out of it when you arrive but you're sure she'll wake up while you wait for food.
>[ ] Walk to the Queen in Cobble hill. You've got plenty of time on your hands may as well.
>[ ] Find a phone booth and call up a taxi.
>[ ] Write In.

>>2621438
>[ ] Walk to the Queen in Cobble hill. You've got plenty of time on your hands may as well.

Chance to be seen which is what we're going for.

>>2621625
This is fine

>>2621625
Ditto, a nice walk would be good for us

>[X] Walk to the Queen in Cobble hill. You've got plenty of time on your hands may as well.

Your legs could use the stretching. It'd be nice to look around Brooklyn some more too; it's your turf now after all. Kingpin has at least a few more days until he figures out what you've done to the Yakuza. As for Hammerhead, that depends on how well Tombstone will handle him and what's left of him.

From what you can recall about Brooklyn's map, Cobble Hill is in west Brookyln which is Kingpin's territory. Either Queen is on the border or Silvio may have given you the wrong neighborhood. You're in Bedford-Stuyvesant right now. It'll take at least an hour to get there on foot from here and possibly more if the old man really did fuck up on the address.

You shrug and begin your trek to west-side Brooklyn. At the very least, you'll get to see more of the borough you'll have dominion over. Worst case scenario involves somehow crossing paths with one of Kingpin's men.

On the road to the Queen, you get the usual stares and glares from passerbys. They don't bother you but you have to put an occasional hand on Ren's shoulder to tell her to calm down. You don't quite understand why she'd get upset on your behalf. It's either out of deep respect or care for you. One you appreciate and the other you find laughable. Marcus is the only one who's genuinely ever cared enough about you to feel the need to defend you and stand up for you or at least he's the only one left from your street-rat days to. Abuelita was never there when someone would give you shit and Dan would always let you sort things out on your own which you appreciated as much as an emotionally dead kid could. Experience with combat was something you thought you needed to survive and you always made sure any sort of confrontation with another person would end with you killing them. Loose-ends are loose-ends that need to be cut off in the end or else they'd come back to bite you.

You're almost near the end of Boerum Hill bordering Cobble Hill when you hear the familiar sound of a police siren go off someways on the road behind you.

A sigh escapes your lips.

You completely forgot about the whole mutant suspect wanted by the police thing.

>[ ] Just keep walking.
>[ ] Grab Ren and jump to a rooftop.
>[ ] Grab Ren and rooftop jump back to Hunts Point, you can always just have free beef from the Vegas or free food from one of your protectees.
>[ ] Stop and wait for the cops to come by, there's nothing they can do to you except break your bones by making you punch them.
>[ ] Write In.

>>2624070
>[ ] Just keep walking.
Until they ask us to stop we can ignore them.

>>2624070
>[ ] Grab Ren and jump to a rooftop.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>[ ] Just keep walking.
>[ ] Grab Ren and jump to a rooftop.

>[X] Just keep walking.

If you got spooked over every police siren you've ever heard, you'd be on a surgical table by now. Best to just play this slowly. No need to go jumping around just yet.

You ignore Ren's concerned look to your left and keep walking.

The siren behind you turns on and off as though someone were playing with a light switch. Between siren soundings, you can hear the racket of two people arguing. One is obviously very against whatever the other is planning to do. Good on whoever they are for realizing their paltry mortal coil.

You don't hear the siren again or pay any mind to the would be police pursuers until you hear the sound of a vehicle driving towards you and stopping close near your side.

Still walking, you glance to your right and see a police car scraping by the curb braking as well as accelerating at your pace. The man in the driver's seat is doing his best to pretend that he's somehow not following you while taking the occasional look in your direction and a woman is in the passenger's seat burying her face in her hands. Ren herself takes notice before gawking at the sight.

...

This has never happened to you before.

>[ ] Stop and wait to see what they'll do.
>[ ] Kick the car away.
>[ ] Just keep walking to Cobble Hill.
>[ ] Grab Ren and rooftop jump back to Hunts Point, you can always just have free beef from the Vegas or free food from one of your protectees.
>[ ] "Can I help you, officer?"
>[ ] Write In.

>>2627077
>[] Stop and wait to see what they'll do.
They've got nothing on us. This is just blatant discrimination. We're just on a stroll through town with our lovely girlfriend and we don't deserve to be treated this way.

>>2627329
Ditto, also make sure to call Ren our girlfriend

>[X] Stop and wait to see what they'll do.

It's not like the dumbass officer can keep pretending he's not following you if you stop and wait.

You stop, driving the police car to a halt as well as Ren.

For a good two minutes you stare at the nonchalant police officer through the driver seat window before his eyes meet yours during one of his little glances. He jolts, looks back to his wheel, sighs, and lowers down his window. You can hear his partner groan at the man's stupidity.

The officer turns to back to you with a smile on his face.

"How can I help you sus-civilian?" he stammers.

You can hear his partner bang her head against the top side of the glove compartment behind him as you twitch.

>[ ] "...Can I help you?"
>[ ] "...Can I talk to your partner?"
>[ ] "...Why are you following me? I'm just trying to enjoy a walk out with my girlfriend. This is mutant discrimination!"
>[ ] "...Just go away before you get hurt.
>[ ] Kick the car away.
>[ ] Grab Ren and rooftop jump back to Hunts Point, you can always just have free beef from the Vegas or free food from one of your protectees.
>[ ] Write In.

>>2628408
>You guys having any car trouble? You've been going kind of slow for a few blocks.

Everyone expects the big guy to be slow. Play it up a bit.

>[X] "You guys having any car trouble? You've been going kind of slow for a few blocks now."

May as well play along. You doubt you can outretard him but you can convincingly act the fool. It'll be easier to fool the man considering you're jacked. Dumbasses like him often assume brawn comes without brains.

"You guys having any car trouble?" you say. "You've been going kind of slow for a few blocks now."

The man gives you a confused look.

"A few blocks? We just started follow-" the man stops himself before changing his tune. "Yeah! It's just the breaks you know; they've been kind of spotty lately. Just making sure I don't speed up and end up crashing into something is all."

Your eye twitches again and both Ren as well as the man's partner groan.

His stupidity is starting to hurt.

>[ ] "Let me just lift you up and take a look at it from down under so you can be on your way."
>[ ] "Just fucking stop, I know you want to bring me into the station for questioning. Your retarded little act is making all our heads hurt at just how stupid you are. Save yourself some embarrassment. I'm pretty sure your partner is already never going to let you live this down."
>[ ] "Hey, lady in the passenger's seat, you want to take this conversation from here? I don't think I can stomach another word from your retarded partner's mouth and I don't think you can either."
>[ ] Make the pain go away by putting a finger in the man's head to see how he likes it.
>[ ] Kick the car away already.
>[ ] Grab Ren and rooftop jump back to Hunts Point, you're done here.
>[ ] Write In.

>>2630415
>[ ] Ok you guys drive safe! Grab Ren and rooftop jump back to Hunts Point, you're done here. Grumble the whole time.

Really wasn't expecting to get out dumbed.

File: Spoiler Image (281 KB, 1500x971)

281 KB JPG

>[X] "Okay, you guys drive safe."
>[X] Grab Ren and rooftop jump back to Hunts Point, you're done here.
>[X] Grumble the whole time on the way back.

Fuck the Queen, you're done here. You can always get something to eat back at Hunts Point. There's still things you need to check out at the warehouse anyway.

"Okay, you guys drive safe." you say with a forced smile.

You drop the facade turning to Ren, wrap an arm around her waist, and pull her gently against you.

She blushes and coils her arms around your torso much to the confusion of the police officer.

"Wait, before you go can I ask you a few que-"

The man doesn't get to finish his sentence before you hop to a neighboring rooftop and take off in the Bronx's direction.

You let out an annoyed growl before grumbling about pigs in blue, retards, and idiots who play hero. Normally, you'd find the idea of all three amusing. Trouble with them now is that you have to actually watch yourself around them. Just one misstep can have a really shitty consequence that has an effect on you whether big or small.

It takes only a few minutes for you to reach Northwestern Queens.

Halfway to the Robert F. Kennedy bridge still grumbling, you feel a wind slightly pick up from your right. You pay it no mind in favor of grumbling some more. It isn't until you hop off another rooftop do you feel it intensify to an unnatural level.

You turn to your right and see a familiar boy in red spandex swinging towards you on a strange web-like substance with his legs stuck out.

This is what you get for grumbling about your circumstances. A successful rookie hero about to crash into you with the force of a sledgehammer. It makes you want to grumble some more but you doubt you'd manage to get anything out before he hits you.

>[ ] Catch one of his legs with your free hand and slam him into the next rooftop you land on.(Combat Skill Roll +3 modifier, DC18)
>[ ] Catch one of his legs with your free hand and break it.(Combat Skill Roll +3 modifier, DC18)
>[ ] Catch one of his legs with your free hand and throw him at the ground.(Combat Skill Roll +3 modifier, DC18)
>[ ] Catch one of his legs with your free hand and let him go after you land on the next rooftop.(Combat Skill Roll +3 modifier, DC18)
>[ ] Catch one of his legs with your free hand and throw him away from you.(Combat Skill Roll +3 modifier, DC18)
>[ ] Turn your back towards him so you take the full brunt of his blow, you're still carrying Ren and you don't want her to get hurt if you fuck up.
>[ ] Write In.

>>2631842
>[ ] Turn your back towards him so you take the full brunt of his blow, you're still carrying Ren and you don't want her to get hurt if you fuck up.

>>2631842
>>[ ] Turn your back towards him so you take the full brunt of his blow, you're still carrying Ren and you don't want her to get hurt if you fuck up.

>>2631842
>[ ] Turn your back towards him so you take the full brunt of his blow, you're still carrying Ren and you don't want her to get hurt if you fuck up

Well at the very least the idiot cops solidified our alibi.

>[X] Turn your back towards him so you take the full brunt of his blow, you're still carrying Ren and you don't want her to get hurt if you fuck up.

You can heal from just about anything in a few seconds or a minute. Ren, on the other hand, takes a week to heal from a simple paper cut like the rest of the flatscans. Besides that, countering the webhead might lead to more trouble with him than its worth. Maybe you can guilt trip him if he manages to hurt you bad enough.

Turning in the air, your hold around Ren tightens to better secure her for the upcoming impact.

Spider-boy's outstretched feet collide with your back propelling you through the air and fracturing your spine. You don't make a sound as your vertebrae shatter. It's nothing you haven't dealt with before. Still hurts like a bitch though.

You fly by a few buildings and descend toward an upcoming rooftop.

Once again, using the control you have left in your upper body, you turn to cushion Ren from another impact. You use your free right arm to move her arms and hands to your chest rather than your lower back before wrapping it around her for extra security. She'd be breaking an arm with the way your falling if she kept it around you.

The roof cement tears through your shirt and flays the skin on your right side as you skid across it.

When you finally stop, you look down to check on Ren to see her a bit shaken but unharmed.

You sigh in relief and wait for your wounds to heal as well as Spidey to web-sling over.

It takes a few seconds for you to hear the familiar thwip of his strange web shooting.

"Oh crap!" you hear the nerdy voice yell some ways away from your prone form. "Are you alright? I didn't mean to hit you that hard. I just heard the news and got so mad when I saw you again. Please tell me you're alright, Asterios or whoever you really are!"

You roll your eyes at the genuine concern in his voice. It's pathetic just how much people like him are so concerned over the people they intentionally harm. Doesn't seem like he knows Ren is with you which is understandable considering her meekness. Though, you can use her to better make him feel like a piece of shit.

>[ ] "You broke my spine and almost killed my girlfriend; I'm pretty fucking far from alright, you jackass!"
>[ ] "What does it look like to you?!"
>[ ] "Just give me a minute!"
>[ ] "Ren, play dead. I'm fine but my friend here isn't looking so good!"
>[ ] Play dead, it'll be fun to make the kid panic over having broken one of his retarded super hero rules.
>[ ] Let go of Ren and crawl your way to Spidey.
>[ ] Write In.

>>2632295
>[ ] "You broke my spine and almost killed my girlfriend; I'm pretty fucking far from alright, you jackass!"

>>2632295

Supporting >>2632354

>[X] "You broke my spine and almost killed my girlfriend; I'm pretty fucking far from alright, you jackass!"

The nerdy fuck deserves a guilt trip. Acting like Ren's your girlfriend will help the guilt seep into his bleeding hero heart. He'll definitely be more inclined to believe you when you give him your side of the story.

"You broke my spine and almost killed my girlfriend; I'm pretty fucking far from alright, you jackass!" you yell out into the air.

Spider-boy sighs in relief.

"Oh thank god! I thought you were dead." he says before processing your words. "...Oh, wait, I crippled you for life and almost killed your-"

You hear the kid running in your direction after realizing full well what you said.

A sigh escapes your lips and you glance back down at Ren.

She's looking up to you with glistening, warm eyes. Her face is a nice rosy pink that doesn't exactly display embarrassment. The Japanese girl's plump lips quiver as if trying to say something to you.

Loosening your hold around her, you blink at the sight.

You don't understand but you're glad you can't feel anything below your waist right now.

The sound of Spider-boy stopping at your feet grabs your attention.

"Wow, you actually do have a girlfriend with you." he says. "I thought you were lying to me again for a second there. She looks so small compared to you. It's no wonder I didn't notice her."

You roll your eyes at the lying again part of his sentence. It's not like you told the kid you were a super-hero. He just assumed that on his own.

A stifled laugh rumbles in your throat before Ren rises free from your loosened hold to glare at the Web-head.

"I didn't mean to offend you. It's just...I mean...Just look at your boyfriend! He's, like, six feet tall and you're shorter than me." you hear the nerdy voice say.

Ren blushes and starts to move around her right arm.

"Oh crap, are you hurt? I completely forgot about crashing into you too for a second. Sorry about that." the Web-head says.

The Japanese girl doesn't say a word and continues to loosen up her arm. A few movements later, and you can hear the familiar jingle of her whip grow louder. She's almost done unwrapping it.

"...Am I the only one that hears a lot of keys jingling for some reason right now?" you hear the nerd ask.

You should probably stop Ren but you are really tempted to let her go at the jackass right now.

>[ ] "Ren!"
>[ ] "Spidey, stand still for a second. My girlfriend has something she wants to give you."
>[ ] "Not to interrupt but can someone pick me up? I kind of can't stand right now thanks to a shattered spine."
>[ ] Clap your hands loud enough to bring the attention back to you.
>[ ] Write In.

>>2636034
>[ ] "Not to interrupt but can someone pick me up? I kind of can't stand right now thanks to a shattered spine."

>>2636034
>>[ ] "Not to interrupt but can someone pick me up? I kind of can't stand right now thanks to a shattered spine."
Grapple him as he helps us up?

>>2636062
I'd rather wait until our back is healed first. Plus Spiderman is easy enough to play we can probably avoid fighting anyway.

>>2636091
We already would have our hands on him if he helps up us. Seems a good opportunity.

>>2636099
Yea but we have no leverage since our legs don't work.

>>2636104
For grappling we only really need two arms, which we do have.

>>2636125
If it was against someone else that didn't have super strength sure. Spidey can just fucking throw us through a wall.

>>2636034
>[ ] Write In.
Motion for Ren to stop and ask Spidey to give us a hand so we can stand up.
We should probably also clear up this "lying" business. Explain that we're not a super-hero and rather that we've just taken up a codename to do good locally.

>>2636330
Seconding this.

>>2636330
That's kind of already happening in the other option. We can explain ourselves after putting an arm around his shoulder or choose to fuck him up. You alright with that?

>>2636561
How we usually do things so yea I'm fine with it.

>>2636561
sounds good

>[X] "Not to interrupt but can someone pick me up? I kind of can't stand right now thanks to a shattered spine."

Letting Ren have a go at the Web-Head might not be a good idea. You don't really know the limits of what he can do but you now know he can at least demolish bone with low amount of effort from first-hand experience. The properties of your skin can stop bullets as well as significantly diminish any other type of blunt-force attack. A spine protrudes somewhat from the body but it doesn't change the fact that he was capable of shattering so much of your vertebrae. Ren might be able to get a slice in but if it isn't fatal she's fucked. Besides that, calling out her name will probably let Spidey know what's going on. He wouldn't exactly figure out she's a hardcore gangster but he'll at least know she's not a normal girl.

"Not to interrupt but can someone pick me up? I kind of can't stand right now thanks to a shattered spine." you say.

Ren stops unwinding her concealed chain to walk towards you just as you hear a certain Spider-boy take a few steps towards your blind left side. She stops at your right to once again glare at the kid opposite to her. It looks like the two of them are not going to get along anytime soon.

"I know you're his girlfriend but I'm the one who broke his spine." Spidey-boy says.

The girl's blush deepens as she gives the rookie hero a look you wish you could give him yourself.

"Yeah, that sucked." you hear the boy say "Let me put it this way, do you have super-strength?"

Ren shakes her head in defeat and take a few steps back to give the kid enough space to pick you up.

You feel a surprisingly strong hand lift you up by the shoulder. Turning your head to the left, you see the familiar mask of the Spider-"man". He's close enough to touch which means he's close enough to kill. It might be a waste or it might beneficial in the long run. Could be better to wait until you have an arm around his shoulder to choke the life out of him or break his neck.

>[ ] Just put an arm around his shoulder.
>[ ] Put an arm around his neck and start choking the dumbass.(Combat Skill Roll +3 modifier, DC14)
>[ ] Put an arm around his neck and move to break it.(Combat Skill Roll +3 modifier, DC16)
>[ ] Poke him in the throat.(Combat Skill Roll +3 modifier, DC14)
>[ ] Poke him in the temple.(Combat Skill Roll +3 modifier, DC18)
>[ ] Punch him in the throat.(Combat Skill Roll +3 modifier, DC16)
>[ ] Write In.

>>2637704
>[ ] Just put an arm around his shoulder.

>>2637722
Supporting plus let's give him a noogie and chew him out a little bit.

>>2637815
Yea. If we were just about anyone else he'd be in real deep shit. Not to say he still isn't but this definitely isn't how a hero is supposed to do shit.

>>2637704
>>[ ] Put an arm around his neck and move to break it.(Combat Skill Roll +3 modifier, DC16)

>>2637704
>>>[ ] Put an arm around his neck and move to break it.(Combat Skill Roll +3 modifier, DC16)

Welp, since I've already written the update and choosing to kill Spidey would be pretty controversial I'm calling the put an arm around his shoulder and noogie him while chewing him out option.

Forgive your rookie QM for being a bitch. I'll do better to communicate with you guys on choices and what not in the future.

>[X] Put an arm around his shoulder.
>[X] Noogie Spider-boy and chew him out.

>(1/2)

No sense in killing the rookie hero just yet. You still haven't fully guilt tripped him into feeling like a piece of shit. Just because you're alive and a wanted man doesn't change what he's done. He needs to know the full extent of the consequences of his actions. That way he'll know to do better as a would-be super-hero, a man, and unknowingly your patsy.

You slide your left arm over Spider-boy's shoulder.

As it drags along the red spandex, you can't help but notice the definition of his muscles. They're rugged as all developed back muscles usually are yet lean. Spider-boy's likely packing more than he looks like he is. How the skin-tightness of the outfit conceals so much of his actual musculature you don't know.

Once again, you're glad you can't feel anything below your waist at the moment.

"Alright," Spider-"man" says, "let's get you to a hospital before you slip into shock. They'll set up a room to treat you then inform the police. From there, you're in the law's hands. I'll come back here to take home your girlfriend so don't worry about her. She's going to be the least of your worries anyway."

You frown, tighten your right hand into a fist, quickly place it on the top of Spider-boy's head, and proceed to grind your knuckles into the boy's skull making him yelp.

"You could've killed me and my girlfriend, you idiot!" you yell.

Another cry of pain comes from the boy as he puts a hand up to cover his right ear.

"B-but you're both alive aren't you?" he struggles out.

>(2/2)

You narrow your eyes and add more pressure onto the kid's skull, tearing the fabric of his mask.

"That doesn't change my broken spine does it?" you say. "What would you have done if you had killed me or my girlfriend or the both of us!? Dump our broken corpses at the entrance of a police station? No one would come looking for me but my girl's all her parents have left. I'm sure they couldn't live with themselves if they saw her broken, mangled body. Or would you have just left us to rot on this roof? Have my girl's folks worrying for weeks about losing another one of their little girls before finding her green decomposed corpse after getting a call from the police station."

He doesn't respond.

You stop grinding your knuckles against his head and return your right hand back to your side.

"Your actions have consequences, Web-head. Even the simplest of things can lead to certain events happening. The sooner you learn that, you can start being a man instead of a boy." you say.

The Spider-boy turns to you.

"I don't want hear those words from someone who killed a police officer and injured several others when he could've just jumped away." he growls.

He's right about that. You could've just jumped away from the scene of the crime without hurting anyone. Not that the chopper wouldn't have followed you home.

>[ ] "I was scared, alright. You don't know what governmental authorities do to mutants with my kind of abilities. I wanted to talk things out but the cops that arrived at the scene fired at me without asking any questions. Running away would've just implicated me so I waited for them to run out of ammo but by the time they did SWAT had already arrived and it was too late. Listen to Oliver Dustin's report on the incident. He managed to piece everything together quite nicely."
>[ ] "I made a mistake. Both trying to talk things out with our useless mutant hating police force and breaking through that riot-shield wall. I can accept that and I understand that I made that mistake. Can you say the same?"
>[ ] "They fired at me without warning; It was self-defense."
>[ ] "My actions don't equate to your own. We're both responsible for our own actions. Just because I did something doesn't mean you can just attack me out of nowhere for it."
>[ ] Write In.

>>2639840
>>[ ] "They fired at me without warning; It was self-defense."
>>[ ] "My actions don't equate to your own. We're both responsible for our own actions. Just because I did something doesn't mean you can just attack me out of nowhere for it."

>>2639840
>>[ ] "They fired at me without warning; It was self-defense."

No big deal.
You can state when you've started writting to let people know when you've stopped taking votes.

Voting closed, writing now.

>[X] "They fired at me without warning; It was self-defense."
>[X] "My actions don't equate to your own. We're both responsible for our own actions. Just because I did something doesn't mean you can just attack me out of nowhere for it."

Saying it was self-defense doesn't exactly justify your actions. Though, it's not like he can say you don't have a right to defend yourself. You're not trying to justify your actions anyway. May as well hammer the guilt trip in one last time for good measure while you're at it. He'll be putty in your hands by the time your done here.

"They fired at me without warning; it was self-defense." you say. "Besides, my actions don't equate to your own. We're both responsible for our own actions. Just because I did something doesn't mean you can just attack me out of nowhere for it."

The Spider-boy moves his hand from his ear to his face before groaning into it.

"I know I messed up and I'm really really sorry but I can't just let you go now. You need serious medical attention and the only way you're going to get any of that is if I drop you off at a hospital which means turning you in. I don't know the exact details of what happened between you and the police but I feel like I owe you the benefit of the doubt after breaking your spine. If there were any other way to help you I wouldn't turn you in but I just don't see one so I'm sorry." he says.

Now would be a good time to tell him you can heal but then again you could get him to take you somewhere and leave thinking he crippled you for life.

>[ ] "I have a healing factor, just give me a minute."
>[ ] "Take me to Hunts Point in the Bronx and you can drop me off at a warehouse with all the medical care I need without turning me into the police."
>[ ] "Just take me to Castle Hill in the Bronx and you can drop me off at my girl's place. Her folks run a back-alley doctor clinic for orphaned street-rats."
>[ ] Write In.

>>2641200
>[ ] "I have a healing factor, just give me a minute."

I wanna fuck with him but i guess we shouldn't give him any leads on where he can find us

>>2641588
Ditto.

Voting close, writing now.

>[X] "I have a healing factor, just give me a minute."

Telling the kid to drop you off anywhere in the Bronx will give him a big lead on where to find you. It might not matter so much now but it will if your identity gets out. Spidey was capable of unintentionally breaking your spine. Not that hard to imagine what he could do to you and your entire crew if he decides to bring you all in. You could definitely kill him but your biggest problem would be getting close enough to the point he couldn't web-sling away.

"I have a healing factor, just give me a minute." you say.

Spider-boy turns his face away from his hand to look back at you.

"Why didn't you just say that?!" he yells. "I thought I crippled you!"

A smirk makes forms on your lips.

"You wouldn't have learned anything that way." you say.

The boy sighs.

"Can you let go of me then? You clearly don't need my standing up if you're just going to heal in a minute." he says.

You hum and focus back on the feeling of the rookie hero's back muscles. Their rugged contours give you a nice idea of what his naked back would fully look like. Whether or not they'd feel smoother without the spandex on is something you wonder. It's not like you mind ruggedness or smoothness. Neither of them have ever gotten in the way of things in your experiences.

...

Pulling your arm off the man's shoulder, you fall back-first onto the rooftop with a sickening crack.

Spider-boy crouches down by your left while a concerned Ren walks over to your right.

"You alright, man?" Spidey asks.

A relieved sigh escapes your lips.

"Yuuup." you drawl out.

The three of you sit in silence for a few seconds until Spider-boy breaks it.

"Sooo, what's your real name? I'm pretty sure it's not Asterios since that's a name for the illegitimate minotaur prince of Crete in Greek mythology. Good super-hero name though but I'm not even sure you are one anymore." he says.

You raise an eyebrow at the kid. Asterios was a name you picked at random but it seems awfully fitting now that you know its origins. It's not like you ever claimed to be a superhero though you can see how he would assume so after your first meeting.

A small smile makes its way onto your lips.

>[ ] "Neeerd!"
>[ ] "Asterios? My name is Asterio. Did you assume I said Asterios?"
>[ ] "Of course it's not my real name but it may as well be with all the crime I fight every day."
>[ ] "Names are for friends and I'm not a super-hero, kid. I'm just some guy who's had to sift through the shit of his neighborhood is all."
>[ ] "I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours."
>[ ] "Kojo Reyes AKA Asterios at your mercy, rookie."
>[ ] "Kojo Reyes, your friendly neighborhood mutant man who minds his own fucking business."
>[ ] "Kojo Reyes, prince of the Bronx himself."
>[ ] Stay silent and wait for your wounds to heal.
>[ ] Write In.

>>2642965
>>[ ] "Neeerd!"

>>2642965
>[ ] "Names are for friends and I'm not a super-hero, kid. I'm just some guy who's had to sift through the shit of his neighborhood is all."

>>2642965
>>[ ] "Names are for friends and I'm not a super-hero, kid. I'm just some guy who's had to sift through the shit of his neighborhood is all."

Voting Closed, writing now.

>[X] "Names are for friends and I'm not a super-hero, kid. I'm just some guy who's had to sift through the shit of his neighborhood is all."

Better to stay anonymous to the Web-Head for now. Your name's a valuable piece of information he can go spewing about all over the city without knowing its importance. As for his thoughts on you being a hero, it's better for him to know the half-truth than believe a lie. He'll probably end up pulling another one of these stupid stunts again if he figured out you actually did lie to him this time.

"Names are for friends and I'm not a super-hero, kid." you say. "I'm just some guy who's had to sift through the shit of his neighborhood is all."

You can feel Spider-boy study you closely behind his mask.

"That sounds an awful lot like being a hero to me. If you weren't one, how do you know about the factions running New York City's Underworld right down to their territory? Even I didn't know that. You have to somehow be more involved in all this." the Spider boy says and raises a hand to stroke his chin. "Come to think of it, aren't we in Maggia turf right now? Why were you jumping through here with your girlfriend?"

Spider-boy is a lot smarter than you thought he was. You might not be able to get out of this all buddy-buddy but it's not like you were going for that anyway. If he had any real street experience he'd have figured you out by now. Nonetheless, the fact that he's just a few steps away from fingering you for a thug is concerning.

From the corner of your eye, you see Ren's familiar questioning gaze.

>[ ] "I've already told you how I'm involved. The reason you didn't know about the major players is because you're an idiot. Fucking prostitutes know who they are and where they call their turf."
>[ ] "Been in this game my entire life keeping my hood free from the usual trash. Maggia, Kingpin, Irish, and even the Cosa Nostra have tried to move in over the years. Had to bust a few of their operations in the heart of their turf to keep them off my streets."
>[ ] "I used to roll with a gang that controlled a lot of the Bronx. Got out while I could, mutated, and decided to give back to the community I took from. We used to press flesh with the big boys all the time back then."
>[ ] "I was showing my girl how the rest of New York looked like in the sky when you came along and shattered my spine."
>[ ] "I was going to take my girl out to have lunch. She doesn't like how people stare at me so I figured we'd jump there. That's when you came along."
>[ ] "I was taking my girl home after meeting with Silvio Manfredi to talk about bringing in the Kingpin. Figured if I bring my girl along he'd be more comfortable because he always has his granddaughter with him. He refused my offer but now that you're here I think we can take him down together."
>[ ] "Shouldn't you be in school instead of slinging around breaking people's spines?"
>[ ] Nod at Ren.
>[ ] Write In.

>>2643820
>>[ ] "I was going to take my girl out to have lunch. She doesn't like how people stare at me so I figured we'd jump there. That's when you came along."
>>[ ] "Shouldn't you be in school instead of slinging around breaking people's spines?"

>>2643820
>[ ] Write In.
"I was taking my girl home after meeting with Silvio Manfredi to talk about bringing in the Kingpin. Figured if I bring my girl along he'd be more comfortable because he always has his granddaughter with him. Now I've got the Maggia under my thumb. I'm going to use them to take down Kingpin and then usurp his position. Once I've done that I'll put his power to good use by bettering New York, rather than corrupting it. I'll keep the gangs under control and turn the Underworld into a positive force. It's messy and dangerous, but I figure it's the best long term solution. No offense kid, but going out in costume fighting off mooks day in and day out is just a surefire way to preserve a cycle of endless conflict. I've spent too long fighting an uphill battle, now I'm going to dismantle the issues by attacking the roots."

>>2644058
While I like this, outright talking about our dealings is a bad idea. Especially when we were going to get lunch as an alibi so kingpin won't know we're working with the Maggia.

>>2643820
>Anyone whose grown up in these streets knows who the players are. I'm working on dealing with them my way. No offense kid, but going out in costume fighting off mooks day in and day out is just a surefire way to preserve a cycle of endless conflict. I've spent too long fighting an uphill battle, now I'm going to dismantle the issues by attacking the roots.

Biting off some of >>2644058 because we'll only run into more problems with Spidey if we keep deflecting or if he thinks we're another player just making moves. Play up the sympathetic angle a bit, he is a softy and could be very useful in the future.

>>2644058
>>2644402
Good write-ins. Definitely going to wait for a vote break instead of a roll.

>>2645122
We may be here awhile.

>>2644402
i switch to this if only to hurry this up.

>>2645219
Alright then.

Voting closed, writing now.

>[X} "Anyone whose grown up in these streets knows who the players are. I'm working on dealing with them my way. No offense kid, but going out in costume fighting off mooks day in and day out is just a surefire way to preserve a cycle of endless conflict. I've spent too long fighting an uphill battle, now I'm going to dismantle the problems by attacking their roots."

>(1/2)

You can't deflect his questions forever. His suspicions will grow if you don't give him a straight answer. A more implicated half-truth is just what you need to tell him. Sooner or later he'll stop asking questions, your spine will be healed, and you can jump out of here with your cute Asian girlfriend. The Web-Head will sling off knowing none the wiser that he crossed paths with one of New York's most powerful crime bosses yet again.

"Anyone whose grown up in these streets knows who the players are. I'm working on dealing with them my way. No offense kid, but going out in costume fighting off mooks day in and day out is just a surefire way to preserve a cycle of endless conflict. I've spent too long fighting an uphill battle, now I'm going to dismantle the problems by attacking their roots." you say.

Spider-boy perks his head up in surprise.

"That sounds like something Frank Castle would say." he says.

From your prone position, you shrug. The Punisher is more in it for killing criminals instead of actually fighting crime. You're a fan of his work but have yet to have the pleasure of meeting the man. He hasn't been in New York for some time now. It'll be one hell of a surprise for him to come back and hear that a teenager murdered as well as usurped the Kingpin while he was away.

>(2/2)

"Just what exactly are you planning?" Spidey asks. "You still haven't told me why you're here."

A sigh escapes your lips.

Once again, you spy Ren obediently awaiting your order. Your tempted to let her loose but you already know how that'll probably end. It's still tempting however.

>[ ] "I convinced Silvio Manfredi to kneel to me and was going home before you came along. I've already taken care of the Yakuza and he's going to take care of Hammerhead. Me and him are going to move on Kingpin together. Soon enough, New York will have less crime and more protection against super-villains. I'm doing what needs to be done, Web-head. You could try to stop me, step aside, or help out. It's your call."
>[ ] "All you need to know is that things are going to get better in the upcoming days."
>[ ] "I convinced Silvio motherfucking Silvermane Manfredi himself to walk away. In just a few hours, I've done enough crime-fighting to last for decades. That's what I'm planning on, Web-head. Bringing an end to all this bullshit in ways none of you spandex wearing idiots have ever considered."
>[ ] "I was showing my girl how the rest of New York looked like in the sky when you came along and shattered my spine."
>[ ] "I was going to take my girl out to have lunch. She doesn't like how people stare at me so I figured we'd jump there. That's when you came along."
>[ ] "I was taking my girl home after meeting with Silvio Manfredi to talk about bringing in the Kingpin. Figured if I bring my girl along he'd be more comfortable because he always has his granddaughter with him. He refused my offer but now that you're here I think we can take him down together."
>[ ] "What are you doing out here? Shouldn't you be in school instead of slinging around breaking people's spines?"
>[ ] Nod at Ren.
>[ ] Write In.

>>2645492
>[ ] "I convinced Silvio Manfredi to kneel to me and was going home before you came along. I've already taken care of the Yakuza and he's going to take care of Hammerhead. Me and him are going to move on Kingpin together. Soon enough, New York will have less crime and more protection against super-villains. I'm doing what needs to be done, Web-head. You could try to stop me, step aside, or help out. It's your call."
We're a master of diplomacy. I'm sure we can convince Web-Head that it's all for the greater good.

>>2645492
>>[ ] "I was going to take my girl out to have lunch. She doesn't like how people stare at me so I figured we'd jump there. That's when you came along."
>[ ] "What are you doing out here? Shouldn't you be in school instead of slinging around breaking people's spines?"

>>2645492
>Punisher? While his methods seem more effective on the surface they actually accomplish nothing. How many families has he taken out compared to how much crime has dropped? The reason that nothing changes is that Frank leaves a vacuum for a new group to move into. I'm making deals with the current players instead of just dropping them. Anyone who doesn't want to play by the new rules gets forced out. Soon enough, New York will have less crime and more protection against super-villains. I'm doing what needs to be done, Web-head. You could try to stop me, step aside, or help out. It's your call.

>>2646174
Seconding this.

Voting closed, writing now.

>[X} "Punisher? While his methods seem more effective on the surface they actually accomplish nothing. How many families has he taken out compared to how much crime has dropped? The reason that nothing changes is that Frank leaves a vacuum for a new group to move into. I'm making deals with the current players instead of just dropping them. Anyone who doesn't want to play by the new rules gets forced out. Soon enough, New York will have less crime and more protection against super-villains. I'm doing what needs to be done, Web-head. You could try to stop me, step aside, or help out. It's your call."

>(1/2)

Time to come clean by telling Spidey the truth. A convenient half-truth he can't deny is the truth. Hopefully, he'll stop with all fucking questions after this one. Pointing out how Skull T-shirt doesn't really change anything when it comes to crime will definitely help your case. He probably isn't going to be friendly with you but that can be easily mended in the future by showcasing the results.

"Punisher? While his methods seem more effective on the surface they actually accomplish nothing. How many families has he taken out compared to how much crime has dropped? The reason that nothing changes is that Frank leaves a vacuum for a new group to move into. I'm making deals with the current players instead of just dropping them. Anyone who doesn't want to play by the new rules gets forced out. Soon enough, New York will have less crime and more protection against super-villains. I'm doing what needs to be done, Web-head. You could try to stop me, step aside, or help out. It's your call." you say.

Spider-boy lowers his head to glower at you behind his mask.

"So that's why you're here. You just got done making a deal with the Maggia, didn't you?" he turns and lifts his gaze towards Ren. "And she's not really your girlfriend, is she? She's some kind of highly trained ninja assassin or something."

A grin makes its way onto your face before its replaced by a false frown.

"Oh wow, just because she's Japanese automatically makes her a ninja?" you say.

The kid turns back down to you.

"Wait, what?" he says.

He glances back at Ren and sees her cross her arms at him.

You fight down the urge to laugh as his head drops.

"You fucking racist," you hiss bringing Spidey's attention back to you, "I used to get into street-fights with assholes like you who'd give me shit for being mixed all the time when I was a kid."

Spider-boy goes through a few strange crouched body movements as he struggles to rebuke your accusations.

"I don't...I meant...I'm not...Y-you two are criminals! You cannot make feel bad about this right now!" he yells.

You scoff.

"Oh wow, the same way I can't hold you accountable for breaking my spine when I was minding my own business jumping through New York?" you say. "What the hell are you doing out here anyway; shouldn't you be in school? And we're both criminals?" you grin. "You're assuming too much, Web-head."

>(2/2)

Once again, the kid struggles to answer you.

"You have a healing factor! Although, I am actually sorry about that. It's August, one of my closest friends is abroad with his dad, and my other closest friend is spending more quality father-daughter time her dad; there's literally nothing else to do but go out crime-fighting until Summer vacation is over. And I'm not assum-"

Spidey pauses as he comes to a realization.

"Hey!" he yells.

You snicker for a full minute ignoring any of the Web-head's attempts to scold you. Ren isn't as amused but you can spy her smirking ever so slightly. She doesn't have your sense of humor or one you fully know of but she has her little things.

Her adorable itty bitty things.

...

Speaking of little things, you can feel your toes again and to a greater yet lesser extent your not so flaccid penis.

You sigh in relief.

"So, what's it going to be, Web-head?" you ask.

The kid takes a break from his grumbling to perk up at the sound of your voice. He takes a hand under his chin and examines you carefully. It takes him a few seconds to come to a conclusion.

"If I turn you in now, you'll get off squat free thanks to your new connections to the Maggia and who knows how many others. You wal-" he pauses before correcting himself. "...I mean, go free for now. Next time I see you won't end the same way. I'll throw you in a cell and stop whatever grand scheme your planning."

You hum, kip-up back to your feet much to the kid's surprise, and glare down at him.

He rises to meet your glare with what you can only assume to be his own but finds himself a few inches too short to properly stare-down with you. The Spider-boy's tense form falters as he takes the sight of you in and realizes the shear difference in your sizes. You can't help but take pleasure in the rookie hero's examination. Spider-"man" stops at your feet, looks back up to you, and points a thumb behind him.

"I'm going to go now." he says.

Your grin widens.

"You best do that." you say.

Spider-boy sprints off letting you see what he saw at your feet. They're indented into the rooftop and the center of large cracks reaching all the way to the ends of the roof. Rather sloppy of you but you just barely got control of your legs back. It's not going to fall but you can tell why Spidey got spooked.

The grin on your face grows even wider.

You're stronger than him or at least he thinks you're stronger than him which means you can take him.

Glancing back up towards where the Web-head ran off you can see him preparing to sling away.

>[ ] "Next time I see you, you're dead!"
>[ ] "This city needs people like me and it needs people like you!"
>[ ] "I'm not a bad person but I'm not a good one either; I hope you can grow up and understand that someday!"
>[ ] See how he likes getting his back broken.(Combat Skill Roll +3 modifier, DC18)
>[ ] Say nothing, grab Ren, and hop off to Hunts Point.
>[ ] Write In.

>>2646901
>[x ] "I'm not a bad person but I'm not a good one either; I hope you can grow up and understand that someday!"

>>2646901
>[ ] "This city needs people like me and it needs people like you!"
>[ ] "I'm not a bad person but I'm not a good one either; I hope you can grow up and understand that someday!"
I knew we wouldn't win him over but we got him thinking. Now we just have to cement New York under us before we meet again. War will happen if we get taken in at that point.

Voting closed, writing now.

>[X] "This city needs people like me and it needs people like you!"
>[X] "I'm not a bad person but I'm not a good one either; I hope you can grow up and understand that someday!"

Giving the kid some praise will help him lighten up. Including yourself might seem a bit too self-righteous but admitting to your faults will lessen that. This is probably the only praise the kid will get anytime soon with the media riding his ass. You could turn him to see things your way in the future if that keeps up. He'll take some time to adjust to the whole ruthless psychopath thing but by then it will be too late for him. Spider-boy will be your Spider-man.

"This city needs people like me and it needs people like you!" you call out. "I'm not a bad person but I'm not a good one either; I hope you can grow up and understand that someday!"

Spidey stops before he can web-sling away, turns to say something, pauses for a moment, turns back again, and slings away.

That was probably the best response you were going to get out of him.

You turn back to Ren and see her staring at you.

A hum emanates from your throat.

"You still hungry?" you ask.

The Japanese girl blushes and nods.

>[ ] "Got any suggestions?"
>[ ] "Why don't we go on a date for the rest of the day? I'm sure Marcus can handle things while we're gone. Jesus is probably drilling the boys with his assistance right now."
>[ ] Grab her and rooftop jump back to Hunts Point.
>[ ] Grab her, jump down, and call a taxi.
>[ ] Write In.

>>2647158
>[ ] "Why don't we go on a date for the rest of the day? I'm sure Marcus can handle things while we're gone. Jesus is probably drilling the boys with his assistance right now."
Seems like something she'd enjoy plus she's been doing good all day, why not give her a reward?

Voting closed, writing now.

>>2648095
This and pat her head.

>[X] "Why don't we go on a date for the rest of the day? I'm sure Marcus can handle things while we're gone. Jesus is probably drilling the boys with his assistance right now."

Fuck it, why not? She's been a good girl all day; she deserves a reward. It'd be a good chance to instill a stronger sense of loyalty in her and to loosen her up around you too. Ren is pretty much your third-in-command. The closer and more comfortable she is around you the better you can communicate as well as operate together. Your talk this morning revealed that there's a lot to work out with her. Plus, you want to better understand that strange look she gave you when you called her your girlfriend.

"Why don't we go on a date for the rest of the day?" you say. "I'm sure Marcus can handle things while we're gone. Jesus is probably drilling the boys with his assistance right now."

Ren's blush deepens.

"I...well, um." Ren glances away from you, takes a deep breath, and looks back to you. "Th-that would be won-wonderful, Reyes-sama." she stutters out.

You stifle a laugh and smile.

It's going to be hard for you to not miss her cute little quirks around you if she ever gets over them. They've been a source of your entertainment today and the past three years. Hopefully, she retains some of them in the future. You're probably going to get to see a lot of them when you go on your date. Lunch will go by uneventfully but the rest of the day will be fun when the two of you do whatever people do on a date.

A hum rumbles in your throat at the thought until your eyes widen in realization.

You've never actually gone out on a date before. For most of your teenage life, you've occupied yourself in criminal activities. Sure, you had sex a few times before becoming abstinent but you've never had any actual sort of romantic relationship or partook in a romantic activity. It's largely thanks to your inability to understand the concept of love, feel it, or care for it. Marcus has said that you love him in the past. Long conversations between the two of you have started over that. He'd explain how your care for his well-being and enjoyment of his company showed how you loved him while you'd stare at him confused then try to explain yourself. The man is someone you care for but you don't love him. Although, sometimes you've wondered if the feeling you got from being around him was what it was like to have a brother: not that you'd ever tell him that.

Dismissing your thoughts with a sigh, you turn your attention back to Ren.

She seems to have been staring at you for a while now.

>[ ] "Got any suggestions for Lunch Brunch?"
>[ ] "Is this your first date?"
>[ ] Grab her and jump to Hunts Point.
>[ ] Grab her and jump to Sylvia's in Harlem, this will be the second of many charges to Cage's wallet.
>[ ] Grab her and jump to Midtown Manhattan, you're in the mood for something fancy.
>[ ] Jump down with her, find a phone-booth, and call a taxi.
>[ ] Write In.

>>2649966
Too late, homes. Will definitely include a head pat next update tho.

>>2649983
>[ ] "Got any suggestions for Lunch Brunch?"

>>2649983
>[ ] "Is this your first date?"
>[ ] "Got any suggestions for Lunch Brunch?"
>>2649988
Thanks man.

Voting closed, writing now
>>2650730
It's nothing, bruh.

>[X] "Got any suggestions for Lunch Brunch?"
>[X] "Is this your first date?"

You know a lot of places in the Bronx, some in Harlem, and a few in Queens but just picking one without asking her is inconsiderate. She wouldn't mind and normally you wouldn't care but you want her to feel comfortable. Besides, the first place you had in mind was the Vegas' butcher shop. Ren isn't squeamish around bloody meat of any origin but a butcher shop hardly seems like the place to eat on a date.

"Got any suggestions for Lunch Brunch?" you ask.

Ren raises an eyebrow at you before returning it to its normal position.

"Jimmy's Grand Cafe in Unionport." she says. "We can walk back to the warehouse and either Soundview park or Pugsley Creek park to relax after we're done, Reyes-sama."

A hum rumbles in your throat. You've never been to Jimmy's Grand Cafe although you do collect protection money from the owner. No need for dining and dashing if you go there. Relaxing in a park afterward would be nice. She didn't list Castle Hill park for obvious reasons. Would remind her too much of her sister going back to where they probably played as kids. It seems like she wants to go back to the warehouse soon, though. Disappointing if your first date were to end early.

You blink for a moment then focus back on Ren.

"Is this your first date?" you ask.

Ren blushes and nods.

Stifling a laugh, you walk towards the poor girl and give her a comforting pat on the head that turns her blush into a bright crimson.

It looks like this will be her first time too. Understandable really, you met her when she was fourteen. A year too young to start dating but the perfect time to get involved in crime. She did mention getting expelled from school for crippling some kid which might have been the start of the Yamazaki twins' rise to power. Ren wouldn't have any time and any incentive to date people then. You don't know if Run also got expelled or stopped going after Ren was kicked out but that doesn't matter now.

>[ ] Grab Ren and jump to Jimmy's Grand Cafe in Unionport, it's a good thing to go to new places.
>[ ] Grab Ren and jump to Sylvia's in Harlem, Cage needs to pay literally.
>[ ] Grab Ren and jump to the Vegas' Butcher shop in Hunts Point, you want some bloody raw meat in your mouth.
>[ ] Grab Ren and jump to Midtown, she deserves something fancy and so do you.
>[ ] Jump down with Ren, find a phone-booth, and call a taxi.
>[ ] Write In.

>>2651730
>[ ] Grab Ren and jump to Jimmy's Grand Cafe in Unionport, it's a good thing to go to new places.
We already get money from him but making an appearance and being cordial should make him less likely to complain about our deal.

>>2651730
>[ ] Grab Ren and jump to Jimmy's Grand Cafe in Unionport, it's a good thing to go to new places.

Voting closed, writing now.

>[X] Grab Ren and jump to Jimmy's Grand Cafe in Unionport, it's a good thing to go to new places.

>(1/2)

Ren gets what Ren wants, for today at least. It's good to try out new places anyway. Now that James' Java shop has been shot to shit maybe Jimmy's will be your new goto for coffee depending on how good theirs is. The employees will have to learn who their real boss is when you arrive. All of them are likely to have heard of you before so they're probably not going to give you any trouble when you walk out on the bill.

You slide your hand down from Ren's head, over her nape, across her back, and stop at her waist.

The flustered girl takes a deep breath and wraps her arms around your body once again.

With a leap, you take off back to the the Bronx.

It takes you only a minute to reach the Robert F. Kennedy bridge. Lucky for you, a truck is already on the freeway driving into Randalls Island. You leap from a nearby rooftop onto the speeding truck and sink your fingers into the steel cargo roof. Ren's grip tightens around you as it happens, making you bite down a groan.

Twenty minutes go by as the cargo truck drives across the bridge, through Randalls Island, and into Port Morris.

You stand yourself on the cargo roof when the truck crosses into the Bronx and leap onto a nearby rooftop before taking off to the northeast.

As you make your way to Unionport, you notice Ren's hold around you gradually loosen. You look down and see Ren gazing back up to you. The girl blushes before averting her eyes. It seems like she's getting used to your way of traveling. Either that or she's getting more comfortable around you to the point the motion sickness doesn't bother her as much although you doubt that.

Passing by Foxhurst and dipping into the edge of Hunts Point, you jump across the Bronx River into Soundview.

You feel Ren shift her head to your left while you fly through the air.

"...Bruckner Expressway." she says. "Keep going straight until you reach Castle Hill Avenue. From there, jump across the freeway onto the building on the other side. That'll be Jimmy's Grand Cafe."

You nod and proceed to follow her directions.

By the time you land on the roof of your first date spot, ten minutes have passed since you returned to the Bronx. Faster than a taxi but still relatively slow compared to what you can do without carrying someone. At least Ren's not as old as Itsuki is so you don't have to worry about going fast enough to give her a heart attack.

You walk to the edge of the roof, take a step out into the open air, and let yourself fall onto the side-walk below.

Taking a look around, you see half-a-dozen or so passerbys stop to gaze at you in fearful revelation and quite a few drivers ignore their intersection green light in favor of staring at you.

A pleased grin makes its way onto you face as you let go of Ren.

>(2/2)

She unwraps her arms from you, takes a deep breath, sighs, and turns to see one of your fearful on-lookers. Taking a moment to fully examine her surroundings, the Japanese girl notices the full pack of passerbys and scowls. Ren grabs you by the hand much to your surprise and takes you around the street corner to the entrance of the cafe. Your unofficial third-in-command holds open the door for you to enter and closes it behind her when you do.

You move to give Ren a look but a voice snatches your attention.

"Hello! Welcome to Jimmy's Grand Cafe how may I hel-"

Turning to look at the greeter, you see a usual restaurant podium and a brown skinned woman behind it gaping at you.

A grin once again adorns your face.

>[ ] "Table for two, please."
>[ ] "Can I speak to your manager?"
>[ ] "Yeah, I'm real."
>[ ] "What, never seen a mutant before?"
>[ ] Write In.

>>2653175
please

>>2653175
>[ ] "Table for two, please