Distraction (Superhero Black Hole: Part 20)

I must be resolute. I must be firm. My gut wants to hate her, and my head wants to fear her, but...

_Clang, bonk, boing, thud..._

*What are you doing?* The tone is one part condescention and two parts annoyance. At least that much felt familiar.

_Nothing. Just trying to think._

There's a pause, and I try to look towards her. Of course, my head still won't move. It seemed like a try, worth the effort to...

_Thunk, clink, ba-zoing, ka-ka-ka-boom..._

*Will you stop that?*

The screen begins to flicker to life once more, reassuring in its brightness but unsettling all the same. A thinkspeak noise creeps into my mind, something I can only describe as what it sounds like when someone thinks about laughing. It's not nearly as pleasant as the real thing.

*Pay attention,* she coos.

_Right, got it. Won't blink. Do we get popcorn?_

I want to be resolute. I want to be firm. I want to hate her. Odds are, I should probably fear her, but...

_Damn, she looks good in that dress._

*Thanks, now watch.*

_Shit._