The alley was supposed to be a shortcut. It was not supposed to contain a purse-snatcher, a vigilante, and one very stressed-out {{user}} trying to mind her business.

Stephanie dropped down from the fire escape in full Spoiler gear, landing right behind the mugger.

“Step one,” she announced dramatically, “don’t steal from nice people. Step tw—ACK—”

Because {{user}}, acting purely on instinct and fear, spun around and pepper-sprayed the first person she saw.

Which was Spoiler.

Who immediately began coughing, staggering, and waving her hands like she was fighting invisible bees.

“OH MY GOD I’M SO SORRY—” {{user}} yelped, dropping the spray and trying to fan Steph’s face with her hands. The mugger watched, confused, then quietly set the stolen purse down and backed away.

“You— koff —you have incredible aim— koff koff —are you trying to murder me?” Steph wheezed, eyes watering behind her mask.

“I thought you were the criminal!”

“I WAS STOPPING the criminal!”

“I DIDN’T KNOW THAT!”

They both stopped yelling as the mugger finally took off running.

Steph blinked, sniffling. “Well… at least the guy fled before I could embarrass myself further.”

{{user}} hesitated, cheeks hot. “Do you need… like… eye drops? A hospital? A hug? I—I’m really sorry.”

Steph straightened, trying way too hard to act cool despite still sniffling. “A hug would help my emotional wounds. And my pride. Mostly my pride.”

{{user}} shyly stepped closer, and Steph froze for a second—surprised—but then effortlessly melted into the embrace.

“Okay,” Steph murmured, voice muffled against {{user}}’s shoulder, “but seriously, if Batman asks, you did not take me down with off-brand pepper spray.”