UNMASKED

#24

Matthew was having the time of his life.

And sure, that might have been extremely self-centered, considering he was in the middle of a whole convention centering around himself, complete with large screens playing his greatest hits as reported by the news. Still, he wasn't going to lie to himself. Especially because his absolute glee seemed to annoy Eli. Which was hilarious.

Sure, he loved Eli, but it was still worth it to annoy him from time to time. Just a bit.

Besides, Matthew was planning on fully making the trip worth it to Eli. If only so he could convince the redhead to go again if it became an annual event. With that in mind, Matthew had ventured to the food court while Eli was off changing into his brand new Vigilante shirt—a thought that made Matthew snicker.

With the hope that Eli hadn't murdered his friends yet, Matthew made his way back after spending a ridiculous amount of time in line, getting the unhealthiest food he could find for Eli. He thought he'd gotten an impressive selection. At the very least, he hoped it was enough to put Eli in a better mood. Enough so that maybe Matthew would be able to snap a picture or two of him in his Vigilante shirt without having to sleep on the couch.

Matthew grinned at the thought and hurried. He wanted to get a look at Eli in the shirt before he ripped it off and used it to strangle Tucker because honestly, that was the most likely way for the day to end.

He could make out the little group of Eli's friends ahead, past the growing crowd. Which was probably the most surprising thing about the whole event—the sheer number of people willing to attend. Matthew was starting to think maybe they should have invited Adria.

"What, did you buy out all of the food stalls?" Vanessa said as Matthew made it back, eyeing the bags of food Matthew was holding.

"I tried," Matthew said with a shrug. He placed the food down on top of one of the unopened boxes of merchandise. "I brought some for everyone. But mostly for Eli. You know, in case he snaps."

"Not gonna lie, that's probably the best way to calm him," Vanessa admitted.

"Food!"

"Tucker, get your ass back here, we have customers!"

Matthew couldn't help but be amused at the antics of Eli's friends. It was nice, just being around people. Being normal, for a change. Matthew felt oddly grateful that he could be a part of that. He was also grateful to Eli for giving him that.

"Where's Eli?" he asked, looking around for the familiar red curls. All he found was Collin trying to drag Tucker away while talking to a couple of guys asking about some mugs. Matthew had to respect Collin's devotion to the business.

"Honestly? I thought he was with you," Vanessa said. "Seeing as he's not, maybe on the bus heading home?" Matthew wouldn't put it past him.

"I'll give him a call," Matthew said. With a sigh, he pulled out his phone and hoped Eli hadn't made a run for it. He wondered if he could call Adria and get her to order Mikey to drag Eli back.

Probably, as long as it pisses Eli off, Matthew thought, saving that as his backup plan while waiting for Eli to pick up the phone.

Instead of that happening, however, Matthew ended up sent to voicemail. He hung up, looking oddly at his phone as if it had somehow wronged him. Which, he supposed it had. He still gave the call one more try before getting the same results.

All of a sudden, Matthew felt something very close to dread as he hung up and pocketed his phone. He looked around again, hoping to find Eli scowling down at his shirt as he walked over to them. When he didn't find any sign of the redhead, he turned back to Vanessa, who was happily sipping on some lemonade as she supervised Collin and Tucker.