A Villain's Hero

Chapter 3 - Matteo

Matteo couldn't believe he'd actually done it. It was so stupid, so naive. How could he say such foolish words?

He and Rowan were just fuck buddies and nothing more. Rowan didn't want anything more, and he was content with that. Or so he thought.

Besides, Rowan was right. Matteo never took him home, and although he was always blaming it on his flatmates, the truth was very different. Who knows what Rowan would say if he knew where Matteo really lived.

The Cover Legion building was more or less a classic skyscraper, blending in with the other tall buildings around it. There was nothing special about it at first glance, and nothing special at second glance either. If Matteo was not mistaken, if someone looked up its address on the Internet, they would find some random recruitment agency that had not only offices but also apartments for employees in the building.

The real magic was hidden inside.

Matteo strode into the lobby and nodded to the doorman, who had known him long enough not to bother him with questions.

Right now, all he wanted was a hot shower and his own bed, where he could forget how much he longed to be somewhere else. With a sigh, he placed his chip against the lift and waited for the doors to open. Luckily it was night, so he had it to himself.

He dared to close his eyes for a moment. These late-night meetings were becoming increasingly difficult for him, and with the way things were looking at his job, it was a lethal combination. Not to mention his apprentice.

Matteo sighed and opened his eyes at the same moment as the ding sounded, letting him know he was on the right floor. The huge and thankfully empty living room that was shared by his team appeared before him.

His appreciation of being alone didn't last long though.

"I thought you weren't coming." The redhead walked out of the kitchen, holding a mug that was leaking steam. Matteo had no doubt she had tea with more than a drop of rum in it. Her specialty.

"I never said I wouldn't," he contradicted.

Ciara stood just a few steps in front of him, her eyes studying him intently as she sipped from her tea. He had no doubt she was analysing him, and he honestly couldn't care less. All he wanted was to get to his room in peace.

"You should break up with him."

Fortunately, Matteo controlled his reaction at the last moment and gave her a disinterested look. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Sure." Apparently, their conversation ended there, as Ciara turned and headed towards her room without another word.

Matteo automatically did the same, turning left. Even though he'd only lived here for four years, he knew this apartment inside out, so he didn't need to be aware of his surroundings, and suddenly he was standing right in front of his bed, which he launched himself straight into headfirst.

Although his head was buried in the soft blankets, his mind decided not to cooperate and instead of resting, chose to remind him of a similar night that had taken place a few months ago.

Then, just like today, he was upset about something that happened at work and needed a distraction. So his footsteps automatically headed for the dark door of the familiar apartment. Everything was as usual until Rowan asked if he was okay, and Matteo's heart skipped a beat. It was then that he realized that it had long since been about more than just sex for him. Rowan had fought his way into his heart without even trying, and that made Matteo's feelings all the more pathetic.

He sighed again, but this time his frustration was caught by his sheets.

He was a hero to the whole city, but he couldn't save his own life from misery. Not that he tried, but still.

...

"You what?" Matteo couldn't believe his ears. Just when he thought it couldn't get any worse, Sawyer had to surprise him unpleasantly like this.

"I know how it sounds, believe me, but..." The young man in front of him bit his lip and lowered his gaze, showing that he felt guilty.

Matteo sighed, putting his frustration into that one exhale so as not to take it out on his apprentice. Immediately after, he put a hand on his shoulder, and Sawyer lifted his gaze back to his.

"I'm not angry with you," he assured him. "I understand, it just surprised me. That's all."

"I thought I had what it takes to be a hero." Sawyer was clearly disappointed in himself, and Matteo wasn't about to make it worse for him. Plus, he didn't even have a reason. He'd been proud of his apprentice all along.

"You do. It just takes time. You're still young and it was too much for you. But that doesn't mean you're not destined to be a hero. Just not now," Matteo assured him, and the gleam in his brown eyes changed. They no longer reflected disappointment as before but rather were touched by his teacher's words.

"You're only three years older than me," Sawyer reminded him with a grin.

"Three years of knowledge, hard work, and practice," he said with an exaggeratedly important tone, but right then the corners of his mouth twitched, and he burst out laughing.

From a young age, Matteo looked up to heroes and wanted to be one. He did everything he could to make this future come true, from school to military training. His parents were fully supportive, even though they didn't have the financial means to afford it, but Matteo was able to find a balance between superhero training and part-time jobs, and as a result, he joined the Legion four years ago when he was only 20 years old. One of the youngest superheroes ever.

Sawyer, on the other hand, always knew he had abilities, but he didn't use them to help others. I mean, not like a hero. Instead of training, he went to a regular high school where he partied and drowned himself in textbooks. He mainly used his super speed when he was late for class or needed to read books quickly. It wasn't until he graduated that he realized he could use his powers in other ways.

Of course, he wasn't the only one who was like that. A lot of superheroes in the Legion started out just like him, but there was a bit more of those who'd had the dream since childhood.

"So you're not angry that I'm giving up?" he wanted reassurance, and the blond immediately shook his head in disagreement.

"Of course not," he confirmed with words. "Though I will miss having a sidekick."

"I have a feeling you already have one." Matteo didn't understand what he meant until Sawyer added, "Revenger."

The smile vanished from his face in an instant, remembering their last meeting. He'd never felt so helpless, and it made him feel like all his training and effort were just a joke.

"I still don't get him."

"Tell me about it," Matteo muttered. It had been a year since he'd first encountered the masked villain with the horns, and so far, he hadn't even come close to capturing him. The worst part was that Revenger didn't even have superpowers, but still managed to escape him every time.

"I just hope he doesn't come to pick up his knife." The young man shuddered at the thought and Matteo nodded without thinking.

"If he does, you know where to find me." Matteo decided to save this conversation and turn it back around, forcing a smile onto his lips. Even though Sawyer couldn't just walk into the Legion building anymore, he still knew where it was and could ask for Matteo at the front desk at any time.

"Well, you know where to find me when you need a break from your superhero duties," Sawyer replied, but in his case, the smile was genuine, as the dimples in his cheeks proved.

Matteo's first thought was that he already had such a resting place, but he pushed the thought away before it had a chance to settle in his mind.

"You can expect me soon," he assured him with a smile. He was glad to see that Sawyer looked much more relaxed than he had at the beginning of this conversation. And to be honest, even though Matteo still wasn't feeling his best, this conversation made him feel better too, even if it didn't bring any positive news.

"I'll take your word for it."