Ray knew that Gavin wasn't seeing Ash. It was obvious, when Gavin went home to see Ray and Ash talking.
"Look who it is" Ray muttered "The one who 'Went to see Ash'"
Gavin stood silently, his brain rushing through various excuses he could use. "I-I can explain" he said simply.
"Go on - Do enlighten me" Ray spat, rolling his eyes.
"I-I... I'm in love." He mumbled "I've been going to see someone. You don't...know him."
Ray nodded, smirking. "Of course you are. Why not bring him here?"
"I...I can't"
"At least tell me his name, then"
"R-Ryan Haywood." He mumbled, hoping Ray wouldn't recognise the name. He didn't.
Something about saying that his boyfriend was Ryan felt nice. Like he was proud of it. Despite the fact that they weren't together, and he had tried to kill him on multiple occasions.
"I'm not sure I believe you" Ray sighed.
"Who cares if you do? I'm going to keep going out whether you like it or not, Ray. I'll do whatever I damn please. My life doesn't revolve around you. It doesn't revolve around being a hero. I want to do things. Face it, it's boring here. And I'm not staying around so you have somebody to play video games with!"
Ray stood, shocked by the sudden outburst of his friend. If he could still call him his friend. He didn't know how Gavin felt about him anymore. Wherever he was going, it couldn't be good.
Or maybe he was right. Maybe he just needed time away.
He'd never understand Vav like he used to. He had changed so much, but despite it all, he hadn't. He was the same as he was years ago. Played the same games, did the same things, knew the same people.
He didn't like change. Maybe that was why he was so angry.
-
Usually, when Gavin got angry, he would apologise straight after. He would always say "Sorry" a thousand times, and try and make it up. This time, he just stood. No remorse. Nothing.
He didn't regret a word he said. None of it wasn't true.
Ray wanted him to himself, because he was the only one he had. For a long time, Vav was in a similar position, but now he had Ryan. Someone else he wanted to spend time with. Someone else he wanted to talk to.
He didn't want to choose, but inevitably, he would have to. Both were pressuring him to leave the other.
-
The third meeting was sooner than expected. After minutes of awkward silence between Gavin and Ray, Gavin had walked out, and drove to the asylum without thinking.
It was late afternoon, less than 24 hours since they last met. The time on the car stereo told him it was ten P.M.
He doubted that he would be let into the asylum, but he had his ways. His gloves were firmly around his hands still, ready to use if he needed them.
He was so desperate to see him. Stay with him until morning. Maybe even all day.
He pulled up his car, climbing out into the reception. There was a man at the desk in his twenties, staring at him.
"No visitors past five" he said simply.
Gavin smirked, "I beg to differ" he said simply, using his gloves to slow the man, leaving Gavin free to walk past him into the corridor.
-
Ryan wasn't expecting him so soon, and could not hide his suprise when he saw him.
"Gavin? Is that you?" He asked, confused "It's past visiting hours."
Gavin smirked with pride "I have my ways of getting in. I wanted to see you. No guard is going to stop me."
Ryan threw his head back and laughed. "I knew you'd do something like that eventually. Something outside your comfort zone. Something...evil." he smirked.
"No! It's not evil - right? I just..." he paused
"Just admit it. You did something evil, just to see me. Admittedly, simply seeing me is evil - really"
"What?!"
"Well I'm not good, am I? That makes me evil. You go out of your way to see me. And you dont try and stop me. What would the citizens think? Their hero being friends with their villain. Doesn't look good, does it?" Ryan smirked, looking at Vav, who was trying to ignore his words.
"What I'm trying to say -" Ryan continued "Is that the people who decide the heroes and villains are not us. It's the citizens. And if news of your meetings with me gets out, that would be enough to change it all, you see?"
Gavin nodded "It's a risk I'm willing to take, Ryan. Honestly."
The King grinned "Honestly, I'm glad. The more we can talk, the better. I'm sure you have alot to say. As do I"
Vav smiled slightly "I definitely do. I have...an awful lot to say"
"I have time. Stay the night if you want to." Ryan offered, adjusting his kilt.
Gavin nodded "I'll stay the night. It'll be fun"
Ryan nodded "I bet it will, where shall we start?"
"I have...some things I'd like to say. Some...confessions." Gavin began, as the King leaned in in interest.
"Eight years ago, the day after I turned eleven, I stole a box of matches from my parents kitchen. I forced Ray to come with me to this... This field. And...I burnt it. The fire just spread and spread and..."
He looked down, trying to hide the smile on his face. "I burnt it down. The whole land turned to ash because of me. I... I liked it. And I had...urges...ever since. Ray distracted me from them. But now we seem to be drifting apart -"
"-They've been coming back, correct?" Ryan finished
Gavin nodded.
"I can't say that I didn't expect this. I knew that was you who caused the fire. I saw you pass the field once. The look in your eye said it all. The urges are natural. I can help you. As soon as I get out. Burn down whatever you want, but stay safe, my dear. I don't want you ending up in this place, and I certainly dont want you dead."
He nodded "I understand, Ryan. I...I've bottled them up for years and years. Constantly keeping them secret. Never mentioning the field. Trying to find every excuse to "Save" people from burning buildings." He admitted.
"I've seen the newspapers. You failed most times. Did you do that on purpouse?"
Gavin nodded again "I wanted to see what it was like. To see the full extent of what fire could do. You're the only person who knows it."
"What happened?"
"What do you mean?" Gavin asked
"Why did you decide to keep up the whole "Hero" thing, when you are so obviously not cut out for it? You wanted people to die! But you're still the "hero"? How does that work?!" Ryan questioned.
"Just - shut it, Ryan. I wanted to get it off my chest - not for you to make me question everything."
"You know I'm right-"
That shut Gavin up.
He knew.
And he wished he didn't.
