Because it's you (Rei x Arlo)

6

"What is this heavenly treat you've provide me with?" Arlo asked as he took another bite of the fruity snack. "These are Czech kolaches. You the one you're eating is a cherry cream cheese one." Rei answered with a laugh. "There's lemon ones in the box if you want to try one." Arlo nodded hastily setting down the one in his hand and grabbing a lemon kolache. His blue eyes stared at the food in his hands licking his lips at the powdered sugar on top before he took a huge bite. "Slow down." Rei chuckled watching Arlo munch away. "I feel robbed. I've never had these before." Arlo mumbled. Rei smiled grabbing one for himself. "I know right. That's how I felt when I first had one." He said taking a bite of the lemon kolache. 

"Hmm, you should learn how to make these." Arlo hummed licking the sugar off his fingers. "You're only saying that so I can teach you how to make them." Rei mentioned laughing when Arlo just smirked. "You said it not me." The blonde said going back to his other kolache. "I mean, you're the one who taught me how to cook and bake almost everything I make. It's only appropriate." Rei nodded in agreement before they fell into silence. The greenette wasn't going to ask why that was. He had always taught Arlo different meals to make and never thought anything of it, but he knew there was obviously a reason his parents or aunt didn't teach him. 

"Oh yeah, I tried taro boba the other day with Remi, that's my new favourite." Rei announced. Arlo hummed taking a sip of the coffee he ordered. "What did Remi think?" Rei huffed crossing his arms in a pout. "She didn't like it, so she got mango. But the mango was pretty good too." Arlo shook his head with a small smile. "Well I'm glad I showed you that place then." Rei lost his pout replacing it with a smile. "Yeah, thanks by the way." Arlo turned away looking out of the window. He didn't know how to handle situations like that, especially with Rei because for some reason his face always reddened when it was with Rei. 

Arlo had turned back to Rei and was about to say something when their attention was drawn to a nearby television.

"BREAKING NEWS!"

"Just moments ago the well known Super Hero "Tyice" was found dead while dressed in his iconic blue and gold disguise. Authorities are keeping details on his identity and death a secret from the public so as to respect his privacy. His work was short live, but he was definitely one of the few heroes whose efforts will be remembered. To the family of Tyice, we hope you can find peace during this sad time."

The previously quiet cafe erupted into chatter at the information on the news. 

"Tyice? Dead?"

"His poor family."

"What a horrible loss."

"I hope the other heroes stay safe."

Arlo narrowed his eyes as they news repeated the information once more. 'What a way to go.' Sure, Arlo didn't agree with the superheroes but that didn't mean he didn't feel sympathy for this ones death. The blonde looked over to Rei to ask about his opinion but found Rei staring at the table. His golden eyes were wide and horrified and his shoulders had changed from relaxed to tense in a matter of seconds. Arlo arched an eyebrow at his friends behavior. "Rei..." He carefully said in a hushed tone. "Arlo...what do you think about the superheroes?" Arlo was taken aback at Rei's shaky tone. 

"Well obviously I feel horrible that that guy is dead."

"That's not what I asked."

Arlo huffed, crossing his arms and leaning into the seat. "I think they're stupid." Rei looked up from the table and a flash of hurt crossed his eyes. 'I don't understand his behavior. I get that a superhero dying his scared but I don't think this reaction is necessary.' Arlo sighed before adding, "I understand fighting for your beliefs but these people are purposely going against the social structure to gain attention."

"No they're-"

"Think about it." Arlo gaze turned to a glare as his predecessor still just stared at him with wide eyes. "The society follows a social hierarchy. If you go against it you're bound to gain some attention, which is exactly what the superheroes are doing." Arlo flinched when Rei slammed his hand onto the table and stood up. "That's not true. The superheroes are fighting to give everyone a chance at life. Because no one should be treated like they're any lesser just because of their level. The superheroes are people for care for others not attention seeking wannabes!" Arlo stared with wide as as Rei sat back down apologizing silently. 'I get it now.' Arlo sighed hating the look of pain in Rei's eyes. 'These people...they're fighting, risking their lives, for the same ideals that Rei has. And if those people die because of what they believe in, Rei's scared he'll be targeted.'

The blonde reached out his own hand and grabbed Rei's who looked up at him again. "Hey, I get that you're scared. But think about, one hero dying means the others are going to get stronger so they can protect each other better. That man Tyice, they didn't say he was murdered, they said his death is unknown. Anything could have killed him because at the end of the day he's just another person." Rei smiled slightly looking down once more. "I guess. Sorry for blowing up on you." Arlo shook his head with a smirk. "It's fine, just reminds me that you could kick my butt at any moment." Rei laughed smle returning to his face.

"I have to head home soon. Got some homework I need to do." Rei announced before standing. "And a project according to that one teacher." Arlo pointed out causing Rei to grimace. "Yeah that too." Arlo shook his head smiling as they walked back out to the car.