Sightless

Chapter 4: Struggles

  Spekter was quiet for the rest of the day, making himself especially scarce and holing away in Ryan's bedroom. Ryan didn't really know what to do, so he did... nothing. He just put the groceries away, ate his lunch, and thought about what to make for dinner. That weird feeling was back, squirming uncomfortably in his gut, but he still wasn't sure what it meant so he ignored that, too. He was good at that; ignoring things he didn't understand or want to deal with. He wracked his brain for anyone, anyone he could possibly call to help him, to handle the kid currently hiding away in his room, but no one came to mind. The villain didn't exactly have a lot of friends if one could believe that. He sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. What was he supposed to do? He'd taken the kid out to the grocery store and lost him the first chance he got, sending the hero into a damn panic attack because he couldn't find Ryan, and had been understandably scared, though he refused to admit it. Spekter had a serious problem admitting being afraid or showing any weakness, though maybe that was just because he was in the 'care' of a stranger who could barely take care of himself, let alone anyone else. There was a reason he didn't own any pets or plants; Everything that relied on his care died at his touch. But where else could he bring the hero? Spekter said he didn't have anyone to call on, implying that he didn't have any friends or family period, and Ryan also didn't have anyone he could rely on. So where did that leave them? Here. It left them right here where they were, clueless and hopeless. Hah. Perfect. He turned when he heard footsteps, surprised to not only see Spekter standing in the hall, but still wearing the clothes from the store.

"Hey." Ryan said. Spekter dipped his head slightly, coming over to sit on the couch. He looked like he wanted to say something but was hesitating, mouth opening and closing like a gasping fish. Finally, Ryan got tired of waiting.
"Spit it out, already."
Spekter jerked, nodding. "Right. I've been thinking... What are we doing?" Ryan quirked a brow.
"Wanna be more specific?"
Spekter huffed. "I mean what are we doing here? What are you doing? Why– Why are you still helping me?"
Ryan thought about it for a moment. He'd asked himself that same question more than once, and he'd always come to the same conclusion:
"I have no idea."
Spekter let out a frustrated sound. "How can you not know?!"
"Hey, you're the one who asked for my help." Ryan reminded.
"I know, but you've– You've done more than I'd asked. All I wanted was a place to hide out, and here you are patching me up and feeding me and giving up your bed–"
"I've been doing the bare minimum, the shittiest bare minimum imaginable, honestly. And–" Ryan paused, struck with a sudden realization. "No one's ever helped you out before, have they?" It wasn't really a question, more of a statement. Spekter sat back a bit.
"What?"
"You said you had no one to call. You have no friends or family or anything, just adoring fans, and you couldn't possibly ask them for help, because otherwise you'd look weak. You've never had someone you could rely on. You've never had someone help you before. Damn, that's depressing."
Spekter looked shocked, and then smiled a bit, though it was a kind of sad, resigned type smile. He huffed a laugh.
"Guess you're right. But still, I don't... I don't get it. I appreciate your help, but when I'd asked for it back in that alley... I guess I hadn't actually expected you to give it. And you clearly don't like me much, which is fine, but then why continue to help after all the trouble I've caused?"
Ryan scrubbed a hand over his mouth, quirking a brow. "Uh, 'cause I'm not a psychopath? You're right, I don't like you that much, but I don't hate you enough to throw you out, either. Even when I thought you were a lot older, it didn't feel right to do that, and it feels even less right now that I know you're just a kid. Besides, once you're a little stronger you'll be outta my hair, right? So it's not like you're here forever."
Spekter was still for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Right. I guess that makes sense."
"Yes it does. Where's your suit, by the way?" Spekter made a vague gesture over his head, probably meaning to aim it towards the hall, but it ended up going more toward one of the windows.
"It's dirty. Covered in blood and stuff. I didn't really want to put it back on." Oh, right.
"Want me to toss it in the wash?"
Spekter glared. "Are you gonna shrink it or turn it pink somehow?"
Ryan smirked. "Well I wasn't–"
"Then no."
"Wha– I'm kidding! Lighten up, kid. Are all hero's wet blankets like you?"
"I'm not a wet blanket. I just don't want you to turn my hero suit into a onsie for infants."
"You are an infant." Ryan pointed out.
"No I'm not!"