#superheroe au

–Fortunately, as you can see, I manage to make him fall asleep… The problem is… I’m not sure for how long-

Remy smiled awkwardly. Gregory took a deep breath and passed his hands through his bleached hair. He stared at The Duke and thought to himself “This is extremely dangerous…”. The Duke without his powers is strong enough to take down whoever he wants, who knows how dangerously stronger he is with his powers intact.

-Remy… I need to take him in-

-No! You promised!-

-Why not?! Didn’t you say he was a creep? HE TRIED TO CHOKE YOU!- Gregory yelled exasperated.

-Well, yes! But… It wasn’t him-him, you know?- Remy lack of explanation made the hero even more annoyed and confused.  

-What exactly do you mean?-

-Dee, his eyes are green. When he attacked me he had bright sky blue eyes. He wasn’t himself- Remy explained.

The hero was taken aback. Sky blue eyes are the only description for the mysterious villain. Between Remy’s previous description and Elliot’s, the only thing that seem to be the same are the eyes. Mind you, Elliot’s version said the guy wore a mask after the first meeting but still, the eyes shine through the eye holes.

Gregory explained the anecdote to Logan without saying where did he heard it, it brought a bit of suspicion from the older hero but he took it anyway. So far, no face description has been said, although The Duke might be what they need to get a clue of who this mystery villain is.

Also “He wasn’t him-him…”? That can mean a lot of things, but the easier one might be he was under the influence of this villain. Or even controlled.

-Either way, he has to come with me to the base.- Gregory said, getting an annoyed look from Remy.

-I won’t let your stupid grandpa crush brainwash another one of my friends- The villain said fiercely

-He doesn’t brainwash them!! And he isn’t a grandpa, why do you have to make it weird?!- Gregory snapped back

-NO! You are doing his bidding! It’s annoying! Where is the Deceit I knew?! The one who didn’t care for rules?! The one who did what he needed to be done!-

-Remy! This is above you and me! Whoever this villain is, he is dangerous! He is disappearing people! And now it seems he is disappearing villains too…- The hero looked at the disheveled villain.

-SO?! We don’t need this super morons to figure this out! Come on! We are smart enough! Don’t you remember all our grand robberies? Like the spotted diamond?- Remy smiled, trying to convince his friend.  

-THIS ISN’T ABOUT STEALING! THIS IS ABOUT MISSING PEOPLE! God! I remember why I decided to go with Logan now, you are just a selfish, egocentric prick!-

Gregory’s anger got the best of him, the look of shock and hurt in his friend’s face was something the hero never thought he’d seen. Remy looked down and went to the kitchen, for the first time in a while he was completely silent.  

The hero stayed in place and sighed, then looked at the unconscious villain to check him out. The Duke’s hair had a string of white hair and both that and his moustache were really messy. He had bags under his eyes, he seemed to be slightly malnourish, his costume was missing some parts and his sleeves where ripped. Around his neck there were a couple of marks, maybe of a type of collar of sorts. The guy might have been kept by the villain, he really did not look good…

Gregory then realized something: Remy wasn’t worried he almost got choked, he was worried because of how bad The Duke looked. He called him his friend after all.

The hero rubbed his eyes and forehead. Logan’s method can be helpful, however it could also be seen as forceful. Gregory was really grateful for what Logan did but maybe this villain might not want it. Something in the hero was telling him to go by the rules, rules he was repeated over and over again. It might have been his crush on the older hero that he didn’t realized how tired and bored he was of following him.

Maybe he was really doing Logan’s bidding, maybe he was doing it in a hopeless attempt of gaining the affection of a man who clearly didn’t see him the same way. Maybe he was getting a bit… well a very huge amount of annoyance of following dumb rules.

He shouldn’t totally break a couple of rules right now. Of course not mindlessly.

-Fine- Gregory said.

Remy turned to him slowly, rubbing his cheeks and eyes. –What?- He choked out.

The sound of his friend’s voice made him feel guilty. –I won’t take him to the base. He can stay with you-

Remy cleaned his face while running towards Gregory and pulling him into a tight hug. –I knew you’d understand…- The villain said, smearing his friend’s shoulder with old tears. Gregory returned the hug.

-…I’m sorry about what I said…- The hero said.

-Oh, it’s fine- Remy pulled away and batted his hand in the air.

–Just buy me a burger and we’ll be even- Remy smiled and patted the hero’s arm. Gregory snorted and saw his friend walked towards the Duke.

-So… What do you want to do?- Gregory asked while fixing his hair.

-I… Have no idea- Remy stated, getting a groan from Gregory. –In my defense, I didn’t know I was going to convince you-

-Wow. As always, you half assed your way around-

-Hey! Improvising is our specialty, ain’t it?- Remy smiled and pointed between the both

Gregory sighed. –Yeah…-

The hero sat down at the feet of the sofa and started to plan. Remy looked at him and smiled before standing up to prepare some tea.

Back in the old glory days, Gregory was the one who’d plan in full detail how a burglary would go. Of course, there was always something that would go wrong since Remy was spontaneously and probably not intentionally trying to get both of them in trouble. His love for the dramatics always drove him insane and had to plan a way to safely get of any building before the police would get there to arrest them.

They learn to be really good at sneaking away from the law’s hands, although they were definitely amazing at not leaving tracks. (Thanks, Remy) Even so, most officers and heroes like Logan couldn’t even get the hang of them. Only by pure luck, Logan manage to catch Gregory. Well… Not catch him per say, if Remy didn’t want to make a statement by burning the bank they were robbing BEFORE they could be out safely, Logan wouldn’t have saved him from the collapsing building.

Remy walked towards him once he had the tea prepared, Gregory took the cup and blow it a bit before taking a quick sip. He stared at it for a moment before putting it down. He looked back at The Duke and Remy.

-Alright. First step. We’re are going to wake him up- The hero said.

-Uh… Yeah, I don’t know how long it will take for that… I did throw a lot of my sleep powder to his face…- Remy said while rubbing his neck.

-I think I can cancel the effects- Gregory looked at his hand but before doing anything he thought again. –Hmm… I still need some of the cancelling bracelets Logan created-

-What? Why can’t you just do it right away?-

-Because I can’t be a nanny 24/7-

-Sure you can! You can stay here and nullify his powers, ask what you need to know and set him free!- Remy said sheepishly.

-Yeah, I’m not gonna do that- Gregory stood up. –Keep him asleep. Tomorrow I will come by and bring the bracelets, then…-

-Then?-

Gregory sighed. -I know you don’t want me to bring him to the base…-

-Dee…- Remy begin to feel annoyed again.

-But, we have his brother with us…- Gregory said looking guilty. –Remember?-

Remy was about to say something but stayed silent and thought to himself. They stayed silent for a moment.

-Can’t you… take him out?- Remy asked smiling in a hopeful manner.

-…No, I’m already practically betraying Logan’s trust by doing this. I’m not going to dig a bigger hole for myself…-

Remy groan. –Yeah, I wouldn’t like you to get brainwashed again…-

Gregory snorted. Both man smiled nervously, this was a dangerous thing. The Duke could wake up and attack them at any moment. That is… if he was still under any type of influence.

They had a limited time though, remaining asleep for more than 3 days could potentially kill anyone. It shouldn’t be that hard to get a pair of handcuffs and coming back to Remy’s apartment, the main problems could be not looking suspicious for Logan and not telling Virgil anything. For some reason the hero felt anxious but also excited.  

Sudden mumbles made both of them turn towards The Duke’s direction. He was turning around and sweating, something must be scaring him. A nightmare? The Duke began to gasp for air, as if something or someone was… choking him. His hands were on his throat desperately trying to get something off.

Gregory turned to Remy expecting him to do something but his friend stood there, frozen and confused while staring at the situation in front of him. He has never seen The Duke scared. The hero took a deep breath and exhale before walking towards the unconscious villain, he began to feel nervous due to what he was about to do.  

Gregory went and hold the Duke’s hands to stop him from scratching his throat, he then moved the villain so he could sit and rest his head on his legs.

The villain was shaking and sweating, his eyes were tightly shot and he was still gasping for air even though there was nothing impeding him to take deep breath. Gregory was feeling nervous, he wasn’t usually one to give comfort. His years with Virgil did gave him an idea of how can he exactly comfort someone having some kind of breakdown. This was similar, right?

He placed a hand on the villain’s head, it felt as if it hasn’t been washed in weeks… Maybe even more so… It was a bit gross but the hero didn’t mind it that much, his focus was on trying to calm this mess of a guy.  

-Hey… Uh- He begin speaking as if the villain was listening. –It’s ok… You are safe… Nothing is… hurting you?- Gregory was really not good at that, he look up at Remy who gave him both thumbs up.  

The Duke’s hands were opening and closing while shaking violently, almost spastic. He turned and kept mumbling, Gregory continue talking to him and petted his head trying to convince him he was alright.

The villain started to breathe evenly but was still shaking. The hero thought it was process and smiled to himself, suddenly the villain went to grab his hand. Gregory felt flustered by the action but let him do it, maybe it brought some sort of comfort to the villain. It wasn’t something so bad, although he didn’t expected for the villain to slowly rise and turn towards him to look at his face. The hero stayed there frozen, the sky blue color in the villain’s eyes remain faintly before fading and turning into green. The villain looked drowsy and confused.

-You… aren’t Roman…- Was the only thing he manage to say before going back to sleep.

Gregory and Remy looked terrified at each other. No one could come up from the stupor of Sleep’s Powder. Not even the fiercest of villains or strongest of heroes could suddenly just snap out of it. Remy walked towards them and took Gregory out of the way before blasting the villain with more powder.

-Holy shit- Gregory said, freaking out. –This dude is stronger than I thought…-

-Don’t leave me alone with him! He might still want to beat my ass for keeping him high on sleep powder!- Remy said while holding Gregory’s arm.

-You know I can’t stay here. Logan could get suspicious, he also could look around for me…- Gregory stated

-Wha- Does he keep a leash on you or what?!- Remy yelled

-No, he’s just kind overprotective. Like a dad, you know?-

Silence fell upon them, Gregory looked at his friend who stared disgusted.

-What?-

-Dude, you’re crushing on your dad?-

Gregory pushed Remy while groaning very annoyed, the villain started cackling and curling in himself. The young hero blushed and rolled his eyes, landing on the unconscious Duke. This could either end really well or really, really bad…  

NEXT DAY, AFTER NOON

Logan was excited to get out of his class, something he never expected to think. Don’t get the wrong idea, he loved teaching and helping his students, he would even stay behind if he thought it was necessary but right now he was hoping to meet Patton before he had to go to the base.

He had made sure his students understood the themes completely and gave them a well thought guide for the upcoming test. And as a special treat he didn’t left them homework, since he was in an extremely good mood. Everyone thought he might have forgotten but no one planned on asking Logan about it.  

Once the clock hit 2 pm he stood up, said good bye to his students and before any of them he was already in the corridor. Elliot saw how their teacher was practically and desperately leaving, it made them snort.

-He’s gonna get some dick- Kai said non chalantly.

-Dude, gross- Elliot said while giving a disgusted glance to their friend who just laughed as a response.

Logan walked out of the faculty premises, he had told Virgil and Gregory he would be spending some time with Patton that evening to which he got a thumbs up and a “FINALLY” from Virgil and nothing from Gregory, he was probably still in class.

With everything looking good enough for him, Logan felt more than prepared to go out with Patton. They’ve only been talking through phone due to their heavy and busy schedules, besides the really awkward wave they still feel about the whole dating thing. They decided to see each other that day and manage to make some time in between their usual working hour.

Excitement and nervousness took over Logan, feeling his heart beat faster and faster, as he approach the park they both chose to meet at. It was perfect since it was the middle point for each other.

Once he got there, the teacher walked through a running path. He passed a couple people there who were doing exercise or just hanging out. He then went to a bench and sat down, fidgeting and looking directly in the ground.

It was a really pretty and well maintain place, to his back there were so many tall trees. It was like a small forest, full of dead leaves at the bottom and bright green ones at the very top. In front of him there was the running path and an open space full of grass, it looked like a hill. People were running around it, some were even falling and rolling. The giggles and the sound of the branches been moved by the gentle breeze gave him a bit of piece after pondering the whole walk why he felt so anxious: “was it because he hasn’t seen the bubbly man or because of the social interaction he had to make to be around him?”

-Oh shoot… where could he be…?- A recognizable voice came from behind and kind of startled him. Logan turned around and to his surprise a messy Patton was walking out of some bushes. He was wearing a pair of loose dark pants and a long sleeve shirt, both were stained with leaves and mud. Logan also notice he was wearing a pair of boots, the type explorers would wear for long walks.

-Um… Hello?- Logan said incredulous, confuse to see Patton just popping out of seemingly nowhere and looking a bit disheveled. Not like he looked bad, though… “What?” Logan pushed that thought back in the mental trashcan.

Patton look up quickly and blushed as he saw Logan, he tried to go towards him but slipped and fell to the leafy ground. Logan walked towards the man, wondering what he was doing. The teacher kneel down and let his hand out so the bubbly man could take it.

-Thanks…- Patton said embarrassed.

Logan smiled kindly. –No problem… If you don’t mind me asking, what exactly where you doing over there Patton?-

Patton shook his head and chuckled. –Nothing, it’s dumb…-

-Hmm… Well, you seemed to be dress properly for some… Search?- Logan question and waited for an answer, what he got was a shock glance from Patton and a big smile.

-Wow, you are very clever- The vet chuckled.

-I think the word you are looking for is observant-

-Why? Have you served any ants around here?-

Logan looked at Patton confused before he made the connection, then rubbed his face as the other man giggle at his horrible joke.

-Now, to give you a gay answer- Patton looked at Logan for a reaction, he notice the teacher was containing a snort. –I was…Um… I was kind of looking for frogs-

That spiked some interest in Logan. –Frogs?-

-Yeah… last night was really humid and it did rained a bit. This parts retain most of its moisture and I’ve heard some of them croak. I just can’t seem to find anything- The vet scratch the back of his head confused while looking around.

Logan thought for a moment, this was a peculiar interest but intriguing and entertaining none the less. He didn’t expect Patton to be the venturing kind. –Well, certain types of frogs will get close to sources of water, maybe if we find puddles there could be one-

The vet’s eyes flicker for a moment, excitement showing in his face.

-Will you help me find them?!- He shouted then paused and calmed before speaking again. –I-I know this might be a tad weird and not really… Up to your standard but I think it could be fun?-

Patton was waiting for a rejection, he knew some of his actions and mannerisms were not really usual for someone as old as him, but what was the point of being an adult if he couldn’t do what he wanted? Especially having fun! But Logan was too serious, way too proper, he came to the first date with a tie for goodness sake… Maybe they should go somewhere else…

-I would love to help you- Logan said, determination shining through.

It’s been a while since Logan did any kind of exploration of this kind, the only exploration he did was looking around the city for any suspicious activity. That was his job but it certainly was becoming a rather boring routine. This is not only helping him relax and be out of his office, it’s also helping him be closer to Patton.

-Well let’s go then! Oh… Wait… Won’t you get dirty?- The vet pointed out to Logan’s outfit; he was wearing black pants, a pair of black shoes and a navy blue dress shirt. Logan looked at himself and was thinking on turning the whole thing off just because he wasn’t dressed properly but… He was never as adventurous like other people. Sure, he would fight villains but his outfit was made for that, he was getting even more out of his comfort zone by getting dirty with this type of clothes.

“Screw it”

-It’s quite alright, Patton. This can be wash later, let’s go search for amphibians!- He proclaim in an attempt to sound valiant. This got a chuckle and a bright smile from Patton who walked through the messy terrain effortlessly, Logan made sure to step on solid ground but everything felt slippery.

The vet notices Logan having some troubles to walk around, he gets his arm out so the teacher could steady himself. Logan took it and thanked Patton, trying to ignore the clear blush he was feeling spreading around his cheeks. Both man started to walk deeper into that mini forest, looking around to several plants and insects.

Logan was fascinated and relax, even though the fauna and flora were common in the area, he admire nature in all its forms. He didn’t realize how a mantis landed in his shoulder until it was just walking around, this made Patton jump in surprise. Logan chuckled and hold it out in a tree with care. Looking how he was gentle to tiny creatures made the vet smile fondly, and might also made him fall a bit more over heels for the teacher.

They continue to look for puddles and looked at leaves, they confused a couple of those for frogs. It even made Logan fell when he confused a bunch of leaves for an animal he tried to avoid, earning a concern look from Patton and quickly acting to help him but to the vet’s surprise Logan laughed at the silliness of the whole situation. It was the most symphonic sound he has ever heard and wanted to listen to it forever.

He helped the teacher to stand up while chuckling nervously, Patton asked and checked Logan to make sure he was alright before the teacher reassured him. He was blushing deeply through the embarrassing situation, at least Patton’s concern helped him feel less dumb.

Both man finally arrived at what seemed to be a natural pond, pretty odd to the man-made forest. Patton gasped delighted by the sighted and tried to run over the pond, not noticing there was uneven ground and small hill. Logan tried to hold him back but Patton’s running start pulled the teacher with him and both man fall over. They ended at the feet of the pond unharmed yet really filthy. A fit of nervous giggles started from the vet. How humiliating.

-Oh gosh… I guess I got overexcited- He blurted out while giggling while fixing his glasses. Logan didn’t respond. The vet felt something under him and quickly realize he was above a really embarrassed and blushed teacher.

Patton himself began to blush a really deep red, and tried to move away as quickly as possible, but stumble clumsily. Logan himself was frozen in the spot not really knowing what to do or say. He snapped out when he heard Patton rambling apology over apology.

-I’M SO, SO, SO SORRY! I didn’t meant to do that! Oh my gosh.- The vet could only hide his face, he really just wanted to drop dead at the moment. His immaturity was always seen as annoyance, of course it would be annoying he should be acting like an adult! Logan will certainly think the same way after this stupid mistake. He could have hurt him! How irresponsible.

There was no anger, there was no reprimand. He only felt something taking his hand away from his embarrassed face. Logan was smiling.

-You really should be more careful, Patton- the teacher said between chuckles.

The way Logan said his name, so kindly and with no ounce of anger nor annoyance, made him calm down a bit. Patton looked at Logan’s eyes and felt like melting, the teacher was genuinely enjoying that weird meeting.

God, Patton was falling too much for him. The realization made him feel guilty and embarrassed since they barely know each other. They talked through their phones and exchange a couple of info about them but it’s different when you have the person in front of you, and not only that but getting that same person below you for a stupid mistake.

-I’m really sorry. Are you ok? Did I hurt you?- The bubbly man tried to amend whatever harm he could have done.

-I’m alright, Patton. Don’t worry- Logan said still chuckling, this sure was a strange way to know someone better. Strange but really fun. He doesn’t recall the last time he had fun with someone like this, or act silly in any way. He would act silly from time to time with his son but it was different with someone who wasn’t as close. This is just… The simple act of getting out of the metaphorical box and do something he wouldn’t usually do is…nice.

-Aren’t you mad?- The vet asked while looking at how muddy Logan had become

- Quite the contrary, I think I’m more amused than when we started- Logan said smiling gently while trying to clean his shirt.

Patton smiled and was about to help him clean himself when a croak made them froze in place. The croaking continued and both man looked at the pond and saw a couple of frogs, they were in different sizes and were moving around rocks and leaves. The vet gasp and his eyes sparkled with joy, for a split second Logan thought he saw his eyes turn another color. It was probably the messy glasses Patton was wearing. The teacher smiled by the excitement of the bubbly man and slowly stood up, giving a hand to help him stand up.

They slowly and as quiet as possible approach the pond, once they were close enough they crouch and stared at how the amphibians were swimming and climbing in the muddy rocks and leaves. Patton was delighted and looked peaceful, Logan looked at him and smiled to himself.

 -Do you usually do this?- Logan asked while walking back to the park’s normal path with Patton by his side looking at the sky that was covered by the branches of the trees.

-What?- The vet question, he didn’t quite catch what he said.

-Search for frogs?-

Patton chuckled. –I search for more than just frogs. Animals are just so cute!-

-Can be dangerous as well- Logan stated

-Yeah, I know. But sometimes animals need help.-

Logan hummed as an agreement. They stayed quite for a bit before Patton spoke up.

-Did you know there are poisonous frogs? They showcase really bright colors as a way to warn other animals. With one touch, boom! You’re dead!- Patton said while smiling, happy to share information of his job and interests. Although quickly realize how macabre it sounded.

-Oh! I think I’ve seen those in a documentary. Really impressive creatures- Logan stated, he didn’t felt awkward or nervous. Conversing of this type of scientific topics made him feel a bit more in control on the situation since he was a living encyclopedia of knowledge. He didn’t know if he could keep up with the animal knowledge though.

-Right?!- The vet shouted. –They are so tiny and adorable yet they could just…- Patton stopped by what he was going to say, he then just went quiet. Logan looked at him waiting for the rest of the sentence.

Patton chuckled. –Sorry-

-Why are you apologizing?- The teacher sounded genuinely confused

-I just…- The vet hummed. -Sometimes I get so passionate, I guess… I really love animals but I know it can be annoying…- Patton said really flustered, as if his job and interest should be something to be ashamed off.

Logan stop in the path, making the other man pause in his tracks. He looked at the teacher who had a puzzling look, something was off to him.

-Logan?-

-Sorry… It’s just…- He paused for a moment before speaking up.

-You aren’t annoying at all-

The vet looked bewildered at him, as if those words were a sound he couldn’t recognize. It was odd to say the least. Patton felt his chest swelling, as if those words were what he always needed to hear.

-Just because you enjoy something, something you are passionate about… You shouldn’t feel ashamed. You should embraced it, no matter what.-

Rejection is something this two are familiar with. Logan has always been the outcast everywhere he went, even in the association the heroes don’t look at him as an equal but as a useless scientist. He had to make himself tough to not let the harsh words and looks hurt him. The idea of Patton being rejected or hurt the same way made his blood boil… Metaphorically. Logan couldn’t fathom the idea of such a sweet and kind man being mistreated in such a horrible way and just because he was passionate in rescuing or studying animals.

-Even if people…- Patton spoke –Just… Hates you for it?-

-Especially when they hate you for it- Logan continue, looking serious towards the other man. –You shouldn’t be punish just for being you…-

The teacher started to blush. –And… well… From all people… You should feel really proud of yourself, Patton. Being knowledgeable in a complex career to save very vulnerable creatures… It’s, on its own, a very noble and heroic decision- He looked away from Patton and tried to dissimulate his embarrassment.

-Heroic!?- Patton shouted and laughed, Logan’s blush deepened. –Oh! I’m anything but that! I’m just a clumsy moron!-

The harsh diminishing words made Logan look back at Patton, the vet was blushing and scratching his neck while looking at the ground with a shock expression. He seem to be getting anxious.

-Patton, I really mean what I said- Logan said at him, he was looking seriously at the vet and a bit of concern could be seen in his eyes.

Patton smile flickered, kind word are so odd to hear specially the way Logan said them so kindly and truthfully. He didn’t know exactly what to say at all, his mind was going blank. In an attempt to deflect any kind of conversation about him, he began to ramble.

-Come on, Lo… Sure, I help some cute critters and such, but real heroes are the ones who save the people in the city! Especially from the several villains who suddenly appeared- Patton continue, his tone began to rise. –Like, uh… Oh, I forgot his name… Ah, Syllogism!!-

Logan jolted at the mention of his hero name, trying to remain compose he made himself look way more serious than he should. –Wh-What about him?- He asked.

-Well, I think he’s truly the best hero there is! His creations are really impressive and I bet he could put them into service for the whole place to see.-

Logan felt the blush deepening, feeling really nervous and awkward although it would be lie if he said he didn’t felt proud of his technological achievements.

-Also! He manage to stop the Royal Pain duo! I mean, getting rid of The Prince? That was a relief!- Patton said it with a nervous smile.

Logan froze, instead of hiding a proud smile he tried to hide the horrifying chill he suddenly felt. Do people think he… killed The Prince? He didn’t meant to throw him from that building… The Prince isn’t dead though, he’s recovering at the base. Even if he had… murdered him, why would Patton be so… happy about it?

-I…Disagree, what Syllogism did… it was a horrible thing to do- Logan remarked.

Patton hummed and looked at Logan a bit more serious.

–Why do you think that?-  

-Killing someone doesn’t stop anything. Whether a villain or a hero does it, it’s still wrong- The teacher said it in a factual manner.  

-Hmm…- The vet stayed quiet. –Killing can be wrong, but if it for a greater good then some sacrifices must be done- He stated, getting a wince from Logan then he tried to backtrack. –Ok, ok. I know it sounds bad, but hear me out. Let’s take The Prince and The duke as an example… They’ve been destroying and hurting people all around the place, not only in this city. They exploded buildings, streets and hurt countless innocents. There was no sign they would stop, especially with The Duke. If someone got… uh… rid of them, wouldn’t that stop the harm they do?-

Silence fell on the both, Logan placed a hand on his chin and thought for a moment, he was rather confused by this type of mentality. Patton expressed a concerning thought before at their first date, “forcing others to be good so they stop hurting others” now it’s “if they won’t stop harming, then they don’t deserve to live”. He could understand that train of thought though, but it still was horrifying.

–They are well known thieves and have no record of actually killing anyone. I don’t think that gives them a death sentence. And even if they did, it’s still not in the hero’s jurisdiction to make a judgment nor execution-

-You didn’t answered the question- Patton said seriously. –Would the harm they do, stop?-

Logan sighed and looked down. –Yes, it would. But again, it’s not the hero’s job to do an execution -

The vet hummed. They began to walk again, staying silent for a moment.  

-So…- Patton started again. –You think death is not a good punishment?-

-Of course not-

-What do you think it should be?-

-I believe some of them just need some guidance, so maybe… Get them help.-

-Oh frogwash!- Patton shouted. He placed a hand on his mouth before giggling.

–Oops… I mean… Do you think all villains can be… easily redeemed?-

Logan thought for a moment. –Well… Not everyone, I guess… If anyone still chooses the path of villainy the other option is to place them in jail. As I said, death is not a well thought option. Where’s the change? What about forgiveness?-

-Hmm… This people don’t deserve any kindness nor forgiveness…- Crimson was burning buildings, The Duke and The Prince were scaring and robbing people, Scarlet Mist made people blind for months, Meltdown almost destroyed the city…-

Patton paused for a moment.

–If heroes were as bold as Syllogism, there wouldn’t be as many villains showing up here and there. They have to keep taking the villains out like a weed-

Logan looked at Patton, he notice the vet looked rather shaken but he could also identify anger in his eyes.

–That statement doesn’t have a ground to stand on. If you…-

He got interrupted by Patton repressing a chuckle. Logan, confused, thought about what he said, after a couple seconds he made the connection: Weeds are on the ground. He sighed and Patton got in his giggle fit, at least Logan lighten up the mood.

-Sorry… That was good one, teach’- Patton said smiling lightly.

-It’s alright, Patton- Logan said as he gave a small smile at the other man. –As I was saying…That statement can’t hold itself. A weed might be taken out from the root, but there’s always going to be more weeds. Fighting violence with violence doesn’t stop villains.-

-What do you think it does…?- Patton raised his eyebrow and looked genuinely curious to what the answer might be.

-Comprehension and care. Like I said, maybe not all of them will respond to it. At end of the day, they have free will to decide whether or not to take the help but there is always someone who will, and that can make a bigger change than just mindlessly disposing of them-

The vet stared at Logan for a moment, not angrily, it was more like… concern…? Patton then lower his eyes, and looked at the ground and stopped in his tracks, which made the other man to stop. Logan waited patiently to see what kind of response he would get. The teacher began to worry due to how silent the other man was being.

-If…- Patton paused before continuing. –…If your son was…murdered and you knew who did it, wouldn’t you want revenge?-

That was not what Logan expected to hear. The teacher would do anything for Virgil, he would risk his own life to save him. But… Could Logan hurt someone else if they did anything like that to his son? He doesn’t think he could… He doesn’t believe in eye for an eye, but… Virgil is his world. Would he betray his son if he didn’t took revenge?

Why would Patton ask that?

Patton chuckled.

-Sorry… I got serious all of the sudden- His smiled seemed rather forceful. –You don’t have to answer. It’s really not important-

Logan looked at Patton, he wondered if… if that’s the reason he doesn’t have his own child… He wouldn’t ask right there and then of course, he doesn’t feel he has the right to know. Patton probably wouldn’t want to talk about it anyway. The vet notice Logan looking at him with concern in his eyes.

-Uff!- Patton shook himself –That was a bit too intense for my liking- He chuckled nervously

-Yes, it was- Logan reaffirmed, not knowing what else to do or say.

They remained in silence, it quickly became awkward but there was nothing to talk about. They continue walking, finally getting to the running path. Patton started giggling at the sight of Logan. Deep within the trees it was a bit darker, so they didn’t fully see the mess they both were. At least the imaginary thick wall of awkwardness had been shattered by something as wonderful as Patton’s giggles.

The teacher looked down on himself and smiled. He was covered in dried mud and a couple of leaves were stick in his clothes and hair. Patton didn’t look any better, his boots were indistinguishable from the ground and one of his sides was fully covered in mud. They laugh at the silly image, 2 grown man playing with mud and branches. How immature yet fun.  This was, without a doubt, a very strange yet wonderful date….

Date? Was that a date? Logan begin to think to himself. He fixed his hair and embarrassed, debated in his head whether or not it was. Then the thought of asking Patton for reassurance seemed reasonable but he was too shy beside he could potentially hurt the vet’s feelings. How exactly? He doesn’t know but he still could. Yet, as if the other man had read his mind.

-Uh… So… Um… Do you…- Patton began mumbling. –Was this… a date?- He winced, as if he was waiting for negative reaction from Logan.

Logan just blushed while fixing his shirt. He coughed, trying to hide his embarrassment. –I… Frankly, I’m not sure… But… I think it was?-

The situation was so dumb, it just made them smiled. Sure, the conversation from before became a bit too serious but it wasn’t a bad date for any of them at all. Logan and Patton don’t seem to agree on many things, but they still remain respectful at the end.

Logan’s goal was to learn more about the other man, and he got that and more. Maybe their relationship could blossom into something more, although, between friends or lovers, he didn’t mind which type would evolve. He was happy with any of those as long as Patton was in his life.

Meanwhile, Logan didn’t realize how Patton was completely head over heels for him already, and was already prepared to just jump into the romance wagon, yet he restrain himself so he didn’t scared the teacher off.  

They walked the path all the way to the entrance of the park and parted their ways, they had to go back to their works after all. The day was sunny, warm but tolerable. A nice breeze came by to bring refreshing air, but also to bring a couple of dark and stormy clouds.

Prologue/ CH 1/ CH 2 / CH 3 / CH 4 / CH 5 / CH 6 / CH 7 / CH 8 / CH 9 / CH 10

I’m sorry again! I’m trying to be more productive this summer, now that I have stopped having classes. Hope you enjoy this chapter! I sure did!

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