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‘Fuck my life it’s freezing out here.’ A masked young man thought to himself as he stood on the roof of a high building. Sometimes he wished he could afford to revamp his superhero costume, and make it warmer. He could really use a new pair of combat boots too. These chilly nights in the city were very unpleasant for the blonde man. Crime doesn’t pay, and stopping crime, in his case, also doesn't pay. But he didn’t do it for the money. It was never about the money. Even though he’s always in need of it.
Only Mysterion knows why he does this.
The masked man leered over the edge, intently watching over the busy city below. His cape fluttered in the wind, he loved when it did that, he thought it made him look “badass.” He sighed, it was so cold, his breath was visible. Looked like it was going to be an uneventful day. He might as well call it a night, and get out of this cold. But before he heads home, he needs to check on him first.
He ran across the tall buildings with ease, traversing them was never a problem for him. He’s always been agile and quick on his feet. He finally makes it to his destination, an ordinary apartment building. He nodded determidly, and climbed the building’s fire escape. Trying his best not to make too much noise.
He hops off the ladder, his old boots clank on the metal floor. He slowly leered into the window before him. The stoic figure’s determined and grizzled face turned soft. Inside was a young man, face caked with freckles. His hair was as red as an apple, curly and long too. The masked man smiled, eyes lidded, and leaned his head against the wall, while watching the ginger man.
Kyle . The apple of Mysterion’s eye. Kyle’s a psych major who attends college in the city. He prefers to live off campus and have his own space. Mysterion always ensures that Kyle is home safe before his patrol of the city is over. Be it watching over him on his walks home, or checking to make sure he’s in his apartment. Safe and sound.
He remembers the first time he laid eyes on Kyle. He was visiting his sister on campus when he saw him. In a dashing orange and green sweater vest, that wild, red hair, those gorgeous green eyes. He was smitten from the start. But he knew he had no chance, Kyle deserved so much better anyway. Mysterion couldn’t provide him with the life he deserves, a nice house, and financial stability. None of those things. But he could keep him safe, and he vowed to do so. It was also a good excuse to see him everyday. Lay eyes on that pretty face, and slender, yet muscular body.
He didn’t want to linger long, he didn’t want to creep on poor Kyle. Just wanted to make sure he was safe at home, which he was. He sadly frowned, gave Kyle one last look, and ran off into the night.
***
He was now in the shitty side of town. If it wasn’t for his immortality, he’d feel rather unsafe living there. But it was all he could afford. Every penny he made, went to his little sister Karen’s college fund first. It was her first, then him. Luckily his older brother Kevin helped out with her living expenses and other bills. He lived on the top floor of the crappy, dilapidated building. He leaped on the roof, and maneuvered himself inside his open window. He landed on the cheap, faded carpet and sighed. Home at last.
He started taking off his clothes immediately, not worrying about who sees him as he lived alone. He shivered as the cool air hit his exposed body. He threw his costume in a corner and walked into his room, haphazardly throwing some loungewear on. Now comfortable, he reached for his phone that was charging on his nightstand. He couldn’t bring it with him as Mysterion, that could potentially give him away. The blonde smiled as he read a text from his little sister, telling him the crazy day she had.
He loves his little sister. With his whole heart. He’s glad he’s keeping the city she lives in safe. And making her world a better place. They exchange texts for a little while, even though he’s completely exhausted. He loudly yawned after some time, he needed to go to bed.
Alright Kay Kay, I’m exhausted 🥱 I’m gonna hit the sack, night! 🧡
Awww ok! Gn Kenny! 😴😴😴
Kenny smiled, and put his phone down on the nightstand. He was tired, but he needed a drink first. He deserved it after the day he’s had. The week he’s had. He deserved two really, but not tonight. He dragged himself to the fridge, and popped open a mango Whiteclaw. He doesn’t care if it’s a “girl drink” Whiteclaw’s rule. He takes a long swig, the alcohol’s effects quickly take effect. He smiles, and walks to the couch to turn the tv on.
He plops down on the cruddy furniture, as the news comes on. He lifted an eyebrow when he saw his own, masked face on the cruddy screen. It was footage of him beating up some chaos goons. It never ceased to impress him how badass he looked as Mysterion. He loved donning the costume, the persona. The news story covered a thwarted attack by Professor Chaos yesterday. Kenny’s lip smirked at the memory. He doesn’t know why Chaos even bothers at this point.
He sighed, he wondered what Kyle thought of Mysterion. Did he find him cool? Heroic? Handsome ? Kenny blushed, embarrassed. He really should get to bed, stop thinking about Kyle. He tries, but he just can’t get that ginger man out of his head. He sure does drive him crazy, in all the right ways.
***
It was a cloudy, chilly day, the clouds were dark and overcast. Cascading the skies with grayish darkness all around. Kenny always hated cloudy weather, sunny skies are the way to go. He held his hands tightly in his pockets for warmth, the air was fiercely chilly. He was on his way to his sister’s university, he was to meet her for lunch. He always loved spending time with his little sister, she was one of his life’s greatest joys.
The university was large and grande. Fancy too, he wished Karen’s tuition didn’t have to cost so much, but he’d pay his very last cent for her. So it really didn’t matter. He could see his sister, standing by the water fountain in the quad. It looked like she was talking to some guy. Maybe a friend, or classmate. Kenny squinted his eyes, if he didn’t know any better, he’d say that guy kinda looked like-
‘Oh. Oh fuck.’ His heart raced, cheeks flushed. It was Kyle. Fuck his life. Karen noticed Kenny and waved, beckoning him to come over. Kenny just stood, paralyzed, he can’t talk to him . He doesn’t have it in him. He can do almost anything, being a super powerful hero. But talking to his crush? No way.
He slowly schooched over to the two, internally cursing. “Hiya Ken! Ken, this is my classmate Kyle, we’re in photography together!” Kyle politely waved, fuck he was so good looking up close. Kenny wished he wore nicer clothes, he looks borderline homeless in what he’s currently wearing. “H-hey! I’m uh, Karen’s brother. B-but you, you already knew that. Heh.” God. Kill him now. Right now he wished an anvil would drop on his head and kill him. End him.
Kyle just smiled, “Good to meet ya man! How come I don’t see you around?” Kenny just jolted, hearing his voice, he was going to explode. Karen spoke for him, “Ken works, he doesn't have time for class.” Kyle just nodded, “I see, you can always try the online courses we have! They're pretty easy to manage, time wise!”
Kenny was basically short circuiting at this point, “Y-yeah! I might, l-look into those. Yeah!” That anvil can’t come any sooner, he was a complete idiot. Karen finally interjected, “Well I’ll see you later Kyle, me and Ken are getting some lunch. I’ll see you in class tomorrow!” Kyle just smiled, “Alright then, see you Karen! Bye Ken, nice meeting you!”
Kenny blinked about a million times, “You, you can call me Kenny!” Immediately regretting that, he’s such a goddamn idiot. “Kenny, got it. See you around!” Karen started walking towards Kenny, “Let's go Kenny!” She said embarrassed. Karen practically dragged Kenny away from the quad, “What the hell was all that for? You were acting like a damn fool!” Kenny shrunk, “Sorry Kay Kay. You know how I act around cute guys. Can’t help myself sometimes.” He said embarrassed.
Karen shook her head, “You totally embarrassed me in front of my new friend Kyle!” Kenny’s eyes widened, “F-friend?” Karen rolled her eyes, “Don’t get jealous gay boy, he’s not interested in girls.” Kenny took the biggest sigh of relief imaginable. “Oh thank fuck.” Karen rolled her eyes, then a small smile tugged on her lips, “He’s single you know. Play your cards right and stop acting like a complete imbecile, and you might have a shot!”
Kenny sighed, “Nah. He deserves better than me.” Karen punched Kenny in the arm, “Hey!” Kenny shouted. Karen scolded, “You are one hundred percent worth it idiot, you're a great guy, anyone would be lucky to have you!” Her voice softened, “It doesn’t matter how much money you have, what matters is what’s in here-“ she pats his heart, “Doofus.”
Kenny sadly smiled, “Hmf. Thanks Kay.” He brought her in for a shoulder hug. “I’ll think about it. Maybe I’ll gain the courage somehow. Doubt it though.” Karen pushed away, “You two would make some adorable ginger-blonde baby hybrids. I’ll be the best aunt!” Kenny shoved her lightly, “Hey!” The two laughed and walked to their destination. Playing and teasing as they went. As siblings do.
***
He’s been dreading this for awhile, he really didn’t feel like going. Tonight was the unofficial Mysterion Appreciation Celebration. He promised he’d attend this one after missing the last. He didn’t hate his fans, they all meant well. But fuck did he hate all the praise and ass kissing solely directed at him. Oh well, it was part of being a very well liked superhero. You're bound to have some overhyped fans.
He arrived at the park where the event was taking place. Sighing and rolling his eyes, ‘Let’s get this over with.’ He was secretly hoping a chaos goon would attack him or something so he had an excuse to leave. It was pretty obvious he’d be here, it was the perfect time to strike for any enemy. He made a mental note to be on guard.
The park was decorated with green and purple balloons and other decorations. It was really sweet, it was kinda nice to be appreciated for all his hard work. People cheered when he approached the gathering, giving him praise and thank you’s. He just humbly waved, exchanging “thank you’s” and “Thanks for coming’s.” Hopefully he can sneak out soon, he already wants to leave.
Then he sees him . Again . God really wants him dead. Kyle was wearing a green unshaka, with a black jacket and a Mysterion t-shirt. Mysterion was pretty sure he was happy with dying permanently right then and there. He was a fan. He was a fan . He was accompanied by a black man with a purple Mysterion sweater, and a guy with black hair and a Mysterion beanie. He was friends with fans too. Mysterion hopes his mask covers his blushing face.
Kyle turned and smiled when he saw him, waving and cheering, “Mysterion! You're the best man!” Mysterion’s heart was beating so fast he thought it was gonna burst from his chest. His friends joined in, “Dude you’re the best !!! Love ya man!”
He just shyly waved and smiled, “Thanks for the support guys, it means the world!” Kyle beamed at that, and walked closer to him, “We all really appreciate what you do for this city! Putting your ass on the line every night takes guts!” Myserion’s tough exterior and persona was all but gone by now. “I-it’s nothing, h-happy to help.”
Kyle just smiled, and patted him on the shoulder, “Don’t sell yourself short man, you’re great!” Mysterion froze, blushing like a total idiot. He prayed Kyle wouldn't notice. “Enjoy your party man, you deserve it!” He said, heading back to his friends. All Mysterion could do was shly wave. He hopes no one was watching that exchange, he looked like a total idiot.
The celebration went by pretty quickly, all he could think about was Kyle. The touch, the closeness, the fondness. He would occasionally try to steal some glances Kyle’s way. Fuck he was so handsome. He was absolutely smitten. Who would have guessed he was a fan of Mysterion. Maybe he wasn’t the unluckiest bastard in the world after all.
***
That night, the caped man visited his crush’s apartment, as per usual. Just to make sure Kyle was safe at home. Mysterion had his phone on him this patrol, he forgot to leave it at home. No big deal. He stood on the fire escape, and looked inside. He smiled to himself when he saw his beloved, safe in his little apartment.
He sighed, and laid back on the wall, looking up at the stars. It was pretty peaceful out here. All of the sudden, he heard a loud noise, and felt his phone buzz. He yelped and jumped, causing quite the racket against the metal fire escape. Kyle most definitely heard that, so he ran for cover. When he was safely hidden, he pulled out his phone. What an idiot he was, he was being so careless lately. His eyes widened, when he saw the text.
Hey this is Kyle! I got your number from your sister. I hope this isn’t weird or anything, but I was kinda wondering if you’d like to, go on a date sometime? I’ve been thinking about you since the other day and I’d really like to get to know you better! If not it can just be a casual hangout, no big deal. Let me know!
He stared at the phone, in disbelief. He peaked in the window, to see a very shy looking Kyle. He was staring at his phone, looking shy and flustered. ‘Oh my god. Oh my god oh my god oh-‘ he kept repeating in his head. Kyle totally digged him. Not just Mysterion, him . All of him. His hands felt shaky as he texted.
Hey Kyle! You bet, I’d LOVE to go out with you sometime! I’m really glad you asked, actually. Free this sat? I know this awesome new rooftop bar we can try!
Sent. Kenny watched as Kyle read the text, a shy smile plastered over his face. The blonde felt like he was going to melt. The universe really wasn’t out to get him.
It’s a date! 💚