He was right

by ximioo

Summary:

ex hero hunter meets Metal Bat but not in the way he'd like to. Not like he'd ever want to, but maybe meeting was something that had to happen

Drama, breaking up, getting together, caring, fighting, arguing and all that hodgepodge!

Notes:

Yay I'm baacckkk aha!! haha... ha.. (눈_눈)

But honestly I loved this idea so I just had to use it and I really missed my readers :(

So here!! I'll try to write as fast as I can for you guys :)

Chapter 1: Adult life

 

 

The first time Garou met Metal Bat after the whole monster association vs hero association incident, was at his work place. His new workplace. The last job he had, well, he got fired. Apparently moving boxes from point A to point B was actually surprisingly dangerous. Or, you could say, it was very easy to fake accidents. Garou had the luck of getting them. Way too many complaints about broken dishes. Even though he was as precise as he could ever get. 

The world isn't fair. It never was. And it is not, even now, while the one and only Metal Bat was walking inside the doors of the only new gym in this area. Not alone either, of course. His friends– Garou assumed they were, at least– walking around him. Following him on his tail, talked to him in the face. All over the beloved hero. 

They must feel so good knowing they're close with an S-class hero. 

Pathetic. It really is.

"Heyaa!!", one of them greeted. Brown hair, brown eyes and huge smile. Gave the card to Garou, he hit a stamp on it, grabbed next one. As he was marking cards, the group was talking. Metal Bat was so close to him. Although he wasn't looking at Garou– thank god– he was still close. From here, Garou could see his jaw, nose, eyebrows, lips. Talking something to others. All of the attention in the room was on the hero and him only. 

It was loud and tiring. Garou was pretty good with patience, but sometimes, with certain people it was too much. Certain people like heroes. 

Metal Bat turned his head, and there it was. The eye contact. 

It didn't linger, but it did make Garou's stomach drop an inch. He put his head down quickly, hoping the hero didn't recognize him. 

Garou wasn't sure if he was generally a lucky person or not, but, he was thankful both of his jobs had caps to cover at least his eyes. 

And the hero walked away with the group. Maybe today was a lucky day.

Maybe not. Wiping sweat off from every machine wasn't exactly his favorite thing about this job. Though it didn't need much strength or moving, and he got to sit at the front desk for many hours... He kind of hated that as well. Just being in one place for so long without doing anything. Getting weird stares from almost every teenager that comes in. That disgust, after seeing his face, was beginning to be normal. He almost got used to it. 

Call yourself a monster, become a monster. 

Though he's retired from that job. More of a goal, maybe. Not a job. He liked hunting heroes. Liked killing monsters. He liked feeling above everyone else. This... isn't the same. Now, he likes to hide in shadows of the normal life. Blending in with the normal people. Doing normal things. Like going to work, using a bicycle, communicating with colleagues, and... Thinking about heroes? 

It's not like he wanted to, but... Was his disguise that good? Actually? Or is that meathead bat just that stupid?

Well... He did hit himself a lot. With that bat of his. Wouldn't be surprised if half of his monkey brain isn't working.

"Ganpon?"

Ugh. The boss. He could recognize that voice from anywhere. It was annoying from the day 1. Now, it's day... 265.

Wow. Exactly one hundred days from now on and it'll be an anniversary. Almost one year in this shithole.

"Ganpon!!"

I know, stupid name. But I had to come up with some cover up nickname for obvious reasons.

"Yes, ma'am?"

"I need you tomorrow in the morning"

"You mean I take tomorrow's morning shift?"

"Yes"

"Respectfully, I'll have to decline"

Beautiful use of tongue, I know. I've been learning... From mistakes.

"I will not take no for an answer"

Garou stopped wiping the machine and sighed. He felt like getting older by each month, not each year. Especially with this woman. Horrible.

"Ma'am, I have a night shift today at my other work place. I would appreciate it very much if I could have a free day tomorrow"

Oh, I've become a real expert at this. 

Maybe I'm just getting old.

I'm only twenty-two.

"Well then maybe you shouldn't have signed up for another job?? It's not my problem"

Another sigh. He's been doing that a lot lately. 

"And hurry up with the cleaning, you're moving like an old man"

Moving like an old man.

Garou thought about those words while cycling to his next shift. His other job. 

The night was quiet and gentle. The wind caressed his face and hair. He thought about her words again. About his life. About when he comes back home to his small apartment with a cracking ceiling and loud neighbors with their loud dogs. About how he haven't slept well for over three months now. 

It's been rough, to say the least. He never expected to admit it. But it was hard. He didn't remember the last time he slept for over six hours. Now he wasn't no sleeping expert, but that couldn't be any good at all.

And just like that, with zoning out and staring at nothing in particular, he was already changing clothes in the locker room. From green shirt and white pants to all black fancy clothes and an apron on his hips. He had to zone in again. Zone in to this depressing reality.

His coworkers here were different. They were more laid back, mature, fun. The people at the gym just were... Not to his liking. They judged a lot. He hated people who judged behind the backs. Not to mention how the group of college girls working together all talk shit about each other behind each other's backs. Garou didn't have the heart to tell them. Well... Not really... He just enjoyed the show so to say. It was amusing how fake they could be. So easily. Like putting a mask on. Lying. He hated people who lied a lot.

The older he got, the more he hated this world. 

As if his hatred couldn't get any worse. 

It surprisingly did.

"Beautiful night today, huh?"

Garou looked up from the glass he was polishing to the man on the other side of the table.

"Tito", and suddenly Garou felt a bit lighter. This man wasn't like everybody else. He was kindhearted and honest and kind. Even though usually kindness made Garou nauseous, but he was just different. He liked to eat and he loved his family and he worked hard. He maybe had one free day in the week, and on the free day he's here. It makes sense, he does own this bar with his wife.

"What are you doing here?"

"Eh, decided to visit you guys and see what's going on. ¿Qué tal how are you Ganpon?"

"Well... Same as usual"

"Aih, sure sure. I have kids, teenagers, kids in their twenties, I can see something's wrong"

"Did my eyebags give it away? And how many kids do you even have??"

"Cinco! Five. And maybe! But also you seem more depressed lately. Maybe you should think about quitting one of ya jobs..."

"The gym one or this one?"

"Noooo niño, gym of course! You won't find a better place like this with such wonderful people. Besides, I've heard you say the teenagers are working there. And teenagers can be a pain in the ass"

That's true...

I was a teenager once.

"Why are you even working two jobs niño? You only need one to get paid well. This one. The boss loves you! And so do I!"

"Need to get my ceiling fixed... I called the office and sent them pictures, but they still haven't done anything. Apparently I need to pay them. Which is stupid because they're supposed to cover everything"

"Ahh.... What's up with the ceiling?"

Garou grabbed another glass to polish it. "It's cracking"

"Badly?"

"Pretty much. There's a crack that leads to a spot that gets wet when it rains"

"So it's not neighbors"

"Nope. I live on the highest floor"

"Hmm... I could fix it for you!"

"No, no need to. Thank you a lot though, Tito"

"Mmm... Alright. I would still recommend quitting the other job. I could talk to Valentina, she could give you a raise"

"Tito, no... Don't"

"It's okay! She'll listen to me. She likes you anyway"

"Yeah she's your wife. Of course. You both like me a lot, apparently"

Tito let out a laugh that made his round stomach jiggle and it was contagious. Garou managed to stretch a smile on his face. Something he isn't able to do often.

"Of course we do! You're a hardworking man. We appreciate hard work, and we see you as our son"

"It hasn't even been a year since I've worked here..."

"It's gonna be very soon!"

Shit. Really? Time really flies past too quickly.

"Niño, please keep my words in ya mind, okay? We don't want you to get depressed..."

There was a shift in his tone and voice. He was serious and... Sad? Maybe he lost someone to depression. 

Garou stopped polishing once again and made eye contact with Tito. It meant a lot to him. Surprisingly. Garou wasn't used to that. To kindness, empathy. It felt like a joke. Not from Tito, though. He was different. He was genuine. "... Okay. I'll think about it, Tito. Thank you"

"Of course Ganpon!". And there was his smile again. Sunny as ever. "Has anything interesting happened today?"

"Uh... Well... I guess? I mean, one of the S-class heroes came today in the gym with his friends"

"Ooo, how interesting. Which hero?"

"Metal Bat"

"Ah! That boy! He's a good boy"

"You know him personally or something?"

"He used to live close to us when he was a little kid. Used to love to clean our yard. Cut the grass and water it...", he let out a sigh, deepening his smile. "He was a cute kid. Fair and brave. Never let anyone be bullied. Oh and he loves his sister a lot. Very protective of her. I believe he is still"

Okay. This was one hell of a lore drop. And he kept going!

"Our kids used to love to hang out with him and play baseball. He was very good at it. Which makes sense why he uses a metal bat as his weapon now. We knew he would be a good hero. Even though they moved away, we never stopped loving them like our own kids. They used to visit us a lot after all. And... Especially after their parents died... They stayed with us for months. In our house. Then when the time came for their new parents to take them, Valentina didn't want to give them away. She was so sad...". A sigh. "She still misses them dearly. We watch the news a lot to see him"

Holy shit. Holy fucking shit. This was insane lore. Garou worked for these two for so long not knowing that his, well, favorite hero used to live with them! Favorite wasn't the word, no. He hated heroes. Metal Bat was just... Different? Maybe? 

No, no. I hate all heroes.

"That's insane Tito. I never knew"

"Yeah. I think we still have pictures of little Badd. If you ever visit, maybe I could show ya. Ya like Metal Bat?"

Badd? That was his real name?

"Uh... I... Well... Not really, I guess..?"

"It's okay if you like him, niño! We love him too. He's a good boy. Unlike other heroes, he has a honest heart"

Garou stopped moving entirely.

"Just like you"

No, that was wrong. But he didn't have enough courage to tell him that. To tell him what kind of past he had. What he had done. Tito saying Garou has a honest heart makes him want to rip it out. It's just simply not true. He wasn't a good person. He was a monster. 

"People aren't always who they seem to be, Tito..."

"I know, but I'm sure you are"

No... No, he's so wrong. 

It made Garou want to leave and lock the doors and crawl under his blanket. Hide from everybody. From the truth. From his past. He shouldn't have ever become close with anyone. This was a mistake. This was just so wrong. He didn't deserve this kind of treatment or those kind of words. 

"Well, Ganpon, I'll talk to Valentina about this. Have a great shift, hasta luego see ya later!"

"See you"

He could barely mutter a word. There was a mix of emotions. Shock and sadness. Though, the grief was stronger. Regret. He regretted everything. Coming here, mentioning Metal Bat, letting Tito get so close. Everything was going downhill.

I guess it's a payback for everything I did in the past. 

I deserve a kick to my ass. 

I'm a monster.

And with those thoughts, he fell asleep too late once again. To the dog barking, and his neighbors blasting music.

 

---

 

The next morning was a bit different. Garou woke up with this strange feeling in his stomach. It wasn't bad. Didn't hurt. Just... Squeezed a bit. For some reason.

He rolled over to his other side and checked the clock. Six in the morning. The way he sleeps he doesn't even need an alarm anymore. When did he go to sleep again? At like two or three in the morning? God, he still had that fucking morning shift at that fuckass shithole gym. 

Today I'll quit. Tito is right.

Right, Tito... Metal Bat... 

He had no idea Metal Bat's parents died. That detail felt wrong to know. It was too personal. But he couldn't stop thinking about it.

Maybe it was a bigger mistake than he expected. 

With a groan, he sat up and rubbed his face. Maybe after this morning shift he could take a nap... If the neighbor's dog would shut up for once. Maybe, if he got lucky today. 

Though it was still barking. When Garou fell asleep and now when he's getting ready it's still going. 

Does it ever shut up? Shit. 

After brushing his teeth and eating one slice of bread without anything on top, he drank some water and changed his clothes. He doesn't eat much. Hadn't been for a while. He used to eat five plates in one sitting back when he lived at his old man's dojo. Right. His old man... He hated to admit it, but he did miss that old fart. He was like a father to him. But Garou just couldn't face him anymore. After everything that happened... He just couldn't. It felt like he was just using Bang's kindness. And Garou didn't deserve kindness.

He put on his brown leather jacket, grabbed the keys and went to work. That shithole... Oh well, it was fine. He would quit today. The boss is supposed to be there today so he'll say it to her face. 

Actually, I could just do it right now. I don't need to work the whole shift, since there's no point anyway. 

Yeah that was certainly way better. It was also the end of the month, when he gets his paycheck, so he'll get the money. And he'll never step his foot inside of that building ever again. 

Tito was right. 

Garou's chest felt lighter as he walked closer to the building. Looking at it now, knowing it's the last day there, he remembered his first day. The worst encounters with shitty people, his funniest days, funniest coworkers, worst coworkers. It was everything in under a year. 

But he didn't feel sad at all. If he had to choose any emotion, it would be contentment. He hadn't felt that in a while. 

The doors opened in front of him, and he breathed in the scent of new rugs for the last time. The rugs he had to carry inside. By himself. They were heavy. Heavier than he'd expect. Come to think of it, everything had become heavier lately. 

He just... Lost his spark. And strength. 

"Ganpon!! You're late!"

The boss yelled at his face. But this time, he didn't feel anything. 

"Actually, I came here to let you know I'm quitting"

"WHAATTT!! NO WAY!"

"Yes way"

"BUT–!"

Alright. Garou didn't know what kind of a reaction he was expecting. But this? Never. She looked almost sad.

"But... Why?"

"It's just too much"

She looked like she was going to say something. Her eyebrows pulled together and she opened her mouth, but then, she relaxed her face and moved her eyes on the floor. On the new rugs. 

"I understand" was all she said. 

Garou was confused. Is that all? Seriously?

"You sure you don't want to spend one last day here?"

"... No. I'm done" 

"Alright. You'll get your money on 24th. As always"

Was he imagining it or did she look sad?? 

... No. It wasn't his imagination. She really was sad. Wow. Seriously?

Maybe she was just masking her true self this whole time. Just as everybody else does. 

Maybe she wasn't half as bad as Garou thought she was. 

The doors opened behind him and a group of teenagers walked in. It was loud. He wanted out. 

"Hello boys!", she greeted the group, and Garou turned to look. 

It was the same group as yesterday. Metal Bat was there. The center of attention just as usual. 

More quiet than everyone else.

Now that Garou knew some of the hero's past, he felt more familiar. More close. It was to be expected. After learning such intimate details, it's just impossible to look at the person the same way again.

His eyes stayed on other, and... Again. Their eyes met. 

But it was fine. Because "Badd", as his name apparently was, didn't recognize Garou. So he turned to leave. 

But his upper arm was grabbed and yanked. And suddenly Garou's stomach dropped when their eyes met again. 

This time, Metal Bat's attention was on Garou and Garou only. 

Garou glanced behind him at the group who just kept walking without acknowledging the hero. He moved his stare back at the black dots. 

Black... No, they were brown. Dark brown. His eyebrows were pulled together, eyes wide open, and lips parted. He looked shocked. And... Angry? Well, he was constantly angry.

The brown eyes darted from one eye to another, and now Garou just really wanted to leave. 

Crap. Did he recognize him?? Garou didn't have his cap on either so he couldn't hide his face. 

The leather creaked under Badd's grip as it tightened, and he opened his mouth as if to say something, only to be interrupted by someone from his friendgroup yelling out his name. 

Then, the hero snapped back, relaxed his eyebrows, opened his grip and turned around to leave. But of course, not before giving Garou one more glance. As if to be sure he wasn't a mirage. 

Garou watched the hero leave with the brown hair, and decided to go visit Tito's bar. 

That was weird. 

So weird, that he couldn't stop thinking about it even when Tito was yapping about something to Garou. He usually listens to him very carefully. But now... His thoughts are occupied with that damn hero.

Badd... Who even names their kid like that? 

"Niñoo, are you okay?" 

Garou flinched when the hand waving in front of his eyes finally ceased to be just a blur. He was zoning out again. 

"Is something wrong?"

Now Tito is concerned again. Great. 

"All good Tito, all good"

Garou hated making Tito feel negative emotions.

"Sure isn't! You know, after having five kids I can see when someone's lying. Even though you're not a kid anymore, you are in my eyes. Now tell me Ganpon, what happened?" 

"Uh...". He glanced around the bar. No one was really drinking at this hour yet so it was very quiet and barely any people seen in sight. "I... Listened to you and quit"

"Really?! That's amazing!! I'm proud of you niño!! I also talked to my wife about your salary. Don't worry. We got you. You're going to get three percent more now!"

"Seriously?"

"Yes yes!"

"That's... Amazing..."

"Si! It is! But you don't look very happy, Ganpon. What's on your mind?"

This was it. This was the time to confess. 

"Tito, it's great and all... But I can't accept it"

"Why not?"

Garou couldn't look in his face. He felt too disgusting.

"I'm not the one you take me for... Tito, I'm a bad person. I've done very bad things. I don't deserve your kindness. A raise either". The older man was quiet, so Garou decided to tell him everything. He started already, so what was the point of still keeping anything a secret anymore? "My real name is Garou. The hero hunter. I used to fight heroes two years ago. I beat them up. I killed so many monsters... It's just wrong. I'm not–"

"I know"

Garou snapped his head up to meet Tito's eyes. He didn't seem too shocked. In fact, he was as laid back as he could get. 

"Know what?"

"That you aren't Ganpon. I know who you are, silly niño. We knew this whole time. Me and Valentina"

Garou couldn't believe his ears. "But if you knew then why did y–"

"Because as I already said, I know who you are. Remember what we talked about yesterday?"

"... Yeah..?"

"Remember my words? You're a good person"

"No, no no no. I'm not"

Tito sighed and put his elbows on the table, leaning closer to Garou and lowering his voice. "Garou... You said you fought heroes, and killed monsters. But did you kill humans?"

"... No..."

"See? You did the right thing. And I'm not saying that beating up heroes is a good thing. Because it's not. But I believe you had your own reasons. We all have some monsters we hide inside of us. We put a mask on and go on about our day. Just like you did. You hid the truth from us, because you didn't want to lose this job, but–"

"No, Tito. Well I mean, at first, yes. But the more I got to know you the more I feared I would disappoint you. You kind of remind me of my old fart. And you were so kind... I don't know. It just feels wrong. Don't raise my salary. Fire me if you feel it's the right thing to do"

"Niño, what are you saying! What you did is in the past, and we don't care! We've seen you work hard. You always work very hard even if you have bad days. And we respect that"

"So... You're not gonna fire me?"

"Of course not!"

Garou was confused. He was happy, but also confused. Was this satire? Was he joking? But he looked so serious. So it's not that... 

"Anyway, tell me about how your quitting went, Ganpon"

"Uh... I... Met Metal Bat again"

"Ahh! Really!"

"Yeah. Not for long though. My boss was surprisingly okay with me quitting. I mean, she looked sad, but..."

"Anyone would be sad to lose a hardworking person like you"

Garou wasn't used to compliments either. He didn't know how take them. It was awkward. "Um... Thank you. Anyway. Metal Bat. Last time he didn't recognize me, but this time, he grabbed me and stared at me for some time"

"Did he say anything?"

"No... But I'm glad I quit that place. If it means he's going to be there so often"

"Why, you don't like Badd?"

"It's... We just had some history"

"Ohh... You hunted him too"

"Yeah. He wasn't easy to beat. And he's very stubborn. But he's very strong. We actually beat the centipede together. The biggest one. I mean, I did the last finishing blow and cut it in half so technically I did all of the work... But... Okay, his strength did help me"

"I saw it on the news. So that mystery monster was you..."

"On the news??"

"Yes! Did you never heard? Some people were rooting for you, actually"

"Ugh... No way...". That baldy was right. The more damage Garou wanted to do, the more good he did. Now he even got fans. 

Talking about fans... I wonder how's Tareo doing.

"I miss that boy"

"Metal Bat?"

"Yes. My boys also loved to play with him. But he's very busy being a S-class hero. Very busy"

... Apparently not THAT busy if he got time to grab me by my arm and look straight into my soul.

"Don't you have any contact anymore? Like a phone number or something?"

"No... I do know where he lives, though"

So he doesn't have his number BUT he has his address. Wow.

"How are your neighbors, by the way? Still loud?"

"Mm-hmm...". Garou watched the ice cube crack in his drink. "Of course"

"Okay, niño. I'll call some people I know and they'll go to fix your ceiling"

"What?! N–"

"After your shift I'll drive you home so you can pack your stuff and then we'll go to this apartment where you can live for a while"

"No! Tito!"

"Yes, Tito. Don't worry. Tito knows what to do. There's a boy your age in the apartment, but it's okay. He's a good boy. You'll get along well"

"But Tito..."

"Aht aht!! I will not accept your refusement. You need good sleep and some company. Don't worry. When they'll fix your ceiling you can get back to your cave"

"It's not that bad"

"But I can also get you a new apartment"

He's not even listening to me...

"Anyway. Your shift starts soon. So you better go and change now, Ganpon. Also, Valentina wanted to see you. So on your way back here visit her office"

"Alright..."

Garou gave up. He knew arguing with Tito was useless. Tito always wins. And honestly, maybe some new company wouldn't hurt. 

He was thinking about it over and over again. Mentally making a list of things he would need to pack. Thinking about meeting a new person he would need to live with for a while. 

It's fine as long as I act normal. I'm gonna be working five days of the week anyway so it's not like I'm gonna be at home too often now. 

As long as his neighbors aren't loud. 

He walked upstairs and headed straight to the office, where Valentina was waiting for him. 

She was doing something on the computer. Her flower hairclip today was pastel green, which matched with her light green shirt and white skirt that was so long it looked like a dress. She noticed then that Garou was standing in the doorway and her face instantly lit up. 

"Ganpon!! Come in hijo! Sit down, sit down". She dragged a chair from under the table next to her, and he sat down with a heavy heart. Gosh, to think that this woman knew all this time who he really was, and she stayed the same this whole time. "I wanted to talk to you about your salary"

Her accent was familiar and Garou loved it. "But Mrs. Tucci..."

"No buts hijo! Did Tito tell you already we're gonna raise your salary three more percent?"

"Yes, but I don't–"

She raised her finger in front of his face, making the bracelets on her wrists clink, and he shut up. Everyone knew it was a bad idea to mess with this woman. So he decided to just act good and listen. 

"I was already planning on raising your salary. But now that Tito told me you're going to quit the other job, it made me do it faster"

"... I'm sorry"

"No Ganpon, don't apologize. I'm glad you quit your second job. I was waiting for you to, and I'm glad the day has come. It hurts my heart to see you so tired all the time"

She tapped the mouse, and Garou was quiet. The clicking sound of the keyboard filled the room and he stared at pictures on the walls. He hadn't noticed it before, but they had a picture of every person working in their bar. Even Garou. His first day, it looked like. Had more fat, more strength. Now he's skinny.

Him. Even after all he'd done. They still cherished him. Still saw him the same as every other worker. 

If he could, he would have cried. 

He hadn't felt this vulnerable in a couple of years. 

"What are you thinking about, hijo?"

Garou flinched. "Uh... Just thinking... Your last name sounds Italian, even though you said you're from Spain"

"Yes, my husband's mother was from Italy. We took his last name. I liked it more than mine"

"I see... "

"What are you really thinking about?"

He turned to face her, but she was already staring at him. She had that gaze. That motherly gaze. Full with love and worry. 

This pain was so much different than any pain he's ever felt.

"... Thinking... Why are you so kind to me if you know who I really am"

"People change chico"

"Yes, but–"

"You changed"

God. What did he do to deserve this?? It felt wrong but it also felt so nice. It was so warm around her. 

"I... Did"

"So, see? Come on hijo, stop with this stupidity. We still love you. Just like every worker here"

"... Thank you"

He couldn't say anything else. Then again was there a need to say anything else? He didn't think so. He guessed that was enough. And it was. He knew it was for her. Because he knew her. She was like a mom already. To everybody.

She typed something on the keyboard, and after some minutes, turned to him. "Done! Now go to work. And tell Tito to stop slacking off. Or he'll hear it from me"

"Okay. Thank you again"

"Of course". She stood up and took a step closer and... Ughh... He hated hugs but... She smelled so good and she was so warm and it felt so genuine... He couldn't resist and hugged back. She was shorter, so put her hand on his head and ruffled his now short white hair. It felt so good. So nice. Was this how it was to have a mother? If so, he has been really missing out.

She let go with a small smile, and gently hit his back as if to say "go already". And he left. To Tito. 

"Tito!"

"Yes niño!"

Garou walked closer. "Valentina told me to tell you to stop slacking off or you would hear it from her"

"Ay mierda... Alright..."

And then he walked somewhere behind a door. To clean the boxes, Garou figured. 

 

---

 

As the day went on, the later it got, more people started walking in. 

It wasn't a bad thing. People loved Tito and Valentina, so no one ever fought here. And even if someone did, they are 99% of the time new. And the usuals quickly calm them down and tell them to never do that again. Some people listen, some don't. Those who decide to act like bastards get thrown out. 

That's why Garou liked working here. His coworkers were amazing as well. Funny, laid back. They talked to Garou so easily. And he felt bad. They were nice to him and he felt bad. 

But maybe it was a good thing they didn't know who he actually was. As Valentina said, people do change. And Garou is one of those people. He's changed now. He's normal. Well as normal as he could get. 

Only so long until his mask will stop working.

For now, he'll enjoy their company. 

"Sup Ganpon!"

A familiar female voice greeted him, and he was met with one of his coworkers. Daniela. She had her hair in a ponytail as usual, and she aggressively waved at him like a child does. Well, she was eighteen. Turned recently. So to Garou she kind of was like a kid. Even though they only had three years of age gap.

"Hello"

"Hellooo!! How's your shift going? Anything interesting happened yet?"

"Going great. Nothing happened"

"Aww okay. How are you?"

"Same as usual"

Well not really. He was doing a bit better today. But he didn't want to open up too much about his feelings.

"What about you?", he asked. He doesn't ask that too often.

"Ugh. Good. Just... Had a small fight with friends yesterday I guess. It was a bit weird. They were staying overnight. And one of them left a bit early because apparently we didn't offer to do anything. But she's always quiet! You know? And me and the other girl figured she just wanted to be on her phone 'cause she's always on the phone!"

Girl friendgroups seem to be always messy for some reason.

"But turns out she wanted to play some board game..."

"Can you make watermelon sangria?"

"Yes of course". She grabbed the ingredients but kept going. Garou didn't mind. She knew he didn't mind. She knew he was listening to her even if it looked like he didn't. "But anyway yeah. It felt like she was waiting to tell us that. As if to put blame on us and then just run away without communicating. Ugh!! She can never communicate! It's honestly so frustrating. I understand not every person is good at communicating but we can't read her mind..!"

"Mhm"

"It would be enough if she asked why was it so quiet in the room. I don't know, I mean, I didn't mind it being silent. I'm like, pretty much used to it. And also the day before that we were outside the whole day so we were all tired. So, I figured we were resting today and just chillin... Ugh... What do you think?"

He finished making mango cocktails and looked at her. She was staring at him with concerned eyes and Garou wished then he would have more friends growing up so he could help. But sadly, she was asking the wrong person. 

He placed the cocktails on the tray with watermelon sangria. "Table four"

She let out a sigh, but walked to the table anyway. 

"Good evening, two bottles of ginger beer please". A huge man with a long beard and a bandana was holding money to Garou, which he took, gave the change back and began to fill the glasses. "Could you call Daniela here?"

"We can't do that due to privacy reasons"

"Meaning?"

"Meaning if you're a creep that makes women uncomfortable you're getting kicked out"

The man laughed. "I appreciate that a lot. I can sleep better at night knowing my daughter is safe"

"Nope, still won't work". He placed the glasses on the table and wiped the sink. 

At the same time, Daniela came back.

"Hey dad! What are you doing here??"

Turns out he was her dad. 

Better be safe than sorry though. That's what Tito said.

Garou checked the clock, two more hours. And then he would be free. Well. Kind of. Tito's gonna drive him to his apartment and then to Garou's new friend... Friend? More like a roommate maybe. 

"I decided to come and see how's my daughter doing. Also, this place has the best beer"

"Okayy. Where's mom?"

"At the spa with her girlies". He put up his hands in a girly way and wiggled his fingers. "Getting nails done and drinking piña colada. All their girly shit"

The daughter laughed. "I see. Well, have fun with your friends"

"Thanks. See ya!"

Daniela waved in that childish-like way and smiled. 

"Your dad is a nice dude", Garou muttered.

"Yeah, I know. I mean thanks! He's very kind, even though he may look scary. What's your dad like?"

Well this is awkward. "He's... I... I don't have one"

"Aww, I'm sorry. What about your mom?"

"I don't have parents". He said and turned away from her, to end the conversation there. 

He hated that family talk. He could never tell any funny stories like everyone else did. While the other children were saying how they went to go fishing with their dads or helped fix the car, Garou sat alone and listened. He could never relate. Never understand how fun it is. Never experience anything like that. The old fart Bang was more of a teacher. Although... Garou did take him as his dad for some time. Until he tried to kill him. And then after MA vs HA was over Garou didn't stay long at the dojo. Bang also moved out somewhere. 

He didn't remember his mother either. But seeing mothers of other kids hug them and caress their face when they got hurt made Garou feel things. Jealousy. It was jealousy. No one was there to comfort him when he got bullied. 

No use thinking about it now. 

"Hijo! What are you doing?"

Garou snapped back to where he was, making drinks. 

He glanced from the drinks to her, then repeated, wondering what he was doing wrong. "What?"

Valentina walked to him and looked at his drinks, then up at Garou. Her hands were on her hips and her eyeliner was a bit smudged. It always was. "What are you doing here? Your shift ended ten minutes ago!"

"No, Mrs. Tucci. I started at four"

"Aahhh.... Sí. Nevermind then, chico". She tapped his shoulder and left. 

Maybe it was a good thing he didn't have a mother. Because Valentina could fill that missing piece. Her and Tito. You can't choose your biological family, but you can choose your real family.

"Six beers please". Garou heard, and turned to the customers. "Uh... All the same brand, right?"

His heart skipped a beat. Damn. Fuck. His luck be damned. Shit.

Metal Bat popped from behind the other two. "I want ginger beer!!"

"Alright, then five Guinness and one ginger beer for him"

Third guy joined them, "No!! I also wanted ginger beer!"

The brown hair guy groaned. "Fine! Shit. You guys are making it so complicated... Let's just order one by one, alright? Stop making it harder for the workers"

And so they did. And so, their eyes met again. The hero's stare lingered longer this time. Garou tried to not look at him. 

Ignore him ignore him ignore him

"So, two ginger and four Guinness?"

"Yes please"

"Card or cash?"

"Card"

The guy paid, and Garou grabbed the glasses from the fridge. Shit... This was another level of awkward. Not to mention that fucking hero was STILL staring at Garou. While he was pouring drinks. While they walked away. And even now while sitting at the table. They were sitting on the other side of the bar and yet he could feel that piercing gaze on his neck. He somehow managed to glance back to make sure if the other was still staring and of course, he was. 

It was different. This time he was looking at Garou with curiosity.

Once he was done pouring all of the drinks he put them on the tray and walked to the table. He put down each glass one by one, the guys thanked him, and Metal Bat was still staring. Well, Badd. Garou wasn't 100% sure that was his real name and that he heard it right, but that's how Tito pronounced it.

He left as soon as he could. And he was pretty sure the hero was watching him walk. Which, he was. 

To think that this was the third time they met. So many times in just two days. And this was the first time after what? Two years? 

He hasn't changed. Metal Bat. Still that stupid pompadour on his head and those determined eyes. 

Maybe... There was something new. Garou wasn't sure what. And not like he wanted to know either. In any case, he had to go change soon. Tito. New roommate. He couldn't wait. He needed something new in his life, honestly. 

Tito is right. 

He checked the clock. Just one hour and thirty minutes. That's going to pass by quickly. 

He poured himself some soda and took a sip. It was unusually busy today. 

"Hey! Excuse me, the toilet's clogged"

Awh, shit...

Garou didn't need to turn around to know who that voice belonged to. 

He turned around and met Metal Bat's eyes. "Could ya check it out...?"

Garou sighed, took his cap off, dragged a hand down his face, ruffled his hair, put the cap back on and muttered "sure" while walking to men's restroom. With specific someone following him behind his back. Was this going to be some sort of a joke? Was he going to try and pick a fight with Garou? 

He had no idea, honestly. Maybe the toilet was actually clogged. Maybe he was just imagining everything. 

But the door behind him closed, and the lock was twisted.

Or, maybe not. 

He managed to turn halfway when the hero pushed him in the wooden part between toilet cabin doors. It hurt a bit more than he expected. Damn. He should really gain his weight back.

Here it comes...

"What the hell is the meanin' of this?? Dipshit. First gym, now bar... Are ya followin' me???"

Garou was quiet. 

In some sick, weird way he missed this. Missed fighting. Especially with this hero. 

Badd's fists, holding the shirt, were digging in Garou's collarbone. It made Garou a bit more tired thinking about how he would need to iron this shirt again because it was crumpled thanks to this guy. 

He wanted to punch him so, so bad.

But instead, he sighed quietly, and gently grabbed other's fists, bringing them down between their bodies.

"Well, meathead bat... If you haven't noticed yet, I'm working..."

He let go of other's hands, and the hero looked like he was going to yell something at him, but decided against it. He looked angry. Frustrated. Not being able to say anything back. And if it was Garou two years ago, he'd laugh in other's face and mock him. But because he was tortured by something called "insomnia" and "work" he couldn't quite get out a chuckle out of his body.  

"You... Really workin'?"

"Mhm"

"And like... Not killin' yer coworkers or anythin'?"

"There's no reason to"

The hero looked surprised at that, but quickly brought his serious expression back. He folded his arms on his chest and thought about something. While seconds passed, Garou noticed small scars on other's face. His skin was more tanned, and it suited him a lot. He looked more... Mature. Garou guessed he also looked more mature. 

I probably look depressed as shit. 

Metal Bat was... Short. Well. He was also pretty good looking. The small cut on his upper lip suited him a lot as well. Garou had a huge one across his face. It was brutal and ugly. Not like Metal Bat's elegant one, decorating him so perfectly. 

Garou was overall more uglier. Not by appearance. By something else. Soul, maybe. Badd radiated pure honesty and determination. It was nice to see he still had his spark.

Compared to me. 

"Shit... I went to the interview yesterday! Before I saw ya! I wanted to work there!!"

Garou raised his hand. "Fear not, meathead. I already quit"

"What?". He genuinely looked concerned. What a joke. 

"What you heard... I quit today. So work there in peace"

"Seriously?". Garou sighed. He was too tired to convince him. "Alright. Then... Great"

"Mhm"

And then that awkward silence. Both deciding if they should say something or not. Keep it professional or not. 

Maybe it was best to just leave and forget about this conversation. 

"Did you quit because of me?"

"Huh?". Garou was ready to leave. But now that hero continued the conversation, keeping him there. "No... I didn't know you were gonna join"

"Okay, then"

"... -o much..."

"Hm?"

"Too much. I decided it was too much. Two jobs"

God, why am I telling him of all the people this kind of stuff??

"Oh... Yeah... Understandable"

"... Mm"

"It's probably for the best, really. Ya don't look good"

"You do"

Garou didn't quite understand what those words sounded like. He was still sleep deprived and really just said whatever came to his mind. He stopped caring. About a lot of things. Saying things he thought about other people was one of them. 

"Uh.. Thanks?"

"No problem. Can I go now?"

"Oh uh.. Of course. Yeah"

"No clogged toilet either?"

"No, no clogged toilet"

The hero looked like he was experiencing shell shock. Was it something that Garou said? He wasn't sure. Not like he cared either. He wanted to go change and leave. 

Though he still had half an hour. And he still had to pack... But it was fine. It was worth it. He trusted Tito. 

And talking about Tito, he was sitting at the table on the tall chair talking to the other coworker. His name was Oliver. He was a good guy. Garou was pretty sure Daniela had a crush on him, but he couldn't quite prove it yet. 

Oliver caught the asshole that tried to spike Daniela's drink once. After that Daniela started working here and they got along very well. Like very well. 

I'll ask her about it later. 

"Hey man", Garou greeted, and Oliver shook hands with him.

"Hey! How are you man?"

"Pretty good, actually"

"You told me you were doing the same as usual!!", they heard Daniela complain, but ignored her. 

"I quit the gym today"

"Oh shit. Finally. Glad for you man"

"Thanks. How about you?"

"Mhmm..."

Oliver was the one to teach Garou about everything on the first day. Even though Garou didn't like getting friends, he didn't mind Oliver being his friend. He was younger, sure, but he was surprisingly mature, and Garou liked that. It was easier to talk to him. 

"I'm good. My parents got together recently"

"Damn. That's good right?"

"Yes. Well, if it goes well, that is. I just feel like they both miss each other and decided to stop pretending. Be real with each other. It's nice to see them have fun again"

"I'm glad you're doing better, then"

Oliver let out a chuckle. "What's up with you, unc? You're not this kind usually"

"I'm only three years older than you, so watch your mouth"

"Haha! Okay, sure, unc"

Garou gave him a glare, but couldn't resist smiling. Oliver sometimes reminded him of Tareo, which could be one of the reasons why he liked being around him. "I actually talked to a S-class hero some minutes ago"

"What?? You're joking right"

"No. Sadly. Wasn't my idea"

"What the fuck??", he hissed and looked around the bar, trying to find the one who Garou was talking about. "Which one was it?"

"Meathead bat"

"You mean Metal Bat?"

"Ah yes. Yes. Of course"

I got too used to calling him meathead bat.

"I see him! Wow!"

"Is he your favorite?"

"Well, no, King is my number one. But Metal Bat is great. I would love him sign something"

"Well, this is your chance". He started cleaning the counter since there was nothing else to do. While at it, also checked the clock. Not long anymore. Then he'll get to sleep. 

"No, I'm too shy"

Garou rolled his eyes. "Stop with that bullshit, man. Grab your balls and go. He's not gonna bite you"

"No, but... He's with his friends having fun. I don't want to bother him"

"Oliver. He's human just like you"

"No. Not today. Maybe some other time..."

"... Alright, then"

"I wish I had balls"

"What?"

"Nothing..."

"You mean enough balls?"

"Uh... Kind of"

"What? You don't have balls?"

At that, Oliver turned his head and rubbed his neck. 

What the fuck? Is this dude... Not a dude?? It's not like I'm totally new to this, but...

"Are you–"

"Yes". Oliver said before Garou could've asked. "Yes I am". Maybe he was too used to that question. To be expected. He must be tired hearing the same thing over and over again.

"Pretty neat. I never ever suspected"

"For real??", his face lit up. 

"Yeah". Garou's mouth pulled into a smile. "Yeah you're good. Impressive, to be honest"

"Haha! Thanks! It took me six years"

"I see". Garou leaned his palms on the counter and put the upper body weight on them. It made his back crack in the good places. Maybe he is close to the uncle status after all. "You should tell Daniela though"

Oliver's face turned red. "Wh-"

"Yes she likes you. You never noticed?"

"No.... But how did you–"

"You have those same eyes idiot. You're totally balls deep in love. And she is too"

"You really think so?"

Garou let out an annoyed sigh, which Oliver took as a "yes", and didn't say anything else. Just smiled to himself with those pinkish cheeks. 

Look at him, all giddy. 

Garou noticed he was also smiling a bit and reminded himself to drop it and get serious. He was no love expert. It was just something he noticed. 

But... It made Oliver very happy. And it felt good to make someone feel happy. Was it the right thing to do, though? Maybe Daniela doesn't actually like him. 

"You think she would accept me as I am?", Garou suddenly heard, and suddenly Oliver wasn't giddy anymore. He was scared. 

He grabbed other by the shoulders and talked straight to his face. "Oliver. I've never met anyone as accepting as Daniela. If she hurts you, I got your back. I still owe you from that one time"

"What time?"

"When you saved my ass from that one customer. I was really ready to bust his face in"

"Ooohh... Okay. Thanks man"

"Mhm". He gave one good slap on Oliver's shoulder and he complained about his hand being "too heavy", to which Garou responded with "exercise more". By then Tito walked to them and told Garou to immediately go now. Apparently he worked a bit overtime. 

Just out of curiosity he glanced to the table where Metal Bat and his friends sat some time ago, but Daniela was already wiping it. They had left. Garou didn't even notice when. 

Really all he was thinking about was Badd. That damn hero and his damn perfect skin. His pretty little face. 

Tsk... That moron... 

Okay. It wasn't THAT bad seeing him. If anything it was pretty interesting. Probably wouldn't do it again though.

"Niño, what are you thinking about now?"

They were in the car now, on their way to Garou's place.

"Oh, uh...". About the encounter with that hero. But he didn't really want to talk about it. "Today was an interesting day"

"Sí. You quit your job"

"Mhm..."

"Are you sad you did?"

He thought about it. Kept his eyes moving from one building to another. It started raining a little bit, and the tiny drops slowly moved sideways. "No. I'm glad I quit"

"Me and Valentina are glad as well. You really need more rest days". They stopped at a red light.

Garou turned his head at Tito. "No, it's fine. I can do the five days a week"

"Ohh, want to be like Tito, huh?", he teased, but it didn't work. Garou would be glad to be like Tito. Everyone liked Tito. He was kind and caring. "Well, if you're so sure, then of course. But if you feel like you need a bit more free days just let us know, okay? We don't want an overworked kid doing overtime"

"I'm twenty-two"

"Still a kid in our eyes"

Garou smiled a bit. A smirk that was barely visible. That could be hidden well. "Alright"

"Great!! Tomorrow you have a day off. You can also take the day after tomorrow off as well. No problem with that. If you feel like coming, do come. You listen to your body and choose. Me and Valentina will be happy when you'll be happy"

"I'm already fine"

"Fine is not happy!! It's not enough"

"Okay okay"

"Mhmm..."

It was raining a bit more now. But they were already turning to the parking lot, where Tito left his car, and walked inside with Garou. 

"I will check your ceiling"

"Okay"

Well, the ceiling was way worse than Tito expected it to be. 

While Garou packed, the neighbor dog barked loudly non stop, and the neighbors on the other side were yelling and laughing loudly. 

"Is it like this all the time?"

"Yes"

"Ay caramba... How did you live here for a whole year??"

"Two years"

"DOS AÑOS"

Garou chuckled from the other room while still packing. "Yes", he said. And Tito yelled something in Spanish some more, which made Garou laugh more. 

He stared at his pretty much empty closet, thinking if he took everything or not.

As long as he had keys, charger, wallet and his phone he would be fine. Clothes he had as well, so, that was it, then. Documents were already packed. Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant... Yeah. He was ready.

He won't miss this place. 

"I'm ready, Tito". He threw the bag over his shoulder and they walked outside. 

"The dog already pisses me off and I haven't been here for half an hour..."

"Yeah, it is annoying. The neighbors are pretty lazy with it. I saw them outside with the dog maybe twice in two years I've lived here"

"That's no bueno. Abuse is what it is"

"Mm... Apparently they're moving out soon, though. And giving the dog away"

"For free?"

"Yeah"

"Ay, take it niño"

"No. I'm good"

"Don't like dogs?"

"I've listened to him barking enough already"

"Mm... Understandable"

"Does... My new roommate have any pets?"

"Not that I know of. Don't worry. His place is very very quiet. The neighbors there are old. Very old"

"Sounds heavenly"

Tito let out a laugh. "It does. But your own house is way better. Apartment? Mm... No". He shook his head.

Garou had to agree. This was hell. "Where does he live?"

"Apartment, but as I said it's very quiet there"

Well, Garou just had to hope that was true. And Tito was 99% of the time right about everything. So he trusted him. 

 

---

 

The ride there was interesting. He was in a place he's never been to, but it was a pretty place. The buildings were beautiful and colorful. It was obvious, these apartments were expensive. But it was good. Maybe. Unless Garou had to pay for the rent as well. Which... Would make sense. But he also cherished the money he earned through hellish amount of hard work. 

Then again, Mr. and Mrs. Tucci did raise his salary... Maybe it was going perfectly. Maybe he was overthinking again. 

It was just trust issues, honestly. Whenever something good happened to Garou he was sure it was some sort of a joke. Now, when he quit the job he hated he'll get more money and he'll work at a perfect place with perfect people and sleep somewhere where the neighbors aren't loud?? Yeah. Feels like one tremendous joke. Like a prank, kind of. 

Except it wasn't. Because Valentina and Tito would never lie to him about something like this. 

It wasn't a dream when he walked inside the beautiful building either. Where it actually smelled good. Where the wall paint wasn't chipped, and where the halls weren't humid or cold. It was nicely warm, nicely lit, and it smelled like new. 

It was so quiet, he felt it in his ears. 

He followed Tito to the elevator while still looking everywhere around him. Shit. If he got used to this kind of a nice place, he would probably never want to return to that shithole he lived in. Hopefully his roommate was nice at least. 

"Do you like it here, niño?"

"Yes. Very much. It's nice here"

"It really is"

The elevator was smooth, all the buttons were lit and worked well. Was he in heaven?? Did he actually deserve this? Was this normal for other people? 

I feel like some caveman...

Then they walked out, moved through a hallway, turned right, and Tito stopped. He turned his face at Garou. He was so relaxed!! Why was he so relaxed!!! Garou felt like his damn heart was going to burst out of his chest at any moment now. He was so fucking nervous. He didn't remember the last time he felt this way. 

"Well, are ya ready?"

"No. I mean. Yeah?"

No the fuck not. He was not ready at all. Maybe it was a bad idea. 

His stomach felt like it was a void. Just simply bottomless space. His legs were a bit weak and he considered running away. 

"Tito maybe I should just–"

But he rang the bell then and Garou's heart dropped through all of the six floors beneath his feet. Fucking fuckity fuck. 

He turned to leave but Tito grabbed him by the bag and didn't let him go anywhere.

Shitttt..... This was the most gut wrenching thing ever. Slashing monsters was way easier!! He hated meeting new people especially like this where he had to wait and listen to the footsteps approaching the door on the other side and twist the lock and creak it open and 

 

WHAT THE FUCK!!!

Son of a bitch Tito!!!

Metal Bat and Garou were looking at each other, both unable to say anything. 

"Hello Badd! Long time no see. Here's the boy I was talking to you about. This is Ganpon. Ganpon, this is Badd. Who you might know already"

Okay, so... He doesn't know that meathead bat knows me. Fuck!! I knew it was too perfect to be true. There HAD to be some kind of a trap. 

"May we come in?"

What!! No! Wait! 

But Tito was already pulling Garou inside. And closed the door behind them. 

It is too late to say I'm against this?

They locked eyes and, well... Metal Bat really had that murderous look in his glare, to say the least. 

Yeah no I'm fucked. 

"How are you?", Tito asked while smiling, and Badd finally seemed to snap out of it. 

"I'm...", his eyes quickly glanced at Garou then back at the other man. "Great...."

Oh he was furious.

"That's amazing to hear!! Well, niño, I'll leave you here now. It's pretty late, and Valentina told me to be home before she's done making dinner. So, I wish you two a goodnight, and see you later! Buenas noches!"

"Yeah... Goodnight...", Badd muttered without taking his eyes off Garou, and just like that, Tito left. Leaving the two completely alone. 

The awkward silence was filled with clock ticking somewhere, and Garou was really considering how he would get back to his place. It was really late and his shithole of a home was far away. 

"... Hi?", Garou tried.

"Hi? Hi?? Motherfucker..."

"I had no idea it was gonna be you either, jackass! So it sure ain't my fault"

The hero sighed and looked away for some time. "... Well. Take yer shoes off and come in, I guess"

Garou sighed this time. "I'll leave now", he said and grabbed the door handle, but the other yelled "Wait!!", so he waited. 

He raised an eyebrow at other. "If... Yer not gonna kill me in the middle of the night, I'm fine with you stayin' here"

"... You serious?"

"Well, yeah", Badd threw his hands in the air and let them fall to his sides. "... Yer already here... And it's rainin' pretty hard outside. Ya gonna leave later anyway, right?"

"When my ceiling is fixed, yes"

"Well, then, no objections"

Garou was kind of shocked, but he was also extremely tired. So, he didn't fight it. He didn't want to argue. If Badd really had nothing against Garou staying at his apartment (which sounds kind of insane), then he was good. 

He let his hand drop from the handle and he took his shoes off, then followed the other to a room. 

It was so strange. This felt like some fever dream. Was he dreaming?

"This is gonna be your room now. My room is right next to the kitchen there in the opposite direction", he showed with his arm, which moved back to Garou's room. "Air mattress. For you. And... Closet"

Garou checked out the closet. It was empty. He figured the hero emptied it for him.

Oh how much stuff he did for Garou not knowing it was going to be Garou. It was amusing and funny and if this happened to Garou two years ago, he would've made fun of the hero, make him eat his own shit and call him his "servant", but since he wasn't the same Garou as two years ago, he only said "Thank you", and dropped his bag to unpack it. 

Even the hero seemed a bit shocked at that. He stood in the doorway with arms crossed on his chest, not moving. And as if Garou had eyes on the back of his head, he told him, "if you're expecting me to say anything else, you can leave, because I'm not going to"

But the hero didn't leave. 

Garou was halfway done unpacking when he stopped, stood up and made eye contact. "What??"

"Nothin'..."

"I feel like some fucking monkey in a zoo right now. What are you staring for?"

"I don't know, I just... You serious about not killin' me?". Garou groaned and rolled his eyes. Was this the reason he stood there this whole time? Seriously?? "No, jackass. Of course I have nothing else to do than to fucking murder a person that gave me a nice room while my apartment is getting fixed"

But the hero looked a bit startled. It was to be expected. Garou was a monster, after all. 

He sighed and continued placing his clothes in the closet. "Relax, Badd. I have no interest in that stuff anymore. I retired from... Hunting heroes"

"How do you know my name?"

"Tito"

"Oh. Shit. What else did he tell you?"

"Nothing special... Just that he and Valentina knew you when you lived next to them"

Garou figured it was best to leave out the intimate parts about his parents. 

"Valentina... Haven't seen her for a while". Badd rubbed his upper arm. "How.... Is she?"

"Scary. She's scary but lovely. It's hard not to like her and Tito"

Badd let out a chuckle and smiled a bit. "Yeah.. That's true"

"They really miss you"

The hero didn't say anything. So Garou kept unpacking. 

"Yeah, I... Today was the first time I saw them in a long while, actually"

"For real?"

"Yeah"

"... That's a long ass time"

"I know it's just", he threw his arms up and let them fall down. "Just, busy. With the Hero Association and all that"

"Mhm. Can I go?"

"Hm?"

"Shower"

"Oh. Yeah"

Badd walked to the bathroom and Garou followed. He showed how the shower worked, where the toothpaste was, he even laid the clean towels ready for Garou. 

But Garou just couldn't stop thinking about the fact that if Badd knew it was him, he would never try this hard. Or be this kind. He's pretty sure he's being this nice only because of Tito. 

That didn't matter. It was whatever. As long as he got a place where to sleep, he was good. 

"Just throw your towel on the drying rack"

"Okay"

Badd closed the door, and Garou locked it. 

This was definitely going to be an interesting experience

 

 

Chapter 2: I'm waking up

 

 

Garou woke up feeling weird. His whole body felt crusty and sore and when he raised his head from the pillow it felt glued to the fabric and his pants were rolled up to his thighs and... Where was he? Holy shit. What happened last night? And what time was it?

He took a moment to slowly sit up and stare at the wall before rubbing his face, stretching, cracking his back and finally, checking his phone. 

It was 5pm. 

What the fuck where am I??

Oh... Right... Meathead bat. And... Damn. When did I go to sleep?? At around 11pm? 

He had no strength to do the math quite yet but two things he knew for sure. One, he was hungry. And two, he needed a shower. 

Shower first, then breakfast. Well, dinner. 

 

–

 

While standing under the nicely cool water, he let it hit his face. It was crystal clear, and the tiles on the floor were warm. To think that such a thing existed. Floors with warming?? Garou never saw that before. But it sure as hell was cool. 

He let out a sigh, running back the events from yesterday. 

Tito brought him here... Then that meathead, and then... No. Before that he quit! Right, right. He quit. And then... And then? Work. Then Tito and this apartment and the hero. 

He dropped his gaze at the bottles. Shampoo and shower gel and even hair conditioner. Eh, it made sense. That hero was obsessed with his hair. That's what Garou guessed. 

Ain't this expensive shampoo? Nah. It's-... Well fuck me in the ass it is that kind of expensive. Rich fucker.

Just out of spite, he made sure to use an extra amount of it on himself. And he had to admit, it worked. The scent was amazing, and his hair was more softer. 

Damn. Everything felt expensive compared to that shithole. He sure as hell didn't want to return there anytime soon. 

Then again, he also can't stay in this home for too long. As good as it is there. Even the air mattress, that he usually hated, was comfy and didn't even deflate overnight. 

He walked out of the bathroom, stretched, and stood with his hands on hips, staring out of the window. He didn't have his shirt on, since he never actually wears one at home. Not needed. It was hot enough already.

But what was this... Feeling. Like... This new, relaxing emotion? 

Was it silence? That had to be it. He slightly turned his head to listen to any sounds. Only cars driving somewhere further away. Then he turned it the other way. Still the same noise. 

Except, the fridge was making some noise too. And the AC. Damn. His fridge was way louder, not to talk about the air conditioning. Kept him up at night alongside the dog.

Talking about dogs, he can't hear a single bark. Only silence. What a bliss to be able to stand in pure silence. It was so peaceful. 

But then, his stomach sunk. He was enjoying himself here, but what about work??

He rushed to his room to get ready only to realize he quit the gym job. And Tito said he could have today off. 

Garou let out a sigh and closed his eyes. Maybe it was time for some kind of a break. Vacation. He really needed it. But he also needed money. Especially now. If he needs to pay that hero money. And for the ceiling. 

For sure I need to pay him. I need to buy my own food too. And talking about food...

He walked back to the kitchen, opened the fridge and peeked inside. Of course he wouldn't touch anything, but... He would just look. And really, it was pretty empty. Then again his fridge was wayyy emptier. And Badd also lived alone. So he didn't need much food. 

When he comes back, I'll give him some money.

It felt a bit weird being alone in someone else's house. It would help greatly if Badd was here right now, but Garou had no idea when his shift ended. His stomach was squeezing and screaming but it was fine. He was used to starving. He, not being able to choose whether he liked it or not, simply didn't have food sometimes. He was extremely careful with spending money. It was too precious and ended momentarily. He needed it for the ceiling. And he didn't care if Tito would tell him to not worry about it. Because he sure as hell would force the money down their throats if he had to. Otherwise it would simply be free labour. And he didn't like that idea. 

He zoned in, blinked, looked around, went to the bathroom once again. Counted the tiles while taking a shit, washed his hands, went back to now his room. 

He was about to jump on the bed when he realized it wasn't a bed. Just air mattress. So obviously it was a bad idea, and instead gently lay down, staring at the ceiling. 

It was surprisingly boring when you didn't have work. 

But with that thought, he felt his eyelids get heavy.

No way, I'm tired again?? What the shit...

He yawned, and, before he realized, fell asleep again. 

 

–

 

Garou had no idea what time it was again. He was more confused than when he woke up for the first time. All he knew, was that someone just came in and walked in the bathroom. 

"Garou??"

Ah. Right. The hero. 

Garou felt crusty again and his eyelids were heavy, but he slowly got up and walked out of his mancave anyway, meeting the one and only meathead bat.

"What the fuck... Were you sleepin'??"

"Mno", he said in a drunk tone, but shook his head quickly. 

The hero was speechless. He looked the other up and down. At an imprint left on Garou's cheek. His messy hair, his– wow– body and finally to his pants... One side rolled up to his knee.

"Hello", Garou mumbled, swaying back and forth. 

"... Good evenin'..."

He was still trying his best to open his eyes, but it was hard. He let his head fall back, exposing his adam apple and his sharp jaw. "I woke up at five...", he muttered. 

"At five? In the mornin'?"

"Oh no. No, no. In the evening"

"Well it's six right now! And you went back to sleep after that?"

"Mnno...? I went to shower, duh"

"And then slept?"

"Do you have food?", he raised his head and leaned closer, looking in the grocery bag in Badd's hand. 

"I'll... Make some. Soon. Just... Go and brush yer teeth"

Garou sighed, but scooted in the bathroom anyway. 

 

---

 

"Un-fuckin'-believable. The most I've slept is twelve hours. But sixteen? Never"

"Mhm..."

"Well I'm glad you got to sleep. Looks like ya really needed it"

"Don't act like you actually ca–", his stomach rumbled, completely interrupting what he wanted to say. He sighed and let it be. Whatever. At least he's getting food. "What are you making, anyway? Seems like you took whatever and made hodgepodge"

"Chipotle bowl"

"What's that?"

"You never had it?", the hero turned around wearing that surprised expression on his face. Almost as if mocking Garou.

"Yes, mister expensive jackass"

"Alright. I get it yer hungry, but if ya disrespect me, I'll kick ya out"

"I can make banger pasta with canned tuna though"

"Really"

"Yes. Shit. I'm not a fucking toddler"

"Can you make eggs too?"

"Shut the hell up?"

Garou expected other to get mad and bite back. But instead, the hero only chuckled, and continued cooking. 

It smelled absolutely delicious. Garou was starving so bad. 

"I should've made some food before I left probably. But I forgot"

"And I could've made it myself. But it's your fridge. Not mine"

"Very polite of you, hero hunter"

"... Do you want your head smashed in or do you not want your head smashed in?"

"I prefer for it not to be smashed in"

"Even though you hit yourself a lot". Garou's eyes wandered on the back of other. That compressed shirt with those sweatpants really did suit him. 

Bonus the pink apron. Very cute.

"Well you know, the fightin'–"

"Fighting spirit yeah yeah"

"Hey, I know it helped ya out"

It just might have. But Garou could never say it to his face. It would make him feel like he owes Badd. And he already owes him a lot. 

To change the subject. "How was... Your shit? I mean first shit. Tsk. Fuck...", Garou groaned and rubbed his eyes while the hero laughed his ass off. "I just woke up cut me some slack..."

"How do you even manage fuckin' up that bad?? HAHA!!"

"Make fun of me like that and I'll fuck you up as well"

The hero immediately shut up. 

Maybe it came off wrong. Maybe it didn't. Garou didn't care. 

"My first shift was... Okay"

"What. Seriously?"

"What?". He took his apron off and looked at Garou. Who, for some reason, looked disappointed. 

"No drama or anything like that?"

"No... Well my friends did visit me and did laugh at me for bein' too big for the uniform. But at least I can use the equipment there for free"

"Why did you even apply there anyway? I thought HA pays heroes well"

Badd turned around with two bowls that he placed on the table. Garou dug in without waiting. "I'm... Gonna quit"

Then he stopped for a second, continued to chew, swallowed, and made sure the hero was talking about the gym job. But... 

"No. The HA. I'm quitting Hero Association"

"... Wait. But why? Don't you love being a hero?"

"As much as I love it, I need to stop. I want a normal life"

Absolute nonsense. It was like a knife to a heart listening to him talk about this and say these things. Metal Bat, the most determined hero Garou had ever met is quitting? 

"Are you lying?". But the hero shook his head slowly.

"I'm just... Well... My girlfriend doesn't like it" 

Oh. Girlfriend. Right. 

"Right... And what do you think?"

"Well I really love my job but it would make her thousand times more happy if I quit" 

"She told you that?"

"Mhm" 

Garou moved the food with his fork. It was delicious and he doesn't remember the last time his mouth drooled this much. But for some reason... The appetite wasn't the same. 

So Badd cherishes her more than his dream job? Insane. 

"How long have you two been dating?"

Badd raised an eyebrow— fair, Garou wasn't the type to ask these kinds of questions— but answered anyway. 

"Two years"

Hmm... 

"Who was the first to make the move"

"She was"

"Two years and you aren't living together...?"

"Well... She said she's not ready for that yet. And I'm not the type to force anyone to do anythin'."

Absolute idiot. How is he so blind??

"Do you... Love her?"

"Yes of course. Why wouldn't I? And what's with these questions?? Eat yer food dipshit" 

Garou didn't say anything, but decided to continue eating while rolling the thoughts in his head. 

He says she's not ready to live together but every girl he's known always wanted to live together with their boyfriend as soon as they hit the four month stage. Maybe a bit earlier, sometimes a bit later. But two years?? No way. This was kind of suspicious. But, he didn't let it get too close. Not like it was any of his business, anyway. 

"What about you then?"

"Hm?"

"Girlfriend, boyfriend?"

"Neither" 

"Not interested?"

"Not interesting" 

The hero didn't say anything. Garou filled the silence. "You know, sometimes it's best to stay away from that stuff when you have a huge criminal record on your ass. It would make things complicated, and I don't want to go through the pain to explain everything that has happened. Or meet new people"

"Understandable" 

I'm not charming like you. A hero. I'm a monster. 

Monsters are never charming. 

"Do you like the food?"

Yes. It's delicious. I don't remember the last time I ate something so good. 

"It's alright" 

The hero let out a quick huff out of his nose. Bastard knows his food is good and knows Garou doesn't want to admit it. 

It felt so weird, talking with this hero about the normal things, acting like nothing had ever happened in the past. 

Same for the hero, too. It felt weird to talk to the one who tried to kill him once. Let him use his bathroom, eat his food, sleep at his place. But also, weirdly, it felt natural. He had no idea why. He tried to imagine someone else at Garou's place, but... No one would've been as easy to be around. 

My girlfriend, maybe. Though she's almost always quiet. 

"I thought you and that other boy had something going on. You looked pretty happy and he was blushin' as well"

Garou looked up from his food and raised his eyebrow while chewing. "Hm? Oliver?". He swallowed. "The blond?"

"Yeah"

"Ew, what the fuck? No. He's like a kid. Only eighteen"

"Ah, alright"

"No. Besides, he already likes Daniela"

"Who's that?"

"The girl with light brown hair. She had her hair in a ponytail. She cleaned your table too"

"Ooohhh... Her"

"Yeah. I'm trying to get them confess to each other"

"Damn. Hero hunter is a matchmaker now?"

"Shut up. It's not like that. It's just painfully obvious and it pisses me off how they just won't do anything when it's right under their nose"

"Yeah, sure...". Badd narrowed his eyes at other.

"What?? Stop fucking staring at me like that"

"You've changed so much, it's amusin' "

Oh so that's why he's been staring this whole time. "Yeah no shit. I know. Did the eyebags give it away?"

"No, yer just... I don't know. More mature? And your hair looks better now. Well, more normal, to be exact"

"Thanks, jackass. You look the same". Beside the little scars. Especially the one on his upper lip. That one looks very good. 

He looks good in general.

What am I thinking?

Garou stared at the hero for some time while eating, then dropped his eyes back on his own food. 

No, he definitely looked good. Better than before. That was true. He's not going to run away from the truth or his thoughts anymore. Maybe if Badd was single... 

"Are you working tomorrow?"

Garou flinched, zoning out again. He should drop that habit. "Hm?"

"Work. Tomorrow. Do you have?"

"Oh, yeah. I do"

"When does your shift start?"

"Depends which one I'll take. Valentina said I can take tomorrow off if I wanted to. But I'm not gonna. Why?"

"Just wonderin' if I'll have to make breakfast for two or not"

Hero's cooking? Garou can't pass that. "When does your shift start?"

"Morning. At nine"

"Then I'll wake up with you. When do you wake up?"

"Bastard... You just don't want to cook do you". Garou smiled at that. "Dipshit... Fine. I wake up at seven"

"I'll wake up at eight then"

"You could at least help me! Lazy fucker"

But Garou only widened his smile, not being able to contain the excitement. Oh how much he would mess with this hero.

"Take my number. I'll pick ya up tomorrow"

"Woah, mister. Are we going on a date?"

For a split second, Garou was sure he saw Badd get flustered, but quickly pulled his serious persona back in himself. At least he liked Garou's humor. That was something. Even if he doesn't admit it, it's not hard to notice. 

Garou copied the number to his phone, and they continued eating. "Didn't know you had a car"

"Yeah of course I do"

"Is it a Porsche? Ferrari?"

"Ford pinto"

"Seriously?"

"Yes dipshit. Why the fuck do I need a whole ass Ferrari??"

"Well I don't know. You live so well"

The hero sighed. "Yeah. For now. After I quit HA I'm not gonna get paid well unless I work two jobs"

"Don't. Learn from me. Look at me and see what it does to you"

"Make you hotter?"

"Wh-... What the fuck are you talking about?"

"Alright, sorry sorry"

"Never joke like that ever again"

"Alriiight sorry sorry. But you were sayin'?"

Garou sighed. Maybe the hero was going to test him after all, not the other way. "Alright. Let's do it like this. When I leave, I'll pay you some amount of money. So it won't be as hard the first month. It could also work as me paying for me staying here"

"Doesn't sound too bad"

"Not too bad?"

"Okay. Sorry. I do like the idea. Go on"

"Look for a new job that pays well. Quit the one you have right now if it doesn't pay you enough. Don't work two jobs at the same time"

"I'm strong, I'll manage"

"Yeah don't be sucking your dick now hero. I thought I would manage too. But this is me after only two years"

"You don't look too bad", he shrugged.

If it was Garou two years ago, he would have punched the hero right in his damn face. But because he's older and tired, he won't do that. He's not the same person he was two years ago. But there are moments, when he gets his anger back thanks to this imbecile.

"Alright, mister hero hunter. I'll listen to your advice"

"As you should. I'm older than you"

"For a year"

"Still older than you"

"I turn your age this year"

"I'm taller than you" 

That seemed to pinch a nerve. Success. Now it was Garou's turn to smile at his face. 

The rest of the evening went by pretty fast. Garou helped with the dishes (not by his own will) and they watched tv on the small couch for some time after taking a shower. Badd made Garou go to shower even though he was already clean, but, Garou didn't mind. 

Hair down Badd was something else though. Maybe staying with this hero wasn't that bad.

Then both of them got tired and decided to go to sleep. 

While falling asleep, Garou was thinking about how weird his life was at the moment. Not like he minded, though. What he did mind was that stupid comment the hero said. Saying flirty stuff like that, then acting as if it's normal... He hated it. It didn't feel genuine. Badd wasn't genuine. And he hated it. 

 

---

 

There was no other sound like the alarm ringing. 

He reached his hand to the clock and shut it off. He was yet to become used to this new lifestyle. 

Two knocks on his door and "Wakey wakeyy!!", after. Garou rolled his eyes.

"Shut the fuck up hero", he mumbled while sitting up and walking to the door. He twisted the handle and pulled it open. 

"Said somethin'?"

"Yeah. Shut, the hell, up"

"Good mornin' to ya too. I made eggs with sausages"

"Mhmm", Garou walked past the kitchen to the bathroom, smelling the delicious meal that was awaiting for him. 

He was also yet to get used to food that was actually safe for consuming. 

"Slept well?", the hero popped out of nowhere in the doorway, and Garou gave him a glare through narrowed eyes and furrowed eyebrows.

"Fuck off", he muttered through toothpaste foam.

"So grumpy... And I thought I wasn't the mornin' person"

Yeah no one is going to be in a dilly dally mood after you greet them like they're some toddler. Garou spit the foam and looked at the hero in the mirror, leaning his hands on the cold sink. 

Yeah. He looked good. 

"Next time I'm gonna wake you up with wakey wakeyyy eggs and baconnn!", he raised his arms and swayed his body from side to side, overexaggerating how Badd acted. "Maybe make sure to hit you in the face with the pan as a bonus" 

He was sure it would tickle his nerves, but instead, the hero laughed loudly. 

He had white teeth but they weren't completely straight. His laugh was contagious. It sounded so good. And he had dimples! God, those dimples. He was so cute and charming. No wonder he has a girlfriend. 

Garou turned his head away from what he was seeing and continued brushing his teeth, acting as if he felt nothing inside. He had to pretend like Badd making breakfast for them and him laughing at Garou's jokes didn't warm up his tummy like no one before. But he couldn't let himself fall in love with this guy. It would end horribly. 

 

–

 

"Do ya need a ride?"

"I'll walk". Garou refused to make eye contact for now. 

"Are you sure?"

"Yes"

"But the bar is pretty far away"

"I have legs, Kinzoku"

"Wait so now you know my last name??"

"It's written on the door dumbass"

"Oh. Right. And I ain't a dumbass!"

"I'll take the bus"

"... Alright"

I appreciate the thought, though. But it's better if we don't get too close to each other. 

It was quiet for some time while they ate, and the hero started feeling awkward. Sure, he knew Garou wasn't exactly the talkative type, but he also felt like something was wrong. Or maybe he was imagining it. Honestly, he was surprised Garou spoke at all. And that he didn't try to fight him or kill him in his sleep. That was something new. 

Nevertheless, dropping the guard wasn't an option just yet. Who knows, maybe Garou will attack him at the least expected second. 

The hero looked up from his breakfast at the man sitting in front. 

A shirt would be nice. 

Or maybe not.

It's fine, as long as he feels he's at home. 

"How did you sleep?", Badd decided to ask. Garou looked a bit startled, but answered it anyway.

"... Good...?", answered but the answer wasn't said with confidence the hero expected it to be.

"Ya don't sound so sure. Are ya hidin' somethin'?"

"No, I'm just...", he couldn't find the right words. He tried his best, but... Yeah, it was hard to explain.

"Not used to someone sleeping in the same place as you?"

"Yeah. Also to get asked so many questions..."

"Alright alright I'll stop"

"No, don't worry. I don't mind, actually"

Now that Badd thought about it, he did want to know what was Garou's favorite color, favorite animal, maybe some favorite dish or dessert? "Okay then". There was so much he didn't know about this guy. 

Garou nodded without saying anything. Badd felt giddy inside. Well Garou did too, but he would never show it. Nor admit it. Ever. To admit that he's enjoying hero's company? His nineteen-year old self would be utterly disappointed. 

Does that matter, though? He already left that side of him in the past. He wasn't that kind of a person anymore. Now, he was a person who didn't hide from his feelings. 

But getting close to the hero wasn't a good idea either. He had to keep that in mind.

"Can I...", Badd started to ask, but didn't continue.

"Hm?"

"Your jacket... Can I–", his phone rang.

He raised a finger in that "give me a second" way, and flipped the phone open, pressing it to his ear. "Hey, good mornin'. What's up?.... Tomorrow? Uh...", Badd looked at Garou, then back at the floor. 

What the hell? Why is he looking at me?

"Uhh no... No I don't have a girl here"

His girlfriend?

"No I promise, don't get mad. What?... Yes I do. It's my friend. No, it's a guy"

Friend?? Is he talking about me?

The hero let out a sigh and threw his head back. It hadn't been a minute and he already looked exhausted. "Okay I'll pick you up. Promise. Okay... See you. Love you too, bye". Badd sighed again before turning and facing Garou. "My girlfriend"

"Yeah I figured"

"She thinks I'm cheatin' on her"

"How?"

"She heard you using utensils and guessed someone was over. She was right"

"Oh. You didn't tell her?"

"No, I didn't have time to. And I had no idea she was going to call right now"

Well he looks stressed. "Next time tell her you found better company"

"What!! Absolutely not. She will kill me"

"You, S-class hero?"

"Women are scary, okay..."

Wow. Who'd guess the almighty hero would be afraid of women but not threats level demon. What an interesting guy.

"She asked me to pick her up after her shift...". He looked guilty while saying that outloud.

"It's fine. I'll walk"

"But–"

"I don't want to see her"

"Okay"

"Are you coming here after?"

"No, we'll probably go to some cafe"

A date. Ew. 

"Good to know I won't need to keep the earphones in for the rest of the night then"

"Wh–", his cheeks and face turned red then, and finally, Garou made direct eye contact. Though this time Badd was avoiding it. 

"What?"

"Why would you say that..?"

"Fucking I meant fucking. I don't want to hear you two fucking so–"

"OKAY okay I GOT it. No need to explain yourself"

"Getting so frustrated over it... Don't tell me... Kinzoku, you two haven't fucked yet??"

"Shut up!! Why would we rush that??"

"... So you're still a virgin?"

"You ain't?"

"No, I am, of course. I was tearing the ground up, man. Killing monsters and hunting heroes. And then working non stop on two jobs for two years. I didn't have time for no ladies"

"Well I was smashin' buildings in, genius!"

Makes sense. "Don't worry. I didn't mean it as an insult. It's good that you are"

"Yeah sure"

Garou stopped eating and grabbed other by his wrist to get his full attention. Badd immediately made eye contact, questioning why was he doing that. "Hey. I mean it"

"... Alright. I thought ya were jokin' since my friends always make fun of me for that"

Garou let go. "Well is there a reason?"

"For them to make fun of me?"

"No idiot. They don't have a single reason. I meant is there a reason you don't want to?"

"Oh, yeah. I guess I'm just not ready yet... I don't know. I just don't want to"

"That's a good reason". Badd's eyes widened a bit. For a second he thought Garou was joking, but the ex hero hunter was dead serious. "Does she want to?"

He sighed, "yeah"

"Don't let that control you. If you both are not ready then it's best to just wait"

Now the hero was a bit shocked. He wasn't sure if Garou was kidding or if he was still dreaming because for Garou to say something like this?? Pure insanity.

"Thanks", he said breathlessly. 

"You're welcome. Can I have more?"

"Of course, yeah..."

Garou helped himself, and they never spoke of the subject again. 

Though Garou kept wondering what the hero wanted to ask just before he was interrupted by the call.

 

–

 

"Hey Ganpon!!"

Garou looked over his shoulder. "Daniela...". Right. I still have my Daniela + Oliver mission. "How are you?"

"Ughhh I don't knoww... I'm okay! But at the same time not really..."

"Did something happen?"

"... So weird of you to act like this, you know... But it's nice to see"

"Acting how?"

"It's just... My periods..."

So my question isn't going to be answered. 

"Oh". I'm not the person to talk to about this. "You know, I can't help ya. I'm not good at that girl stuff"

"No, I know. But don't you have a girlfriend?"

"No way"

"Whaatt!! I thought you had! You're such a nice guy... And you're tall and strong. Are you lying?"

"Nope. I'm just not interested"

"Ohh... You're..", she relaxed her wrist and let her hand hang.

"... What? I'm what?"

"You know...", she did it again.

"... What, a fucking dinosaur?? I don't understand you missy pissy"

"Hey!! I'm not that pissy!!"

"Now you are", Garou left and heard a "because of YOU!!" behind the swinging door. It brought a smile to his lips. Even though he knew messing around with her wasn't a good thing, he still liked to make her angry from time to time. It was like the Garou from two years ago was still there, doing small mischievous things here and there.

"Bullying your juniors again hijo?"

That voice alone made his hair stand up. "Uh... No ma'am"

"I hear you, you know"

"Yes... Sorry..."

"How are you hijo"

Garou turned to face Valentina. Today, she was dressed in deep red, with a red flower clip holding her dark curly hair. Her lipstick also matched perfectly with everything. The only thing she never changed were her earrings. Garou didn't know why. Though it never bothered him. She always made everything work somehow.

"I'm good Mrs. Tucci. Doing good". If not considering that the meathead bat has a girlfriend. It shouldn't sour my mood, but it does. "How are you?"

"Very good very good. I thought you would take today off"

"No"

"Why so?"

"Missed you too much"

The woman immediately had a smile on her face and her laugh (that Garou rarely hears) was beautiful. For her age she was beautiful. In her own way. Not talking about appearance, but more of her heart. She was honest and doting, therefore her soul was beautiful. And Garou liked that. It's as if she was the moon to Tito's sun. At least that's how he saw them. But right now, she was radiating warmth. 

"You're a funny boy, Garou". Hearing his real name come out of her mouth felt weird. But he figured since she already knew, there was no reason to sweat about it. "How was the night at Badd's house?"

"Uhh, good? Nothing special. I mean he's surprisingly nice to me considering what I've done in the past"

"He's a good boy, and so are you. Chuncho also misses him. They were like brothers"

"Your son?"

"Yes Chuncho my son. When they were small they played a lot". I've never heard of their son before. "He's your age", she swatted her hand back and forth in that "or something way" indicating she doesn't really remember how old he exactly is at the moment. Do they not talk anymore? 

"Does he also live on his own?"

"Yes. Has been since he was eighteen. Ever since Badd and his little sister left, he's been bored out of his mind. I have no idea why"

"They were close friends"

"Sí they were brothers"

So close they could've been considered as brothers. "And you have no contact with him?"

In an instant, she looked sad. "No contact, no. It broke mine and Tito's heart when he left without saying anything. We still miss him and love him so much. We often think about him and want him back"

Basically because of that reason they're so down. I never even realized that... Maybe I should ask meathead bat about it later. 

 

---

 

'We need to talk'

– Garou

Shit. 

Badd was just in the middle of picking up his girlfriend when he got a message from Garou. Surprised? Yes. He was. Then again they did exchange numbers so it was normal to get messages. But this? Looked just threatening. What happened to hi hello how are you doing?

Maybe it was an emergency.

He glanced at the red light, then pressed on the buttons to find Garou's contact. And then, the call button.

It didn't take him long to pick up.

"What's up?"

"... Dude you just messaged me sayin' we need to talk"

"Oohh"

The light turned green, and he turned left. "Genius. What happened?"

"Oh nothing, nothing. Was just wondering if you remember anyone called 'Chuncho'?"

That name sent Badd ten years back. He hadn't heard it in so many years. Holy shit. It was so familiar. Where had he heard it?

"Chuncho..." 

Think Badd think!!!

"Where did you get that name?"

"Was talking to Mrs. Tucci is all"

"And what did she tell you now?"

"That you had a brother named Chuncho. Well, kinda brother. Close friend"

That's right. Chuncho was their son and they used to play outside every single day. It was kind of embarrassing forgetting such an important person. 

"I remember now"

"Do you perchance have any idea where he could be now?"

"No I'm afraid I don't. I'd love to". He heard Garou click his tongue on the other side of the line. "What?"

"Nothing. Just Valentina. Said she and Tito miss him. Apparently he left as soon as he turned eighteen"

"Damn"

"Yeah and ever since then they've been sad"

"No wonder Tito looked so beat up. I never knew. Could you buy them flowers from me?"

"I'm... Already walking home"

"Yer walkin'??"

"Yeah of course I'm walking". Badd stayed quiet. "... I looked at the map on the bus stop and figured I didn't want to deal with all that"

"Just take the train and then bus number thirty-seven! The bus stop is right there!"

"Too much work". Badd sighed as loud as he could in the phone which made the other man laugh. "Thanks for worrying about me baby"

"What the fuck??"

Garou laughed louder. "Just joking. Have fun with your girlfriend. Don't come home too late. Bye!"

"Yer not my mo–", he hung up, leaving Badd completely dumbfounded. "... Mom..". He finished to thin air.

What the fuck??? 

 

---

 

The question wasn't why Garou said that. It was WHY Badd felt his heart skip a beat and his stomach flip when he called him "baby". Sure. It was a joke, obviously. But then why did he like it so much?? Was he just tired? That had to be it. He was just sleepy and a bit out of his mind. Yeah. Seeing his girlfriend would help him. 

Except that when she got in his car and gave him a kiss on the cheek, he DIDN'T feel better. If anything it felt... Tasteless.

"How are you baby?", she asked. 

He looked at her dark brown hair and her green eyes differently this time. "I'm good", he tried to sound cheerful, but it failed miserably.

"Something tells me you're lying"

"Yeah I am. It's just..."

"Just?"

"The new roommate, sort of?"

"Oh"

All of her empathy vanished then. "It's a guy! I told you"

"Uh-huh"

"No really!! Do you wanna check for yourself?". He tried, but she stared at him with cold eyes and he felt like six again. Small and vulnerable. "What? I'm serious"

"Whatever"

And now she was completely not there. Disconnected. "Hey, come on... Come by my place tomorrow? I'll introduce you to him"

After a painfully long silent pause, she finally muttered "fine". It was only one word, but for him it felt like a small victory.

"Alright then I'll pick you up tomorrow from your shift when does it end?"

"Five"

"Okay. I have to ask him if he's workin' tomorrow as well but I'll make it work, okay? Don't get mad at me" 

"Whatever"

Ughh... He hated this so much. Hated when people wouldn't communicate properly. He understood it wasn't easy for everyone, but she was his girlfriend for god's sake. If there was no communication in a relationship it would just break. And if she keeps doing that, it will break.

He stopped in front of her house, told her goodnight, and she left without giving him a kiss. Without saying anything back. 

It hurt. It really did. Even though he'd never say it outloud. 

The drive home was too silent for his liking, but, music just didn't sound good at the moment.

 

---

 

"Hey"

"Oh, hey", Garou greeted the hero while chewing a huge piece of watermelon. He walked closer and stood in front of him for a while. He did it because that's what people do. Greet their roommates, partners, friends. Help them with taking their bag or take their jacket off. But Badd already did all of that, so Garou just took a step to the side to let him go to the bathroom.

The hero was unusually quiet today. Did something happen? Shit, Garou really wanted to ask, but he felt like it was non​e of his business. 

Curiosity kills the cat. Curiosity kills the cat. It kills the cat, dammit. That's what Tito says. 

"You got home alright?"

Garou flinched. "Uh... Yeah. Didn't expect you to return so early, though"

"Yeah she didn't want to do anythin' so we did nothin' ". The hero dropped himself on the couch. He looked totally beat. Damn. What did she do to him?

Garou decided not to talk about that for now. "How was your shift?"

"It was... Okay"

It wasn't. Something must have happened. 

He gently sat down next to the hero and intertwined his fingers, resting the elbows on his knees. He gave other a moment before asking anything.

Come to think of it, maybe he doesn't want to talk about it at all. Then again, holding it all in... 

"Wanna talk about it?". Badd took a while to look at Garou, but he eventually did. And slowly nodded in response. "Was it at work?"

"Mm"

"What happened?"

"... One of the people... Exercisin' there. Uh... Well I was wipin' the floors"

"Mhm"

"And while I was doin' that one of the people there kicked the fuckin' bucket, man"

"Intentionally?"

"Yeah I saw it. We even made eye contact. But they looked like they simply didn't care. So I had to re-wipe the floors again and then wipe the walls and mirror cuz the dirty water landed everywhere"

"How many of them were there?"

"Three. A group of three guys"

"What did they look like?"

"Uhh. One of them had a red tanktop. Bald. Black shorts. White sneakers. Second one looked a bit younger, dark brown hair, blue tanktop. Third one I don't remember. Oh, the red tanktop guy had a tattoo on his shoulder. Heart with a woman I think"

I know who they are. They also messed around with me. But the boss didn't do anything because she has a crush on one of them. The one with the tattoo.

"If this will keep goin', do I tell the boss?"

"No. She won't do anything"

"Why do you say that?"

"She wants to suck the red tanktop's dick dry"

"Ah. Right..."

"Don't worry. You're a hero. People love you. You'll be safe"

"That's kinda ridiculous but alright"

"Mm"

"And then my girlfriend..."

Oh now this is interesting. "Yeah?"

"She just... I don't know what's up with her, man. I mentioned you once and she got all cold. Doesn't believe me that yer a guy. So I told her I would introduce you to her tomorrow"

WHAT??

"Hm?"

"Introduce you to her. So she would believe me"

Is he fucking serious????

"Ah. Okay. Sure"

I don't want to see that bitch.

"You don't mind?", he lit up a bit.

Yes I very fucking much do. 

But... The way he got his hope back in his eyes... Garou just didn't have enough heart to tell him how he truly felt.

"I don't mind no"

"Thanks. Saves me a lot of nerves, haha"

Ahh his dimples... He's so cute

Garou gently put his finger on the dimple without realizing what he was doing. But it was too late. The hero was already glaring at him. "Hands off"

The older one rolled his eyes but listened. "So sorry mister almighty"

"Nah don't worry, I don't mind. You haven't seen dimples before or somethin'?"

"No. I have. I just never felt them"

"You can feel them"

Garou gave him a look, but Badd told him he meant it, so he flexed one of his cheeks and Garou felt it with his fingertip again. "Feels funny. Like a scar of some sort"

"Yeah. I got those too"

"I know". He responded and moved his finger to Badd's nose, pushed it a bit inside then pushed it in the mouth as fast as he could, which made the hero push Garou away.

"WHAT THE HELL, MAN! Gross!!!". But Garou just laughed loudly, holding a hand on his stomach.

It felt so good. To laugh uncontrollably. He hadn't done that in forever. 

What an amazing feeling.

The hero sighed, trying to act as if he was annoyed, but it just didn't work. Garou's smile was too contagious, and he couldn't help but laugh with him. 

Garou stopped shortly. "It's not that funny". He then said with a straight face, to make the hero feel awkward. But he didn't succeed either, because Badd couldn't stop grinning.

"Dude..??", he said with a huge smile. 

Garou cocked his head to the side and made puppy eyes. "Baby...?", he made an impression of a female voice and Badd jumped at him, but Garou was faster to escape to his room and close the door. 

"DIPSHIT!! COME 'ERE I'LL BASH YER HEAD IN!!!"

Garou smiled on the other side of the door. "I don't wannaaa"

"Tsk... Whatever!! I'll catch ya later. I'll go to shower now"

He listened to hero's footsteps leave, then he opened the door only to be greeted by a metal bat in his face. Thank god Bang used to beat him up back in the day for having bad reflexes because it really paid off now. 

He managed to dodge it, slipped underneath Badd's armpit and was now behind him. 

"Calm down", he grabbed hero's wrists and held them tight. 

Badd was also smiling, it was a game. Their game. Their thing. It was so fun.

But of course, fun had to come to an end at some point. For Garou it was feeling out of breath, dizzy, weak, and at the end seeing blackness fall down in his vision. 

He let go and staggered backwards, letting his back hit the wall. 

"Dude are you okay?", the hero asked, but his voice was quieter than usual. 

What was happening to him?

He slid down, leaning on the wall and trying to blink the blackness away. It worked. Badd was there. It was fine. 

"Garou?"

The hero was squatting in front of him, looking from one eye to another. 

"I'm fine, I'm fine"

"No you ain't! What the heck, man. I thought you were dyin' here or some shit. Don't scare me like that"

"Yeah I know, I know"

"... What was that?"

"Death wanted to grab me but I dodged"

Badd slapped his arm and Garou instantly came back to all senses. "Hey!"

"Tell me what's goin' on for real"

It was fair to tell him the truth. He was going to live here for a while, after all. "Well... I've lost some weight. If you haven't noticed yet. And that affects me in some ways. I was skinny before, but never like this"

Badd looked concerned again. Fuck that. As if he would feel remorse. Garou gently pushed his head away, but the hero didn't let it bother him. "Are you insecure about it?"

"Insecure... I'll seriously consider killing you in your sleep"

"What!! It's a genuine question!"

Garou sighed and let his hand drop. "Obviously, idiot. Remember me two years ago?"

"Yeah"

"Well. And look at me now"

"... I can let you lend my shirts if you want?". Garou furrowed his eyebrows. "What?? Dude I'm not makin' fun of ya!! I'm serious! I... Was the same. Kinda"

"Oh really?"

"Yeah. I had a pretty bad surgery. I mean bad injury and a very long surgery". Badd sat down from opposite of Garou. "And I couldn't fight for a while. But my hunger stayed the same. I gained lotta weight and had to lose it all

Like me but opposite. "I see"

"So, wanna lend my shirts? I have a lot of them"

"... Alright, hero. Sure"

Badd smiled softly. "I'll make food first". He stood up, threw his metal bat in his room, and went straight to the kitchen. Garou slowly stood up as well, then sat at the kitchen table, watching the hero work. 

There was something therapeutic watching Badd make food. The way he used the knife, littered seasonings, flipped the food. He just knew what he was doing. Confidence. That's what Garou liked about Badd.

"Y'know, if you just keep eating you'll be in the same shape again". Garou didn't respond to that, so the hero added, "I don't think you look awful now. It just... I just want to have fun too, I guess"

"I'll fight you"

The hero looked behind his shoulder and smiled, then continued doing whatever he was doing. Garou didn't know what he was doing. He didn't care. He only looked at Badd's face. Well, mostly at the back of his head. But still.

At least he seemed to be back in a normal mood. 

"How's Bang?"

"Uh... Good I'm guessing. He moved somewhere. Don't know where"

"Ahh, I see. He did retire"

"Is HA any good at all anymore? I heard it's ass"

"Mhmm, well, yeah, it ain't as good as it was before. Many strong heroes quit"

"How sad. I wonder who will bring them all together". Badd looked at him through narrowed eyes and Garou couldn't help but smile. "Relax, mister justice. I told you I quit"

"You better not be pullin' any tricks on me hero hunter" 

"I'm not I'm not" 

Garou felt bad now. He didn't want the hero to take care of him. Not out of spite, but because he already has his girlfriend to worry about. And his job of course as well. 

He's letting himself get too close. It's no good. 

 

–

 

He was thinking about that while laying in bed. The air mattress to be exact. 

Getting too close to this hero wasn't a good idea at all. He had a girlfriend and his own life to worry about. Parting ways would hurt if they became too friendly with each other. But Garou just couldn't help himself. It all happened so naturally. 

Can't believe the three grown ass men are actually picking a fight with another adult. 

Now to change the subject, he was thinking about the trio. Revenge was on his mind since the early days there, he just never did it because he figured he's better than that, and it didn't pinch any nerve when they messed around with him. 

Well, it did, but not as much. Garou always told himself they're not worth his time and energy. But now, them picking a fight with Badd, struck a nerve in the worst way possible. It was like the Garou from two years ago was slowly waking up, the hatred was growing stronger, and his hands were aching to kill. 

The crave to kill never fully disappeared. He just hid it very well because he knew what the consequences would be. 

But now he wanted to murder.

Chapter 3: hard to quit you

Notes:

I can't believe how many tiny spelling mistakes I've accidentally done (¯□¯) I will fix all the chapters now (my apologies)

 

 

I can't let myself go too far. Killing humans is wrong. 

Monsters are okay to kill.

That's what Tito said. 

"Heyaa Ganpon!!"

But could humans be seen as monsters?

"Hey Daniela"

The girl let out a long, dreamy sigh. "Doesn't Oliver look good today?"

"Don't ask me that. I'm no damn pedophile"

"Oh. Right. You're like an uncle"

Not THAT old. God fucking dammit. Only twenty-two!

"What do you mean by that though?"

"I don't know. He just... So handsome"

"I'm the wrong person to talk about this to". She sighed again, looking around the empty bar. "Sorry"

"It's okayy. Don't you have any crushes? Let's talk about them!"

"Uh... No..."

"Seriously no one??"

Garou thought about it. "Nope"

"Aww... You're so boringg"

"Tsk. Sorry I'm not a teenage girl"

Daniela giggled. "Noo!! I was just kidding. I'm sure you have some interesting past lore, though. Maybe"

Maybe wasn't the word. Crazy lore he sure had. It was so tempting to tell her, but he knew he couldn't. "Yeah I used to be able to bend magnetic fields and kill people just with my presence"

She laughed some more, harder this time. She really thought he was joking. Too bad no one remembers what really happened that day. Honestly, even Garou doesn't fully remember all of the events. 

One of the things he did remember was Badd telling the heroes to stop hitting Garou. 

Such a weird memory. 

Why did he do that in the first place? Garou was a horrible person.

If he could be even called "person".

"You really are funny, uncle!"

"Stop calling me uncle..."

Though he's now letting me live at his place and feeds me every single day. Such a weird hero, Metal Bat. Ain't half as bad as I thought he was. 

Can't believe he's quitting.

"Niño!", Tito greeted them both. "Daniela!"

"Hello!!"

"Go help Valentina. Me and Ganpon have to talk"

"Okayy", she left without any protest and Garou was wondering if he did something wrong once again. Everytime someone said they needed "a word" with him he started to get a bit sweaty.

"Hello Tito. Is something wrong?"

"No no. Nothing is wrong. Wanted to know how you're doing"

"Oohh... I'm good"

"Is Badd good to you?"

"Yes. Very good"

"Nice! I got some no bueno news, niño"

"What? What's wrong?"

"Your ceiling...", he shook his head. "It will take a bit longer than expected"

"Oh, shit"

"I know. But don't worry. After a month it will be good as new!"

A month??

A whole month with that guy??

"Okay... Thank you, Tito"

"Of course! Have a great shift today, Ganpon", he winked and laughed. "Should be busy tonight"

I keep forgetting he knows my real name. "I see"

Busy wasn't a bad thing. If anything it was good. More people, more hassle. Easy to leave unnoticed. He didn't want to do this, but... The trio really pissed him off. And he knew that on Fridays they always came to the gym at about 4pm and left somewhere at eight in the evening. It would be a perfect time to do the thing and come back. 

Garou was ready. He thought about this plan for over a year now, just never got to do it. 

Tonight was the night. 

The business would be done in under 24 hours from now on, and that thought brought an immense sort of peace to his mind. 

Finally. 

 

–

 

Garou still isn't exactly sure if he's a lucky person or not, but tonight, he was lucky. The trio quite literally came to the bar right in Garou's face. As if serving themselves on a silver platter. It's right there to grab, to do it. But he couldn't. Not here, not right now. 

He moved away so they wouldn't see his face and checked the clock. 

It was perfect. He was about to clock out soon anyway, so he could wait for them to leave, then follow the group. 

Heart tattoo is first. After that I'll take the two one by one. 

I have to remember to control my urges. 

He wasn't even sure if he could, but he would try his best. Tito wouldn't be proud if he found out Garou killed human beings. Then again, he doesn't have to know, does he?

Shit. He was so excited. He doesn't remember the last time he fought for real with someone.

I don't think I'll be able to control myself tonight.

"Ganpon, table eight, two mango cocktails"

He snapped his head at Oliver who was clearly in a rush. Right, they were in a rush. It was busy. He already forgot about it while zoning out dreaming about his plan. 

"Uh, okay...", he responded to the teenager who didn't hear him. Then he immediately began making the drinks. He kept telling himself to hold his head down and continue working. The guys are for later. 

After finishing making the drinks, he placed them on the tray, and brought them to the table three. 

His stomach sunk a little when he saw the familiar pompadour. 

"What are you doing here, mister justice?", he asked while placing the drinks down. 

He wasn't sure if he imagined it or not, but the hero seemed to light up a little when he looked up at Garou. 

I'm definitely imagining it. 

"Hey...! Didn't know yer still here"

"So you tried to sneak here to avoid me? I see how it is..."

"No not like that"

"Yeah I'm breaking up with you"

"Dude..??", Badd couldn't control his smile.

Garou almost laughed, but he decided to just grin this time. "You here with your girl?"

"Yeah, not for long though"

"I don't see any girl. She left you?"

"No, she went to fix her makeup. You need a ride home after your shift?"

"Uh...". It sounded so tempting. He liked when Badd gave him a ride. Liked sitting in that small space with the hero. It was best because Badd had a good music taste and the car smelled good as well. But tonight he had something else to take care of. "No, it's fine"

"You sure?"

"Yeah. No worries. I need to stay here a bit after my shift... But thanks for the offer"

"Yeah of course, I live pretty far away from 'ere so it only makes sense to offer a ride"

It does make sense. "Alright. Maybe I'm not gonna break up with you"

"Man? What the hell??"

Garou smiled a bit more wide this time and left the hero at that. Teasing him and joking like that was now one of Garou's favorite things to do. 

He can't imagine how boring it would be when he returns back to his own apartment. Then again it was fine, because they still had about a month for them. 

 

---

 

His shift ended, and the trio looked like it was going to leave pretty soon. Perfect. It was just perfect. He walked behind the swinging door downstairs to the changing rooms, grabbed his bag, opened the zipper and began changing clothes as fast as he could. 

He took black sweatpants and a black long sleeve shirt with him tonight. And of course, his shoes he used to wear at the dojo. He was a bit surprised they still fit him. Even more surprised that he remembered to pack them that day. They're perfect for these kind of things where he had to be as quiet as possible. 

Now he had to leave quietly without anyone seeing him. He threw the bag over his head and kept moving. 

It was easy to go through the back exit door and crawl up the ladder on top of the roof. As long as he kept avoiding light, he would do good. It didn't take long for the men to walk out either. Garou kept low and watched them talk for a while. Eavesdropping wasn't good but Garou didn't care, he still listened to what they had to say. 

... Or maybe he shouldn't have done that. It only made sense for those kind of guys to talk about women and sex like they had no value. 

Shit. Just go already. 

The sooner the better. 

No, I should be patient. Rushing things won't do any good. 

This was probably the most excruciating thing in the world. But in a way, it was kind of like a calm before the storm. It had to be there. Otherwise there's no storm. 

"Alright then, I'll be going now"

Music to Garou's ears. He popped his head out again to watch the heart tattoo guy walk in the opposite direction of the other two. He had to act quickly before he lost the duo. 

He jumped from one roof to another, looking for a perfect dark empty alley where he could dump the body in. Or to be exact leave the body in. No dumping no corpses anywhere.

No killing. No killing. 

The guy stopped to light a cigarette and Garou's heart raced. This was it. This was the moment he had to attack. 

He grabbed a small rock and dropped it somewhere deeper in the alley to lure his prey, left the bag on the roof, and jumped when the other was walking deeper in the shadows. 

The asphalt cracked beneath his feet, the guy turned around, but Garou hit his face before he could've taken a proper look. 

It felt so intoxicating to watch the man fall to the ground beneath Garou's feet. This, this was his drug. 

"Who the hell are you?!"

Something Garou had noticed in the past, was that even the toughest guys reveal their inner child when they are scared. Like right now. Shaking and whimpering. Begging for mercy. Trying so hard not to cry. Showing their true colors, no more mask and no more lying. Pure fear and honesty. It was so addicting. He had no idea why.

Garou walked closer without saying a word.

He could maybe forget who he fought in the past. But Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist? Never. It was carved in his bones. 

And then it was over in an instant. 

The guy received multiple blows to his stomach and dropped on the ground. 

Shit. Did I kill him? 

Garou's stomach sunk a little when he checked for pulse and after feeling the heart still pump blood, let out a sigh of relief. Not dead. 

Anyway, next two. 

He jumped from one wall to another, reached the roof, grabbed his bag and fled in the opposite direction. 

He hadn't felt this way in too long. The strong wind in his ears, the speed, the adrenaline. It would be too hard to go back now. Quitting this? Never again. 

The two didn't get to walk too far away– thank you alcohol– and Garou repeated the same method once again. 

They followed the sound of the rock, walked deeper in the alley, and Garou jumped. Without waiting another second he hit the vital points and fled the scene. 

A little bit rusty, but, he was remembering himself. From high up he watched the two groan in pain asking each other what just happened. 

At least he was fast enough to not be seen. And they were alive. So that's a very nice bonus. 

His phone buzzed in his back pocket and he flinched. Shit. He forgot to put it on mute. He jumped few buildings forward and flipped the phone open.

'Come home NOW or I will eat all of the food and leave you NOTHIN'!! Also if yer still somewhere near a market buy some smetana. It's like greek yogurt. Js call me if yer stupid enough'

– Meathead bat

Garou smiled at the small screen and wrote a message back. 

'Ok baby cya soon xoxo!'

He didn't bother checking his non stop buzzing phone in the back pocket, instead flying from one roof to another towards home. Well not really home. Temporary home. He knew the market nearby was open until midnight so he went there. 

I need to act normal.

Hopefully I don't have any blood on my face. 

He walked inside the cold market and quickly checked his reflection in the glass. No blood. No mess. Nice. Perfect. 

Act cool.

He liked to buy stuff mostly very late in the evening because it was quiet. Not many people looking at him and making that disgusted face either. Peaceful. Just like now. Even though he didn't go shopping often, but, sometimes when he let himself use a bit more money than usual, he went at night. 

"Good evening", a worker greeted him, and he greeted back. He also usually doesn't do that either. He was in an especially good mood at the moment, though. 

 

–

 

Using last pumps of adrenaline, he traveled from one roof to another as fast as he could. And then, finally saw the fancy colorful buildings. 

He walked inside the heavy glass door, then inside the elevator, and then to the door he remembered he almost shitted his pants at. 

Key. He didn't have the key. 

He knocked on the door and listened to the footsteps come closer. This time, they were heavy and fast.

Someone's mad

He smiled to himself when the door opened. The hero looked absolutely furious, but Garou placed a hand on his mouth, stepped inside, closed the door behind his back and faced the hero all while wearing that shit eating grin. 

"Hello baby", he said and gave other an air kiss on the lips, but Badd flinched away. Garou gave him the can of smetana, took his shoes off, and walked to the bathroom not being able to stop grinning.

"You look... Like yer in a great mood"

"Yeah! Great shift"

"Hm..."

Obviously that was a lie and they both knew it. But Badd didn't bother questioning Garou. At least not yet... For now, they would eat. 

 

---

 

"Nice clothes", the hero mumbled with full cheeks.

Garou's heart skipped a beat. Did he know something? No, he couldn't possibly.

Just act cool.

"Thanks. My other clothes... Got dirty"

"Hm... Alright... I'll wash 'em"

"Thank you very much~"

"... Did you bang someone or somethin'?... Yer too happy"

"Let a man enjoy his meal"

"Garou. Yer obviously lyin' "

How is he so good at seeing that?? "None of your business". But the hero didn't stop staring. This is where Garou had to come up with some kind of a lie. He hated lying. "Daniela and Oliver got together so my plan worked which means I'm great at what I do"

"Really"

"Yeah!"

"Then make me and my girlfriend work"

"No"

"Why not?"

Garou shook his head. "Pay me five hundred dollars then maybe"

"What fuck dude?"

"What?"

"Whatever"

"Enough of that, tell me how was your shift"

Badd sighed. "The trio did some shit again"

"Like what?"

"The red tanktop pushed me and I hit my head on the mirror. And broke it. And now I need to pay for it..."

Garou bent the fork in half.

I should have killed him.

"But I talked to my boss 'bout it and we watched the footage from the cameras. She decided it wasn't my fault, 'cause obviously it ain't, and said she will talk to the police"

Garou stared at the bent fork in his hand

"He'll probably pay for it. I mean he needs to, right? That would be logical"

"Mhm. How was yer shift?"

"How's your head?"

"Good. I'm used to it, you know me"

"Mm, I do... My shift–"

"Dude, what the heck? Don't ruin my utensils"

Garou placed the bent fork down. "Sorry"

"No no it's fine I was just kiddin'. I got plenty of forks"

"..."

"Looks like yer strength is returning". He looked happy saying that. Garou refused to believe those feelings were genuine. "Yer healin' pretty fast. To be expected from the hero hunter, though"

"Yeah..."

"Dude what's up? You look so down now. I really don't care about the fork, y'know... 'S just a fork". But Garou didn't raise his stare from the table, so Badd used Garou's strategy by placing his hand on other's wrist. 

His touch was hot, and it burned. But it burned so good. Garou finally raised his stare to meet Badd's eyes. "Hey? Hello?"

"Why are you acting so kind to me?" Garou suddenly asked. Honestly the question was hovering in the air this whole time, he just never grabbed it up until now. The hero looked a bit startled and speechless. "You know who I am"

"Yeah..."

"Well?"

"Well...?"

He clicked his tongue and snapped his hand away from the grip. "Stop it. Is what I'm saying. You're way too kind"

"What would you like me to do?"

"I don't know. Cuss at me and fight me like you did. At least call me an idiot for bending your fork"

"But there's no reason to" 

Garou stared at him, letting out a sigh. It was pointless to try and argue with this guy. His skull was too thick to get it.

"Weird, right? That's how I felt when I heard that from you"

Or maybe not. 

Garou stayed quiet to let the hero talk. "Who you are now and who you were back then ain't the same people. Well I mean, it is, but... Not really". He was right. Garou changed. He wasn't the same Garou as back then. "And I guess I changed too. Not as much as you but a little. I just... Don't see any reason to hate you anymore"

What?

"Haven't seen for a while, actually" 

"You serious?"

"Yeah. I am"

"I killed and fought so much though. Even you"

"But–"

"Stop. Seriously. I hate liars more than anything"

"I'm not lyin'!! Let me talk!"

Garou rolled his eyes. Alright. Let's hear him I guess.

"You did piss me off a lot. But I figured you had yer own reasons to do what you did. And then I never saw you again. Except after two years. Or so. Workin'. I thought I was hallucinatin' or some shit. But I wasn't. It was so weird seein' you there... Sittin' hittin' stamps on the cards. Like what the fuck? I thought maybe you moved from heroes to normal people. Targetin' yer coworkers maybe. But then later I found out you didn't"

"Yeah. You confronted me like the good hero you are. Clogged toilet he said..."

"Shut up, it was a good lie. You can't tell me it wasn't"

"Alright, alright. You're right"

"Yeah. And as you can see yer here now. Livin' with me"

"Yeah it's weird"

"Very. But I don't mind. You ain't a bad guy"

"You ain't half as bad either mister fair and square" 

"Can it Ganpon"

"Had to come up with some name man. Gimme a break"

"Well I'm genuinely tryin' to give you compliments that I really mean"

"Yeah keep going like that and we'll end up in your bed naked"

Badd looked like he was about to question his very existence but decided against it. He just sighed, dropped his head between his shoulders and told Garou that "I'm so gonna kill you some day"

"Can't wait"

"Eat yer damn food"

"Yes baby"

"GAROU–"

"Okay my bad my bad"

 

–

 

All was going well until someone knocked on the door. The two were comfortably sitting on the couch watching tv after taking a nice shower and eating well, but now Badd was rushing to open it and Garou stood up curious to see who it was. 

"Hey, come in"

A girl walked in and Badd closed the door behind her. 

"This is my girlfriend. Li, this is the roommate I was talkin' to you about. Ganpon"

She had a resting bitch face and gave Garou a side eye as if she was disgusted by what she saw. Sure, he was used to that kind of reaction. But coming from her?? Made something turn in his body. Like a light switch.

His eyebrow twitched. He refused to greet her first. But Badd was looking at him with pleading eyes, so just for him, he muttered a "hello"

She rolled her eyes. "Hi". It was almost as if she was disappointed Garou was actually a guy and not some side chick. Like she desperately wanted to start drama. 

What a fucking bitch. He already hated her but now he loathed seeing her even more.

Garou only felt bad for Badd. He was clearly very nervous. Like standing next to a bomb trying not to trigger it. Garou wasn't afraid of it though. He could be a bitch back if he wanted to. 

"What. Disappointed I'm not a chick?"

"No...", she chewed her gum loudly, looked up and down. "Just wondering how Badd could trust someone with that kind of a face"

"Yeah I don't know. He's also dating someone with a face three times bigger than his". He saw her eye twitch and for a second she stopped chewing. "Weird taste, huh?"

"Are you calling me fat?"

"Do you have the brain of a second grader? Be a little more fast please" 

Now she looked furious. "At least I don't look like a criminal"

"At least I don't have three chins". Her jaw opened at that. "Oops, four now..."

"Enough dude!", Badd yelled at Garou and turned to her. They talked in a very low tone, and then Badd gave him a glare behind his shoulder while opening the door for her. He tried to comfort her but she left without listening and the hero let out an exhausted sigh. 

"Dude??", he confronted Garou, walking as close to him as possible.

The taller one held his hands up. "Hey, look. I'm sorry"

"I was fat once too you know? That's rude as fuck!"

"I know. But she was a bitch. She deserved it"

"Garou!"

"I'm not the type to point out insecurities in people. But she pointed out mine. All I did was give back what she gave to me" 

Badd opened his mouth, closed it, placed his hands on hips, ruffled his hair and aggressively sighed. Garou was right. They both knew he had a good point. 

"But... She's a girl"

"So?". Again. Good point. And the hero didn't have anything to say back. "Badd, I'll leave soon anyway. I don't need to get along with her since I'm not going to be here for the rest of my life"

"... Alright"

"Alright"

"Alright"

"Are we good?"

Badd looked up at him. "... Yes. Just... Don't fight with her anymore, okay? It takes so long to calm her down"

"Sounds like her own skill issue"

"Garou!"

"Baaadd"

"Seriously..."

Garou stared at him. "... Fine. I'll try not to, but I'm not promising anything"

"Okay. Thank you. That's enough for me"

"Alright. I'm going to sleep now. Goodnight"

"Yeah. Goodnight"

 

---

 

She was pure poison. Just yesterday they were having fun and now, they won't even talk to each other. They just kinda did what they had to do, got ready, ate, and Badd left without offering a ride. 

Seems like he was still upset about it. Even though they talked it through. Garou didn't blame him. He couldn't. She seemed to be important to him, and Garou kind of ruined what they had between each other. 

It's not like he felt a drop of regret though. Oh no. He knew he did the right thing. If anything he would be happy if she left him. 

And not just because he wanted Badd to himself.

Because he didn't.

Well this was their official fight, Garou guessed. Isn't much fun, if he was being honest. Sending flying fists was much easier. But this...? No. This he didn't like at all. It was like something was stuck in his chest. Uncomfortable ball between his lungs, not being able to leave no matter how much he wanted it to. 

There was only one thing he could do to ease the pain. And that was, of course, to talk. Talk. He hated talking. But he also remembered how Daniela made a good point of communicating. It is important. In this case it's simply crucial for them to have a good relationship again. 

But his fucking girlfriend, man. Garou hated her. And not because of her appearance. But because of how exhausted she made Badd feel. He hated seeing Badd this tired and miserable. She made him miserable. And because of that Garou also feels miserable! Pure plague is what she was.

"You look so scary..."

He turned to look. "Oh. Hello Oliver. How you doing?"

"How are you doing? You look like you're gonna murder someone soon"

Oh how I wish. "No, can't possibly do that. I was just thinking. But I'm good. You?"

"I'm great, actually". He fidgeted with his hands and looked to the side. Nervous. For what? "Me and Daniela actually got together last night"

Oh. That's why. 

That makes it true, then. I didn't lie to Badd last night. "That's great"

"Yeah, I think so too. It was so simple. I gave her a ride home and confessed then when we were at her house. Turns out she felt the same way! I couldn't believe it. You were right!"

Pushing the negative emotions aside, Garou looked at him. Hey, Oliver was happy. That was something, right? Yes but no. Badd was more important. 

It was too late. He got too close already. It hasn't been two weeks yet and he already got too close. "I'm happy for you Oliver"

"Yeah it's thanks to you, honestly. So thank you for pushing me to do it. What about you, though? You don't look so happy"

"Just...". Should I tell him?? But it's none of his business. But I've also known him for a while. "Uh.... My... Roommate"

"What about your roommate?"

"He... Has a girlfriend..."

"Oh..."

No. No, no, no. Garou was supposed to continue talking but his brain just stopped working. Fucking shit. Now it sounds like Garou was crushing on Badd and was sad that Badd had a girlfriend.

Doesn't sound too far from the truth.

"I get it"

"No, Oliver. It's probably not what you think it is"

"Girlfriend ain't a wife", he shrugged.

Garou stared. "That's... Kind of messed up to say"

"Yeah, you're right. But it's true though, isn't it?"

Okay, yeah. It was. "Very clever Oliver. Very clever. Pushing me to steal someone's boyfriend"

"Hey, that's not what I said. You got to that conclusion yourself"

"What the–"

"Remember your words, Ganpon"

And then, the younger one left. 

Garou couldn't believe his damn ears. Then again, Oliver was right. Girlfriend wasn't a wife yet. 

No. That's really messed up. Badd loves her... Ah, fuck that bitch. He deserves better.

But how to apologize? He only remembers saying "sorry" to Bang whenever he messed around. But this has to be a genuine apology. One where Badd sees Garou actually meant it. But how? Having Daniela here would really help. She knows this kind of stuff well. But she doesn't have a shift today.

"Ganpon!"

"Tito...". Maybe asking Tito would help? He has a wife after all. "Tito I have a question"

"Ceiling isn't fixed yet niño"

"No, no. It's about Badd..."

"Ohh... What's wrong?"

Garou formed some sentences in his mind. "We... Fought. Kinda. Yesterday. I want to apologize but I don't know how"

"Hmm... Usually when Valentina gets mad at me I buy her flowers or her favorite dessert. Do you know his favorite dessert?"

"No...". I never got to ask him that.

"It's okay. The thought is what matters, niño"

Maybe he was right. Garou wanted to leave now. To talk, to see him. But he knew Badd would hate to see him right now. And honestly, it's best like this. Garou would have enough time to think about what to buy him throughout his shift. 

I already miss him.

What will I say when we meet?

 

---

 

Garou was debating on two options in his hands. On his left hand, he held a chocolate cake. In his right, Napoleon cake. 

God, he was exhausted. He wasn't usually exhausted after work like this but today just felt more harder than usual. Too many complaining and angry customers. Bad luck today. Now he was stuck choosing the cake. 

Does Badd even like sweets?? He said he was fat and had to lose weight so maybe he's avoiding sweets right now? But getting him a healthier option would feel like an asshole move. Like saying "hey, you've gained weight so here's a healthier option for your fatass!". Then again giving him something sweet would look like I wasn't listening to him. 

He was torn. Torn and tired. He just wanted for it to be over. To be on good terms with the hero again. 

I didn't even do anything that bad. I think...

He stared at the cakes some more and decided to trust his gut. Chocolate it is. 

Then, he was walking towards a self-checkout when he saw ginger beer. It was the one they sold at the bar and it was the best kind. That's what Tito said, at least. And honestly Garou wasn't surprised, the price said everything he needed to know. Six pack was a bit expensive, but... For Badd it wasn't. So he took it. 

Now back home and talking...

 

–

 

He felt like it was the first day there all over again. When he was with Tito. Though this time it was just him and the six pack beer and chocolate cake. Shittt.... He hated this. Following the three guys out of the bar and beating them was way easier. His heart didn't race the same way when he faced Master Orochi either. It's worse now. What would he say? How would he apologize? 

"I'm so sorry", "I messed up hard". Shit!! It's not THAT deep. Fuck. Get a hold of yourself, Garou. Dammit! 

He knocked on the door and his heart was just about to jump out of his chest. His neck felt hot and his face cold. 

Act cool. Act cool. Just an apology. Apology that he deserves. 

The lock twisted and he swallowed.

Okay. 

Badd opened the door and looked at Garou.

Okay. I'm so sorry. I messed up hard. I bought this for you.

"I'm so hard for you I bought..." 

Fuck. 

He exhaled and let his head hit the door frame. How could he mess up that bad?? Shit. It was so fucking embarrassing.

The hero sighed and told Garou to come in. He came in. Then stared at Badd with a mouth in a straight line. There was no other moment like this where he felt disappointed in himself. 

He handed the six pack beer and cake to the hero who took it with a surprised face.

"... Thanks...". Garou nodded. Couldn't risk opening his mouth at the moment. "This is for...?"

Maybe he had to open his mouth after all. 

Of course I do!! How else are we supposed to talk and communicate?? I feel like an idiot. 

"Sorry", was all he said. Simple and short. No mistakes this time. 

I know she means a lot to you but you mean more to me. 

As if I could ever say that to him. 

I wish I could.

Badd looked at the cake, then moved his eyes at the beer. "Dude... This beer's expensive"

"Mm"

"... Come on, take your clothes off and let's eat. I made some soup"

This time, Garou didn't throw any jokes. In fact he didn't say a word while washing his hands, going to his room, changing clothes or sitting down at the table. Not when Badd asked him to talk either.

The hero sat in front of him on the other side of the small table. "Talk to me, man". But Garou didn't let out a sound. It was a bit frustrating, but, Badd understood what Garou was feeling at the moment. He's been there, done that, felt it. It's not the best thing in the world. Regret. 

"Chocolate cake is my favorite how did you know?"

"I... Didn't"

He finally said somethin'. That's some progress. "I was actually thinkin' about chocolate cake recently. So, thank you"

"Mhm"

"But why?"

"... I messed up"

Oh. That. "Right... About that... I actually also wanted to apologize"

"For?"

Badd stood up, grabbed something from the fridge and placed it in front of Garou. Napoleon cake. It was his favorite. "I overreacted kinda. I mean I don't support you bein' mean to her. But I shoulda offered you a ride today. I felt bad for that"

"Oh... Don't worry, I got there safely"

"No, man. The place's far away and I have a car"

"It's fine. I deserved it"

"No"

"Yes. Don't worry"

"No Garou I acted like some bitch. I just... Yeah"

"I get it. It could be stressful for you right now. With quitting HA and all that"

"... Yeah. It really is"

Garou thought if he should open up a bit more. Was it a good idea? Probably not. 

I'll stay quiet. Can't let myself get any closer than I already am. "Yeah, so don't worry". I'm glad we got this sorted out. I was worrying over nothing. "Can I have the key, by the way?"

"Oh, shit. Yeah. I should have a spare key somewhere here", Badd stood up and walked to the front door, getting a basket and looking for the key. 

Hair down Badd looked better than pompadour Badd. At least to Garou. He had no idea it was this long. Well, it's not like it's crazy length. But still. He looked so good.

"Sorry about that as well. I don't know how I totally forgot 'bout it", he dropped the key on Garou's palm.

"It's fine"

"It's really n–"

"It's fine."

Badd was about to fight back, but decided this wasn't the right time. He still felt bad about this morning and that kind of soured his mood. He felt like there was something else to it. Like something was missing. They talked about it and both apologized but what else was there? Something had to be done. 

I mean, me and Zen and our parents always gave a hug to each other after we apologized to seal it. But Garou... He looked over at the ex hero hunter fidgeting with the keychain. Garou isn't the type to hug, I think... Would it be weird? But it also feels like it's not sealed. Like we're still on bad terms.

No, I shouldn't push my traditions on him. But... Ugh, it's just a hug. We with friends always exchange a short hug when we see each other. It's normal. 

But it's Garou...

"I'm gonna go to shower now, okay?"

"Wait Garou!", Badd grabbed Garou by his wrist and pulled him closer. Now this was awkward. The stare on him burned and he started second guessing if this was a good idea to begin with. 

Ah, shit. Whatever. Here goes nothing.

Slowly, he wrapped his arms around Garou, turned his head to side, and squeezed. At least Garou didn't fight back or anything. His body was just... Stiff. Maybe he's not used to this. It could very possibly be true. And if that was the case, it would be best if Badd let go now. But Garou hugged him back and his heart raced faster. 

Was he dreaming? No this had to be a dream. Garou hugging back?? Insane. Then again Badd was the one to hug him first so really what did he expect was going to happen? But... Garou didn't have to really hug back, did he? But he did. And now Badd was so shocked he didn't realize he had to let go. 

It was fine though. Garou did that for him. He pulled away first and held his hands on Badd's shoulders. 

"I'm glad we got it sorted out"

"Uh, yeah"

"I'll be fast" 

And then he left to bathroom, locked the door, and Badd listened to the shower start. 

Holy shit. He hugged Garou. He really hugged him. And it felt good!! It felt so good. His hug was warm and it felt as if he really meant it. It was short but he still hugged back and he meant it and he was so warm and he even squeezed back! 

Awh, shit. It felt so good. It was nothing like his girlfriend. She almost never hugs him back. And even when she does she doesn't squeeze back like Garou does and she isn't as tall as him so it just feels hollow. But not with Garou. 

He felt his cheeks warm up.

Ahh that was such a good hug. Fuck. I need to calm the fuck down. It was just a friendly hug. But why was it so cute?! He was so cute!! He looked so innocent and so normal and laid back and so good?? Why does he look good? Ughh.... I'm going insane. I'm just touch starved is all. Yeah. That's it. 

I can't believe I actually forgot to give him the key. I'm such an idiot.

 

–

 

They ate in silence for a while, since the conversation wasn't needed. Both were hungry, both were enjoying their food. Both thinking about that hug. It was just so interesting. Garou would've never guessed he'd actually like a hug from this hero. He hated heroes, didn't he? What happened? Or was it simply because he felt bad and decided to let Badd have his way? 

He tried to imagine someone else in Badd's place, but it just wouldn't be the same. Even with Tito and Valentina. It just wouldn't feel the same. 

Badd's body was warm, his hair soft and silky and oh, it smelled so damn good. It was that expensive shampoo that Garou used. To think that his hair was in such a great shape after using shit ton of gel every single day. Gosh, and his skin was so hot against Garou's cold touch. It was so easy to hug him back. 

"How was work?", the hero suddenly asked, and Garou snapped back from his thoughts. 

"Uhh. Good. You?"

The sigh he let out after that question told Garou everything he needed to know. "Good it's just... I had a school bully back when I was nineteen. I know it sounds very stupid. And I didn't give him any attention but he still keeps messin' around with me and now he ruined my car"

"Wait ruined how?"

"Used some kind of a sharp thing to scrape the paint. So friggin' expensive to fix that shit"

"You saw him do that?"

"Yeah I watched him do that shit in real time man. He even made eye contact with me but I couldn't leave the front desk and get him because he's a fast runner"

That's a new target.

"That sucks. Sorry to hear that. Want me to help with the paint thing?"

"No, please don't"

"It's okay. I can help. I saved money for two years"

The hero hesitated. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah yeah. We'll get it fixed tomorrow. You have work then?"

"No actually it's my day off"

"Alright, then. Let's go there in the morning. I have evening shift"

"Damn. Thank you a lot. I appreciate it. I really do. Would be embarrassin' to pick up..."

"Your girlfriend?"

"Yeah"

Now he's hesitating to talk about her around me. Feels like a success but at the same time... I don't want him to distance himself from me. Not fully at least.

Then again not hearing him talk about that bitch really eases my nerves.

"I'll pay you back when I can". Garou shook his head in response. "What?"

"Don't. Not needed. You gave me a place to sleep in. You feed me too. I don't need your money"

"... Alright. If you help me with the paint job you won't need to pay for stayin' here"

"Sounds good"

"Alright. Then deal"

"Deal" 

 

–

 

Garou could count himself as lucky. But what about Badd? He was also wondering whether our beloved hero was lucky or not. He guessed he was, but... Badd looked extra depressed today. They were not moving from the car, even though they pulled in the car repair.

"Who we waiting for?"

Badd pulled his mouth in a straight line and looked at Garou. "The guy I told you about? Yesterday. He's right there". Garou's eyebrows shot up and he took a look immediately. "See the grey shirt? Yea. Him"

"He works here? Crazy"

"Yeah but at least now we know why he did what he did. So I could give them my car and he would fuck it up more"

"He can't do that unsupervised"

"Garou, when a person really wants, they always find a way"

That's true. "Good point mister justice. What do we do then". The hero let out a groan and hit the back of his head on the seat. "Hey don't be doing that now. Need your head to think"

"I don't fuckin' know. I lowkey want to kill that guy"

Now this was in Garou's interests. But no, he couldn't. Tito would be disappointed. Although it did sound tempting.

"Let's leave it here. No problem"

"But what if–"

"Don't worry. You're a hero. People love you"

Badd looked at him in that "seriously?" way but Garou just shrugged in return.

"Okay. Whatever. I'll tell the police if anythin' funny happens"

"Mhm"

 

–

 

After talking to an old guy there and planning everything, they stood outside doing nothing. The auto paint technician said it would take few days, possibly more. Badd didn't mind. As long as no funny business was done.

"Where would you like to go?"

"Hm?"

"I mean, we're outside right now. It's nice weather. Why not go somewhere?"

"Sure". They started walking somewhere. Garou didn't know where. He wasn't in this part of town ever so he didn't know any directions. Just followed the pompadour. "Where to?"

"Eh, I don't know. Let's have some breakfast somewhere maybe?"

Not a bad idea once again. 

Although I like his cooking better.

Ah, whatever. Food is food.

"Alright. Diner then?"

"Diner then"

 

–

 

"What color were you thinking of?"

"To the car?"

"Yeah"

They were sitting across each other on red leather sofas, reading menu. It was still a bit early so the only other people were two elderly women sitting on the other side of the diner. 

"Hmm... Well it's green now... I think red, maybe? But not bright. Like deeper red. Kinda like wine red"

"Mhmm"

"What do you think?"

"I think red would be lovely"

Badd smiled behind the menu and although Garou couldn't see his mouth, he did see his eyes. Smiling. 

I wish I could see his dimples too.

"Come to think of it, what's yer favorite color, Garou?"

"Hmm... Red. You?"

"Ah. I wanted to say it. Well I also like orange. It's a nice color. What kind of red do you mean though?"

"The good kind"

Badd smiled again, this time not hiding behind the folder. 

Yes. Garou got to see his dimples.

It made him smile too. Not as wide but just a little. A smirk that could be easily hidden.

"Are you ready to order?", a woman asked, and they ordered. Garou made sure that this time he would take more than one plate. Last time it wasn't nearly enough. It was nice to get his appetite back.

"What's yer favorite animal?"

"What's with this... Interview"

"Just tryin' to know my roommate better". It was so weird hearing him call Garou that. Roommate. The other day he called him a friend. Generally he had gotten pretty close. Yesterday they even hugged. "Or I'm not allowed to ask that"

"You are. I was just wondering"

"You scared I'll use it against you or somethin'?"

"I'm not scared of you. And I would say... A shark"

"Interestin' "

"And you?"

"I like cats a lot"

He does seem like a cat person.

"Why sharks?"

"They're highly misunderstood. They're scary but aren't actually so horrible. They're pretty neat I think"

"Sounds like someone I know"

"Oh shut up"

Badd chuckled quietly. "I don't know, I quite like you, Ganpon". Garou's heart skipped a beat. "Didn't know you could be a good guy"

Ahh... He likes me? He just said he likes me. Not in a romantic way but... He likes me? 

"Stop joking around" 

"I ain't!! If ya keep sayin' that I'll stop bein' honest with you"

He's being honest with me?? And now threatening to stop? "Honesty is all I want"

"Then pull the stick outta yer ass"

"Alright. I'm just not used to people being this kind to me" 

Badd didn't know what to say. In a way, he could understand what the other meant perfectly. It was to be expected. Garou wasn't exactly the brightest person two years ago, but even then, Badd saw the good in him. Now that's all he sees. 

 

–

 

The walk home wasn't anything out of the ordinary. They talked about normal human things, not remembering the past, since it wasn't needed. Badd understood Garou didn't want to talk about it, so he didn't mention it.

"When did you plan on quitting HA?"

Badd washed his hands in the kitchen and watched Garou take his leather jacket off. "I don't know, actually...". He heard the other let out a pissed off sigh while walking to the bathroom to wash his hands. "What?". But Garou didn't answer. 

He walked to him while drying hands and tried again. "What?"

Garou hesitated, but after looking at the hero through the mirror, said what he wanted to say. He had to be honest and talk to him about things. "Is it something that you want or is it really her who decided on your behalf?"

Badd thought about his answer, and Garou patiently waited. "Well... I..."

"You said you love your job"

"I did"

"So?"

"So...."

Garou turned around and leaned on the sink, crossing his arms on chest. He was starting to lose his patience. It was already under other's nose this whole time. He was utterly blind and it was frustrating. "Badd. I want you to think about it. Hard. Why did you decide you want to stop being a hero?"

"Well she said she's worryin' a lot 'bout me and I understand her"

"You're S-class for a reason"

"Yeah and S-class faces monsters that are equal to us"

"... Are you scared?"

"No I'm not scared! The only thing that I'm scared of is... Women"

"Badd"

"Yea?"

"Why did you become a hero?"

"To protect citizens of course. And be a good role model to my sis" 

"And you're quitting because...?"

"My girlfriend asked me to"

"Think about it you barely know her and you're letting her control your life??"

"I don't know what yer tryin' to get at but it's none if yer goddamn business Garou"

"I know it's not but I also know how important your little sister is to you and how proud she is of you"

"You don't know a goddamn thing about me"

"More than you think I know"

"It's up to me to decide what I'm gonna do with my life!"

"Exactly! See? You get it! And you're still letting that woman control you"

"Oh shut up Garou you–"

"I've never met such a honest hero before and now you're telling me you're letting it all go??"

"Yer a monster ya wouldn't know a thing!!"

Ouch. That went straight to heart. Even though Garou was used to it, it still hurt. More than he thought it would. 

He knows who he is. Better than anyone else. It was useless to remind him of something he was already aware about. Too aware. 

Badd ruffled his hair and moved the weight from one leg to another. "Look I didn't mean to–"

"It's fine. You said enough"

"But–"

"I said it's fine". Garou looked him in the eyes for one last time and went to his room, closing the door behind him. 

He was disappointed, to say the least. Of course he knew Badd didn't consider him a friend necessarily, but he at least thought he forgave him. At least wanted to let go of it and start over. It was all going so well, and now what?

Just another liar. 

 

–

 

For the next week, they didn't talk. They exchanged few words here and there, but... It was just so dry. Hollow. Garou avoided Badd, and Badd avoided Garou. 

The hero did continue making food for Garou, though. Which was nice, Garou guessed it was because he felt bad for saying what he said. And although he kept eating everything Badd left for him, they never ate it together at the table like they used to. 

Garou stopped being at home as often. Took longer shifts and went on a run after, returning home somewhere late in the evening. 

The car was still not done. He kept visiting the place over and over again. Waiting for the night when that guy would be there to mess around. The day didn't come right away, but Garou didn't give up. On fourth night, he caught him. 

He watched the guy walk in confidently as if he's never done anything wrong while Garou waited hidden on the ceiling railings. Bastard took his sweet time grabbing some tool kit from his bag and laying it open on the floor next to the car. The paint was long scraped off and car sanded. All that was left was to prime the surface, then apply the paint. At least that's what Garou guessed had to happen. And he would make it happen. 

The guy was about to grab a tool to mess around with the process, but by then Garou already crawled down and was walking up to him. That's when the other heard steps and turned around. He tried to throw some tool at Garou but obviously failed. 

"Hey aren't you Badd's little friend?"

"Just do your job"

"And what if I say no?"

Garou grabbed him by his throat and lifted the body up in the air. He didn't really want to do anything crazy, but this guy was kind of asking for it. "Do your job. I'll watch"

And he did do his job well all while being in a chokehold. Too bad the job was going to take longer than two nights. But it was fine, Garou could visit this place forever if it meant Badd would have a nice looking car.

Sure, he didn't want to talk to Badd, but he wouldn't let anyone mess around with him anymore. Yes they weren't on good terms. But he was mature enough to recognize the person's kindness and care. Badd still cared. For some reason. Sometimes Garou wishes he wouldn't have. So he could let go and leave as soon as possible. This kindness is keeping him there. He feels too bad leaving now in the middle of nowhere without saying "thank you". Because he wants to. Wants to thank Badd for being kind to him, for feeding him and giving him a place to stay at. But he also didn't want to talk. He hated talking.

It was the longest week he ever had. As if time slowed down and he was forced to spend it as much as he could just to avoid the hero. 

He hated it so much. He missed Badd. Missed what they had.

"Ganpon, why do you look so gloomy?". It was Daniela and it was just the two of them in the bar since it was a quiet hour. 

"Gloomy?", he asked and continued washing lemons.

"Mhm. I was just about to say you gained some weight and look wayyy better and healthier but it looks like something else is bothering you"

On point she was. Exactly. He looked better, gained his weight and muscles back very fast. But this silent treatment the two of them were giving to each other was killing him yet he didn't want to make the first move.

"Just uh... A small fight with my roommate"

"If it was that small, it wouldn't make you that sad. Is it really only a roommate?"

How can women see through so well?? He was starting to get afraid of them as well. "Got me there"

"Who is it?"

"He really is a roommate. Just means a bit more to me"

"So what happened?"

"He said something about me that exposed how he actually saw me and since then we haven't spoken much"

"Ahh... What did he say?"

Garou stopped cutting lemons and turned his head to her. "... I suppose he said the truth that I was trying to hide for a while now"

"You hide from the truth?"

"Yup. That's who I am, I hide"

"But why?"

"... Some things are best to stay unknown"

"What are you a serial killer or something?", she joked, but his face stayed motionless and she started to suspect that was true. "I'm just joking!!", she tried to hide her fear. 

"Every joke has a bit of truth behind it"

Her eyes widened and she looked absolutely shocked. Poor thing. She probably believed she was standing next to a real serial killer at the very moment. 

"Don't worry. I'm not a serial killer"

"I would hope so... So, anyway! Um... Your roommate"

"Yeah. We had a good start, actually. It all went downhill when I tried to talk him out of something he didn't want to do. He says he wants to, but I know he's pretending"

"Are you seriously not a killer?"

"Daniela if I was a killer I would be in jail. Not standing here cutting lemons telling to you about my wish to be boyfriend". Shit. I slipped there. "Okay not really a boyfriend–"

"Whaatttt!!! You have a crush!!"

"It's not really a crush calm down I–"

"That's so cuteee!!"

"I was JOKING. Okay? That was supposed to be a joke"

"Every joke has a bit of truth behind it!!"

He rolled his eyes and groaned. Well, that was his own fault. His words. "Whatever, man..."

"I never even knew! So what's going on?", she leaned her elbows on the counter and scooted closer.

"He has a girlfriend. End of the conversation"

"Girlfriend ain't a wife..."

"... You speak like Oliver"

"We're dating after all"

And this, too, was Garou's fault for setting them together and having to hear this stuff. At least they were happy, right? 

Right...

"I didn't know you were gay"

"I'm not"

"But you just said you want your roommate to be your boyfriend!" 

There was no use arguing with her. Yeah so what if he wanted Badd to be his? It's not like he's going to force it on him or confess. He would never. As much as he doesn't like that girlfriend, he still understands that she's important to Badd and Badd is important to Garou.

Dammit if she doesn't drain the life out of him though. Because she really does and he really hates to see it. A better girlfriend is all Badd needs.

 

–

 

He could successfully avoid that topic and continue working until his shift ended. On his way back upstairs to go on a run, Valentina stopped him.

"Hijo!"

He stopped in his tracks and walked in her office. "Hey Mrs. Tucci"

"How are youu?", she looked happier than usual which healed something inside Garou.

Today, she had an orange flower hairclip that suited with her whole outfit. A beautiful white dress with some orange and yellow patterns and an orange cardigan. One of Badd's favorite colors.

"I'm okay Valentina I'm fine. How are you?"

"I'm great. Tito asked me to tell you that your ceiling is going to be fixed very soon"

"Oh, I see". They finished it so fast... "That's great"

"I've been meaning to ask you if everything was fine. You look very sad lately"

He couldn't lie to her. He didn't want to. "Yes. Me and Badd fought, kinda. He doesn't really want to see me and I don't want to see him either"

"Ohh my... Why did you two fight?"

"Just some girlfriend stuff. He uh... I don't like his girlfriend, that's about it. I'm gonna be bold and say it. I really don't like her"

"Because you like Badd?"

Garou's stomach flipped. How did she know?? What the fuck was going on? "I..."

"It's okay if you do, you know. We don't judge"

"I appreciate but it's just really complicated"

"You know, sometimes it's good to be bold. In both your words and actions. So be bold with him"

Be bold with him. Do I confess to him about how I feel? But I could never do that. It would be so messed up on so many levels. He's probably straight. And no one in their right mind would date the ex hero hunter. Especially a hero. And especially him. Really, she needs to go. Maybe I could make them seperate so he could find a better girlfriend. 

This whole time, ever since he saw her face to face it was just.. Off. Everything about her. Not just her appearance. It's how everytime Badd came back home from a date with her, he looked more sad and exhausted than when he left. Sure, the new job could be at fault. But that? Come on. He looked like he was going to cry everytime he hung out with her. Garou isn't no dating expert but as far as he knew, couples were supposed to have fun. And dates were supposed to leave nice memories.

Badd's memories seemed to be just miserable. 

Garou ran a bit faster. It's what he's been doing lately. Going to work and then back home by jogging. The car was still not ready, but he didn't mind. By jogging he built his stamina back, and he was finally feeling like himself again. Not to mention his eyebags went away and he doesn't remember the last time he felt this light. 

He couldn't stand the thought of going back to his apartment. But he knew he had to. At some point he had to. And that was going to happen soon. 

 

---

 

His heart beat a bit faster when he pushed the key in the lock and twisted it. But, to his surprise, no one was home. Usually by this time Badd was home watching tv or gaming in his room. But no one was there. 

Garou started to worry a bit, but then again it was Metal Bat. Surely he would be fine. 

Right?

He double checked the apartment to make sure he didn't miss a spot. But the hero was nowhere to be seen. The only thing that he left was a container with food for Garou waiting on the table. 

That, too. He still cooked for him and it fucking hurt. Garou wished he would stop, but he knew Badd wouldn't. He was too stubborn and wouldn't listen. That's just the way he is. Doting and caring, no matter if they're in the middle of a fight or not. Sure, he did leave Garou only one sandwich one day, but Garou never minded. He always believed he deserved less, anyway. 

He took a shower, heated the food and sat down on the sofa to eat. And still, the hero wasn't home. 

Maybe he's on a date with his girlfriend

"People are running in horror as the threat level demon is attacking the Z-city at this very moment. As of now, Metal Bat is on the scene fighting the monster"

Garou turned the volume up. 

"All of the people have evacuated safely, but due to the heavy rain, the roads are slippery and are causing traffic. HA promises everything would be done as soon as possible, since the S-class hero is taking care of it as we speak"

What bullshit. Sending one hero to take care of level demon??...

Then again it is Badd. 

He kept watching the live and if he was being honest... It did not look good. He knew very well Badd wasn't weak and he could take on a lot. But it also looked like the monster was winning. Maybe it wasn't so clear to the public eye as they were cheering him on and saying he was doing great, but it sure as hell was to Garou. Metal Bat was maybe doing a great job, but he also received shit ton of blows. And after sitting on the edge of the sofa completely absorbed into the screen, it was over. The live stopped, and the news lady was happy to announce they won once again.

Bullshit. They didn't do anything. It was Metal Bat who did everything. And he isn't doing well either. Garou knew, he felt something was off. He knew that the hero wouldn't return home tonight, so he had to take matter in his own hands.

 

–

 

Garou didn't know why he was running as fast as he could to the scene. He didn't know why he cared so much. Why he felt fear when he got closer to the dead monster. When he was looking for the hero, wondering if he was still breathing or not. 

Maybe Badd didn't want to see him at all. He had no idea if that was true but he also didn't care. Garou needed to know that Badd was alright.

Yeah a tornado wouldn't kill him, Garou knew that. Did he care? No.

He jumped from one roof to another, scanning every inch of the streets, but the rain and dark grey clouds made it hard to see. He paced back and forth looking for the red speck. From one corner to another, from one alley to another alley. And then, he finally spotted it.

Thank god Badd's favorite color was red. He looked almost invisible in the rain except for the bright red shirt.

Garou jumped from the roof down on the street and rushed to the hero. 

Badd was unconscious and bleeding and shit, it broke Garou's heart so bad. 

Gently, he took him in his arms and jumped back up on the roofs so he could travel back home faster. He was also thankful the buildings they lived in were pretty colorful, because he almost just missed them.

Next was getting inside straight to the bathroom and treat his wounds. Badd didn't say a word the whole time, just a moan here and there. 

Garou softly placed Badd on the floor and checked for injuries. The hero had a cut on his cheek, but no visible broken bones. What a tank. Garou was aware he was hard to beat but damn, he kind of forgot. 

Now it was a bit awkward. Garou was panicking a little but he knew he had to check for any more wounds and that meant taking the clothes off.

Whatever. I would rather get slapped by him later than miss a spot that could be too dangerous to ignore.

"Sorry for this", he whispered to the hero who was still barely conscious. It didn't matter if he heard it or not, what mattered was that Garou meant it. 

He checked the arms first. Wrists, shoulders, collarbone, joints, then moved down to the legs. Once he got to right thigh, the hero flinched and let out a louder noise. Garou grabbed the scissors, cut the pants (again felt bad but he had to do what he had to do) and ripped them open. There was a cut but it wasn't too bad. Few stitches would do the work. He checked rest of the legs. Knees, ankles, but everything looked fine. Until he saw a small puddle of blood beneath Badd's right shoulder. He gently raised the body and took a look. Another cut. Both cuts weren't deep, thankfully, and Badd was breathing alright.

For the last touch, Garou grabbed a flashlight, opened Badd's eyelids and flashed right into his eyes to see his pupils constrict.

He let out a long sigh of relief. But the clock was ticking. He still had to clean the wounds and apply ice to bruises and stitch the cuts. 

Very often he regretted his choice he made in the past. But sometimes, he's glad he fought a lot and got hurt here and there because of moments like these when someone needed medical attention. Was he a pro at it? No not really. Would he do it for someone else?... No... Probably not. He doesn't like helping people he doesn't know. This was different though. It was different because it was Badd. Garou didn't care about anyone as much as he cared about this hero, as ridiculous as it sounded. But he didn't care. He wasn't going to act like Badd meant nothing to him. 

As gently as he could, he cleaned the wounds, sewed them close and by then when he was ready checking every inch of Badd's body and making sure he didn't miss a spot, the hero slowly gained consciousness back. It kind of freaked him out when Badd muttered his name in the middle of Garou staring at a spot wondering if it's just a bruise or a broken bone.

"Garou?", his voice was weak and raspy. 

"Yeah. It's me". The hero stared at him for a while, but Garou paid no mind, just put some of the stuff back in the first-aid kit and zipped it close. "Do you feel nauseous?"

"Um, no"

"Good". Garou wiped the blood off the floor. 

"... Did you brin' me here?"

He wasn't sure if he should talk to him. To tell him the truth. He could lie and say that no, it was his girlfriend, actually. That would help their relationship maybe. But he wouldn't do that. Because lying is wrong and it would always lead to something bad. 

He took a breath before answering, "Yeah, I did"

"... Thanks"

"Can you move or do you need help washing yourself"

Badd slowly sat up with a groan and rubbed his eyes. After sitting there for some time in silence, he said "yeah I can move". 

A huge rock just fell down Garou's shoulders. He was fine. Of course he would be. He's a S-class hero. 

Still, better be safe than sorry.

It felt weird having a conversation with him after not talking for a long while, but he figured it was necessary. Badd's health was more important than whatever they had going on.

"I'll go now so take your time"

"Okay"

He closed the door and after a while heard the shower start. Now he could sit down and rest. No more worrying. It's over now. Over and done with.

He let his head fall on the back of the sofa and he stared at the ceiling for a while, feeling the tiredness creeping in. He was already a bit tired after work, but the whole stressing wore him out more than he imagined it would. 

Maybe Badd mattered a bit more than he thought.

Just when he was about to doze off, he heard a knock on the bathroom door and Badd calling out his name. He got scared thinking something was wrong so he immediately jumped from the couch and quickly opened the door.

Did the stitches open? Did I do a bad job? Missed a spot?

But Badd stood in his big shorts and an oversized shirt with his hair dripping wet.

"Can you help me?"

"Uh... Sure. What is it?"

"I need help with dryin' my hair"

Garou walked in and Badd sat down on a toilet seat, letting him do the job. Ex hero hunter already knew where the hair dryer was, he also used it from time to time. 

He hesitated a bit but figured he would do the last acts of kindness while he could. Badd was injured dammit. Helping him was the least he could do in return for everything Badd did for him. 

It was therapeutic to run his fingers in the hair and dry it. Overtime it got softer and softer, like silk between his fingers. But it was awkward. More than anything he felt awkward. They both didn't say a word to each other, keeping the conversation simple and short. 

Garou didn't want to escalate things. He would need to leave soon anyway. The idea already made him sad.

But then, without noticing it, the hero fell asleep. Garou was wondering why his head felt heavier but he was so deep in his thoughts that he didn't realize the guy was actually sleeping for a while now. Damn. He also must've been totally beat. 

He turned off the dryer while holding other's head so he wouldn't fall, put it away, and then carried Badd to his room, gently placing him down on the bed and pulling the blanket over his body. Garou took one final glance at the other. His face was relaxed, but he looked tired. At least his wounds were treated, so hopefully he would sleep well.

With thoughts about what he would cook for him when he woke up, Garou quietly closed the door and went to his room to make a call. 

Tito always took long to answer. 

"Good evening niño"

"Hey, sorry it's pretty late but I was wondering if I could take some time off?"

"Of course! How much?"

"Like a... Week?"

"You can take week and a half if you want"

"If that's okay with you"

"Of course it is! Is that why you called?"

"Yeah"

"Alright. Don't sweat it. We got enough workers for now, we'll be fine. Enjoy your small break"

"Thank you"

"Of courseee of course! Bye bye!"

"Bye"

He stared at his flip phone, then moved his eyes at the air mattress. It was tempting, but... It just felt wrong leaving Badd alone in the room. 

So he grabbed some water and quietly walked in, left the door halfway closed and placed the glass on the nightstand. 

Badd was still sleeping. His snores were quiet and he looked peaceful. Not a face Garou usually sees. It makes him even more beautiful, in a way. When Badd feels peace, he's beautiful. More than he usually is. 

Garou didn't want to leave him.

Chapter 4: you touched my mind, although it took a while

Notes:

I will warn you guys here, there's a slightly uncomfortable scene (kind of SA) so if anyone's extremely traumatized it could be uncomfy for you so read at your own risk.

I don't descibe the scene there explicitly and it's not too bad but people have different experiences and people are sensitive in their own ways, just figured I'd warn ya.

If you want to skip the scene, I'll put a 🐸 emoji at the start of the scene and a 🌸 emoji when it's over. Also, refresh your page before reading. I'm not sure how fast it will update this chapter

 

 

Garou didn't have a deep sleep that night but it didn't matter. Because at least when the hero moved, Garou immediately reacted by standing up and walking to him to make sure he was fine. 

Badd pulled his eyebrows together and swallowed. Then, he slowly opened his eyes to see Garou standing bent over looking at him.

"Water?", the white-haired asked, and Badd nodded, confused. 

Garou gave him a glass and Badd sat up to drink it. "Thanks" 

"No problem" 

The hero was trying to find words. Form sentences. But it was hard. Too hard. They haven't spoken in what? Eight, nine days? Doesn't sound bad but it felt like forever. And here Garou was, right in front of him offering him a glass of water and talking to him. He even treated Badd's every wound and brought him to bed after the shower. And... He slept in a sitting position the whole night? How did his ass not fall off yet?

"Uh... Thanks. For helpin' me"

"Mm". He took the empty glass that Badd gave back to him. "More?"

"Uh, no. Thanks"

He watched Garou walk away to the kitchen, do something, then come back with a plate and a mug. "I made scrambled eggs. And tea. Your favorite"

"Really?". He followed the plate land down on his lap and the mug be placed on his nightstand. "You... Didn't need to do this..."

"Just eat. You need it"

But the hero just stared at the food, not moving. Garou let out a sigh and grabbed the fork, took a bite and gave it to Badd. "It's not poisoned"

"Oh, uh, no. No... I didn't...". His eyes stayed on the fork (that was just in Garou's mouth) then he moved them on the scrambled eggs. He also took a bite. And honestly, it was delicious. Garou said he's not a very good cook, but... This wasn't bad at all.

"It's good"

"It's just eggs. How are you feeling?"

"Good. Bit sore. But good"

"Alright". And then, he left. This time he didn't return so Badd finished his breakfast and decided to talk with him. Ugh, he didn't want to. Well he did, but he imagined Garou hated him now after what he said but then again it would be fair. The guilt was eating at Badd too. He really didn't want to say what he said back then. It just came out of his mouth out of frustration. That didn't use to happen before. He was always composed and kind. But ever since Garou started living with him, everything changed. Badd became irritated way more easily and was on edge almost all the time.

No... That would be wrong. 

He ran back the times he was with Garou anywhere. It was always fun. He always felt good. Then what was the source of his negativity? He just couldn't figure it out until he thought about his girlfriend. Now, it hit him. What Garou was trying to say this whole time, what he was trying to get through Badd's thick skull. It wasn't just arguing. It was him looking over Badd.

How could he have been so blind?? He felt utterly embarrassed. Garou meant good, but he hurt him in return. 

I'm a huge piece of shit. I really do need to talk to him. 

So he threw the blanket to the side, stood up, and walked out of his room only to hear the front door close. Garou left. 

He had to run after him and ask him to stop, but he couldn't. He was frozen in place unable to process it. He did want Garou to stay so they could talk, but... 

Wait. Did he leave for real or only for some time?

Panic rushed into him. He remembered that Garou's ceiling was getting fixed and maybe it's all done now so he left. He left and what? No other chance to apologize? He wouldn't accept that. 

Badd quickly walked in Garou's room to check if he had packed all of his stuff, but the closet was still full and he still had his wallet on the nightstand. A tremendous wave of relief washed over his whole body. So he didn't leave for good yet. But then again, this only meant that he didn't have any other option but to apologize. 

I can't be such a fuckin' coward. He deserves the apology! Since when I've been runnin' away from my own responsibility?

He thought about it, and to his horror, he realized it was all because of his girlfriend. Not only did she make him feel like shit, she changed him. For worse. Partners aren't supposed to do that. Garou was right about everything and Badd just pushed him away. The only person that was willing to open his eyes.

He let his head hit the wall while staring at the air mattress. The whole room smelled like Garou and he was already so used to that scent. To think that very soon, he would be alone in his own apartment. No more good mornings with Garou, no more cooking for two, no more sitting on the couch watching tv criticizing heroes. Which... They hadn't done in a while, but at least they talked today a little and Garou even took care of him the other night. Gosh. To think that he actually brought Badd all the way from the fighting scene to home and helped him. Even after Badd was a dick to him. He felt disappointed in himself. Badd from two years ago would hate Badd now. His mindset changed and his girlfriend was at fault. That, too. He couldn't believe it. The person who was supposed to love him and care for him was doing the complete opposite. The only one who genuinely cared about him was Garou. Wow. Seriously? Ex hero hunter. Unbeliavable. Badd really hates himself now. 

There was nothing else to do but to apologize, obviously. But how? No "sorry" would compensate for whatever happened between them. He wasn't even sure if Garou would accept his apology in the first place. He hoped he would but he would also understand if he didn't. Still, it was worth trying. Anything is worth trying just to get Garou back. 

 

---

 

Meanwhile the hero was worrying about his things, Garou was in the store buying groceries. He had no idea what Badd was thinking or going through. He figured the hero was just slowly getting up (which, he was. Just with extra stress and worry) and Garou was choosing between minced meat or steak. Obviously he loved steak. But he also kind of missed minced meat... They had tortillas at home so he could make that. It was simple and easy. But, he could also ask Badd to make steak. Then again he wasn't the kind of asshole to push an injured man to make food for him. No, that was just being a dickhead. 

He went with minced meat. Tortillas didn't sound bad at all. He can make that. It wasn't hard. Wasn't anything fancy either, something that Badd can do well... But hey, food's food, right? And as Tito said once, it's the thought that matters. Just need to show it not just say it. Otherwise it's just empty words. 

As he walked from one aisle to another, he noticed something weird. It wasn't how busy it was there. It was how not a single person looked at him with disgust. 

No way. Was he imagining it? He walked past a girl that glanced at him, then continued on as if nothing happened. Because... Nothing happened? But wasn't Garou ugly and scary? What changed? Before he started sleeping at Badd's house he was sleep deprived, didn't eat much, worked a lot... Was it disgust in the first place? Or was it just worry? 

He stopped in his tracks. The idea seemed ridiculous. He simply didn't believe people could have any empathy towards him. But then again, it's not like every single person recognized him and knew what kind of things he had done. Maybe their "disgusted" face was just "worried" after all. He did have horrible eyebags and soulless eyes. His body was extremely skinny as well. So that was it, then. Now that he looks healthier people don't notice him anymore. That was the key this whole time. Eating well and sleeping a lot. That was the final step of blending in with the normal people. 

Guess thanks to that hero I can be seen as normal now. How absurd. Although I don't hate the idea too much. 

What will happen when I leave, then? 

He didn't want to think about it. For now, buying, paying and coming home. 

 

–

 

Garou felt great. Not only because he looks even better than two years ago. But because he talked to Badd and it didn't feel horrible. And he was scared of it. That thought seemed ridiculous now. Of course talking to him would feel good. It's Badd after all. A hero who's honest about his job and does it out of kindness, not crave for fame. How amazing it is to return back home that actually feels like home not having to worry about avoiding eye contact or the hero in general. They could be normal again.

When he opened the door, Badd ran from his room to greet Garou. It was so nice to see his face. He never ceased to be gorgeous. He's so beautiful.

"You shouldn't be running around like that, you know...". Garou muttered while taking his shoes off. But the hero didn't say anything back. Just stared wide-eyed, as if waiting for something to happen. Garou walked closer to him, held eye contact, but Badd kept quiet. It started to weird him out a bit. Was something wrong with his face? He touched it. Nothing out of the ordinary. Hair, maybe? He touched it too. Again nothing special. What was up? "What are you staring at me so intensely for, man? You're starting to creep me out"

"No, sorry". He snapped back then. Back to normal. "I was just. I wanted to say somethin' but I guess I was formin' words but not really sayin' them out loud"

"Ohh... Right"

Silence. Badd kept fidgeting with the hem of his shirt, Garou watched his fingers move. The sun was shining through the window, coloring the room in warm yellow light. Badd looked so gorgeous with that light behind him. His hair was shining, giving him a small halo over his head, and it smelled like outside. Figured, since the window in the kitchen was open. The breeze passed by softly in the silence and Garou decided then that this, exactly this was the life he wanted. To see Badd everyday. On gloomy dark days, on sunny days, in winter, in fall, in spring and summer. To see how his eyes looked like in each season. How fast his hair grew and how long it would get maybe after three months. To fall asleep next to him and wake up next to him. Dammit he just wanted Badd to himself but he knew he couldn't have it. It hurt more than he wanted it to but he figured he deserved it.

"I'm sorry", he suddenly heard and straightened his back. He, also, had his thoughts wander around. 

"Uh... For?"

"For what I said back then"

"Oh"

"... You ain't a monster"

Garou exhaled. Really he was starting to get tired of this topic. "It's fine. I understand why you would see me like that"

"No, seriously I hate that I said that to you when all you wanted to do was help me"

Look who woke up. 

Whatever. Can't be an asshole about it. "I'm glad you understand it now but don't worry, I didn't take it close to heart"

"But it must have hurt you"

"I'm sure you've gone through pain somewhere in your life as well. We all get hurt Badd. It's just a matter of when. It happens"

"But I caused it"

"I caused a lot of pain in the past too. It doesn't make me a better person"

Badd finally made eye contact and his gaze was full of regret and worry. Earlier Garou would hate to see it. But now, he believes it's real. And also, seeing this side of Badd was new. Yeah Garou has seen it once before. But it wasn't when he adored him. Now that he sees zero flaws in him he's just beautiful. When he's vulnerable like this, he's beautiful. Not because he's hurt. But because he's honest with his feelings. And that makes him beautiful. Because it's fine to be vulnerable and it's fine to show true emotions because that's what makes you human. 

The hero let out a sigh and rubbed his neck. Garou saw he agreed, he saw Badd didn't want to argue anymore. He also wanted to seal their apology, which this time he was too shy to do. But it was fine. Because Garou wasn't.

He put the grocery bag down and opened his arms. Badd looked simply shocked, but in a nice way. He took two slow steps closer and then attacked Garou by squeezing him in his arms as tight as he could. It knocked the air out of the poor guy, but Garou didn't mind. He hugged him back and didn't want to let go. It felt too great. Too right. He didn't want to leave anymore. He wanted to stay here until he died. Stay to see Badd every day. Stay to feel his warmth and hug him and keep him close. If only it was that easy to do. 

He gently caressed Badd's soft hair and rested his cheek on top of his head. His hair smelled good. As it always did. Gosh he missed this scent so much. He can't possibly leave permanently. He would miss Badd too much. Was there a way for them to stay in touch? Then again why does Badd need Garou? Badd has... His girlfriend he needs to take care of. His work and hero stuff. Garou would be useless. But he didn't want to be useless. He used not to care, but now it actually worried him.

If he could cry, he would now.

"Your heart is beatin' so gently. It's calmin' "

"I'm sure yours is too", Garou responded.

Badd pulled away but held his arms around Garou's waist. "No it's beatin' like crazy right now I was scared shitless to talk" 

Garou held his left hand on Badd's shoulder, and the other he moved to his face. He knew what he was doing. But he couldn't control himself.

Softly he caressed Badd's face, dragged his thumb on the cheek, feeling the scar under his touch. He looked at Badd like at the most precious thing in the world. Because he was, indeed, the most precious thing to him. "I'm gonna be honest. I was too"

Badd smiled, "Really?"

"Yeah"

"That's hilarious, kinda. How we were both scared of it. I thought you didn't want to"

"Oh yeah. I didn't. But not because I hated you or anything. Just... Wasn't ready, I guess". He placed his right hand on Badd's right shoulder, no longer touching his face. "Thought I'd give you the wheel"

"So I had to decide if I should talk or not??"

"Yeah"

"Cruel"

"Eh, I would say freedom to choose"

"Dude", he smiled more, exposing his dimples. "You're the worst I hate you". He said and hugged Garou tighter. This time, Garou knew for certain that Badd didn't mean those mean words to be mean. In fact while Badd didn't see, Garou grinned as widely as he could. A grin that could never be hidden from anyone ever. He was too embarrassed to show it though.

Then Badd pulled away and Garou had to quickly drop his smile. The hero reached for the grocery bag. "What did you buy?"

"Some stuff for food"

"Ahh you didn't have to..."

"I did. And I'm too lazy to return them so just accept them"

"Alright. What do you want for today?", he walked to the kitchen and Garou followed. 

"Actually I was thinking of making tortillas for lunch"

Badd turned to look at him. "Seriously? You? Cooking?"

"I'm not a toddler, Badd. I can make simple food. Shit. Stop that shit"

"Haha"

"Sorry I can't make gourmet shit"

"I'm sure you can make gourmet shit. Just maybe not gourmet food"

"You little–". Badd's laugh filled the whole apartment. Loud and contagious and beautiful. It was everything. He was everything. Garou was so damn balls deep in love and he knew it. He maybe didn't want to admit it or say it out loud, but he loved Badd more than anything. It felt great but it also crushed him. It was painful to know Badd didn't like him back in that way. In a way where he didn't want to spend his last days with Garou. But... As long as he was happy, it made Garou happy.

"Alright I'll let you make our lunch, and I'll make dinner"

"Sounds good"

"Do you know where my phone is? I need to call to take today off"

"It's on the drawer in the hallway. And take tomorrow off as well"

"I'll think about it", Badd walked to get his phone.

"Don't think just listen"

The hero chuckled, "Alright so be it. I don't mind two days of doin' nothin' ". He walked in the room, pulled the door halfway close and called his boss. 

Garou kind of eavesdropped while he was washing vegetables. He didn't mean to, the walls were just too thin. 

Badd's boss (Garou's ex boss) seemed to give a fast and short answer (yes of course dear hero) and Badd hung up. Which after Garou expected to see him walk out so they could hang out in the kitchen, but he didn't. He called someone else. Garou figured it was his girlfriend. Which only makes sense to let her know he's alright and well after the fight. It was a pretty big thing, after all.

"Heyy I just called you to let you know I'm at home now", Garou heard his voice. And although it hurt, it was nice to hear him this happy. "What?... No, no I didn't mean that. I fought yesterday with the monster in Z-city...". He sounded unsure. "Yeah, I guess so... Guess yer right... Well I figured you saw the news and I didn't want to worry you"

Garou could pretty much guess what she was saying. "Sorry. Right. But how was your day?... Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to, I had no idea... Okay, then, bye bye". He sounded sad. Garou wanted to hug him right now. 

The Badd that entered the room moments ago wasn't the same Badd that walked out of it.

"What did your boss say?", Garou asked trying to make some talk, while the hero sat down at the table. 

"That it's fine and that she understands"

"And your girlfriend?"

"She..."

Garou turned around and saw the hero still holding the phone in his hands, staring at it, zoned out. So he dried his hands, dragged one of the chairs next to Badd, sat down, and placed one hand on top of his phone, other on his shoulder. 

"Hey, look at me". He looked. Sad and miserable. It made Garou angry. She ruined his mood again. "What did she say?"

"That she didn't care and was mad at me for interruptin' her in the middle of an appointment"

And that made Garou furious. "Badd, she's really not the right person for you"

"Is it because I refuse to do intimate things?"

His eyes. God, his eyes. They had that last bit of hope surrounded by sadness and it broke Garou so bad. Just moments ago he was happy and back to being himself. 

Garou glanced from one eye to another before responding. "No. No don't say that. Love isn't all about sex. The partner that actually loves you will respect your choice and boundaries. Because for them their number one care is you being comfortable and loved". He fixed Badd's fallen hair behind his ear. "Okay? She's just not the one. You need to find a girl that doesn't need that kind of intimacy. She just happened to be... Wrong person at the wrong time"

Badd didn't say anything. Garou expected that, but he really wanted Badd to get his mood back. He didn't know how. If Badd would tell him, he would do it in a heartbeat. What was it that could help? He wished he had more friends in the past. He felt like a loser, honestly. His friend was there all sad and he couldn't do anything about it because he didn't know how.

But then, something wet dropped on his hand that was holding the phone. He looked over and saw small drops of tears hit his knuckles one by one. And as he saw it, his heart started racing. God no. Not this. 

"Badd", he quietly called out, but the hero kept silently crying. It was shocking. He had never seen Badd cry before. It was such an intimate side he wasn't sure if it was okay to see him like this. 

Without thinking he pulled the hero in a hug, which the other didn't resist, and they sat there in silence for a while. 

To think that she would drag him until he cried. With the way things were going, it was destined to happen. Was only a matter of when. Garou just didn't expect to see it with his eyes. Or feel Badd crumble in his arms, or feel his tears soak the shirt, or his fingers digging in Garou's back, holding on so tightly as if he was afraid Garou would leave. But he wouldn't. 

Garou didn't let go for a long time. He decided to let Badd push him away when he was ready, since he really had no idea how much Badd needed this. And honestly no matter how long he would need to stay there with the hero in his arms, he didn't care. 

Badd cried so quietly. He didn't let out a single sound. Not a hiccup, not a whine, nothing. And this fact only made Garou question how many nights has Badd cried in his own room without Garou noticing. 

He squeezed him a little closer. 

 

–

 

They had stayed so long in embrace that Garou had already zoned out on the window, being in his thoughts, almost forgetting why they were hugging to begin with.

As was planned, Badd pulled away first. He looked at Garou, and Garou wiped the wetness away from the cheeks with his fingers. 

"Sorry", Badd apologized and pulled his arms to himself, wiping his face some more.

"It's okay" 

"I didn't want you to see this side of me, but..."

"Why not?"

He let out a huff and smiled lightly. "Uh, embarrassin'? I guess? I don't know. I'm not the type to cry"

"We're all vulnerable at some point" 

Badd looked at him, dropping his smile. Since Garou was so serious, he took him seriously as well. But it did feel good to have him by his side. It was a comfort he hadn't felt in a long while. "Thanks. I'm not sure what caused me to do that"

"Cry?"

"Yeah"

"Think you've had enough of her bullshit"

Badd thought about it before saying anything. "Yeah. Yer probably right. I should maybe break up with her"

"Not probably, I am right. And you should break up with her. Not maybe"

"Okay, I'll call her about it tomorrow. I don't want to deal with it today"

Garou rubbed Badd's shoulder. "Good. I'm glad you finally decided to do it. How do you feel now?"

"Uh... Good? Surprisingly good actually"

"That's good"

"Thank you. Really. I really needed this push to decide what to do with her"

"I'm glad I could help but stop thanking me, seriously"

"Why?"

"Weirds me out a little"

"It's because yer not used to it. You'll have to get used to it now that yer gonna live with me"

"Oh, uh"

"Oh. Right. You need to go back to yer apartment..."

"Yeah"

"When?"

"Soon" 

Badd stared at the white table cloth for a while, then turned to face the other. "Stay here with me"

Garou's heart skipped a beat. It was like a dream come true. "I don't think I can, Badd..."

"Why not?"

Because when you find a girl it will hurt to see you two get along right under my nose. "Because... It's your apartment"

"So what? We can live together"

"No, we can't"

"You don't want to?"

I really want to. "It's not that. But we can stay friends. Right?"

"Of course we can! And okay, I understand if you want yer own apartment to yourself. That's valid"

"Okay. Thank you" 

Badd's mouth slowly pulled into a soft smile. "It's also weird hearin' ya say thank you"

"Yeah guess I don't do that often". At the sight of Badd's gentle dimples, he also smiled a little. "I'll make lunch for us now. I'm getting hungry". He used an excuse, kind of. It was true he was hungry and that he had to make food. But he also had to leave before he'd fall in love any more than he already was. Just thinking about Badd getting a new girl shred his heart to pieces. 

"Thank you again. For bringin' me home and this. Everythin' "

"No problem. Guess it's a payback"

Badd held a pause before asking, "Can I take a look at yer jacket?"

"Sure". Garou listened him walk to the hallway, grab the jacket and come back to the table. "Why though?"

"I like it. I mean when I saw you for the first time dressed like that I was kinda shocked"

"Dressed like how?"

"Like some... Rockstar. Leather jacket, straight jeans, white shirt, and that belt? Like what the hell"

"Nothing special"

"Sure, but it looks good on you"

Garou glanced behind his shoulder to take a look at the other, who was examining the tag closely. "Damn. This one's expensive, did you know?"

"No"

"Well you do now. This company stopped making stuff back in 1993. This is vintage shit. And it's in such a good condition. You could get good money off of this if you ever wanted to"

"Do you like it?"

"Yeah I think it's cool"

"Take it"

Badd raised his head and they made eye contact. But Garou didn't want to hold it for long so he turned and continued doing what he was doing. 

"Nah... It suits you better. I do want some kind of a jacket with leather but I'm not sure what would suit me. This... Doesn't suit me. I guess some other style maybe"

He's so talkative... "Mhm"

"Maybe some red with some cool back. Maybe a jacket of my favorite baseball team. Although those are also expensive. Do we have beer?"

"It's 1pm Badd"

"So?"

Garou chuckled. "Nothing. No we don't have beer but if you want we can go get it tomorrow from the bar"

"That you work at?"

"Yeah"

"Why there?"

"Don't you miss Tito and Valentina?"

"Oh, yeah. I do. Yer right"

"... You know, there's actually a guy that's a fan of yours"

"Yer coworker?"

"Yeah. Oliver. Remember? The one who's dating Daniela who cleaned your table once"

"Ahh yes. I remember"

"Well yeah, him. When you visited the bar and complained about 'clogged toilet' he told me he's a fan of you and would love if you signed something for him"

"Sure I'll do that. Do we walk there?"

"I'll come up with something, don't worry"

Badd just shrugged and decided to trust Garou. If he said he'll deal with it, he'll deal with it. 

They spent the rest of the day talking about different stuff like is watching ice hockey or football more fun than the other. About different heroes as they watched tv, about favorite things and so on. Garou told him about his specific stories that happened at his work places, and Badd told him some of the dumbest missions he had to do here and there. Each hour that passed, Badd seemed to gain his mood back thanks to Garou. 

Garou didn't know how, but he made Badd laugh a lot. He didn't even try to throw any jokes or be funny in particular. He just... Laughed. And he loved it. Loved to hear and see Badd laugh. It was addicting. Badd was addicting. 

Then when it got late and Badd decided to go to sleep, Garou helped him check the injuries and they told each other goodnight. 

Although it was late, Garou wasn't going to sleep anytime soon. Tonight was the last night of the guy fixing Badd's car. Garou was a bit nervous about it. Since he decided to change one detail about it and was afraid that Badd wouldn't like it. But if he didn't like it, it was fine. Garou would ask the guy to fix it again overnight and that would be that. 

He let out a sigh while staring at the ceiling, playing back today's events. Badd cried in his arms. They hugged twice today. Badd finally decided to break up with his girlfriend. A lot happened, but Garou liked how this day went. It was interesting, and it felt amazing to be on good terms with Badd again. He missed him so, so much. Badd even asked him if he wanted to stay and live with him. Kind of insane. Garou would absolutely love that, but he knew he couldn't. 

He turned his head and looked at the clock. This was the time, he had to go now. 

After changing his clothes he very carefully peeked behind Badd's door to make sure he was asleep, grabbed the keys and left as quietly as he could. 

Then the same routine as usual, same route, this time with a light heart. And light body. He didn't remember last time he felt this healthy. Before Badd he must have been like a real life zombie. He didn't want to think about it. He was just glad Badd was there in his life, as absurd as that could sound. 

 

---

 

"You done yet?" 

The guy jerked and let out a yelp. Maybe Garou traumatized him a little more than he planned to. It wasn't his fault he looked so scary when he was angry though. This guy just happened to mess with the wrong person. Also he was an asshole. So, he deserved a kick to the ass. 

"Almost ready" 

"Do it faster. I've been waiting two hours here now"

"If you want the paint job to look crappy, so be it"

Garou sighed. "Okay. Just do your job. No hurrying. I want it to be perfect"

"Why do you care so much anyway? Who is he to you"

"A friend"

"Hero being friends with someone like you... Seriously..."

"Yeah what about it"

"I don't know, you look like a criminal..."

"Because I was". The guy turned around thinking he was joking, but Garou's face stayed neutral. "What?"

"Nothing..."

"That's what I thought. The less you know..."

"Uh-huh"

"Now hurry up snot slurper"

"I told you I can't hurry!"

"Well just do it. What is there to finish anyway?"

"Could you shut up?! I need peace!!"

"...."

"...."

"Done now?"

"No I AM NOT!!"

"... What about now?"

"CAN YOU SHUT UP BEFORE I KILL YOU?!

Garou let out a sigh and crossed his arms on chest, deciding to give him another two minutes.

".... What about now?"

"... Okay... I'm fucking done with the finishing touches. Fuck. I fucking hate you so fucking much"

"That's a lot of fucking"

"Can I go now?"

Garou walked around the car to make sure it's perfect, and smiled. "Nope!", he grabbed the guy by the back of shirt's collar and dragged him to the front desk. "Now pay"

"What!!"

"What what. I said pay"

"For what??"

"For the job dummy. Put the money on the table"

"B-but I don't have the money with me?!"

Garou gave him a glare and tightened his grip which made the other squirm. 

"I clearly told you from the day one that it's going to be you who pays for it. Didn't I?"

"Y-yes you did!" 

"Well?"

"Well.... I.. Forgot.."

Garou let him fall to the ground and sighed. What an incredible pain in the ass. He couldn't believe his damn ears. "Where is the money?"

"At home but I live pretty far away"

"It's okay", he grabbed him by the shirt again and jumped on the ceiling tubes and railings, walking to the place where he came in. "You can show me instructions"

"Let me go!!"

Garou stopped and let the guy hang twenty feet above the ground. "Sure, if you say s–"

"NOOOO!!! NO DON'T!! I'm sorry okay I'll pay for it now just don't drop me!!"

"Now we're talking"

The guy, in reality, didn't live far away at all. Just another lie. Not like Garou was surprised anyway. What he didn't lie about though, was that the money was at his place. He tried to stab Garou while he was grabbing the money (which failed miserably) and they returned back to the car after yelling and squirming and begging. Garou kind of forgot that normal people don't jump from one roof to another. But it was whatever. Now was the time to get the car key and leave (finally).

He held a hand to the guy. "Key". The other sighed, walked to a small cabinet, grabbed the key and gave it to him. "Alriiighty right! Great. Hm? Why the long face?"

"I just don't understand why DO I need to pay for it WHEN IT'S NOT MY CAR I WORKED ON!!"

"Simple. You ruined it, so you fixed it. You paying for the job was so that I wouldn't beat you to death"

"... Seriously?"

"Yeah?"

"..."

"You tried to stab me while we were getting the money so I don't want to hear anything from you"

"... Okay..."

Garou smiled, being pleased with the guy. He gave him a friendly slap on the shoulder (almost dislocating it) and left. 

He wasn't used to driving in these kind of cars, but it was simple enough for him. He used to drive trucks so he had some experience at least. Also, the car felt wayy more smoother than before. It also smelled good inside. And it looked good, at least to him. He was hoping Badd would like it as well. 

After parking the car and taking one last look at it under the street lamp, he walked inside. He was suddenly so aware of everything. Of the nice late night scent, the cold air, the scent of the rugs and paint inside of the apartment building and finally, the scent of their home. Well no. Badd's home. It wasn't his home... 

Then again he doesn't know what's home for him anymore. He just knew that being around Badd felt nice. 

As quietly as he could, he closed the door behind him and jumped when the light switch clicked and the light turned on. Slowly, he turned to face angry Badd with his bed hair (oh gosh oh gosh he's cute) and with his arms crossed on chest. 

"Where have ya been?"

It was like an angry wife with her husband that came home too late from hanging out with the boys. Except Garou didn't have those things and Badd wasn't his wife. That would be nice. Having him as a wife. Uh, husband. "I was... Just taking a walk"

"Yer lyin' to me?"

"... Yes. Yes I am"

"What's up then? Were you out killin' people or somethin'??"

"No not quite. Although I did want to... I didn't! Don't look at me like that"

"Then what the fuck were you doin' then?"

"It's a uhh secret"

"Right"

"Right!"

"Garou."

"Okay. My bad"

Badd kept giving him the look and Garou felt guilty for lying. He hated lying. Then again was there a reason? Badd was so close to him now. It just felt wrong to have secrets.

"... Fine. I'll show you. Come with me"

Badd put his slippers on and Garou gently grabbed his hand, leading him down. He was nervous. Really nervous. What if it failed? What if he would hate it? His stomach kept squeezing and flipping but he kept walking. Opened the glass door, walked to the car and let go of Badd's hand. 

He looked over at the hero who freezed in place, eyes on the car. This was it. This was the moment he would know whether Badd liked it or not. He was too nervous to say a word, only watched Badd walk closer to the car, walk around it, touch it, then look at Garou. 

Ughh don't look at me.

"Was this yer idea?"

"Yeah... Do you like it?"

"Are you kiddin' I love it!! It's so fuckin' beautiful what the fuck!! This must have costed you shit ton of money, man"

"Don't worry about that. What matters is whether you like it–"

"I woulda kissed you right now, are ya serious??"

Garou flinched and felt his face turn in different shades and temperatures. He turned his head to the side while the hero was admiring the car, hoping he didn't see Garou's red cheeks. Seriously though, what the hell was wrong with that guy?? Saying stuff like that... Ugh. Garou wished Badd would do that. It would have been amazing. But he was straight.

Badd flew to him and squeezed him in an extremely tight hug, almost knocking Garou out of his senses. The other slowly hugged him back, unsure of what to do with his arms. They've hugged before yet right now he felt nervous. 

"This is the best birthday gift I've gotten so far"

"Is it your birthday?"

Badd pulled away. "Yeah. Today. Since it's already past midnight"

Shit. Garou didn't even know but this was perfect. He had to remember today's date just in case. 

"I didn't know"

"Of course you didn't know, I never told you"

The hero started walking inside and Garou followed him. "You're right" 

"When's yer birthday?"

"Not anytime soon"

"Alright. I'll ask later"

Garou hadn't seen Badd be this happy almost ever. He was literally skipping through the hallway to their door and opened it with a huge smile on his face. As Garou was taking his shoes off, he muttered, "I'm glad you liked it"

"I really loved it. Shitttt you don't even know! When I was a kid I dreamed about havin' a car like that. With those two black stripes in the middle. They always looked very cool to me. Are you sure you don't want me to pay you at least half of the price?" 

Garou placed a hand on his shoulder. "No. It's been taken care of"

"Okay", he chuckled, "Shit. I owe you a lot"

"You owe me nothing. You already let me stay at your place for a month and you cooked for me everyday anyway"

Badd laughed some more. "Remember when I made you only sandwiches for the whole day?"

Badd's laugh and the memory also made him smile. "Yeah"

"I still feel a bit bad about it"

"Don't. It was enough for me and besides, I deserved it. Though they were also delicious"

"Alright"

They watched tv for a short time before falling asleep right there next to each other.

 

–

 

Badd woke up with a strange kind of feeling in his stomach. Happiness. He was happy and excited. As he fluttered his eyelashes open, felt something warm under his cheek. He slowly raised his head to see that it was Garou's chest, remembering last night. How Garou brought him outside to his car. That's right, his car. He felt butterflies in his stomach. His mouth pulled into a smile as he laid his head back down. He didn't mind cuddling like this. Firstly, he didn't want to wake Garou up. Secondly, it was very comfy despite the tiny couch. And thirdly, it felt right. To be this close to Garou. To lay on his chest and listen to his heart beat. As weird as it sounded, it was just true. 

If anyone was to walk in right now, he would have no idea how to explain it. Explain who Garou was, how they ended up this close, why he feels so important. But he is, he is important. Badd had no idea since when he'd become this special, but he is. Even if someone did walk in, he wouldn't move. He wanted to stay like this forever, for Garou to stay here and never leave, never part ways. He tried to get Garou to agree, but didn't succeed. But hey, at least Garou agreed on staying friends.

Then the man under his head moved a little, and he looked up at him. Garou rubbed his face, yawned, and looked at Badd. 

"Good mornin' ", the hero greeted first.

"Morning" 

"Why not good morning? Oh, I get it. It's because of me. I'll get off now", he joked and was about to stand up, but Garou pulled him back to where he was.

"Stay where you are. And I just woke up, what the fuck? Cut me some slack..."

"I know I was just jokin' ", he snuggled into a more comfortable position. "How did you sleep?"

"Good. Saw a weird dream though"

Badd grabbed a tv remote and turned it on. "What kind of?"

Garou kept his eyes on the screen. "Eh, it's... I was a hero? Something like that. As if roles were switched. Kind of"

"Interestin'. Don't wanna make that dream come true?"

Garou moved his eyes to Badd. "What??"

"What? You could work with me"

He let out a huff through his nose. "Nah. Will have to turn the offer down. I'm good where I'm at"

"Thought so"

"I think you're doing very great by yourself"

"Of course I do! No shit. Last time I was just a bit rusty. No one expected such a strong monster to appear. But I had fun. Don't remember last time I had that much fun fightin' "

"Yeah, I saw"

"You saw?"

"Yeah I was watching the news"

"Aww, how sweet"

"Can you shut the hell up? I just happen to like to watch tv while I eat and it was broadcasting your fight"

"You were just worried"

"So what if I was?"

Badd quickly sat up and whipped his head at Garou. "Were you for real?"

"No. Okay, maybe. Fuck off"

"I ain't makin' fun of ya, just... I don't know. My girlfriend doesn't do that..."

"Fuck that bitch"

"Hey!"

"I said what I said, and I'm not apologizing"

".... Alright. I understand"

"I don't care if you understand or not. I hate her and I genuinely believe you'd be thousand times better without her"

"Kinda cruel. But I get it. Today's the day anyway" 

"Yeah when are you gonna call her?"

Badd lay back down on Garou and hummed. "Probably closer to evening"

"Alright" 

"When are we gonna play again?"

"You mean fight?"

"Yea"

"Uh... When you heal fully"

"Deal"

 

–

 

The day went by of Badd preparing to talk to her. Garou helped him with some words, giving him more confidence. He said that if things get too difficult he'll handle it himself. Badd had no idea what that meant but he was kind of scared of what Garou would do. Then again, having him by the side was super comforting. Badd couldn't be more thankful for a friend like him. 

They cooked together, ate together and cleaned together. Watched tv and discussed how Badd would form his words to tell her gently about the breakup. Garou's examples were harsh, but he tried his best in softening them. And the later it got, the more nervous Badd was. Garou couldn't blame him. Badd really loved her, and he imagined it really broke him to find out what kind of a person she really was. He also knew the sooner he did it, the better. Then later Badd would realize more each month and understand why Garou despised her so much. He was sure of it, because Badd wasn't stupid. Well, he wasn't the brightest, but he was smarter than before. 

When a person is in love, there's a veil in front of their eyes. And often they don't see all the red flags they subconsciously ignore. 

As they were watching the tv, Garou checked the clock. "It's getting pretty late if you still want to go visit the bar"

"Shit! Why didn't you tell me sooner?! I forgot"

Garou was about to say something back, but Badd already ran to his room to change clothes, and then he figured it was just nerves. Badd was really nervous and he forgot about their plan. Garou again didn't blame him. He also changed clothes and they walked downstairs right away. 

"Did you take the keys?", he asked, and the hero stopped in his tracks to check his pockets. "SHIT!! I left them"

He was running up the stairs but Garou stopped him by his arm. "I have them. Don't worry. I meant car keys"

"Oh, yeah, I have them"

"Relax, man. Easy. It's going to happen today anyway so just enjoy the time before that"

"... Yer right". They continued walking downstairs. "I'm just nervous as shit. I've never done this"

"Broken up?"

"Yeah myself. Last time it was when I was a kid together with this girl... It wasn't anythin' serious obviously since we were kids and stupid. But she broke up with me and somehow I feel like that's easier. Easier to receive than to give. I don't know how to explain it"

"Don't worry, I get it. You believe it's easier for someone to tell you that first because you know you can take it well and you know how to channel your emotions, but you never know how the other one will do it"

"Yes exactly". He opened the door and walked to the car. "Like, what if I hurt her so much she'll, I don't know, kill herself?? I would feel so guilty"

Garou sat in the car and Badd started it. "I get it. But you also have to learn to tell yourself it's not always your fault. You simply can't control everything. Including her emotions. 'Cause it's hers. What you can do is try your best to do it as gently as you can. Anything that happens after that is not your fault since you already did your best"

"Yeah, I guess so..."

"Don't guess. Just trust me. And remember what I said when you do talk to her later today"

"Okay. Thank you, a lot. I can't imagine how I'll live without you, man", he laughed, but Garou didn't. Hell, Garou also couldn't imagine living without Badd. The thought crushed him but he couldn't do anything about it.

 

---

 

Badd parked the car, and they walked inside the bar. It was already pretty lively there but not too busy. Garou immediately spotted Oliver making drinks and Daniela washing some of the cups. 

"Hey man"

Oliver looked up and his face immediately lit up. "Ganpon!", he shook hands with him, then his eyes moved at the hero next to him and his jaw dropped open. "Oh my god, Metal Bat...", he said breathlessly. "Oh god"

"Hey, nice to meet ya", they shook hands. "Yer Oliver right?"

"Yes!! Oh my god. Could I offer a drink? On me. Or actually can you sign my cassette player?? Or wait, no, I actually have my hero catalogue with me right now​"

"What about you finish making the drink and return to us?", Garou offered and Oliver immediately agreed, quickly finishing making the drinks while talking about how amazing it is to meet Metal Bat. Then, he left to give the drinks to a table. 

"Geez, he's energetic"

"Yeah, I know"

"Ganpon!!", Daniela greeted him with a smile.

"Hey Daniela"

She leaned closer and whispered, "is that the guy you've been talking about?"

Not quietly enough. Badd heard it. Garou wanted to smash her face in the table but decided not to. 

"You were talkin' to them about me?"

"Um, haha", he tried to laugh it off. "How's you and Oliver?"

"Great!! He's the best boyfriend ever"

"I'm glad. Is Tito or Valentina here?"

"Both are. They're in the office doing some ordering"

"Ohh, that. Could you call them here?"

"Sure!!", she disappeared behind a door and Badd moved closer to him. "What have you been tellin' them??"

"Nothing"

"Dude??"

"I'm back!", Oliver quickly walked behind the counter and leaned closer. "How have you been Ganpon? I haven't seen you in years"

"It's only been two days. And I'm good. You?"

"Great!! I mean holy shit, you brought Metal Bat here!! How cool is that? I thought you were bluffing when you said you know him personally. On that note, Metal Bat, how are you doing?"

"Doin' good. Gar– uhh Ganpon told me you were a big fan, yeah...", he felt Garou's cold side eye and shivered. Yup. He was close to exposing his real name and he knew it. "He wasn't lyin', no. We're friends"

"Wow!! How?"

"He's my roommate"

Then, Oliver's jaw dropped open as all of the dots connected in his head. He slowly turned his head at Garou, but Garou avoided his eyes by looking somewhere else. "So, it means that...", he pointed at them with his fingers, crossed, and looked between them. "Wow."

Garou wanted to die. But thankfully, Tito walked in and immediately greeted them. "Hello boys! Ah! Niño!"

"Hi"

"What are you doing here you're supposed to be resting!!"

"I came by to get some ginger beer"

"But you don't like ginger beer!". Garou nodded his head towards Badd. "Ooohh! How are you Badd?"

"Great. Uhh, good. Yeah. You?"

"Amazing!! Valentina also really wanted to see you. Go in her office and ask for beer she'll give you some"

Garou walked behind the door and Badd followed him. "You will tell me later what you've been tellin' them about me"

"No"

"Yes you will"

"No I won't"

"Yes you will!"

"No"

Badd was about to yell but by then they already walked to Valentina, so he didn't bother. 

She saw them and immediately jumped from her seat to hug Badd, which he returned momentarily. Today, her hairclip was pink, and as usual, everything matched. 

"Ohh Badd, hello my boy", she caressed his face and hugged him some more. He seemed happy. More at ease, and it made Garou feel better. 

After hugging the hero, she hugged Garou. He wasn't as good as Badd in giving hugs but he tried his best. "Hello Valentina. How are you?"

"Amazing. What about you boys?"

Badd answered, "Good. Very good"

"What made you come in today?"

"We were gonna buy some beer", Garou answered.

"Oh, of course. Take the pack, you know where it is"

Garou pulled out some money and gave it to her, but she shook her head and pushed it away. "No, take it for free"

"What? No, take it"

"No Garou, keep it"

Badd pulled his eyebrow up and turned to look at Garou. But didn't say anything for now. 

"Okay. If you're so sure"

"I am, I am. I'm so happy to see you two doing so well. Especially you, Badd. Me and Tito didn't see you fighting that monster, we found out later and we were so worried"

"No need to be worried. He takes good care of me", he pointed at Garou. "Besides I'm S-class. I don't break easily"

"We know, but we still worry"

Badd smiled, "Okay. Thank you"

"You two should come over someday"

"Ah, true. We should. We're both workin', so... But we'll find a day for sure"

"Of course. And come by here too whenever you want okay?"

"Okay"

She smiled, grabbed his face, gave him a kiss that left a red print on his cheek, and they left to get some beer. 

They were walking downstairs when Badd quietly asked, "She knows yer real name?"

"Yeah. She and Tito both"

"You told them?"

"I didn't have to. They already knew"

"And they still hired you?"

"Yeah"

"... That's great". Garou stopped for a second and gave him an angry side eye. "I'm serious!! I'm glad people see that yer not a horrible human bein' "

"I know who I am"

"I don't think you do. And what have you been sayin' about me??"

"Nothing special"

"Now I'm curious". Garou opened a huge freezer door and they walked in. The cold smoke hit their bodies and Badd sighed. "Feels great here"

"I know. Which six pack do you want?"

"Eh... Anythin' is fine?"

"Yes, choose whatever you want"

While Badd was looking for the drinks, Garou looked around as well. His eyes dropped on the watermelon basket, and he stared at it for a while. 

"I'll take this", he heard behind his back and turned to see. Then he showed a thumbs up and grabbed the watermelon. 

They walked upstairs, told Valentina goodbye, Garou made sure to show her the watermelon he took (she didn't care) and they went to the counter to also say goodbye to Tito. Oliver gave Badd the hero catalogue to sign, and after last small talks and words, they left. 

 

---

 

Badd was opening and closing his flip phone, not being able to calm his mind. They already talked about it. All he had to do was make the call and tell her that they had to talk about something and that's it. Yet he still hesitated. 

Garou let out a sigh and sat next to him. "What are you thinking about now?"

"Nothin'. I'm just nervous"

The white-haired placed his hand on top of other's which made Badd lock their eyes. Garou was unbelievably close. "Badd, the sooner the better"

"... Yeah. You're right"

Garou let go, and Badd looked away, at his phone, dialed her number, took a breath, and called. 

It took her a while to answer, but eventually she did. Badd felt like his heart was going to explode out of his chest. "Hey, uh...", his voice and hands were shaky. "Can you come over? We need to talk"

Garou heard her say "okay", and she hung up. He slapped a hand on Badd's shoulder and shook him. 

"Nice. That was fast and easy"

"Yeah and the worst part is yet to come"

"Hey". He leaned closer. "Don't make a huge deal out of a small one. Yes you're gonna be nervous. But you need to do this. Let go of her. Remember, the sooner the better. Just be honest with yourself"

"Yeah"

Garou shook him a bit more. "Maybe grab a beer to ease your nerves?"

"Good idea". He took two bottles, giving the other to Garou, but he refused. "I'll cut myself some watermelon"

"Sure. I want some too"

"I know"

"Fuck you know?"

"A lot"

They both smiled and while Garou was cutting and placing watermelon pieces on a plate, they talked it over again. About what Badd would say and how he would form his words. What to do if she rejects, if she starts crying, if she gets angry, and so on. They watched tv and ate together until they heard a knock on the door. They locked eyes, Garou told him he can do it, and left to his room closing the door behind him. Now of course he knew eavesdropping was bad, but he didn't give two shits about it. He listened to her walk in, him greeting her in a shaky voice, and then they sat on the couch. 

"So, uh... I wanted to talk about somethin' "

"Yeah?"

"The thing is... We've been together for two years, but... I just feel like we're too far apart still. I thought we were close but in reality we're barely connected"

"And?"

 

🐸

"And... I don't know. I just... Okay I called you over to end that"

"Oh Badd. Thank god. I thought you'd never ask"

What?? Garou pulled his eyebrows together. Did he hear that right??

"Uh, what?", Badd asked.

That's what I'm thinking too.

She placed her hand on his thigh and leaned closer. "I was also thinking it's about time we connect for real"

Badd was confused for a small while until her hand slid up a bit and then it hit him. He gently grabbed it and put it away while awkwardly laughing. "I think you got the wrong idea. I didn't call you here for sex"

"What? Are you for real?"

"Yeah"

"But you just said we're not connected enough"

"Yes. That's why I'm... Breaking up... With you"

For a moment her face looked emotionless. Until it didn't. "Oh come on, what bad would it do if we did it? I heard it helps couples to get closer"

"But... I don't know, I don't really want to"

"You say that because you haven't done it yet"

"No I actually mean it"

"Oh please, I know you want it"

"No, I don't" 

She tried to touch him again but he pushed her hand away. "You're just pretending! Come on let's do it"

"No"

 

🌸

She rolled her eyes and tried to touch him again but she didn't get to. Garou slammed the door open and immediately walked to her, grabbed her wrist, and dragged her on the floor towards the front door while she was complaining about his grip hurting and begging him to let go. But he didn't stop. Didn't stop when he put his shoes on, when he opened the door, closed it, and continued walking towards the stairs. She screamed louder and he grabbed her by her mouth, digging his nails deep into her cheeks.

"Shut. Your mouth", he hissed and continued dragging her downstairs, this time holding his hand on her mouth tightly. She tried to get his hand off, but failed. So he dragged, and dragged, until they were at the first floor. Her legs were bruised and her cheeks were bleeding from his grip. 

He opened the door, threw her on the asphalt under the heavy rain, and told her to never return. And if she tried to call the police on him, he would find her, and he would kill her without a second thought. She seemed to be convinced and ran away somewhere. At least she could still walk. He wanted to break her legs but decided that would be enough for today. Maybe some other day... If she tried any tricks. But for now, back home. Hopefully Badd wasn't going to be angry at him. That was the only thing he worried about. He didn't want Badd to hate him. But, if he did, then that would be it. Then he would come to terms with it and live on. At least he didn't regret doing what he did. 

He cautiously opened the door and quietly closed it while Badd jumped from the couch and stared at him with wide eyes.

There was a long, silent pause, but at least Badd didn't seem furious. At least for now.

"... Did you kill her?"

Garou sighed. He wasn't mad. "No... But I wanted to"

Badd only slowly nodded. "... Her shoes..."

Garou followed the other's gaze and looked down to his right. "Oh. We can... Throw them away, maybe?" 

He didn't move, since he wasn't sure if Badd wanted any contact for now. But he didn't have to do anything. The hero walked to him himself and hugged him tightly. Garou gently hugged back. "Are you okay?"

"Yes" 

"Okay. That's good"

"Mhm"

"Mm"

They stood like that for god knows how long until Badd finally pulled away. "Thank you", he said quietly.

"For almost killing her?"

"Yeah"

Garou pulled an eyebrow up, but didn't question it. He understood why he would feel that way. "Are you sure you're alright?"

"Yes. Just... Thankful you were here. It could've went horribly wrong"

Garou nodded, fixed a hair strand behind Badd's ear and placed both of his hands on his shoulders, tapped his fingers on them, opened his mouth, closed it, looked to the side, then back at him. "Would you... Uh... Would you be in the mood to go to a disco...?"

"What?"

"Right. Sorry. It's just that they're gonna play your favorite artists like When In Rome and Billy Idol and some other nerdy artists of yours. It's tonight and they serve pretty good drinks there I heard. But my bad. You're right, wrong timing. Maybe some other time..."

Badd smiled and let out a chuckle. "That was yer way of tryin' to make me feel better?"

Garou felt embarrassed. "Yeah. Hey, I'm the worst person for this comfort shit okay? I've never done it properly. I'm gonna be honest I have no idea how to do it. It just... Let's do whatever you want to do"

"No I never said I don't like yer idea? I love it. Let's go"

"What? Are you sure?"

"Hell yeah man are you kiddin'? Billy Idol and my other nerdy artists? I can already tell it's gonna be great"

A huge load fell off Garou's chest. "Okay, then"

"When is it startin'?"

"In uhh... Twenty minutes"

"Well let's hurry up and change dude"

He rushed to his room, and Garou also changed his clothes. 

They ran downstairs almost tripping and laughing at themselves, then to the car, and then straight towards the disco.

 

---

 

By the time they got there it already started some time ago but they weren't too late. The music was loud, the lights were colorful and bright, and every single person had a smile on their face. Including Badd, who glanced behind his shoulder at Garou, who let the hero take his hand and guide him deeper into the crowd towards the drinks. If not for Badd, Garou would have never been in this place. But because he knows Badd loves this music and loves to dance, he would come here hundred times over again just to make him happy.

They took three shots and went back in the crowd. Alcohol didn't work on Garou as well as it did on Badd. But that was fine, he would let him drink. Someone had to drive them back home, after all.

Badd tried to get him to dance but Garou refused. He sat at the couches and let Badd go enjoy himself while adoring how good he looked. Some girls joined him and told him to copy their dance moves, which he did. He taught them his own moves he learned somewhere some years ago. Overall there was a very good mood. No one seemed to be sad or angry. Everyone were chill with each other. No matter race, skin color, sexuality. This place was open for everyone. Garou felt nice there. Like he was one of something. Like he wasn't extra there. Not a monster or a weirdo or a loser. Yeah. No matter the skin color, they were all worthless there. At least, that's how he saw it. Everybody was different and useless. But he figured that's what made this place so special. 

The music changed, and he recognized it right away. This song was The Promise by When In Rome. Garou knew it because Badd once said that it's been one of his favorite tracks for years. 

There were a lot of people. A lot. But maybe that was good. Maybe one of the girls would be a good new fit for him. At least, one of them seemed to be extra clingy and happy with him. And he, too, was super extra happy with her. 

The longer he sat there, the further away Badd was sucked into the crowd. He didn't see the two girls or that stupid pompadour very well since it was pretty dark despite the flashing lights. Sometimes he caught a glimpse, but at some point he decided to give up and just sit and enjoy his drink. 

The next song was Head Over Heels by Tears For Fears. He knew it, because some woman decided to sit next to him and tell him that. 

He didn't listen to the words much since he never does, but something about the line "Something happens and I'm head over heels" stuck to him. It made sense. He thought about Badd and decided that yeah, it suits him. It suits the situation. He admitted to himself he was head over heels for that guy. 

Oh how foolish he was. It would really break him someday. It really will.

"So what are you doing here handsome young man?", the woman asked, yelling over the loud music.

"Just sitting", he yelled back

"Single?"

"Yes"

"Can I have your number? You're sooo hot"

"I'm gay"

"What?"

"I'm gay!!", he yelled louder, and she did the "oohhh" thing with her mouth and slowly nodded.

"Okay!! Well I leave ya now, cutie! Hopefully you find your prince someday!"

"You too"

She showed thumbs up and walked into the dancing crowd with the drink spilling all over her clothes. 

Someone found me handsome. Unbelievable.

... Then again she was drunk.

He spent another hour or so sitting there doing nothing, just really making sure Badd didn't get in trouble. And after three agonizing hours of pure boredom, he finally heard his favorite voice. 

"Garou!!", he turned his head in time to see Badd flying towards him and landing on his lap. The knee hit him in the balls and he tried his best not to yell out loud. "Arrghhh I'm so drunk!!!!!". The hero yelled and moved and wriggled around until he was sitting on Garou's lap, face to face, with his legs over Garou's. Completely locking him in place. He put his arms around other's neck and let his head fall on the shoulder. He hiccuped, and Garou was in awe. He couldn't believe his fucking eyes. 

The hot breath was hitting his neck and he felt his face turn hot and that wasn't because of the alcohol, because alcohol didn't work on him like Badd did. 

"I'm tiiiired", he hiccuped again, and Garou gave his back a few pats. 

"It's almost over anyway"

"IIIII know"

"You're gonna rest and continue to dance?"

Badd pulled his head away from the shoulder to look at Garou. "... Home!"

"You want go home?"

"Yes!! I want to go... Home". A hiccup. 

"Alright, get off me first"

Badd clumsily got off and almost fell, but Garou caught him in time and helped him outside to their car. The air was cold and fresh after the rain. It was super refreshing after the musty hot air inside. He couldn't believe he was actually breathing that mist inside of his lungs. Kind of gross. 

"Her'e comes ze rain! Her comess de rainnn", Badd sang to himself while walking criss-cross.

"I understand"

Garou opened the door for him, made sure he didn't hit his head, put a seatbelt around him, closed the door and walked to the other side. And then they drove off.

By the time they were home, Badd fell asleep. So Garou had to bring him inside (it was fine, not the first time), he took the jacket and shoes off, laid him in his bed, and fell next to him, instantly falling asleep as well. That was fine as well. Not the first time falling asleep and waking up next to each other, after all. Plus Garou's air mattress wasn't comfortable anymore and Badd's bed was just... Amazing. Too soft and comfortable to leave. And just like that, they fell asleep.

 

–

 

Somewhere far away, Garou heard singing, water running, and the pan hitting something. Kitchen noises. Kitchen noises and singing.

He fluttered his eyes open and slowly sat up, rubbing his face. He looked over to see the spot where Badd slept on being empty.

Obviously, idiot. He's in the kitchen.

With a grunt, he stood up and walked in the kitchen.

"Hey! Good mornin'!"

It was too bright. Also how in the hell did he sleep longer than Badd? He didn't even drink that much. To get drunk he would need to drink an amount that would be deadly to a normal human being.

"What time is it?"

"1pm"

"When did you wake up?"

"Don't worry, not too long ago. I just got out of the shower. Which, you should take as well"

"Yeah. Okay"

He was right. Garou felt crusty and musty for sure. 

 

–

 

While standing under the cool water he recalled what happened yesterday. Badd broke up with that psycho (finally), Garou almost killed her (oops), and then they went to that disco. Badd drank a lot, danced a lot, met some people. And then he sat on top of Garou and cuddled for a very short while. Garou felt his cheeks get warmer despite the cold water.

It felt so good. To have him that close and hug him like that. It was so nice. Too bad he did it just because he was drunk. Well, it didn't matter. It was nice while it lasted.

He finished washing up, dried himself, and hung the towel on the drying rack.

"You slept well?", he heard Badd ask.

"Yeah. You?"

"Amazing. Y'know, you look very cute when you're asleep"

"Man what the hell", he tried to complain, but the smile gave him away. Badd also laughed. "Have you seen my phone?"

"It was on the floor next to my bed but I picked it up and put it on my nightstand"

Garou grabbed it to check if he had any messages. Which, he did. It was simple, short, and he knew who it was from without having to look at the name.

'The ceiling's fixed! 

His heart sank a little. He needed to leave today. Today was the last day. 

Shit. He was so sad now. He didn't want to leave. 

After standing there for a while staring at the message, he snapped the phone shut and gently hit it on his hand while thinking. Trying to see the positive sides. He wasn't good at being optimistic but he tried. He thought, that at least they could still stay friends. They could still maybe see each other.... Maybe. If Badd didn't forget about their promise.

"Garou! Do you want coffee or tea?"

He straightened his back and looked behind his shoulder towards the living room. Then he gave the flip phone one last glance before pushing it in the back pocket and walking to Badd.

"I'll make coffee", he said and began making it.

"Awesome make some for me too"

"Alright" 

Well, at least Badd's happy. 

I also need to act happy until I have to leave.

"How are you?", he decided to ask.

"Very good. Yesterday was very fun"

So he's not thinking about their breakup. Well, at least he doesn't let it affect him. That's good. "Glad to hear that"

"Yeah and thanks for bringin' me home. Drivin' here, too. Didn't know you could drive, by the way. I don't think it hit me up until yesterday. Oh and thank you for taking' off my jacket and shoes. And for the support before I broke up with her"

"Yeah, you're welcome"

He saw Badd looking at him with his side-eye and feared he would ask about it. He didn't want Badd to ask about it. "I saw–"

"You seem down. Did somethin' happen?"

Aaaand there it is. He asked it. Fuck. Garou hated those questions. "I'm fine"

"Dude just tell me"

"There's nothing to tell you, I'm okay". He started buttering the bread slices to avoid other's eyes. 

"But you look like something's on yer mind"

Garou let out a sigh and let his head fall back. He stared at the ceiling for a while before bringing his head back down and looking at Badd. "Tito. Texted me. Ceiling's fixed. I'm leaving today"

"What!! Today?"

"Yeah. Today"

"But why?"

"Because... It's been a month already and I bet I have a bunch of letters in my mail with bills I need to pay. And... Your apartment isn't my home". (That was a lie). "And we're not that super close for me to live with you". Another lie. "I mean, when you get a girl I'll be here and it will be awkward, you know?"

"What girl?"

"Well I don't know. For example... That girl at the disco?"

"What girl??"

Garou aggressively put the knife down on the table and finally made direct eye contact. "You know damn well who I'm talking about, Badd. Don't give me that bullshit. I saw you two yesterday dancing and laughing. She even gave you her number. I'm not that fucking stupid. I don't want to be here while you two will be sucking and fucking I'm not here for that. I was here while I couldn't be at my own apartment and I'm thankful for your hospitality I really am. But my stay is over. Sure we can stay friends and see each other here and there. But you have your own life and I have mine"

"But I don't even like her in that way"

"Really? Bullshit. Stop fucking lying straight to my face, hero"

"Wait, are you jealous?"

That was it. That was Garou's last drop. He turned around and left to his room, stuffed his bag with his clothes and went straight to the front door to put his shoes and jacket on.

"Wait!! What the hell, man? Don't leave so soon! I didn't mean it in that way!"

"Fuck you"

"Garou wait!", but the door slammed shut right in front of his nose, and he was alone again in his apartment.

The only thing Badd could think about was "no, not again" and nothing else. He couldn't believe Garou slipped between his fingers just like that. It happened again. He didn't know what he did wrong, but he couldn't think straight for now. His whole body tingled. Somewhere in the back of his head he kept hearing their conversation that happened seconds ago.

He wanted to run after him. To bring him back home. Apologize and confess his feelings. But he couldn't move and he knew the longer he stood there, the further away Garou walked. 

Later that day in bed Badd thought about it. He, honestly, had no idea what did he do wrong and what made Garou so mad. One of his theories was that Garou wanted to cut the ties and therefore acted so rude, so that it didn't hurt them both when they parted ways. Second theory was that Garou was actually jealous. Like, jealous because he liked Badd. But Badd didn't hold that theory believable. Third theory, Garou was tired of Badd... Which hurt to think about. But that could very easily be true. 

In any case, Badd felt horrible so he decided to send a message to Garou while he still could and still had the balls to do it. Garou was very important to him after all. He'd hate himself if it was actually his fault for their argument. He wanted Garou back.

 

---

 

Three days had gone by, but it felt like forever. Garou still didn't answer. Badd started working again and the days seemed to be never ending knowing that there's no one at home waiting for him. He felt kind of empty, but still somewhat hopeful. He thought, maybe Garou just needed some space. After all, he was right. Badd's apartment wasn't his apartment. Homesickness was a real thing. He couldn't blame him. Also, since they didn't really know each other their whole lives... Then again... Honestly, for Badd it felt like he'd known Garou for years. He was too close now. Too important. 

Each day, he thought about Garou more and more. It started to turn into a crave, weirdly. It felt like Garou was his oxygen, almost. It was hard to think and sometimes hard to breathe knowing Garou wasn't close to him. It was boring, and too quiet. And too dull. God, he could die of boredom. His favorite tv shows weren't interesting at all either. And watching news about heroes was the most boring thing ever whilst with Garou it was the most fun thing to do ever. He felt like some girlfriend of his that he just dumped. As ridiculous as that sounded, it was the perfect way to describe it.

Come to think of it, I would love to be his girlfriend. Well boyfriend. Wait, what am I thinking?

He quickly sat up and widened his eyes at the realization. Garou wasn't just a friend to him. He was way more. He loved Garou, that was true. But he convinced himself it was platonic, not romantic. 

Yeah fucking right. As if platonic love would make him worry this much. Not to mention the sudden crave to kiss and hug Garou that he didn't have before. Oh yeah, it was getting bad. 

He'd lay on the floor trying to cool off from the summer heat while staring at the ceiling thinking about Garou. He never stopped thinking about him. Not even a week later. If anything his crave became way more worse. To a point where he was actually planning how to see Garou and talk to him. But he knew he couldn't. He didn't want to bother him or look like some stalker.

Garou didn't want to see him, most likely. And anyway, he let him know in the message that if Garou ever decides to come back, he will be always welcome. Although Garou never responded to his message so he had no idea if he saw the message or not.

It had been a week, and he was going day eight without Garou. Ugh, last time they didn't talk for eight days it was horrible. This was even way worse once he understood he loved Garou more than just a friend. 

He was, again, laying on the floor with hands behind his head while the radio played. 

He was kind of getting to terms with it. If Garou didn't want to see him, that was fine. 

Ugh no it's not!! I need him. I need him so bad, I want him here with me next to me and I want him in my arms.

The radio switched to a new song, which Badd (of course) recognized right away. He knew the song because when it played at the disco back then, he thought of Garou. Of course he didn't know why, and since he had alcohol in his system he didn't think about it at all. But now, while he had all the time in the world, the lyrics made a lot of sense. He was head over heels for Garou.

I feel like some high school girl crushing over her hallway crush... He covered his eyes with his arm. I can't believe I fell for a man. Then again, I never questioned my sexuality. I also never tried it with a guy. Garou is just... Garou. I just love him. And I just want him to myself. He rubbed his face. Oh my shit I miss him so much. 

Sure, the realization and falling in love with Garou was very fast and sudden. But, it felt right. To have these feelings towards him. Not like he could help, either. His only fear was that Garou would loathe him if he ever found out. And Badd wanted to confess to him. He felt that would be right. Even if Garou never sees him again, he can take the rejection. Yeah. That was it. Even if he was rejected, at least he would let Garou know that someone likes him romantically. At least he believed it was worth saying. 

He let out a sigh and turned his head at his flip phone laying right next to his head. 

Maybe I should call him? What bad would it do? But what if that will push him further away? 

He reached towards it, but stopped himself before he could touch it. 

No. I need to give him the space he wants. 

He let out another sigh and continued laying on the floor. But then, his phone buzzed and he immediately grabbed it and flipped it open. 

'Can I come over tomorrow? I have some tea to spill. It's VERY interesting I promise'

– V 

That was the girl that gave him her number back at the disco. He was kind of disappointed, but... It was fine. Maybe some company would be good. 

He responded with a "sure" and kept thinking about what he would cook for them. 

 

---

 

"Ugh and then she was like 'ermm.... I'm not... Gay' and I was like what the fuck bitch then what are you doing in a gay bar you stupid pretty hoe?", she chewed on the strawberry and grabbed another one, plucking the green leaves. 

"Mhm"

"Like if you're straight, go to a straight bar?? Bitch... We already got limited stuff"

"So you broke up with that girl that you were with at the disco?"

"Ugh, no. It was my sister. The girl I broke up with was months ago. I'm over her. Okay I'm not. I say that only to gaslight myself but it never actually works. I really miss her"

"I see..."

She was kind of loud and energetic, but he didn't mind. Some change of scenery, so to say. And honestly having someone there to yap about everything and nothing made him feel a bit better.

He wished it was Garou, though.  

"What about you then, little gay boy?"

"I'm not little... And I'm not gay.."

"Oh please. I saw you humping that blond"

"What??"

"Back at the disco? You were all over him and shit. You don't remember?"

A huge wave of embarrassment hit him. "Wait... Was I actually humping him?"

"No, don't worry. Just twisting my words a little. What really happened, you were sooo drunk. Then you went to him and sat on his lap and hugged him. It was very cute though. Why?"

Badd's face turned red immediately and he dropped it in his hands.

"Why are you so embarrassed? Or what, was he... Your brother??"

"NO! He's... Long story"

"And I got all the time in the world baby. Well? Spill"

He let out a groan. "He's just... He was my roommate"

"And...?"

"And... I like him"

"Awwww. Well you two do suit together. What happened?"

"We fought"

"Oh, doomed yuri. I mean uh. The other thing"

"I don't know what made him mad. But he got mad and I miss him a lot. We haven't spoken in a while"

"By the way I invited my other friend over is that fine?"

He looked at her with a straight face. I can't believe my fucking ears. "Sure..."

"Sweetie I'm telling you the only way out of the puddle you are in is to confess to him"

"I want to. I just don't know how"

"How how just go up to him and tell him! Easy peasy"

"No, it's... Not that simple"

"Oh nothing is. But you can make it simple"

Maybe she had a point. Maybe she was right. Maybe she was spitting some bullshit. He couldn't choose. "I wish he was here right now, I miss him"

Someone knocked on the door three times, and she jumped up. "My friend, one second". She opened the door, and went quiet. "Uh... This isn't my friend"

He stood up and walked to the front door.

"Well come in come in sweetie what are you standing there for?", she pulled Garou inside by his sleeve and put her hands on hips while looking at Badd.

He couldn't believe it. It was like a dream come true. Holy shit. He missed him so much. He looks even better than a week before! Agh, he wanted to kiss him so bad, too.

But then it hit him. Last time they fought, the subject was the girl that was standing right there between them. She even opened the door for him and dragged him in! What a fucking catastrophe. 

Badd wanted to die at the spot. He pulled her aggressively by the arm and hissed to her to "fucking leave" and she left with no complaints. She even skipped to the elevator and pressed on the button while humming some song. 

Badd closed the door behind Garou and took it all in. "Hey", he greeted the other awkwardly, and Garou hesitantly greeted him back. Gosh, his heart was beating so fast. Garou looked so fucking good. What changed? Was it pants? Shirt? Jacket? Hair? No. Everything was the same.

Me and my delusional head. Yup. I've gone mad. 

"Come in, take yer shoes off"

"I'm not here for long... Just came here to apologize"

"Apologize?"

"Yeah". He brought his arm up to show the package with chocolate cake in his hand that Badd completely missed. 

"Oh... Wow. Thank you", he took it with a tiny bit of hesitation. "But apologize for... What?"

Garou leaned on the doorframe and pushed his hands in pockets. "Last time... I kinda overreacted"

"Ohh..."

"So, yeah...". He chewed on his lip without breaking the eye contact. "Will you forgive me? Last time I fuck up. Promise". Badd was a bit taken aback. He couldn't help but giggle a little. "What, what's so funny? I really mean it... Or is there something on my face?", he touched it to check.

"No, no. I guess we both thought the same thing again. I was never mad at you, Garou. I was sure you hated me"

"Oh... No. No, okay. Sorry for making you feel like that. I was just... I really have no excuses. I have no idea what got into me that day"

"Well, that doesn't matter anymore. Come in? I have strawberries. And enchiladas"

"Enchiladas with strawberries sounds.... Interesting"

Badd laughed and walked to the kitchen. "Stop bein' such a smartass". He caught a glimpse of Garou smiling before he disappeared behind a door to wash his hands. 

This was it. This was the evening he would confess to Garou. 

How will I say it? Just straight up 'I like you'? What if he doesn't like guys... He doesn't seem to be the type to. But it's fine. Most important thing about this is to tell him and that's it. Yeah. Just tell him. 

"Is that girl... Good to you?". He suddenly heard and landed back on earth from his thoughts.

He turned to see Garou sitting on the couch (good lord he was hot). "She uh yes? She... Yeah she's nice"

Garou slowly nodded. "That's good. I'm glad"

Ugh what the fuck I'm never this awkward around him!! What happened to me??... Right. I'm stupid

Badd finished placing the pieces of the cake on the plates and placed them on the table in front of the couch, but they both didn't take a bite. 

Badd sat down and nervously bit the inside of his cheek. "I... Have somethin' to tell you, kinda..."

"Is it about the girl? Don't worry, it's kind of obvious"

Badd's face turned into a confused one. "What?"

"What. You deserve a good girl... And I'm glad you found a better girlfriend"

"Hold on, no. Wait"

"What?"

"She's lesbian"

".... Say what?"

"Lesbian. Y'know... Women"

Garou stared at him for a long, long while before turning his head straight forward, feeling a smile creep on his lips, and then he snorted out a chuckle and covered his mouth. "I see... So she's not your..."

"No! Do I look like a woman to you?"

"Kind of?"

"You... Fucker... What the fuck, man? Want yer head to get smashed in or what?"

Garou smiled, rubbed his hands together and let out another chuckle. "I see, I see..."

Badd sighed. "Why did it take you so long to come back?"

Garou's smile faded, and he turned to make eye contact again. God, he's so beautiful. "I... I'm gonna be honest, I don't know how to apologize properly. And I thought maybe it's for the best that we don't talk anymore. But I felt horrible. I believe you deserve a proper apology and a proper goodbye" 

Badd's heart shattered into a million pieces. "Why goodbye?"

"Because, Badd... You deserve a good life"

"But I already have a good life with you in it!" 

Garou stared at him for a while before muttering a "fine, we can stay friends"

But that wasn't enough for Badd. He wanted to be way more than just friends. 

They stayed in silence, both thinking about their lives. It was getting awkward, and Garou opened his mouth to tell Badd that he's going to leave now, but Badd spoke faster.

"Garou, I know this may sound crazy, but...", they made eye contact. Badd felt lightheaded and his heart beat fast, but he truly wanted to say this. He truly believed Garou needed to hear this. "But... Be my boyfriend"

Garou looked shocked, which, was to be expected of course. At least it wasn't disgust. For now... "What??"

"Think about it. We get along well, and I don't know about you but I feel amazin' around you and you're very good at givin' me the comfort I need". Garou looked like he was hopeless, as if he wasn't listening, so Badd raised his voice. "Just recall how much fun we had together! We could be–"

"No, Badd. No"

"Why not?"

"You deserve a good girl that will love you and take care of you, not a criminal"

"But I don't care about that!"

"Others will, dummy. What if the public finds out?? S-class hero dates a former hero hunter. People will go nuts they will hate you!"

"I can handle it"

"No, don't say that"

"I know what I want and what I can handle"

"Badd, I'm a man. It's like a double trouble dude. A man and a criminal??"

"So what?? Most people don't even recognize you!"

"You're just... Just fresh from break up and can't think straight and that's that"

"Is that somethin' yer tryin' to tell yourself or me?"

Garou went quiet. "... It's wrong. You can't love me, Badd"

Badd rolled his eyes. "What, yer afraid of homophobes? Please"

"No, I..."

"Or are you actually just not into me?"

"No, it's–"

"Or is it because you hate heroes??"

"No I'm balls deep in love with you!! Okay? Shit. There. I really, really like you. In fact, I've wanted you to be mine for weeks. I just never said it, because... You had that bitchass girlfriend and then... I don't know. Doesn't matter. I knew you liked women. And me, being there. Or right now... It would be so messy. A hero and a hero hunter, are you serious? If the public finds out that would be terrible, terrible news. You will be fired, the world will hate you. And lots of other side effects. You can get a boyfriend, you can get a girlfriend. I don't care. As long as it's not me. We're no match. Yes it's fun with you. But that doesn't mean we should be together. As much as we both would love to be... Sometimes it's best to avoid things. You'll find a partner that won't be a criminal, trust me. They will be even better than me! So... Don't settle for me. As I said it's because I was there when you broke up with her and I guess that's what made you think you want me. It happens, it's fine. We can still be friends if you feel like it. If not that's fine too. Okay?"

"You... Like me back??"

"Did you listen to a single word I said???"

Badd jumped at him and hugged him as tight as he could, wearing a huge smile on his face. "I can't believe you like me back"

Garou let out a long sigh, but didn't bother arguing anymore.

Badd pulled away after some time, still with that soft smile on his face. They stared at each other for a long, long while. At this point Garou was tired of trying to deny it. If Badd wanted it, so be it. He fixed other's hair behind the ear, which made the hero smile more. 

Garou reached to his dimples again, carefully pressing his finger on the right cheek. "I really like your dimples, have I told you that?", he muttered quietly.

"No"

"Well, now you know. I also like that little scar on your upper lip", he touched the little scar, not breaking eye contact. Shit, Badd was really the most beautiful and handsome man Garou has ever seen.

"Can we kiss?"

Garou dropped his hand down. "Dunno... Can we?"

"Garou..."

"I don't know. Never done it" 

Badd sat on his lap the same way he sat back then at the disco and caressed Garou's face. He traced the scar, stared at his lashes, his eyes, and took it all in, since he never got to do it properly up until now. He loved Garou's lashes and the way it made him look like he had eyeliner on already. It was really attractive to him, for some reason. It wasn't the only feature he liked about Garou of course. He loved his side profile, his jaw, his sharp teeth, and his body looked amazing. To him, he was perfect. Even if he had a bit of eyebags, he would never find them ugly or any of Garou's features ugly. Even the scar, that Garou holds ugly, is beautiful to him. To him it shows how much he's through and how much he fought and it was attractive. He could talk about him for hours, and so could Garou, but they didn't want to stretch the time for now. Well, except, that Badd did. Just a little. "Before we kiss, how long have you liked me for?"

Garou rolled his eyes. "Is that really necessary to know?"

"Yes"

"You're torturing me. I've been waiting to kiss you for four weeks now"

Badd smiled widely for a moment, then slowly dropped his smile. "For real?"

"No for fake". Badd hit his shoulder and Garou let out a single cough. "My bad. But. Did you listen to what I said?"

"Yeah, some hodgepodge"

"And tittle tattle?"

"Yes and hurly burly. You speak too much"

"You're the one not shutting up, hero" 

Badd couldn't help but smile a little for the last time before kissing him. He dropped his grin, ran his thumbs on Garou's cheeks taking his handsome face in, and slowly leaned closer. He was so so nervous. He couldn't believe this was really happening. His heart beat so fast and his hands were shaking a little, but this time in a good way. 

When their lips touched, he felt complete.

He always liked Garou's scent that reminded him of a forest after being washed with rain, but his taste was even better. His lips were soft, too. Softer than he expected them to be, and it felt so, so good. Right. It felt right to kiss him. Like that's where his lips belonged to this whole time. Just from one kiss he already felt pure ecstacy. 

He pulled away slowly, and looked at Garou, whose eyes gently opened to look back at him. He, too, looked a bit lightheaded. Badd was going through all kinds of emotions.

"Do that again", Garou ordered, and Badd obeyed. This time Garou kissed back. Badd felt Garou's hand on the side of his head, that moved on the back and pushed him deeper. 

Badd couldn't believe this was Garou's first kiss, he learned too fast and was too good at it already. But, whatever. That didn't matter. He stopped thinking very fast after they kissed harder and deeper. 

Garou's kisses were very aggressive. It almost felt like he was eating Badd alive. Not that Badd minded. If anything it made his stomach flip and squeeze in the best way possible. And without realizing it Badd also became more aggressive, speeding up, pressing their lips harder, reaching as deep as he could, both totally forgetting to breathe. They kissed so much that Badd had to push Garou away to catch his breath. They breathed on each other's mouths, looking from one eye to another. 

"Am I going too fast?", Badd asked, getting a shove and a tongue in his mouth as the answer.

That was unexpected, but, he took it as a no. And damn, he knew Garou was a real monster at some point, but this was some insane work. No he wasn't complaining. The harder the better. He just wasn't used to... Men? Uh, Garou. Wasn't used to Garou kissing him so much. That man wasn't lying when he said he was waiting four weeks for this. He was starving for real. 

Maybe Badd was too. At least, the longer they made out, the more he kept realizing how much he wanted this. Not to mention the grunts Garou made while kissing him. Music to his ears. Holy shit, he wanted wayyy more than just kissing now. Because if just kissing made him let out such sounds, he wondered what kind of noise he would make while...

He pushed Garou away in absolute horror. 

What the hell am I thinking?? He sat up and Garou slowly got off him. 

The older one wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "Sorry, I got carried away"

"No it ain't yer fault, you damn starvin' animal"

"Starving animal..."

"I was just... My mind just did somethin' "

"Oh... Don't worry. I understand. We can stop now no problem"

Badd was in awe. That easily? Seriously? No begging or anything like that? "I... Didn't mean that"

"What's wrong, then?"

What was wrong? He had no idea. He just... Kind of panicked. Was it the idea of sex? .... No, that wasn't it. Was he maybe afraid he'd push Garou away if he rushed him like this? 

That sounded more right.

"Are we goin' too fast, you think?"

"No. But if you feel like that, we will slow down"

Ughh why do you have to be such a fuckin' gentleman!! Fuck!! If I was a woman I'd want his babies right NOW. "I'm really more concerned 'bout you"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, you've never done this, right? So... It might be new for you and shit. Like what's yer opinion on our pace?"

"We could fuck right now and I wouldn't care"

"WHAT!!"

"What's more important is your opinion. I know you haven't been comfortable with it in the past. I'm guessing you still aren't. So if you're not ready, I don't care. I only really care about you being comfortable"

Wow. I bagged a great boyfriend. Shittt... He's so fuckin' nice??! Well obviously but... My god. I want him right fuckin' now. But... now's not the time.

"Yeah. Not now at least"

"Mhm"

"But... Okay... What about I clean the kitchen and we continue then after that?"

"Sounds good. I'll help you"

Garou gave him a quick kiss on the lips and stood up, immediately starting to clean up. 

I can't believe he's mine. Badd thought to himself, getting his thoughts back together. 

The only thing that Garou could think about was that Tito was right. Right about Garou needing company. Right about bringing him here. About everything, really. If Tito wouldn't make them live together, he'd never realize how much he needed Badd and how amazing it is to be able to love someone or be loved and cared for. Up until now he would never in a billion years believe someone could like him in that kind of way, yet there he was, a hero. How ridiculous. But he didn't care. Stopped caring long time ago. And that's also thanks to Badd. 

He had a gorgeous boyfriend now who was strong and could cook. He also never thought he'd get together with a guy, but life can really surprise anyone sometimes.

Notes:

omgosh it's finished aghh finally ugghhh ahhghgghg ughgh....yay! I REALLY hope you enjoyed this gangalanga. took me a while but I finally wrote this chapter till the end. let me know what you think!! too many comments is never too many I love you guys so much for supporting me and reading my stuff and for all the nice comments (˵˃ ᗜ ˂˵)
if anyone's interested here's a list of songs I listened while writing this shit:
– Everybody Wants To Rule The World by Tears For Fears
– Space Age Love Song by A Flock Of Seagulls
– Rain by The Cult
– Head Over Heels by Tears For Fears (yup the one I mentioned 348993 times in this chapter)
– The Promise by When In Rome
– No Other Heart by Mac DeMarco
– Playground Love by Air, Gordon Tracks
– Best Way Out Of Here by Billy Idol

Feel free to ask me anything if anyone ever comes up with some genius (<- optional) question
Till next time!! ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡