Chapter Text
Gavin felt as though his life was far too interesting and that he didn’t deserve it. Somehow, he was, as he feels, gifted with powers to help others. And he certainly does his best. His childhood best friend has always been supportive, happy to be by his side as he takes care of things, easy to keep himself hidden, his identity hidden. Even with the stress of school, and now a job to support himself, he finds any moment to be of help.
And now? His friend is leaving him. For “school”, though, Gavin definitely doesn’t believe that. Ray never seemed like one for school but he couldn’t have asked more questions about it. He didn’t want to pry on him and delve into something Ray may not have wanted to disclose.
On the day that Ray was meant to leave, Gavin couldn’t stop himself from crying, wiping his tears before clinging to Ray.
“I’ll miss you. Don’t forget about me.”
“Gavin, how can I forget you? You’re my best friend.”
Ray is laughing, but it falls flat, pulling away from Gavin and giving a small smile.
“I’ll miss you, Gav. Don’t you forget about me, with everything you’re going to do.”
“I won’t, Ray. You mean the most to me.”
Ray nodded, sighing softly before getting into his mother’s car, driving away, looking back at Gavin.
Gavin stood there, waving, trying to keep his tears from falling more. As soon as the car was out of sight, Gavin’s hand fell, sniffling before heading into his apartment. He had things to take care of. Sighing deeply, he rubbed his eyes, standing in front of the mirror.
Alone. He was alone, as always. He felt he always ended up alone. A lone hero, a lone mutant wanting to do good. Secrets deep in his mind that only one other person knew about. Not even able to tell his other friends in fear rumors about the government taking mutants were true.
Of course, as Vav, he had never been taken, brought to a facility, so it was hard to believe that it was true. Though, he was mostly loved by all in the city.
Sighing, he turned on the water, cold to splash on his face to get rid of any evidence of crying, before heading to get his bookstore “uniform”. It was just an apron to wear over his clothes, not really sure why he had to, but he wouldn’t argue with it. With that, he began his walk to work, a sadness still deep within his heart.
___________
Arriving home, he tossed the apron on a chair before walking to his room, falling on his bed. It wasn’t late, but his mind was tired from the events of the day and all he wanted was to relax.
He reached over to his bedside table, blindly searching for the remote, a triumphant sound as he gripped it. He sat up, sighing deeply and tilting his head, turning the TV on. He managed to find a documentary, not really wanting something to pay attention to, just noise, before he laid back down.
Staring at the ceiling, he had lost track of time. It was late, his room only illuminated by the light of the TV. The sound of the city was quiet, so quiet he heard sounds outside of his apartment. He turned off the TV and walked to the window, quietly opening it before listening closely. He was thankfully high enough up to not be noticed.
“Give me your money.”
“I already told you, I have none.”
He assumed the second voice was the shorter man who was pressed against the wall with, what Gavin could only assume was, a knife against his neck.
He kept listening as he quietly tossed off his clothes, getting on his suit and mask before getting back to the window. He climbed out, forgetting for a moment he could fly, before he was floating on the fire escape, ready to interfere.
As Gavin moved to get closer, the scene flipped. The shorter man, in an instant, overpowered his attacker, pressing him to the ground, the knife now against their throat. Gavin could barely make out the panicked looked on their face, the lights of the city not reaching far enough.
There was a whispered threat before the shorter man was up, pocketing the knife and waving for the attacker to go. They were up quickly, running out of the alleyway as the shorter man stood there, head down before he turned on his heel and walked away.
Gavin floated there for a moment before heading back in, closing his window and locking the window. He tossed the mask on his bedside table, falling onto his bed.
It wasn’t much of an interaction, but it was all Gavin could think about as he slowly drifted to sleep, dreaming of that man.
___________
When the morning came, Gavin looked down at himself, sighing that he was still in costume. He wiggled out of it and into clothes so he could head to work.
The walk there seemed longer than usual, the line at the coffee shop moving far too slow, but at least he had coffee.
Once at the bookstore, he began opening procedures, unlocking the door and putting up the open sign at 11 a.m. With that, he walked back towards the counter, standing behind it and thumbing through a magazine. He didn’t expect it to get busy for a while.
It wasn’t thirty minutes after that thought that Gavin heard the bell ring and door opening. Looking up, his heart jumped. It could just be a coincidence that this man had the same build as the one in the alley last night.
“Welcome! If you need any help, let me know.”
He had a smile plastered on his face, the man grunting as he nodded, beginning to look through the shelves. Gavin did his best to not stare at the man, staring down at his magazine.
He was trying so hard to not stare at the man that he didn’t notice him standing in front of him until he chose to look up, jumping a bit in surprise.
“Gavin? Uh...” he looked down; eyes fixed on his name tag. “Can you give me a hand with some books?”
Gavin nodded, smile back on his face. “What kind of books are you looking for?”
A nervous shuffle. “Something on mutants. I heard you had a bigger collection here.”
Gavin’s heart jumped in his throat, a bit of anxiety, but he nodded, moving to walk and lead the man to the section.
“Here is our selection on mutants. Memoirs, journals published after death, research. A big mix of things. Anything in particular you were looking for.”
“Research books.” The response was short as the man crouched down, beginning to look through.
“If you need anything else, don’t hesitate to ask!” Gavin did his best to be cheerful.
Turning around, he headed back to the counter, his heart pounding in his ears. There was so much anxiety as he stood there, staring at a page but not even realizing what it said. So many scenarios were running through his head, trying to gain control of himself.
He heard the footsteps, looking up and smiling. He saw the stack of four books, two journals, a research book, and one he hadn’t seen before.
“Is that everything?”
“Yea... thanks for the help, Gavin. I think I have what I need.” There was a pause at the man seemed to think of what to say next. “I, uh, had a few questions about mutants, honestly. Haven’t exactly run into one yet.”
The man’s smile was warm, awkward, and Gavin was a bit shocked he hadn’t seen anything about mutants before. He didn’t seem to be much older than him, if not the same age.
“Well, you found yourself some good books. I helped pick out a few of these. The owner trusts a lot of my recommendations on books. They help keep some of the younger people coming in.”
The man nodded, books placed on the table. “I can’t wait to read them.”
Gavin smiled, taking the books and ringing them up. It was a bit weird to him that the man had the exact amount, handing it to Gavin and taking the receipt before taking the bag and heading off. He stopped at the door, turning around.
“Thanks again, Gavin. I plan to come back.”
With that, he opened the door, the bell ringing and then he was gone. Gavin stood there, a bit dumbfounded. Everything about that interaction struck Gavin as weird, but he wasn’t even sure where to start with that.
___________
As six o’clock rolled around, Gavin began to clean. It was a fairly quiet day, and the strange man from earlier was still stuck in his mind. He was distracted as he cleaned, thinking about the interaction, picking it apart in his mind. There had to be something that he was missing.
When it was finally cleaned, he sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair before moving to collect his things. He could think about this more later.
He set the alarm and exited, locking the door behind him before beginning his short walk him. He was stuck in his head as he walked, the sounds of the city not disturbing him.
Entering his apartment, he tossed his bag and apron down, beginning to pace. He was probably thinking too hard about this. Maybe one of his friends had revealed they were a mutant. Maybe that’s why he felt as though he needed to do the research.
As Gavin was coming up with reasons why, he heard the sound of the crime alert, causing him to sprint to his room, getting into his suit as fast as he could. It took a few moments to remember where his mask was, but he found it, putting it on and quietly climbing out the window, closing it before flying away.
Reaching the spot where the crime should have been, he was a bit confused to find it empty. He looked around, a sinking feeling in his stomach. As he was about to fly away, a hand was over his mouth, ropes tying his hands. A blindfold was put on and a gag. He couldn’t move his feet, being held by them as they were tied before he was dropped on the ground.
A muffled yelp left him, struggling blindly, hoping he could get out.
“Get him to stop moving,” a gruff voice said.
Gavin turned his head towards where the voice came from, curling in on himself as a foot came in contact with his ribs. As he was gasping for air around the gag, a hand grabbed the front of his suit, dragging him up. He struggled still, but it didn’t do anything but get the man more frustrated. With another hit, the world went dark.
___________
When he was awake, he blinked at the dim lights before him, barely making anything out, his vision blurry as he adjusted. The door before him opened, two men, one with a cart with things that rattled, entered the room. He was still out of it, barely realizing what this could mean for him.
The first man walked forward, hand gripping Gavin’s chin, forcing him to look at him.
“The hero of the city. Hardly much of a hero on your own, are you?”
Gavin blinked slowly, a moment of panic washing over him. He took inventory of his suit and mask, finding both to still be on him.
“We have some fun plans for you. Want to see what makes you tick and why. Maybe we can sell your powers to the government.”
Gavin’s eyes widened, realization coming to him. He began to struggle, doing anything he could to get free. A sharp pain rang through his cheek as the man before him slapped him, Gavin’s movements stopping.
“Let’s see who the precious Vav is.”
He snapped his fingers, the man behind him taking off the gag. Gavin took gasping breaths before his mask was tugged off, tossed away as the man crouched before him. A hand moved across his cheek, smirking when Gavin went to bite his finger.
“Leave the gag off, I want to hear him scream.”
The lackey nodded, walking back to the cart to bring it closer. The boss, Gavin guessed, began looking over the cart, hands running across instruments that had Gavin shuddering. He makes a small noise, seeing a needle.
“First, let’s get some of that hero blood.”
The sleeve of his suit was cut off, pulled from his arm and tossed away. Gavin frowned deeply, unable to find words. He winced as a needle was placed in his arm, blood beginning to flow. He felt woozy for a moment, looking away and trying to breathe. The needle leaving his skin pinched, whining softly.
“Perfect. And we haven’t even started, Vav. You’re going to wish that was all I did to you.”
He stared at the vial as it was handed to the lackey, who placed it in a small ice chest. Gavin’s head began spinning with anxiety at anyone getting that.
There wasn’t much time for him to think of that before a knife was taken from the cart, the man pressing it to his neck.
“Where should I cut you first, Vav? I want to make sure you feel every slice.”
The torture continued for longer than Gavin could keep track of. His suit was ripped, he was sure his binder was ripped, his head was spinning and his vision was blurry. He was sure he was going to die here, accepting the fate that he’ll have. Never being able to tell anyone important to him goodbye, how he is trapped and might never be found.
As all the dread was going through Gavin’s mind, he didn’t hear the door open, didn’t notice anything was wrong until the man torturing him had hands on his head, neck snapped in a swift movement.
The sight of the man from the bookstore and alleyway was a shock to Gavin, but he didn’t get much of a look before the world went dark, a mumbled “thank you” leaving him.
___________
As his eyes blinked awake, he was greeted by the familiar surroundings of his apartment. His heart jumped and he went to move, groaning loudly at trying to sit up. He gave up, laying down.
“You’re awake!” A voice came from his living room, Gavin’s heart pounding.
He tilted his head for a better look at the door, watching as the man walked in. He had a glass of water and some pills, holding them out to Gavin.
“I’ve, uh, done everything I can to heal you. They really did a number, though.”
“Why am I not in the hospital? Who are you?”
The man placed the water on the bedside table, along with the pills, looking away for a moment.
“I’m Jeremy. And you’re not in the hospital because, uh, I didn’t think you’d want to be there while... uh, you know. As your hero self, I guess? I’ve been healing you, though. Well, when I can. It takes a lot of fucking energy.”
“Healing me? What do you mean?”
Jeremy began fidgeting with his hands, sitting at the very edge of Gavin’s bed.
“I’m, uh, I’m a mutant as well. My powers are healing and strength. That’s how I snapped their necks so effectively. I also disposed of that vial of your blood.”
Gavin stared for a moment, making a face. He sighed, though, because he really didn’t feel that awful. Not as bad as he had felt during the torture.
“Prove you can heal me... actually, wait a second. How’d you know where I lived?” Gavin squinted at him.
A laugh bubbled out of Jeremy, awkwardly running a hand through his shaggy hair.
“Oh, god, right. I, well. Uh, so that alleyway fight? I saw you. Floating there. I, uh, later I checked again because I wanted to thank you for watching over me. Um, and uh, I actually got you in here through the window. Thankfully, apparently, this city is used to weird shit. No one really questioned me as I carried you on my back.”
Gavin nodded, moving to sit up again and groaning. He was frustrated at the pain.
“Do you... want me to heal you more?” He asked, moving to get up.
He gave a small nod, wanting proof that this man could heal. He could believe that he snapped the neck at least.
Jeremy got up, kneeling next to the bed. He had his hands over Gavin’s very bruised ribs, trying to keep his touch gentle. Gavin couldn’t help but gasp at the sudden warmth of Jeremy’s hands, a bit shocked at the soft light they were emitting. He looked over at Jeremy in amazement, but the other was focused on healing.
As he was getting healed, Gavin began examining Jeremy. He looked about his age, but so very tired. Gavin wondered what could make someone so tired.
Jeremy sighed when he was done, pulling away his hands and placing them on his knees.
“I hope that’s better.”
As a test, Gavin moved to sit up. It still hurt, but it was more bearable, actually sitting up and sighing. He looked down at himself, only in his binder and briefs, seeing that his binder was, indeed, cut into.
“I should... change. Uh, thanks? Do you need a nap or something?”
Jeremy blinked at him for a moment, tilting his head.
“No, I shouldn’t. Need to make sure you’re okay.”
“I’m fine. You look exhausted, though. There are some blankets in that closet and then take a pillow from my bed. Please? You look like you need it.”
Jeremy frowned for a moment, shaking his head. “No, I should be okay.”
“Rest. Have you rested at all? You said that healing took energy. You’ve been healing me, so you need sleep.”
Making a face, Jeremy gave in, going to the closet and staring at the blankets. He ran his hands along each one, picking the softest one he could find. He made his way to the bed, taking a pillow and flashing a small smile.
“Don’t... uh, just, if you need me, shout, okay? I’ll be on the couch.”
With that, Gavin watched as he walked out of the room, one last glance towards Gavin.
Gavin sat there for a moment, looking over at the water and the pills, taking them and then drinking the water. He prepared himself for a moment before moving to get out of bed. He slowly walked towards his closet, searching for a sports bra and tank top. He was grateful he had a few extra binders, though a little sad this one was ruined.
He tossed it on the floor, putting on the clothes while trying to keep any sounds of pain minimal. He wanted Jeremy to get some sleep. Once changed, he slowly moved back to bed, crawling in and curling up. He was quick to fall back asleep.
___________
Jeremy awoke to screaming. It wasn’t loud, but enough Jeremy noticed it. He shot off the couch, hitting his leg into the coffee table, grunting before he moved as fast as he could to get to the bedroom. He looked at Gavin squirming in bed, looking fearful.
He wasn’t exactly sure what to do, slowly making his way over. In a thought, he gently placed his hands on either side of Gavin’s head, wondering if he would be able to heal the dream.
As he tried, Gavin’s eyes slowly opened, the fearful look on his face calming down. Jeremy let go of his head, smiling softly at him.
“You, okay?”
“Yea, I... dreams, they get you, you know?”
Jeremy made a face before nodding. “Far too well.”
Gavin took a few breaths, looking at Jeremy with a soft expression.
“What happened to you to give you nightmares?”
Jeremy tensed, looking down at his hands, tightening a bit.
“Um...” pausing, he took a deep breath, looking up at Gavin. “Since... uh, you don’t really have secrets with me. I know your identity, your home. Uh, it... seems fair to tell you.”
“You don’t have to, Jeremy.”
“But... I want to. I want someone to know.”
Gavin nodded, already feeling some kind of bond with Jeremy.
“Uh, when I was younger, I mean, I don’t really remember it, but as far as I know, as a kid, I was taken by the government. I don’t remember my parents or any childhood friends. I only remember the facility. It’s bright, white walls, its harsh lights. Everything that seemed to make up my world. I barely had a window to the outside, and there was nothing around us. Just trees. They, uh, they ran a lot of experiments on me. Took blood often, tested my strength, tested my healing. They wanted to see how far they could push me, what the limits to my powers were. They kept me subdued, basically. They made sure I couldn’t break out, or didn’t even want to. And then, one day, someone made a mistake. And I escaped. And I killed the few people who made my life hell. Probably wasn’t their best idea to let me read newspapers. Your city was the closest, and they always brought those, sometimes books. Anything to keep me from getting on their nerves when they weren’t running tests. I, uh, I took money from them and made my way off, all that I had was the clothes on my back. My first few days here I was so confused, lost, not wanting to make myself obvious. I slept in alleys, including the one outside your window. I had actually been making my way back to it when the guy tried to rob me.” Jeremy paused for a moment, trying to stop his voice from shaking. “I, uh, wanted to find a bookstore. It was luck I stumbled into yours. Someone recommended it for the best mutant collection. And you know what happened from there.”
Gavin took a few moments to stare at Jeremy a bit in shock at the fact that the facilities were real, that mutants were being taken and experimented on. He ran a hand through his hair, nodding.
“I would expect you to have nightmares, then. Uh... I’m lucky you found me. I... do you have some place to stay?”
Jeremy looked with a bit surprise, shaking his head. “I have nothing but the clothes on my back and the wallet I stole. I... I don’t even know how I would get a place to stay. As far as anyone is aware, I died...”
“Give... give me some time to think, okay? I’ll figure something out for you.”
Blinking for a moment, Jeremy shook his head. “You don’t have to help me. I, uh, I can figure it out. I think. I just, I need to disappear.”
Gavin shook his head. “No, I’ll figure out a way to keep you safe.”
Sitting for a moment in silence, Jeremy couldn’t look up at Gavin. He didn’t know what to even say, just that he was far beyond grateful for the help Gavin wanted to give him.
Gavin was smiling, reaching out to place a hand on Jeremy’s shoulder.
“We can figure this out.”
Gavin’s confidence put a smile on his face, nodding. “Okay.”