Chapter Text
Grian twirled the gun between his fingers, plopped lazily onto the beanbag, before he held it properly, his finger on the trigger and shot the target drawn onto the wall, narrowly missing Jimmy.
“What’s wrong with you? You nearly hit me.” He scolded, hands on his hips. “I could’ve died.”
“But you didn’t.” Grian smiled and placed his gun on the table, picking up the bottle of alcohol and gulping it down, wiping his mouth with his sleeve, “Where’s Joel?”
“Dunno.” He scratched the back of his head, “Said he had a plan. Said it was genius.”
“Should we be scared?”
Jimmy snorted, “Not yet, no.”
“Guys!” The wooden door barely hanging on its hinges was kicked open, an excited and crazed Joel standing in the doorframe. Severe eye bags were under his eyes, evidence of the sleepless night he spent, “This might be our best heist yet.” He walked over to them, knocking Grian’s gun off the table and spreading the parchment he was holding on the table. Jimmy kneeled next to the table, tilting his head as if looking at the scribbles from a different angle would make them look less like scribbles.
“Are you going to explain what all these lines represent?” Jimmy exchanged a glance with Grian before looking at Joel, expecting an explanation.
“Ugh. I should’ve realised you guys don’t have the same genius vision as me.” Joel clapped his hands together, “So you know today’s the gala right? Where that stupid hero Hotguy would do a stupid speech, get a stupid award. Well I estimated the worth of the award and I’ll just say this, selling that thing would make us rich enough to live the rest of our lives safely and happily.”
“No more crime?” Jimmy gasped in excitement. Each day he was going behind the back of his sister, Lizzie, weaving lies to conceal the truth that would no doubt break her. He wasn’t stealing just because it was fun, he was stealing to survive. That was the same case for Joel and Grian. Joel had the biggest crush on Etho but had to hold himself from confessing because he was afraid of putting Etho in danger. Grian had no one and anything except for them and the stuff they stole. Sure they find theft fun but they also find it as the only means to live a proper life in this world.
“No more crime.” Joel echoed, grinning, “Well this is the layout of the mansion where the gala is being held. I know a man who provided me with images of the mansion that I used to draw this map. He also provided me with fake tickets.” His hands rummaged in his pockets, pulling out three pieces of papers and wiggling them in their faces.
Grian snatched one and looked at it with pure joy. One last heist and he— no, they’d finally be able to build the life they always wanted for themselves. “It’s tonight, right?”
Joel nodded. “My plan is that before Hotguy goes on stage, me and Timmy will pretend to be his fans and pester him. You—” He pointed at Grian, “—Will sneak backstage, deal with the guards and steal the award.”
“Woah. Won’t there be many guards? This is such a big event. How will G fight them all?” Jimmy asked.
Grian sat upright and leaned forwards, “Do not underestimate me, Tim.”
——————
Grian adjusted the tie, looking at himself in the mirror. The tuxedo hung loosely over his small figure, glittering under the faint light. The oversized tuxedo perfectly hid his wings. He put on the mask and let his bangs fall over his eyes. Walking outside, he saw Jimmy and Joel dressed identically to him. Jimmy was rocking back and forth nervously, his hands curled into shaky fists.
Sympathetically Grian walked over to Jimmy and rested his hand on his shoulder, squeezing in a reassuring way. “It’ll be okay. We won’t get caught. I won’t let you get caught. You’ll get back to Lizzie, don’t worry.” He didn’t know if it’ll be okay, but he has to say it will be. He can’t worry them. All the responsibility fell on him and he couldn’t afford to falter. If he failed, he’d be taking away the promise of a better life from two people he really cares about.
Jimmy bit his bottom lip and slowly nodded. “Let’s go.” He whispered. Joel got up, snatching the car keys from the shelf, pushing open the door. Cold gust of wind hit their faces, rushing to attack them like everyone in this savage world. Their car was outside. It was an old thing but it was just as much apart of their gang as they were.
They sat inside in silence, tense. The excitement had worn out, now there was just too much at stake yet so much that made this heist worth it. The engine roared, jolting back to life and Joel put his foot to the accelerator, driving slowly as if putting off the inevitable.
After a thirty minutes drive, they arrived outside the mansion, the white building towering over them menacingly. Grian rarely felt fear but today was one of the few moments he was afraid. He wasn’t scared for himself but for Jimmy and Joel. The two sacrificed so much and would lose so much if Grian failed to seize the award. Meanwhile Grian had nothing to lose except for his life and he was willing to give it away for their sakes. Oh he could imagine Joel taunting him for being emotional had Grian voiced his thoughts out loud but he knew deep down Joel was just as soft.
Blinking back tears he didn’t realise had formed, he took the step forwards, holding up his ticket to the guard and being granted entrance.
“There’s Hotguy.” Joel whispered from behind him, gesturing towards the hero with his head.
Hotguy, who definitely lived up to his name, was handling a bunch of girls swooning and melting over him. He looked awkward to be in their presence and was looking everywhere but at them. He met Grian’s eyes and flashed him a sparkling smile while winking.
Damn. Hotguy might be his bisexual awakening.
No, Grian, control.
Hotguy might be his bisexual awakening but he was also the one guarding the door backstage.
“You guys go ahead, distract him, and just trust me.” Grian stood glued to his spot while Jimmy and Joel walked forwards, waving at Hotguy and calling his name. Once Hotguy was distracted, Grian slowly shuffled towards the backstage door, trying to his best to draw as less attention to himself and to go unnoticed.
He twisted the knob and pulled open the door. Hotguy didn’t notice. Mainly because he was too busy dealing with Jimmy who had ‘fainted in excitement’.
Grian rolled his eyes in amusement and slipped into the backstage room. There was a lack of security. What was going on? Where were the guards who he was supposed to beat?
Cautiously he made his way towards the award sitting in the middle of the room and glowing. No one would leave an award like this unattended but if they did… that made Grian’s works easier. Picking up his pace he stopped in front of the award, hands hovering uncertainly over it. Something felt wrong, felt off. He shouldn’t be doing this. But he had to. For Jimmy. For Joel. For everything he ever dreamt of.
He picked it up and in that moment the door opened. He turned around to see Hotguy standing in the doorframe, his bow and arrow readied. “Cub was right! Someone would try to steal it. Hands in the air!”
Startled, Grian dropped the award and raised his hands. He wasn’t surrendering, he was just giving Hotguy the illusion that he was. Hotguy walked over to him and grabbed both of his arms in a tight grip, holding them behind his back. He led Grian outside, the bright lights blinding him.
A whole crowd had surrounded them, everyone wearing a look of shock, hands over their mouths. Grian could see Joel and Jimmy amidst them, so he mouthed the words ‘get out’ to them. They hesitated, staying put in their places. Grian squirmed against Hotguy’s grip, kicking and thrashing. He didn’t like everyone’s eyes on him, judging him without knowing what his motives were.
He spread his wings, ripping the coat and tried to take flight. Hotguy pushed him to the ground, a hand on his back pressing him to the cold floor. Grian couldn’t even kick anymore because his legs were trapped between Hotguy’s. All he could do was uselessly flap his wings. Grian tilted his head and got a view of the two people that mattered to him the most, worried for him and because of him. ‘Go.’ He mouthed once again. They shook their heads and their hands went to their belts where their guns were.
“No!” Grian screamed audibly, tears building in his eyes once again. He wouldn’t let them risk anything for him. “No.” He sobbed.
Joel and Jimmy shared a glance with each other, looking back at Grian. He tried to tell them that he’ll be fine but all he managed to express was his fear and stubbornness.
“Please…” He whispered in a quiet, pathetic voice. This time the two realised that Grian would not let them stay here. They accepted defeat and walked out. Part of Grian hated seeing them go but it was for their safety.
Hotguy helped him to his feet, pressing their bodies as close as possible, grip tight on Grian to not let him go. Grian’s brain didn’t process anything else, too focused on the fact that he was a failure. He didn’t even register being forced into the car, being pat down for any weapons, dragged to an isolated room for questioning and being tied to a chair. He was dragged back to earth when Hotguy snapped his fingers.
“Nice try. You got further than most.” Hotguy gave him a crooked smile that Grian wanted to punch off his face.
“What do you want to know?” He spat out, “Why am I still masked? Don’t you want to know who I am, huh?”
“You’re still masked because I recognise the talent in you. You’ve been causing terror in the hearts of many but I see the skill in you. You’re stealthy and smart.” Hotguy circled him like a vulture would circle its prey, his footsteps harsh against the floor. “Though no match for me.”
“Get to the point.” Grian hissed.
“I also understand your position and desperation.”
He scoffed, “You don’t. You were spoon fed love and attention. You were handed everything on a silver platter. You don’t understand how the rest of us struggle for the same.”
“Don’t I?” Hotguy smiled sadly, “Not everyone is as they seem. And I know you’re not a bad person.”
“I am bad. Rotten to the core.” He said, “But do get to the point.”
“I want you to use your skills for better. I want you to use your skills to serve this city. As a hero. You’d get the love and attention you’re craving.”
“What?” He exclaimed, “Aren’t I getting arrested? What’s the catch?”
“If you say yes, you won’t be arrested. This is why I didn’t unmask you. If you say yes, me not knowing your true identity would be for the best.” Hotguy booped his nose through the fabric of his mask and Grian pulled away from the touch, disgusted. “The catch is that if you say yes, you won’t ever be able to interact with your two friends. I know the two men who came to me are in the same league as you. You’ll have to give up all your relations for their safety.”
“My answer is no. Arrest me. Hell, kill me even! But I’ll never spend my time saving the same people who rejected me.” He whispered in a low yet certain voice.
“Think about it. You have all the time you need to think.” Hotguy whispered before disappearing out of the room, leaving Grian all alone with his thoughts.