Vigilante | ✔

Annual #3

The first time Matthew saw Eli, he thought the redhead was freaking adorable. Of course, he'd never tell Eli that, for fear of death.

Matthew still remembered that day clearly. He'd been exhausted and very much in need of some coffee — anything to wake him up, really. When he'd walked into the little coffee shop nearest to his home, he hadn't expected to find an attractive redhead waiting inside. He'd paused to stare for only a second before Eli opened his mouth to toss a vicious insult Michael's way. As stupid as it sounded, Matthew found that endearing.

After that, he'd made it a habit to visit the shop.

Days turned into weeks that turned into months and after a while he found that he knew Eli well enough — mostly thanks to Michael's gossiping — to know that whatever he felt for the redhead wasn't just a simple crush. It was a shame that Matthew wasn't nearly as brave as his alter ego. It was also a shame that Eli didn't seem as fond of said alter ego as virtually everyone else in town.

"Where do you come from?" Eli asked with a dumbfounded look.

It was, by Matthew's count, the third time he'd helped out the redhead. If he didn't enjoy their encounters more, he probably would have complained.

"If I told you it would just take the fun out of it," Matthew said as he zip-tied the latest threat to Eli's general well being. Matthew often wondered how Eli had survived for so long. Then again, Eli was pretty feisty.

"I seriously hope you're not stalking me," he heard Eli mutter. There was a dubious look on his face as he eyed Matthew warily. And here Matthew thought Eli was starting to trust him a bit. Maybe it was for the best that he not admit that he basically was stalking him.

Honestly though, the first time he'd saved Eli had been luck. Granted, after that, watching over Eli as he made his way home had become more of a habit.

"You know, you're really making me feel unwanted," Matthew said, his amused grin hidden from Eli's view. He'd always felt more confident beneath the mask.

It was that same confidence that had allowed him to steal his first kiss from Eli. Something he still remembered very vividly. He could also recall the look of shock on that freckled face and how it had quickly switched to one of absolute indignation. In hindsight, he should have known Eli wouldn't just take that lying down. Again, it was Vigilante's cockiness that ended up getting him unmasked, and then Matthew had nothing to hide behind anymore.

He'd still been surprised when Eli didn't run off to tell people about Matthew being Vigilante. That was probably when he'd realized he loved Eli.

And then he'd gone and put him in danger.

Of all the things he'd ever done, all the mistakes he'd ever made, getting Eli involved in what was Vigilante's business was the one thing Matthew regretted. Eli had never complained about it, not after that night when Matthew had returned, more than a year after he'd let Eli believe Vigilante had died.

Instead he'd taken Matthew in and had given him a chance he didn't really deserve. The thought still made him smile.

"What the hell are you smiling about?" Eli asked as Matthew walked into the room where Eli was trying to organize all the boxes they'd carried into their new apartment. They'd figured they should get a larger place since they'd be living together. It was a definite improvement from Eli's old place, not to mention that the neighborhood was much safer. It was one of the few things Matthew had insisted on when they'd been searching for their new home.

"Just reminiscing," Matthew said, setting down the last of their belongings.

"Well stop it, you're creeping me out," Eli shot back. Matthew only smiled wider, partly out of amusement and partly just to irritate Eli. It was always fun to see Eli get annoyed. Maybe he was right after all and Matthew truly was insane.

Matthew watched Eli for a moment, just leaning against the entrance of the room. He thought about all the things Eli was giving up — had given up — to be with him. He looked at the slight limp that was always there visible — it seemed — only to Matthew. The proof of his greatest mistake and regret. The proof of his guilt.

His smile faltered and fell, his eyes taking in a faraway look.

"What's that face for?" Eli's voice snapped Matthew out of his thoughts. There was thinly veiled concern beneath the curious and mildly irritated look on Eli's face. Matthew pulled on a smile.

"I'd say for kissing, but you'd probably punch me," Matthew said. He was very grateful for the distance between him and Eli at the moment. It was still fun to see Eli's face get all red.

"You're such an idiot," Eli said, voice tinged with embarrassment. That was particularly hilarious because, from what Matthew had seen, Eli was practically shameless with anyone but Matthew.

"And yet you put up with me," Matthew pointed out, close to sounding smug about it.

"Yes, well, I'm an idiot too," Eli retorted, turning back to digging around the boxes stacked up along the room. Matthew stood there, observing him for a few more seconds before he walked up to the redhead. He tried not to laugh at the way Eli jumped when Matthew wrapped his arms around him and pulled him close.

"Thank you," he said. "For giving me another chance," he clarified, before Eli could ask what the hell he was talking about. Something in his tone must have told Eli just how much he meant it, how much his forgiveness and acceptance meant to Matthew.

"It's not like I could just let you go off on your own. You'd probably get yourself killed for real," Eli said, but the words were lacking their usual dose of sarcasm.

"Well, if it makes you feel better, I'll do my best not to let that happen," Matthew said with a smile as he drew away from Eli. There was a smile appearing on Eli's face, a true one that made something in Matthew's heart warm up at the sight. Of course, he had to ruin the moment. "Now why don't we celebrate by testing out the bed?"

Eli stomped out of the room while Matthew rubbed his now sore shins. It was definitely worth it, he thought as he laughed at Eli's red ears peeking out of his equally red hair. Definitely worth it.

- - - - - - - - -

Surprise chapter time!

So yeah, I love you all, you've all been amazing and apparently you like reading about these two dorks, so here you go. (Sorry if there's any typos though, I didn't edit this one.) Also, I'll be entering this story and Albatross into the Wattys! It's my first time so wish me luck! (Though I seriously doubt I'll win. ; u ; )

Hope you guys like this and thank you all so much for reading!