Thank you guys sm for 10k reads!!! This chapter took extra long because tbh it inspired this whole story and wanted it to be perfect. Enjoy :)

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Tell Me How It Goes

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Upwards of a week went by before I got my courage up. You'd think that a superhero would have no issue gaining the confidence to ask someone out in their regular persona, but you'd be very wrong.

There was quite a bit of pacing, note writing, and pros and cons lists done before I could even begin to advance with my plans. I briefly mentioned the topic to William, but I tried to be as vague as possible.

On the one hand, I didn't want him taking matters into his own hands. And on the same hand, I was still unnerved by Minta's words. I hated I was so nervous around him now, but she was in my head. I'd never had any reason to believe William wished me ill harm, but maybe that was because I wasn't looking for it?

Safe to say, Minta had succeeded in creating an abundance of paranoia within me. If for some reason that was her goal, she did a damn good job.

On the other hand, the only other person I felt comfortable to talk to about this was Eve. But since Eve had just gone through a shitty breakup (and was maybe romancing Invincible?) I felt like it wasn't appropriate to ask.

Unfortunately, the issue was that I was beginning to think Minta was right.

Every time I tried to get Mark alone, he was with Amber. Or William, a couple times, but that was to be expected.

At school? Amber.

In town? Amber.

Mark's house? Amber.

Yes. I really did show up one day, and Amber really was at his house.

Apparently they were working on a project.

In a situation like this, I'd like to think of myself as the type to not jump to conclusions. I don't know they're dating. Maybe they're just friends, or have school work, or some miscellaneous thing like that.

But considering the frequency, and Minta's speech, it was hard not to believe the first thing that came to mind.

And who could blame them? Both parties were attractive, and had interesting personalities, and there was no reason for them to not be together. It seemed like a match made in heaven.

Which made it all the more worse when I had to accept it was over. I didn't want to - I wanted to at least ask, and know, and put my feelings on the table.

Maybe that was selfish of me, but that's okay. I was allowed to be selfish, just this once.

But I couldn't even be selfish if I didn't get the chance.

I found myself atop the same roof I'd been to plentiful times. It was a chillier night, the wind blowing in my hair and whistling through the air. My clothes did little to shield me. My cheeks were red with cold and emotion.

I'd left my teleporter at home, somewhat recklessly, but I had to believe the world would stop for me just this time. That I could get a moment of silence tonight, just for me, just to think.

I'd been through so much, and today I was going to be selfish. I was going to be (Y/N), a human, a normal person for tonight. Affinity could come back tomorrow. I just needed time time to think as myself, and not as a hero.

I sat on the chilly roof, letting my legs dangle off the edge. I kicked them back and forth, making echoes off the tall metal building, and forced myself not to look down. Healer or not, that fall would not be fun.

Nor would I be able to explain why my human body had survived that fall. Or been able to explain why I'd even taken it. Awkward.

There was a rush of air beside me, and a shadow fell over me. I was just about to groan, assuming it was some maintenance worker coming to shout at me for a disturbance, or how people weren't supposed to be up here, when a friendly voice called out to me.

"Hey, ah, are you okay?" Invincible asked, kneeling down a safe distance away. I glanced in his directed briefly, just enough to see the concern on his face.

"No," I replied honestly, hugging my arms tighter against myself. I felt strangely vulnerable, for some reason my identity alone making me feel humble. "Aren't you supposed to be saving people?"

He paused for a moment, mulling something over, and shrugged. "Maybe I am. Right here. I might be a superhero but I'm a person, too. And you kind of look like you need someone to talk to."

"I don't want to be a bother," I responded, although I really did want to be a bother.

I waited for Invincible to respond, but when he didn't I followed up, a little too excitedly, "You're sure?"

"Absolutely. I'm listening. I know how it nice it is to have someone care."

"Thank you," I said, tapping the spot next to me and scooting over. Invincible shifted, moving himself right next to me. I could feel his leg against mine, hard and muscular.

I resisted the urge to press myself against him.

I inhaled deeply, releasing a spiel I previously thought was so silly. "I guess it's just a lot of everything. I'm overwhelmed with school, and... work, and my friends, and trying to balance it all. I guess I thought I had a handle on it, I keep thinking I have a handle on it, but it all sort of came crashing down today. I just keep thinking..."

"Nobody can hold the weight of the world forever. Do you mind sharing what happened?"

I wouldn't have been surprised if Invincible could hold the weight of the world forever, and Affinity definitely should've, but I appreciated the sentiment.

"Ugh, it's so silly," I sighed, leaning back and looking to the sky.

I couldn't believe I was about to tell Invincible my whole life's story and he didn't even know it was me.

"C'mon. If you're feeling it, it can't be that stilly," Invincible pressed. "Unless it is, in which I'll momentarily pretend it isn't."

"I don't know about that," I remarked, although I couldn't help but hesitantly continue. "There was this guy, who I really really liked. We haven't known each other long, but he's one of the most caring and considerate people I've ever met. Cutest, too, at sake of sounding dumb. I didn't expect him to reciprocate or anything like that, but I guess I just hoped it. I mean, anyone would, right? I think he's going out with this girl, and she's incredible too. They're probably made for each other."

I stopped, taking a deep breath, and contemplated what I'd say next. After a beat, I sucked it up and admitted what I'd been thinking all night.

"I guess it just breaks my heart it isn't me."

"Have you told him how you feel?" Invincible asked, following a brief pause as he thought.

"Not exactly," I said with a cringe. "It would be a miracle he's into me. And I don't want to walk over anyone, especially not a friend. I don't want to ruin a friendship."

"Maybe it would be worth it. Anyone would be lucky to have you. Trust me, (Y/N), you might not see it yourself but you're something special. Are you certain they're a thing?"

His goggled eyes bore straight into mine, the softest grace of a smile on his face. I felt myself prickle, my skin warming ever so slightly.

"Not officially. They just spend a lot of time together, and they get along so well...," I bit my lip, shaking my head. "I don't know."

"What if you did it tonight?" Invincible suggested, his face lighting up. "Just get it over with, so you don't have to worry anymore. Plus, if you really don't know, there's no shame in asking. You're already feeling down — it can't get any worse. You know?"

"Fat chance. I'm going to be gross and sweaty by the time I walk down all 300 flights of stairs again. The elevator turns off after 9."

I considered for a moment that maybe that was the real reason I did it. Leave my watch at home. So I didn't give myself any reason to convince myself into doing something I'd regret in the morning. I wouldn't be able to show my face at the school any more. Ever.

"That sounds like an excuse. I can fly, you know," Invincible offered. "And if, on the unlikely chance it goes poorly, I'll be here."

"Nope. No way. Not asking you to do that."

I shook my head, enunciating my words. I wasn't sure if I wasn't asking because I was a coward or because I was afraid of being a nuisance.

"I will," Invincible argued. "I want to."

"You're certain?" I asked, mulling it over. I must've been feeling up to a little humiliation that night. "You're incredible. You're... oh my god, you're the best."

"No, actually, I'm Invincible," the hero replied, standing up with mock pride.

I followed suit, shoving him lightly as I got to my feet. He barely budged, but the gesture was the important part. A scoff left my lips, although I found myself smiling, too.

I remembered, as my heart beat outside of my chest, I was just about as into Invincible as I was Mark. Was this what I really wanted? Was it wrong to like two guys at once?

Technically, no, but I think having one of them fly you to the others house was.

I guess, though, if he was so willing to help with someone else, Invincible was no longer an option. He definitely wasn't into me.

Or, I guess it would be Affinity. Maybe she has a chance.

I instinctively pulled him into a hug, squeezing as tight as I could. Invincible stiffened, but reciprocated. He smelled like teakwood, so absolutely like a high school boy.

You can take the hero out of the boy, but you can't take the boy out of the hero.

"So, how does this work?" I asked, looking skeptically over the side of the building. It was so high up... I'd never felt afraid of heights, but the idea of being entirely to someone's mercy 500 feet above the ground was scary on its own.

"You're gonna have to hold on to me, and I'll be holding on to you, too," Invincible explained, his voice shockingly sweet. "And don't worry, I've flown people before so you've got nothing to worry about."

I nodded, hesitantly moving closer to him. He was much more confident, wrapping his arms around my torso and brushing a hair out of my face.

"Fair warning, your hair's gonna get a little messy," Invincible commented.

I put my hood up over my head, shrugging. "I'll do my best."

I wrapped my arms around him, feeling his body so solid against mine. I wasn't surprised that he was so muscular, but to feel his body so firmly against me was a whole new experience. He was solid and chiseled, especially for someone his age.

"Don't let go," Invincible reminded me. I nodded.

I certainly wasn't planning on it. I wasn't particularly joyous about falling to my death, and to be entirely honest, I was basking in him.

I was really being selfish.

Invincible took to the air, making my stomach do somersaults. It was a different sensation from teleporting - my body wasn't being readjusted, but it felt like I was staying in place and everything was moving around me. I felt weightless in Invincible's arms.

The wind whipped around us and I was acutely aware of how right he was. My hair was going to be so fucked up. My eyes watered, the cold air brushing against them at lightning speeds.

"Let me know if you get uncomfortable," Invincible said, peeking down at me. "It's a little weird the first time."

"Okay!" I shouted back, fighting not to swallow air.

I kept reminding myself like a mantra not to look down. My curious eyes peered south, and I was put through the most intense vertigo I'd ever felt. This was definitely something you'd have to get used to.

I wasn't ever too afraid of heights, but with the wind rushing around me and being so open in the air, I was feeling oddly sick.

"Where are we dropping?" Invincible asked, slowing down to hover in the sky as we approached the suburban part of the city.

I peered around the scenery, fighting back any nerves to play iSpy with all the houses. "I'm not entirely sure from an aerial view but... you know the high school?"

"Roughly," Invincible stated, already heading in that direction.

Intrusively, I thought would've been kind of funny if my next instruction was 'all the way across town from there'.

"It's going to be a little to the left. He lives in this nice white house... that one."

I pointed to Mark's house. It looked even more sleek from above, the perfect example of a perfect home.

When Invincible saw where I was pointing, he staggered a breath, slowing down slightly. His eyebrows furrowed, face scrunched. I guess he realized we were closer than he thought.

"Doesn't Omni-Man live there? I think he's a little too old for you. And married," Invicible seemed to squeak.

"Definitely not here for Omni-Man," I shook my head. I swallowed, unsure of how much was okay to share. "He has this son, his name's Mark. I know a lot of people consider Omni-Man the greatest superhero, and I'd have to call Mark the greatest guy I know."

"Huh," Invincible commented with a nod. He looked like he was slipping into thought. "I'll drop you at the door, yeah?"

"Yeah," I nodded.

Invincible made a beeline for the home, effectively having turned a twenty minute drive into a two minute flight. He touched down somewhere along the street, likely trying to be discreet, and set me down gently. I was awkward on my feet, the ground feeling strangely too stable after my moments in the air.

"Good luck," Invincible said, patting me on the shoulder. "When we meet again, you'll have to tell me how it goes."

Without leaving me a moment to respond, Invincible blasted off into the sky, shooting off into the distance beyond my field of view. I was in it alone now. On my own.

My heart beat hard in my chest.

It fell into a rhythm similar to my feet. I was taking quick steps. I had to move before I could chicken out.

No matter how cold it was, I felt hot. I was sweaty, and I realized with a start this was probably the least control I had over my body ever. I was hardly even conscious of walking my way up his driveway and ringing the doorbell.

I stood there, bouncing from foot to foot and listening to the loud silence as I wanted for the door to creek open.

And then, there he was. Mark looked confused, seeing me on his doorstep at this hour. The light from the house behind him illuminated him like a god.

"Hi Mark," I greeted awkwardly. "Can I talk to you about something?"

"Hey, (Y/N). Are you alright?" Mark responded, concern lacing his features. "It's getting dark out."

He was so handsome standing there. His voice was soft to my ears. I was so dumb to not realize how attracted to him I was sooner.

There was a guilt consuming me for even considering doing this, but I had to. I'd go home regretting it forever if I didn't. I'd been brought to near death and survived. I could face this.

"Yeah, I'm alright," I said, standing taller. "I just, I need to tell you something super important."

"Sure, anything. I'm listening."

Mark stepped out further, shitting the door behind him until only a sliver of light remained.

I really wasn't sure what to say. So I just said everything.

"So, ah, we're friends. And I know you've been hanging out with Amber. And I don't want to put another girl on your mind or homewreck or anything but I like you. Like, I like you like you. And I would've regretted it forever if I never told you."

All the air in my lungs disappeared. Time slowed.

He paused, shifting. It was the longest most painful most excruciating pause of my life. I heard the crinkle of his khakis rubbing together.

"Can I show you something?" He asked finally after a comically long pause.

"What?" I asked.

Oh shit.

Oh God oh fuck.

This is it. The beginning of the end. My life's Armageddon.

"Just... trust me. You have to trust me for this to work."

At that moment I had already put myself into the most vulnerable position I felt I possibly could. I mulled over the options in my head, but at the end of the day I felt I really only had one.

"Okay," I said. "I trust you."

"Close your eyes."

Every worst case scenario flashed through my head. Mark steps away to retrieve Amber from inside so they can laugh at me together. He steps away to grab William and this was all one big set up. He slams the door in my face. He drops a real life bomb on me. His house explodes.

"I thought you were going to show me something?" I asked, trying to act like I wasn't seconds off of shitting myself.

"I will. After you close your eyes."

"That doesn't make any sense."

But I closed my eyes anyway.

I don't know why he would expect me to blindly trust him enough to literally be blind, but he expected right. My eyes were tight shut, almost as if waiting for something painful.

I was down to four senses remaining. There was a rustling of clothes, some weird squeaky noises that could've been shoes, and a couple grunts. I had no clue what he was possibly doing.

"Okay, you can open them," Mark said.

I opened them.

It was Invincible.

It was fucking Invincible standing in front of me at Mark's house.

Nope. That. That was the worst case scenario. I really hadn't thought of that one.

I really should've thought of that one. Every moment clicked in my head all at once, like a wave. I guess I was so distracted by thinking of them as two separate people, as two different friends and crushes from two different sides of my life, that I'd never even considered they'd be one.

I'd hardly even wondered about Invincible's real identity. I'm hind sight that was probably a miscount, too.

Immediately, I fought to clean up my mistake.

"Oh. Oh my God. This is so embarrassing, I'm sorry. Oh shit. Now I fucked it up with both of you. Just you? I'm sorry, pretend I didn't-"

I was sure my face was bright red and frantic. I gesticulated wildly, my hands expressing as many thoughts as my lips.

There is no reason I shouldn't have picked up on that. Absolutely none.

"Wait, wait. Breathe. I'm not done yet. Can you close your eyes one more time?" Mark asked, gently grabbing my wrists and holding them still.

"I... yeah," I resigned, taking a deep breath. I couldn't imagine it could possibly get much worse.

I closed my eyes, wishing I was anywhere but there.

"Okay. Thank you. Here goes."

I felt a soft hand grab mine, sliding down my wrist. A pair of soft lips grazed my left cheek, leaving only a breath of hot air behind.

"I like you, too. Both of you. All of you."

I gasped, my eyes shooting open with the sharp intake of breath. My brain was running haywire, a thousand meters a second.

This was not where I thought that was going.

I lifted my free hand to my cheek where Mark had kissed, entirely starstruck. The impacted area felt hot, like a stove left on without a pot.

There was only one sentence that formed in my mind, battling its way through thousands of other broken pieces of English and scattered thoughts. It was something I'd wanted to say for quite a while, although only now did I allow myself to think it.

"Can I kiss you?" I asked, biting my lip.

"Please, (Y/N)," Mark replied, a smile rolling across his face. "I thought you'd never ask."

Before I knew it, my lips were on his. They were soft and gentle, fitting perfectly atop mine. His strong hands wrapped around me, never touching too low or too high, but resting gently on my waist. I set one hand on his chest, the other cupping his face, basking in his heat.

I was in ecstasy.

And as soon as it started, it stopped. Mark and I pulled away at the same time, taking a breath. He still held me, as I did him. I was smiling ear to ear, a triumphant warmth filling my chest.

"That was amazing," I commented. He looked so incredible, his eyes shining.

I did that. He liked me. I could've melted right then and there.

"You're amazing," Mark shot back.

I laughed a little, every one of my problems feeling insignificant compared to this very moment. Everything felt so right.

As it turned out, I did deserve to be selfish. Sometimes, that's okay.

Reluctantly, we separated from each other. I wanted desperately to be near Mark again, like a magnetic force pulling me in. I'd never desired so deeply to touch him, but now that I'd felt it I didn't want to feel anything else.

"So how'd it go?" Mark asked, a dorky smile crossing his face.

My heart swelled again, sending butterflies into my stomach. "So much better than I could've ever asked for."