Finally.

Rowan finally found something useful. Something he could use as evidence to force the heroes of the Legion to see the truth.

His hands trembled on the keyboard, reflecting the earthquake of emotions that was going on inside him. Every step he took had led to this moment, and though he hadn't yet fulfilled his promise, he was closer than ever.

But why wasn't he more happy?

Rowan knew the answer to that question, but he didn't want to admit it.

The trembling of his hands was nothing compared to the way his heart raced at the thought of the blond man. Fortunately, Rowan was experienced at torture, and there was no better way to practice than by torturing himself. He just had to remind himself that anything outside his goal was on the lower levels of his value pyramid and therefore, unimportant. Anything and anyone.

Rowan watched as the CD came out of his computer and carefully placed it in an envelope along with a handwritten note. All that was left was to get it to the Legion and watch the chaos unfold.

It wasn't a problem for Rowan, who had hacked into their system many times before, but at the same time, he knew that this would change everything. For him, for those killers, for Matteo… 

His every thought for the past few days had ended with Matteo. He was like the sweet aftertaste of fruit that lingers on the tongue but turns bitter after a while. Rowan knew what he had to do. He knew why this world had failed him and what he had to do to fix it, but he also knew that it would bring down Matteo's world, something that was important to him, and he hesitated.

Throughout his life, Rowan had lied, stolen, fought countless fights, and manipulated countless people, but when it came to the blonde superhero, his good side suddenly began to emerge. The side that once loved carnivals, ball games, and ghost stories because they meant he could enjoy s'mores. It was pathetic. He really didn't deserve the title of villain.

Cecil's line about a hero with villainous methods flashed through his mind. 

Once upon a time, Rowan wanted to grow up and be a hero. He came up with a new alias every week, from Canary Boy to Torpedo to Shockwave. The latter was invented by his parents, and Rowan believed that in an alternate universe, a version of him existed as a superhero by that name.  

In this world, however, there was only Revenger. And as his name suggested, his goal was revenge. 

…

Revenge has proven to be difficult, though.

A day later, he was still hesitating. The envelope with the CD was always in his sight, placed on the shelf near the front door, for all he had to do was take it and bring it to the Legion, but every time Rowan's eyes fell on his door, he imagined the blonde walking through it. In a weak moment, he decided that he needed one last night with him before taking that drastic step, and he had no choice but to hope that it would happen soon, or else he would go mad. 

However, with every hour that passed, he knew that his plan was pathetic and that there was little chance that it would work.

He was seriously starting to believe it and rethink everything when suddenly there was a knock on the door. In the silence of his apartment, it sounded like a gunshot, and Rowan's heart raced as if aware of the potential danger. But Rowan knew that someone who wished him harm wouldn't knock, and besides, only one person knew where he lived.

His steps towards the door were tentative as if he were preparing for his execution, and in a way, it was true.

The knock came again, louder this time, and Rowan reached for the doorknob. He didn't even realise that he had used his powers to muffle the sound of his footsteps in order to approach the door without the person on the other side knowing. Rowan had always been careful with his powers, especially this one, so the fact that he used it without thinking said it all.

"Hey," came out of his mouth as soon as he opened the door. His expression was neutral, not reflecting anything going on inside him, and so did Matteo's.  

"Hey," the blonde greeted him back before running his eyes over his frame. "You look good."

Rowan felt like laughing. After a few sleepless nights and hours spent on the computer, he looked anything but good. He was sure he had circles under his eyes, and his skin was even paler than usual, but the blond superhero obviously didn't have the courage to point it out. Or maybe he didn't care.

"What are you doing here?" he asked him, resting his arm on the doorframe. He knew full well that Matteo could only have one reason for visiting, but after not showing up for so long, he wasn't going to make it easy for him.

"Am I no longer welcome here?" the blonde answered with a question of his own.

Rowan almost told him that it depended on whether he was going to give him his shirt back, but he quickly stopped himself. The idea of Matteo in his shirt was more than satisfying, and besides, Rowan was sure that mentioning a single boundary crossing in their relationship would do more harm than good.

Instead, he said, "You're always welcome here." And as a demonstration of his words, he stepped back to allow Matteo to enter.

The blonde didn't hesitate and walked straight around Rowan, brushing his shoulder against his in the process, and headed straight for his bedroom door. Rowan hesitated for a second but was right on his heels. 

"What are you waiting for?" Matteo turned in the doorway and looked at him with raised eyebrows. Most of the time they crossed the threshold of Rowan's room with quick steps, barely noticing where they were going as they were so engrossed in each other. Today was different, however, and it seemed that Rowan was the only one troubled by it. 

He knew, however, that it was not a good idea to express his confusion. He and Matteo weren't known for their conversations, and Rowan couldn't imagine anything resembling a serious conversation between them. 

"Nothing," he replied, closing the distance between them. Matteo let him kiss him, but immediately pulled away and, without waiting for him, walked over to the bed and sat down. 

It was getting stranger, and although Rowan had been waiting for this moment, he wasn't as excited as he'd expected. 

"I hope you're not expecting a striptease." Rowan leaned against the door, just as he had done at the entrance, and although he tried to look relaxed, he was actually experiencing the exact opposite inside. 

"That doesn't sound so bad," the blonde replied. He leaned back and propped himself up on his elbows, watching Rowan with an intense gaze. 

"I'll have to disappoint you then." The blonde didn't reply, and the two remained in their places, watching each other. 

Rowan had no idea what to say. He couldn't exactly reproach him for not showing up for so long, since he'd never made any promises. But he also didn't want to tell him to get undressed, because instead of being aroused, he was worried about the blond superhero right now.

"What?" The blonde asked as the silence between them stretched even further. "You don't want to fuck me anymore?" 

"I didn't say that," Rowan mumbled without thinking. 

Matteo raised an eyebrow and Rowan allowed himself to frown, as he had already reacted in a way he shouldn't have. 

"Come here, Rowan," Matteo said in a tone that didn't allow for any protest to be made. 

Rowan automatically took a few steps forward until he was just in front of Matteo, who sat up, leaving Rowan standing between his spread legs. 

Their gazes met, and Rowan still couldn't read what was going on in his lover's blue eyes. 

"Aren't you gonna kiss me?" Matteo asked, his tone becoming seductive, though there was a provocative edge to it as if his request was a challenge to Rowan. 

"If that's what you want," Rowan replied, his words also a question, giving Matteo a chance to think. But before he could change his mind, Rowan reached out and placed his hand on the back of Matteo's neck, running his thumb along the outline of his jaw. 

"Don't keep me waiting," Matteo said in a low voice, never taking his eyes off Rowan. 

That was enough for Rowan to lean forward and place his lips on his, more tenderly than ever. Their kisses were always passionate, but this time was different. Rowan knew he'd panic if he thought about it any more, so he quickly decided to change that by running his tongue over Matteo's lips in a silent question. And Matteo immediately gave him access to his mouth. 

The innocent kiss quickly lost its innocence, and before Rowan could find his composure, Matteo pulled him closer by his shirt and made him lie on top of him. 

Their tongues began to fight as Matteo's hands fought with the hem of Rowan's shirt, pulling it up. Rowan decided to repeat the action and slid his hands under the blonde's shirt. He ran his fingers over his skin as he had done so many times before, but the sensation still managed to excite him as if it were the first time. 

"Off," Matteo commanded as their mouths parted for a moment, and Rowan immediately obeyed, removing his shirt and then doing the same to Matteo's. 

"I want your mouth," the blonde instructed again, and Rowan, as usual, immediately decided to grant him his every wish. He ran his tongue from the hem of Matteo's pants across his abdomen to his nipple, pinching it gently between his teeth and causing a sharp gasp to escape from the blonde's mouth. 

As he played with his nipple, his hands worked on unbuttoning his pants and, having had plenty of practice, it only took a few seconds for one of his hands to disappear inside them. 

"More, Rowan." His tone wasn't so sure anymore, betraying Matteo's heavy breathing. 

He could never say no to him, and this time was no exception. He put his hand where Matteo wanted it most and squeezed. The blonde made a noise that was music to his ears. 

Rowan's mouth left his nipple and moved instead to the fabric covering Matteo's crotch. He took him into his mouth through the fabric of his underwear, not caring that it would be wet. Matteo moaned again, and that was enough encouragement for Rowan. 

His hands landed on Matteo's hips, and he immediately cooperated as he began to strip him completely naked. 

He was gorgeous, just as Rowan remembered, but he didn't enjoy the sight of him for long, knowing he had other things to do. His mouth wasn't used to the size of Matteo's cock anymore, but Rowan took it as a challenge.

"Rowan," Matteo gasped his name, and that was all the encouragement he needed. His movements quickened, and Rowan's hands joined in the game. 

"Rowan." He felt the blonde's hand land in his hair.

"Rowan, I don't..." Matteo was clearly unable to concentrate on his own words as Rowan's mouth moved expertly along his length. "I don't want to cum without you."

That was a wish he could grant.

Although his mouth was empty for a moment, it didn't last long as it quickly found Matteo's. He bit his lip, and the blonde dug his nails into his back in return.

Rowan's hand found his thigh and gripped it tightly. He loved his body and the way it felt under him. He couldn't get enough of it.

"Lube. We need lube," Matteo said at the first opportunity. He could barely catch his breath as Rowan took it away, but that didn't slow his desire.

"Whatever you want," Rowan said without thinking but did nothing to take back his words. On the contrary. He reached over to the bedside table to get the lube, as Matteo wanted. 

"Turn around," he ordered, and the blonde obeyed immediately, lying on his stomach and giving Rowan an irresistible view. He opened the lube, but instead of applying it to his fingers, he placed the tube next to him. He missed Matteo, but since he didn't want to admit it out loud, he decided to prove it to him in another way.

A loud gasp escaped the blonde's lips as he felt a wet tongue on his opening.

"It's gonna be a long night, Bugs Bunny." A promise he intended to keep.

“Can't wait,” was his breathless reply.