I Fell In Love With The Villain.

Excitement filled me to the core as I placed the last box of my stuff in the new apartment. There wasn't much, and it was small, but it was mine. I walked to the balcony of my third story apartment and looked out at the scenery. It was amazing. So green from the trees rustling in the warm summer breeze. The streets below were pretty empty as rush hour was gone for the day. My mother doesn't care for the city. She lives in the suburbs of New Jersey and wonders why I chose D.C. of all places. Even with the job I got offered, she still wonders why I didn't take the offer at the local bureau. Unpacking the very little stuff I had, I locked up the apartment and headed on a walk around the area. It was a warm summer, humid and sticky as the clouds above threatened rain. I wore my favorite shirt and shorts, my tennis shoes were in need of a good wash anyway. The only protection I have from the rain would be my baseball cap. The city felt calm as I passed through. It was the fourth of July weekend, even though it's the 5th now. Not many around as they were away on trips more than likely. Exploring the city, finding federal buildings and monuments, and then finally a coffee shop to rest before heading back home. I waited in line behind an obnoxious man. He was talking on his phone very loudly, most of which was inappropriate. Thankfully, he got his drink and left. "Hey there, apologies for that." The girl barista said as she took my order. It wasn't her fault the man had no filter or respect for others. After getting my large shaken espresso with the fixings, I sat in the coffee shop, watching as the rain started to pour down. Great timing on my part. I wasn't sure how long it was going to last, but it was nice to see the rain and just sit in the shop while sipping on my drink. Everything felt calm and relaxing, the best choice I made for myself yet. "Oh f**k!" The barista shouted as she dove under the bar, others joining her. Frozen, I looked around as everyone hid. Before I could get up, something, or someone crashed through the window and slammed into the back on the wall. Gripping my drink and falling on my ass, I scooted behind the table and chairs. The man that crashed into the building collapsed to the ground, groaning. His body was covered in a tight bodysuit that gripped his toned physic while covering his face. The black suit had green and purple markings accenting his muscles. What the f**k? Looking around, another appeared in the destroyed entrance. Levitating off the ground, he wore a gold outfit with black and white lining. His blonde hair flowed freely as a mask covered half his face. His cape whipped behind him. "Necrobloom, get up." The man levitating demanded. "You've done enough damage." "Him?!" I stood up, I don't know why, but I did. "You just flung him through the building! Like a doll. YOU could have killed someone." He turned his gaze to me. Even with the mask blocking out his eyes, I could feel the piercing gaze. The barista poked her head out. "I mean, she's not wrong, Star Sovereign... But we appreciate what you do!" They were scared, and so was I. I've never seen these two before, nor did I think superheroes or whatever was happening existed. "Stand down, citizen. It doesn't concern you." He said, his voice was firm, but I didn't move. I felt like I couldn't move. "No, when you threaten the lives of others, it becomes their problem too." My voice quivered softly as I tried to sound as firm as him. Being confrontational wasn't my thing. It made my entire body feel like it was on fire. But I couldn't stand by. "She's right." Necrobloom said. In a flash, he had me in his arms as a human shield, except I was too small for him. "It's her problem, too." I could feel the smirk on his face. "Follow me, and I'll drop her from the Washington monument." Star Sovereign didn't change his facial expression as he watched Necrobloom take me away. In a panic, I dropped my drink as we lunged out of the building and into the skyline. He held me tightly as he hopped from building to building. I turned and held on as tight as I could, scared he would drop me. The rain pelted on us as he finally stopped. My legs and arms were wrapped tight around him, too afraid to look where she stopped. "You can let go now, I'm not going to hurt you." His voice was calm as he gently pulled me off him. "Wh... Where did you take me?" I asked, looking at the water and trees. "It Roosevelt Island. It's easy to get on and off." He explained how to get off and where I need to go to get back. I stared at him for a moment, then around the island. "So... who are you? And who was that?" He was silent, his gaze looking down at my shirt. "I like your shirt. More people should be like you." With that, he took off, leaving me behind. I tried to call him but he had already leaped to the bridge then off from there. Curious, I looked down at my shirt, completely forgetting which one I had on. In large print was the shirt I made saying 'Tree Hugger'. It was made to make my grandpa laugh because he called me one out of spite one day. Only because we couldn't agree on the political system and what we as humans do to this planet. Sighing, I trudged back home. I spent my money on my coffee, not able to buy another for a little while. It was a whirlwind of a first day in D.C.. Maybe my mom was right. Maybe coming here was too much. No one explained that there were these super human like people who fight. It's never reported. Or at least I've never seen it. The rain finally let up as I was drenched. I passed by the destroyed shop, noticing they were cleaning up. "Oh my, you're okay!" The barista from earlier ran over. "What happened?" Explained he let me go on the island then took off, said he liked my shirt too, which was strange. She just nodded as if it was normal. "Has he... you know, killed anyone?" I asked, taking a broom and helping them out. "Uh, well. There was this one politician who he really didn't like, but a lot of people voted for him. Turns out the guy was trying to get this pipeline going, and it ended up leaking. So, instead of fixing it, he was ignoring it. He did die, a pretty intense way to go." I was scared to ask how, but she told me anyway. "They found him in the pipeline, drowned in the oil." "So, Necro whatever is a good guy?" I asked. "I mean, yes and no. I understand why he gets angry, but he does get a little crazy with it. Shouldn't kill people." "So the other guy?" "Star Sovereign." She looked like she was in love with him. "He's the hero, I guess you could say. Him and Necrobloom tend to go after each other, but honestly, Star Sovereign goes after other bad guys, too. Like bank robbers and such." "Has Necrobloom ever threatened the city?" "Once or twice. And that was actually because of some political thing. I know that he did try a big attack once, or at least got to some leaders of other nations to sign documents for some sort of green act." "I feel like you're describing an anti-hero. Almost. Like a good cop, bad cop situation." "Interesting view." A deep voice came from behind me. It sounded familiar, making the hairs on my neck stand up. But when I turned around, there was a tall, broad, handsome man behind me. His dark brown hair was combed back, but some sprang free in a controlled mess. His deep hazel eyes stared down at me as he walked into the destroyed shop. A tall, tanned Adonis wearing an expensive, black suit, blood red tie, and deep blue shirt. "H-Hi, Mr. Whiterose!" The girl exclaimed. She was nervous as he approached us. "Evening, Delilah." He replied, letting out a breathy laugh as she squealed and ran off. I watched her take off before turning back to the man before me. Curiosity aroused in me as I looked him up and down. "What happened to you?" I asked, pointing at the cut on his lip and bruise on his cheek. "I was sparring when I heard the commotion." He stated, nearly circling me. "I'm sorry, I don't believe we've met. I'm Allistar Whiterose, I own this shop and a few others in Foggy Bottom. Do you work for me?" "No." I simply said as I continued to sweep a bunch of glass into a pile. "Then why are you cleaning?" I shrugged. "I'm helping. I was in here earlier when a man was thrown through a window, destroying your shop. So I thought I'd help out." He reached for the broom. "Why help when it doesn't concern you nor get paid to do it?" "Help doesn't need a reward, and it does concern me. I was in the shop. I dropped my coffee, so I thought I'd help clean because of the mess I made." He was stunned, not entirely sure what else to say, but took the broom away. "I appreciate the idea, but I can't have you get hurt." He told everyone to exit the building. As we all piled out to the sidewalk, he stood in front of them and announced the store would be closed due to repairs, and everyone would be getting paid during the construction. They all cheered, collecting their things as they left. "That was awfully nice of you." I said. He turned his gaze to me, his eyes darting down at my shirt then back up at me, a soft smile across his lips. "I like your shirt. More people should be like you." He winked then got into his car as the police arrived to tape off the building. I watched him drive away as I felt my face flush. Nervous, I made my way back home, walking up the steps and into my apartment. It was still kind of empty as I needed furniture, but I had a bed, and that's all I wanted at the moment. I peeled off the wet clothes and took a quick shower. Put on fresh clothes and put the damp ones on the balcony railing. I hadn't eaten all day, but there was barely anything in the fridge. I didn't really want to go out again, so I ordered out instead. Not long after I ordered came a knock on the door. I jumped up from my bed and opened the door to Star Sovereign. He stared down at me with his arms behind his back and a blank expression on his face. "Well, you aren't my delivery man." A weird tingle crept up my spine. "I'm here to make sure you're all right after today's aftermath." His voice didn't show much concern. "I'm fine. Thank you." I said, trying to escape him. "I have some questions to ask you before going. May I?" He gestured to coming in. I hesitated but let him in. He walked right past me, his cape nearly slapping me in the face. Closing the door, I followed him in as he looked around my apartment. "I'm guessing this is about that Necrobloom guy." I asked. "Correct." He said.