Chapter Text
“We need to get out of here!” One of the criminals yells, a large bag filled with money like they’re some sort of cartoon villain. “We’re gonna get spotted-”
They were interrupted by the sound of footsteps. Burning Beacon stood in the clearing of the alley, tapping his foot like an impatient businessman.
“Let’s just get this over with, shall we?” Quicker than any of the “villains” could react, a fire raged from the vigilante’s hands and towards the leader's clothes, setting it on fire.
The leader screamed and dropped the bag in a panic to put out the fire. The others, deciding it was not worth getting burnt alive, booked it. The leader put himself out and followed the others, screaming about betrayal. Burning Beacon rolled his eyes.
Well,
he thought,
that was quick.
80 - Burning Beacon, 0 - Robbers.
As quick as he came, he disappeared into the shadows. He barely had to use any fire this time! He sees this as a total win.
He soon makes it to his shared apartment (not without calling the police on the robbers, he doubts they will make it far) and slips into his window quietly. Winnie is probably still sleeping..
Quickly, he puts away his costume, getting undressed and slipping in his PJ's.
He’s done a lot today, and Augustine is quite proud of himself. But the use of his power always makes his mouth dry, so he goes to get a drink of water as quietly as he can.
Clearly, he didn’t do it quietly enough, as Winnie comes into the kitchen not even a minute later.
Whoops.
Winnie stares. “You’re getting a glass of water?”
“Sorry Winn’.. Didn’t mean to wake you up.”
Winnie’s eyes soften. “S’okay.” Winnie yawns, leaning slightly on the kitchen door. “I know you didn't mean too.”
“You should go back to bed. You have to get up at six AM, right?” Augustine looks at the time. 3:25 AM.. It’s pretty late.
Winnie nods, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. “Yeah, I do. But I'm okay. I was just worried.” He glances at Augustine, his eyes searching. “Everything alright?”
Augustine tries to hide his fatigue, forcing a smile. “Just had a bit of a nightmare.” A little lie won’t hurt. “Couldn't shake it off.”
…Great, now Winnie looks worried.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“And keep you up all night? No thanks. I'll tell you some other time, 'kay?”
“Auggie, you know-” “I know.” Of course he knows. He knows how much Winnie will sacrifice to make sure he is okay. But as his best friend, Augustine cannot let Winnie have another almost sleepless night. “Just go back to bed, okay? If it's that bad, I would've woken you up myself.”
Winnie nods, but hesitates before leaving. “Alright, but if you need anything-”
Augustine rolls his eyes. “Just go, Winnie. You can barely stand.”
With a final nod, Winnie turns and pads back to his room. Augustine hears the door click shut, and the mattress squeaks as Winnie's weight settles into it.
Augustine leans against the kitchen counter, sipping his water and listening to the distant wail of sirens growing closer. He knows the police are on their way to the scene of the crime he'd just left. It's a sound that brings him a mix of satisfaction and dread.
He should probably get some sleep, too.
Augustine heads back to his room.