“Angel, you know I can’t show you my face. I’m a hero, it’s for my own good.” He grinned at me. I could tell he was smiling as I watched his eyes squint.

“Oh, if you sure, Viper, if that is your real name.” I rolled my eyes, turning my back on the fire escape as he crouched on the window sill.

“Of course it isn’t my real name, sweetness, but like I said, I can never reveal it to you.” He repeated, cracking his knuckles.

“You know,” I sighed. “I’ve told you I love you, and you’ve said the same to me. I let sleep in my bed, let you get away with whatever you wanted, and never once did I ever ask for something in return. If you can’t show me your face or tell me your true name, did you even mean it when you told me you would love me for the rest of our lives?”

“Sam, where is this coming from? Just this morning, you hugged me goodbye when I left with a smile on your face.” He shook his masked head, a sudden tone of concern edging into his voice.

“Viper, I’ve been sitting on this for a long time now. This is it. It’s either you show me your face and prove that you mean it when you tell me you love me, or don’t ever show up at my door again.”

“Sam, you can’t do that to me! I’m a superhero! I promised a long time ago that I would do whatever it took to keep the world safe from harm. You know I would never give that up.” He argued.

“Oh, I get it. Of course the world is more important. I just…I love you, and it scares me everyday! Seeing you off, risking your life everyday, being adored by millions. It’s so much glory and success, and every day I think it’s going to be the last time I see you before something bad happens, or worse.” I confessed, feeling the sting of hot tears behind my eyes.

“Worse?”

I hesitated, feeling as if I said too much.

“You could realize how small, insignificant, and useless I am in the grand scheme of things. Viper, I’m nothing compared to the giant monsters and villains from other realms, dimensions, and galaxies! What makes me so important? So worthy of your attention after what you’ve done for the world? Nothing. I am nothing!” I protested, feeling the sobs overwhelming me.

I started bawling my eyes right then and there, trying to stifle the sobs with a hand pressed over my mouth. My back was turned to him, but I knew it did nothing to hide it. I heard him shuffle around behind me as I fruitlessly wiped away the continuous stream of tears.

As I bit my tongue in another attempt to stop my pathetic tears, I felt Viper’s strong hands gently grasp my shoulder and turn me to face him. He took my face in his hands and wiped the rest of my tears as I calmed my shaky breaths.

“Sam, when I told you I loved you for the first time, it was the first time I uttered those words since the death of my father. I love you more than i will ever know. If it means that much to you, close the curtains and I’ll show you my face, for you.” He smiled, embracing me tightly. Wordlessly, I nodded and complied with his request.

“Okay, all the windows and doors are covered, I think we’re good.” I said, sniffling.

“Okay then, are you ready?”he grinned once more as he lifted the mask away from his face.

His striking green eyes sparkled as he watched my reaction. His face was angular and sharp, which I hadn’t anticipated from the few times I caught small glimpses of his face around my apartment. His long blonde hair was pulled back with a bandanna so it would fit beneath the mask he wore, but he pulled it away to allow it to fall into his eyes, running his fingers through it.

“Was this what you expected?” He asked, rolling his neck around in a stretch.

“If I’m being honest, I’m not sure what I had expected. Thank you for trusting me with it. I know I was sort of forceful with the request but I appreciate it anyway.” I spoke softly, taking in every detail possible.

“I love you, Sam.”