Okay, look [https://img.wattpad.com/d5094f9d984de82ce2974a4e1ea4a7171d61c5c8/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f5566586f66394c5743644d7570413d3d2d313337363934333833332e313738336135633561366665653231613738313539383739303631392e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

Okay, look. Jay doesn't like being that guy who tells people they should or shouldn't have children. But as someone who can barely tolerate normal kids, he doesn't understand why a super would procreate and risk having a super baby. If controlling teenage heros is difficult, controlling a super-powered infant is nigh-impossible. However, since nobody is consulting Quickwit on their family planning, heroes and villains alike welcome little bundles of destruction into their loving arms everyday.

Jay's latest partner, Delta, is one of the brave few who have taken that leap into parenthood. After temporarily leaving hero work for her pregnancy and birth, she'd returned looking very ready to leave the nursery and return to her job.

Even knowing that, though, Jay didn't expect this.

"Delta," he hisses, "you can't be seriously asking me this, we're supposed to be intercepting Frigid and Hellfire right now..."

"Quickwit, I'm sorry, please?"

"Quickwit, I'm sorry, please?" [https://img.wattpad.com/d50cf9d1886a2e854d6998889c8228b44f4f9806/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f357a4a4c4b71396d5644556375413d3d2d313337363934333833332e313737656231626236323335613731623534343436303736363437352e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

Jay peers down at the masked infant in Delta's arms [https://img.wattpad.com/35f0450ba5a855b376186a741815d385dd7b1389/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f68747362553147747759374467513d3d2d313337363934333833332e3137383361353665353639376635316337323533323437333331332e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

Jay peers down at the masked infant in Delta's arms. Why does a baby even need to hide its identity!?

"Does he have superpowers?"

Delta nods. "Yes, but It's never been a problem...he has invulnerability, that's the only power he's demonstrated so far." The heroine hugs her baby to her chest, making pleading eyes. "My normal babysitter is one of the hostages, and my husband is at work. I'm sorry, I know this isn't what you signed up for..."

Jay covers his face with a gloved hand, wishing he could shut the door on Delta and return to his soft bed. But with a sigh, the sidekick reluctantly takes the little one into his arms. The baby giggles, pulling on the hero's mask.

"Okay, I'll do it. Is there anything else I need to know?"

Relief spreads on the heroine's face. "Thank you so much Quickwit! There shouldn't be anything else, everything he needs is in his go-bag."

"Alright...text me as soon as you're done."

Delta gives her sidekick a grin, jumping on her moped. Eternally suffering, Jay watches in turmoil as the heroine drives down the hallway, eye twitching as he observes the tire tracks now permanently burned into the carpet. Do supers really have to be so extra in everything they do? What's wrong with taking the elevator or God forbid, stairs?

Attempting to reign in his rage over the everyday nonsense of Neo Houston, Jay nabs the huge bag of baby supplies with his free hand. Slamming the door shut, he sets the infant on the rug, fishing out a teething ring from the bag. The little super gnaws away happily as Jay plops onto the couch with a groan, bored already.

He opens his phone; Gannet has sent a photo of his lunch. It's a smoothie bowl, with copious amounts of fruit and toppings.

As soon as Jay presses the smiley emote, his phone buzzes. The hero answers the video call and is greeted by a hologram of Gannet sipping on something bright orange, reclining in a metal chair under a canopy. "Hey Quickwit! Are you busy?"

"Not really. What's up?"

"I'm on my lunch break. How has it been working with Delta?"

Jay smiles. "It's great so far, I just—"

The hero is interrupted by a squeal from the infant. Jay glances up to watch the baby throw the toy across the room. It goes impressively far, landing with a clack in the kitchen.

"What was that?"

Jay turns the camera to show the baby. Gannet gasps, setting his drink down. "Holy shit! Quickwit! Why didn't you tell me you had a kid?! They're so cute!"

"What?! No—he's not mine!"

"Are you sure?!"

Jay laughs, causing the baby to giggle and wave his chubby arms. "I'm sure. Delta needed me to watch him..."

"Oh my god, That's Delta's son?!"

"Yeah. I'm staying home with him until she's done."

"Quickwit, please let me visit you, he's so cute!"

"If you really want to, I guess. But I hardly think changing diapers is very fun."

"Yes! do you want a smoothie bowl?"

Jay snorts. "Yeah, extra banana please."

"Okay, see you soon!"

True to the villain's word, Jay only gets through half of What to Expect When Expecting Supers when Gannet texts that he's arrived. A few moments later, the villain is playing on the rug with the baby as Jay digs into his food.

Gannet grins at the little super. "This is amazing, you're so lucky Quickwit!"Jay lifts a generous scoop of smoothie to his mouth. "Oh yeah? You consider this lucky? Personally, I'd prefer to be battling Frigid and Hellfire right now."

"Those creeps? They're old news. This little guy on the other hand—" Gannet picks the baby up, holding him high, "might grow up to be the next great hero!"

"Maybe. Or maybe he'll just be a normal citizen. Not everyone can handle this kind of stress."

"Yeah, I heard you got kidnapped this week."

"Twice. After Stygian it was Texas."

"Wait, Texas kidnapped you?"

"Well, he caught me with a lasso and tied me to his back..."

Gannet laughs out loud. "I'm sorry, I'm not laughing at you, it's just the visual of you riding a centaur around Houston is hysterical."

Jay sighs, leaning back on his couch. "It's all fun and games until your ass is chapped from riding a villain all day."

A sudden barrage of crazed laughter erupts from Gannet, startling both Jay and the baby. "Did you have to phrase it like that?!"

"What do you—oh christ, why are you such a pervert!?"

"I can't help it around you," he chuckles, "but anyway, how was your encounter with Stygian?"

Jay smiles, fighting the urge to roll his eyes. This ridiculous villain! Is it not enough to kidnap a poor sidekick? Does Gannet really also need to hear a play-by-play?

"It seems like he and Razzmatazz have joined forces. I can see why, their personalities are really similar."

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

"You think so?"

The blond nods, heart fluttering as he realizes the opportunity he's just stumbled upon; finally, Jay has a chance to let the villain know how he really feels about Stygian...

"Neither of them are out to actually hurt citizens or cause chaos. They're lashing out, I just need to show them there's a better way..."

Gannet averts his eyes, smiling sadly. "You think so?"

"I know so. This is why I'm a hero, Gannet. I'm going to help them. I just—I know why Razz is acting out, I just need to figure out Stygian."

"You might be aiming a little high there, Quickwit. I think you're better off trying to figure out how to lock him up..."

The hero grimaces. After hearing nothing but praises from Gannet, it stings a little to hear him dismiss Jay so casually...

"You don't think I can do it?"

"I'm sure you can help Razzmatazz, but Stygian is...I think he's a lost cause."

Anger begins to simmer in Jay's heart. Gannet was talking about himself here, not just a random villain. How can he say that, after coming so far?!

"Don't underestimate me," Jay growls.

"I'm not, I—"

"I don't need powers to do this. I don't need the Network, or a partner to do it either. I'll do it on my own, because nobody else will. So don't tell me I can't."

Gannet is quiet for a moment before he speaks, his voice reedy with emotion. "I believe in you, Quickwit. I just don't know if I believe in him."

Jay stands abruptly, about to argue further, but he's cut off by a wail from the baby. Suddenly, the little tyke shifts in hue from a peachy pink to a metallic blue-silver.

"Woah!" Gannet exclaims.

The hero sets down his food, mood further souring at the grating cries of the infant. Gannet attempts to sooth the baby, rockihg him in his arms, but it only seems to frustrate the little super.

"I think he's hungry, I'll get him a bottle..." says Jay.

The sidekick digs through the baby bag, frustration festering as the infant's cries grow in intensity.

When finally, the bottles and formula are secured, Jay makes quick work of preparing the meal for the infant. Unfortunately, the sidekick's offering is rejected, swatted out of his hands by a chubby metal-coated hand.

"Why isn't he eating?" Jay asks exasperatedly.

"Maybe he's not hungry?"

"Then why is he crying?"

Gannet holds the baby up, giving him a sniff. "His diaper seems okay."

"Then—"

Before Jay can get the words out, the baby begins to scream at the top of his lungs with a sound that sounds more like a car crash than a baby.

Both villain and hero recoil at the sound, covering their ears as the reverberating metallic screech rattles the walls, doors, and windows.

"What's going on!?" Gannet yells.

"I don't know! Try distracting him!"

Hastily, the dark-haired man attempts to get the baby's attention with the previously discarded teething toy. There's little effect as the child continues to wail.

Jay is about to lose his mind when the TV flicks on. Scoops appears on the screen, floating above what looks to be the scene of an active hero-villain showdown.

"Breaking news Houston! Superhero Delta is challenging dastardly duo Frigid and Hellfire. Citizens are advised to shut all doors and windows, as the resulting smoke plumes are generating a low quality of air that may be hazardous to one's health."

The superhero directs the camera to zoom in on Delta, who's just summoned a wall of earth to deflect an arctic blast from Frigid.

As soon as the blonde woman is on screen, the screaming from the infant ceases. The metallic sheen on the little one's skin fades away as he stares at the television, enrapt.

"In other news," the TV buzzes, "multiple sources have reported a metallic screech emanating from downtown Houston. The cause is unclear, but Network sources believe it to be villainous activity. Stay tuned to keep up with this developing story."

Jay sighs in relief, pinching the bridge of his nose as a headache begins to set in. "Fuck, I feel like I ruptured my eardrums...just invulnerablility my ass."

Gannet's brow creases. "Delta didn't tell you he had that power?"

"No, well, she must've not known about it. This is their first time apart, I'd assume. Since some powers are activated by fear or other negative emotions, he must be missing her..."

The villain stares at the baby, expression morose. "So he'll just—he'll never be able to control his powers? They'll activate anytime he gets upset?"

Jay frowns at the shift of mood. "Well, some supers have that problem. But Delta has powers too, so hopefully she can teach him how to manage and control himself."

Gannet is uncharacteristically quiet, eyes turning downcast, "I hope so."

Unease swirls about the sidekick, unable to decipher why the villain seems so upset. He contemplates for a moment how to return the former levity...

"Uh, the trigger for his powers might also change as he gets older, or they might come naturally to him as he grows. At least they didn't randomly manifest like mine did."

Gannet's expression lightens, curiosity now taking over. "So you didn't have common sense as a baby?"

Jay laughs. "No, I don't think so. it would've been easier to convince my parents I was a super, if that was the case."

"They didn't believe you?"

The blond sighs, picking up his forgotten smoothie bowl. His fork prods a soggy slice of banana. "They didn't believe a lot of things about me. It's 2050 and they still have the attitude that you can choose your sexuality."

"They're right. I'm glad I chose to be a bisexual, the membership perks are really worth the monthly membership fees," Gannet grins.

They both laugh for a moment, with even the baby on the floor squealing in delight at their outburst. As Jay catches his breath though, he's surprised with a tight hug from the villain.

"I'm sorry you had to deal with that."

The hero's heart flutters. It feels strange to have Gannet apologize for Jay's messed up childhood when his own was so much worse...

"It's fine, my parents they just—they have an idea of who I am, and I don't fit that idea.""It still hurts, right?"

The hero is quiet for a moment.

"Yeah."

Gannet pulls away, capturing Jay's hands. Warm brown eyes meet green as the villain bumps their foreheads together softly.

"You've never let other people define who you are, even when you were a vigilante. That's what turned me from a hater into your biggest fan, Quickwit."

Jay feels heat rise to his face. "I thought it was the, uh, Razzmatazz incident."

Gannet looks down at their joined hands, studying how black-tipped fingers grip Jay's gloves. "That moment was just the catalyst. For my entire life I've always felt like—like my story had already been written for me, like I was trapped in a role that I could never escape from. Then I saw you, being a hero in a way that nobody else could even fathom...and I realized that I could at least try to be something different."

Jay feels like he's drowning in his love for this man. His heart thuds in his chest as he contemplates his next words...

"I've never felt like that."

Gannet snorts. "Geez, okay."

"No—It's," Jay stumbles over his words, "I mean it's always been like everyone else understands the role they've been assigned, and I'm here, in the corner, improvising..."

Gannet hums. "So we're opposites. You wish you could live up to the expectations of others, while I want to escape the expectations people have for me."

"Exactly..."

The villain smiles softly. Jay feels his heart race as his face is cupped gingerly by both of Gannet's hands.

"You don't need anyone else, Quickwit. I see you and you've already exceeded all my expectations."

It's then the sidekick has to bite his tongue, because the urge to reveal it all sweeps strong and hard over his heart. He wants Gannet to see not just Quickwit, but Jay. He wants them both to stop with the lies, and show their authentic selves...

But bitterness swells in him; if Jay reveals who he is, would Gannet come clean? Would he still want Jay, after the illusion of Quickwit was dispelled? And most of all, would Jay be able to commit to loving a villain? It would change everything. Jay would officially be throwing away his title as hero...

So to prevent himself from saying something he regrets, Jay pulls up his mask and pours all his frustration into kissing Gannet.

The villain squeaks in surprise, but relaxes as his favorite hero lavishes him with attention. Dark eyes flutter shut as he sighs into the kiss, looping his arms around Jay's neck. However, before things can get too amorous, a squeal from the baby on the rug ruins the moment.

Gannet groans as Jay pulls away. "I forgot he was here for a moment."

"Me too..."

"Wait, what time is it?"

Jay checks his phone. "1:30?"

Gannet begins to scramble for his wallet and phone. "Shit, my lunch break is about to end!"

"Do you need a ride?"

"No, I'm okay. Oh, but, I was thinking of going to the drag show at Baddies this Friday, do you wanna go with me?

Gannet was going to be at that club? That's not good, considering Jay's next scheduled mission with Delta...

"I can't, I'm busy...but maybe you shouldn't go there, I've heard they got some threats lately..."

The villain rolls his eyes. "I doubt Texas is going to do much besides throw the karaoke machine and then get dragged away by Taurrage. That minotaur has him whipped."

"We don't know if it's Texas."

"C'mon. It's Texas. It's definitely Texas. The note said Y'all better stop with all the girly shit or there's gonna be soy-boy roundup this Friday..."

"I just feel like that's too stupid, even for him.Anyway, just be safe if you do go..."

The villain grins brightly, eyes twinkling. He gives Jay a tight squeeze.

"I will, Faye is coming with me. But I'll see you later, okay? You're doing amazing, Quickwit, don't get discouraged."

Jay nods, "you are too, Gannet."

From the flush on the villain's cheeks as he leaves, the hero can tell it's not something Gannet believes. As Jay returns to the living room, watching Delta finish her mission on the flatscreen, he adds it to his list of things to fix.

As Jay returns to the living room, watching Delta finish her mission on the flatscreen, he adds it to his list of things to fix [https://img.wattpad.com/a0f61f71a2f5ffddbe77b90236cbaff72e762718/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f6e523556704b586d38795a4436773d3d2d313337363934333833332e3137383361356361376464353731353336333535373637303832382e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]