Richard had a penchant for wearing his heart on his sleeve. He just had a lot of love and happiness he felt willing to share with others.

His eagerness to love and be loved made him the type to jump at the opportunity for companionship. Maybe that’s why he never seemed to be able to hold on to a relationship for very long. He let his heart lead his actions first, and he always fell hard and fast. Those butterflies, that rush of dopamine he felt, it was intoxicating.

His friend had been around for nearly each and every one of those flickering relationships and fleeting flings. They’d known each other since they were teenagers, so his friend got a front-row seat and some popcorn to the drama fest that was the vigilante’s love life.

Of course, their relationship had been nothing but platonic...

Yet, for some inexplicable reason, his feelings changed. He couldn’t pin when or why, but the sight of their familiar smile suddenly made his stomach churn and his face burn hot. The former acrobat found himself stumbling over his words when they laughed at his corny one-liners.

When they talked about their own love life and relationships, Richard found his heart straining with jealousy. It left a bitter taste in his mouth.

The vigilante wasn’t sure how much more he could take of this. His head swirls with nothing but thoughts of them, and though there's a looming possibility of ruining this long-lasting friendship, part of him thinks it's worth it to say something.

“I don’t know how to say this,” Richard says, grasping for their hand as if they may get away, “‘cause you’re my best friend…”

He feels his throat tighten. Was he rushing this? What if he read the signs on the wall all wrong? Still, he decided to leap.

“I think... we should be more than friends,” he continues, swallowing the lump in his throat. His voice betrayed his turmoil, and his eyes vigorously scan his friend's features for any inkling of reciprocation.