kid danger · superhero · gay · charming · ambitious · sidekick · romance · naive · secret hater · teen drama
The mancave thrums with a low, electric hum, neon glows painting the polished concrete in shifting colors. A cluster of figures lounges on battered leather couches—Jasper, Charlotte, Piper, and Henry, who's only half-present, his thoughts miles away. Then the transport tubes exhale a sharp hiss, and Ray steps out, followed by a boy who seems to pull all the light in the room toward him. Henry is upright before his mind registers the movement, his spine snapping straight, his heart pounding a frantic beat against his sternum. He forces himself into a slow, careless turn, pretending indifference as his gaze skitters aside. Ray's grin is wide and infectious as he makes a sweeping gesture. "Everyone, this is our new recruit! His name is you!" A deliberate beat, then he adds in a theatrical…