The Life of a Villain Healer

Leon's POV

I didn't really understand families like Rodan's. 2 moms? That just felt… off to me. I grew up believing every kid needed a father because, well, that's what I wanted my whole life. My dad left when I was little, said we'd only hold him back, and even though I acted like it didn't bother me, it did. It still does.

When I met Rodan, he was this happy kid who talked about his moms like they hung the moon. I couldn't wrap my head around it. So, for five days straight, I let my thoughts out in the worst way possible: sarcastic comments, jokes, and little digs about how "weird" his family was. I thought I was just being honest, but looking back, I was being cruel.

Then Rodan found out. "Leon, can I talk to you?" I could tell by his tone that something was wrong. We were at the park, in a quiet corner near the slides. His usual cheerful face was serious, and I knew this wasn't going to be just another chat. "Uh, sure. What's up?"

"What's up?" He crossed his arms. "You've been making comments about my moms all week. Do you think I haven't noticed?" I froze. "I—uh, I didn't mean anything by it. I was just joking, you know?"

"Joking? Do you even hear yourself? You're putting down my family—my moms—people who love me more than anything. What's so funny about that?" I didn't know what to say. No one had ever called me out like this before. "I just… I don't get it, okay? Everyone should have a dad. That's how it's supposed to be!"

"Who says? You?" His voice softened a little, but he didn't back down. "I get it, Leon. Maybe you feel like something's missing because your dad left, and I'm sorry about that. Really, I am. But just because my family's different doesn't make it wrong."

I looked away, feeling a lump in my throat. I hated when people brought up my dad, but he wasn't wrong. "I didn't think about it like that. I guess… I guess I was just jealous or something. You talk about your moms like they're perfect. I don't even know what that's like."

"They're not perfect, Leon. No one is. But they love me, and that's what matters. Families look different, and that's okay. You don't have to get it right away, but you do need to stop making those comments. They hurt."

I swallowed hard. "I'm sorry, Rodan. Really. I didn't mean to hurt you. Or your moms."

"Thanks for saying that. I forgive you. Just… try to think before you speak next time, okay?"

"Yeah. I will. Promise." From that day on, things were different. Rodan didn't hold a grudge, and I respected him more than ever for standing up for his family. He taught me something I never thought I'd learn: family isn't about who's missing. It's about who's there.

And over time, Rodan didn't just become a friend. He became my best friend.

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The sun hung low in the sky, painting the park in hues of gold and amber. I sat on the bench next to Rodan, watching kids on the swings and a dog chasing its tail. Rodan was his usual lively self, bouncing on his toes as he spoke about one thing or another. I should have been listening—he always had this way of making the most ordinary things sound exciting—but my thoughts drifted.

"Leon!" Rodan's voice cut through my haze, and I turned to him, startled. He frowned, crossing his arms. "You're spacing out again. I've been talking this whole time, and you didn't hear a word, did you?" I rubbed the back of my neck, sheepish. "Sorry, Rodan. I guess I got lost in my thoughts."

He squinted at me, then huffed dramatically. "You're lucky I like you, or I'd be really annoyed." He plopped down on the bench beside me, swinging his legs. "Anyway, as I was saying, our house has this super cool attic! I've been helping my moms clean it up, and guess what? There's an old telescope up there. It's kinda dusty, but I think it still works."

"A telescope?" I asked, trying to focus this time. "That's pretty neat. What do you see with it?" Rodan's face lit up like he'd been waiting for that question. "Stars, duh! And maybe planets if we're lucky. My moms said we could set it up once the attic's clean. But here's the thing—I want you to come over and help me check it out. It'll be way more fun with you there."

I smiled at how earnest he sounded. "I'd like that. When are you thinking?" He tilted his head, considering. "How about two days from now? I'll ask my moms to make something good for dinner too. Oh! And you can meet Cristina! She's my baby sister—well, our baby sister, really. She's super cute, and I bet she'll smile at you because she likes everyone."

"Two days works for me," I said. "And I'd love to meet Cristina. You talk about her a lot." Rodan beamed, clearly pleased. "Of course I do! She's the best. You'll see." Then his grin turned mischievous. "But you better not space out when I'm showing you the telescope. It's serious business."

I laughed, raising my hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. I promise I'll pay attention."

"You better," he said, narrowing his eyes. Then, his playful expression softened. "It's gonna be cool, Leon. You'll love it."

As we sat there, the conversation shifted to lighter things—favorite snacks, the funniest thing we'd seen that week, even an imaginary plan to build a rocket ship someday. But in the back of my mind, I was already looking forward to visiting Rodan's house. There was something about the way he talked about it that made it feel like more than just a place—it sounded like home.