ch 3 illusion part 2
Hank stealing glances at Alex subtly for about a zillion times. He always did this whenever they are in the same room. Weirdly, he felt like he is being watched this few days. He got the feeling a few times today too.
They are at the living room. Hank reading his newspaper quietly when he felt like someone is watching him yet again. He looked up from the newspaper he read but he sees the enchanting blond and Darwin discussing something, Sean is watching the TV and he remember Angel and Raven is out shopping for food, clothes and make up (using Charles’s credit card of course). Charles and Eric must be in the study room playing chess and discussing thing over a bottle of scotch like old men. That is if they are not fucking like rabid fucking rabbit. Hank mentally scarred himself with the image that came from that thought. No one was watching him.
Thinking it was only his imagination Hank went back to his newspaper after staring at the enthralling blond for a few seconds. Alex is talking about something rather enthusiastically. He doesn’t notice Alex watching him with a worry expression. Hank was quiet and withdrawn lately, even more than normal. Darwin called Alex as he drift away from their conversation again, his lip smiling knowingly. Alex had been stealing glances at the brunet a lot more lately as the brunet withdrawn into him.
That night Alex made Hank favorite hot pot hoping to get the brunet out the depressing mood he had fallen into. Hank actually smiled wryly at it, thinking it is a nice coincidence. The hot pot is very delicious. It has thinly sliced meat, leafy vegetables, mushrooms, wontons, egg dumplings and seafood. It even had a dipping sauce.
Alex smile as he saw Hank eating the food, looking happier than he look in awhile now. He felt something warm in his chest and his lips curve into a smile.
“Happy now?” Darwin smirked at him surprising the blond from his staring.
“I don’t know what you are talking about?” Alex feigned ignorance. He is good at poker face when he has too, that is what life at prison has thought him. Prison wasn’t a place for people who wear their heart on their sleeve.
Darwin smile. He wondered if Alex knew he had seen through his façade.
“Anyway, I should thank you Alex” Darwin smile cheerfully.
“And why is that?” ask the blond confuse.
“It seems you forgot. Today is actually my turn to cook. Your turn is tomorrow” Darwin said with a bright smile. Alex went still at the realization.
It is very unusual for Alex to forget anything. The blond have great memory. The only explanation would be he worried too much about Hank that he completely forgotten. Alex may be in denial but it seems his feeling for Hank run deeper than Darwin thought.
“Right” Alex said quietly, more to himself than Darwin. “I had been busy thinking about practice lately that I had completely forgotten” he lied. “I need to practice more. I am progressing very slowly, it’s frustrating”
Darwin sighed. The blond totally refuse to admit that he worry about Hank. He is in deep denial. It’s so like Alex to protect himself from everything that can hurt him.
“I think I will head to practice after this” Alex’s voice a little more than a whisper.
Darwin and Alex had volunteered to help Angel and Sean practice carrying people while flying. More like Alex volunteered and Darwin had been rope in into it. He swears Alex can convince people to do pretty much anything. Alex looked down the platform with a thrilling feeling.
“This is very high” Darwin said getting a little nervous. Why did he let the blond talk him into this again? “Shouldn’t we try from somewhere…not so high up?”
“Don’t tell me you’re getting Acrophobia” Alex teased him, bumping their shoulder lightly. “Come on Dar, what is life without a little danger in it. Beside I have always wanted to fly without machine around me” Alex voice excited and thrill. Since he was little he always liked to watch birds flew and wonder how it felt like to just fly freely into the blue sky like that. The desire only got stronger after solitary prison.
“What if we fell? I mean Angel and Sean have never carry people before” protest Darwin, his stomach churning from nerve.
“Well, if it make you feel better, Dar. With you power you will survive without a scratch” Alex said, rolling his eyes. “Your bones will soften and your body will elasticize to cushion your landing”
They can hear Sean snicker. It is just so funny that the most invincible one of them is the one who got scared.
“You’re right” Darwin said feeling a little relief. “But what about you guys?”
“We will be okay, Dar” said Angel half amused and half annoyed. “Have more faith in our flying abilities, okay” she smile her charming smile that can melt almost anyone and Darwin blushed deeply and nodded. He can’t help but stare at her so-very-kissable lips.
Alex smile amuse. Darwin was putty at her hand like normal. He was so glad that he is pretty much immune to that smile. He is so use to pretty girls hitting on him.
“You really sure you want to carry Alex, Angel” Sean asked worry. “Darwin here seem a lot lighter”
“Of course, I will never pass a chance like this” she said beaming at the chance to hold the blonde hunk close. If she can, she want to hold him close and never let go.
“Girls” Sean muttered under her breath, feeling a little jealous. Why girls always went to Alex anyway? Darwin also trying not to be jealous of his best friend.
Angel hugged Alex from the back. Pressed so close, she was overwhelmed by the pure smell of Alex; some combination of cologne (a perfect balance of flower and spice), clean laundry, and sweat that are difficult not to simply stand in and breathe. Her heart beating loudly but she wills it to calm down. If Alex realized it, the blond say nothing. Angel let out her precious wings. Darwin looked at it like it the prettiest thing he has ever seen. Angel’s wings started flapping and their feet lift from the ground slowly at first before gaining speed. Alex smile excitedly as she carried him fast across the sky. Wind whipping at his hair. The ecstasy of flying was awesome! He laughed and hollered excitedly. Alex can hear the sound of Sean screaming and watch the ginger carry Darwin soar into the air. After awhile he can hear Darwin’s excited laugh. Alex smile in relief, it seems the tall male is no longer scare.
“Having fun!” he can hear the smile in the Afro Latino girl’s voice.
“Thanks, Angel, this is great” he said in gratitude, his heart fill with warm. “I still can’t believe you did this all for me”
“Watching the birds again” Angel sat next to Alex at the garden’s wooden bench. “You really like them don’t you”
“I like to feed them bread” Alex look at the birds who ate the crust he gave them and smile fondly. ‘He’s so cute’ think Angel’. “Yeah, I really like birds. They’re cute, hardworking and they can fly. Up into the sky, with no mountain or ocean that can stop them” Alex seem to be picturing it in his head.
“So you thought you wanted to be like that. Free, unstoppable, and successful. That is what these birds represent to you, right” Angel said knowingly. Guys are so easy to read.
“I KNOW I can be like that” his tone full of conviction, surprising the dark beauty. “I am still a mess up now and have a lots and lots to learn especially about my powers but as long as I work hard, I can achieve anything”
‘You’re very confident; Raven said admirably albeit a little jealous.
“I have to be confident. People who weren’t confident are prone to failure. You can’t achieve anything if you keep questioning and look down on yourself. You have to be confidence, you have to work hard, and challenge yourself to the limit. That’s how you become truly successful”
Angel looked down. Somehow she felt like Alex was talking about her. Other than her beauty and her power, Angel doesn’t think she has anything else. Before she meet Charles and Eric she feel like being a stripper is the only thing she can do. Alex, Darwin and she had a dark past but only Alex has this level of confidence in him. Maybe that’s why she was so attracted to him. This kind of confidence to achieve anything, how do you get it? She can feel Alex eyes boring into her.
“My father once said that if life brought you down, all you have to do is fly high” Alex said softly. “No matter how many times we fall, we can always get up and rebuild our live however we want it. All it need was strength to do so. I only began to truly understand it after I enter G-man. When I am in the solitary prison, I thought that’s all my life is going to be. I thought I will succumb by dark depression and slowly gone insane” his time in solitary prison was traumatizing.
Angel’s hand holds his gently. “But you’re not. You are with us now. No more isolation” her voice surprisingly gentle and warm.
Alex smile brilliantly at her. Angel breathes catch at those stunning smile. If there’s an image for heaven, she is sure that his smile will be part of it. Cloud, paradise and Alex’s smile. Sound perfect!
“Anyway, your father was very wise” she said once she is out of her Alex’s induced daze.
“He is. He is a really great man. He has taught me so much. Of course I was so young back then and it took time for me to understand what he really meant but I think I understand now” Alex’s face glowing brightly and he seem much more beautiful that Raven’s breath catch.
Angel watched as Alex eyes follow one of the birds flew into the open sky. His gaze focus. Maybe there is one more reason why Alex loves birds.
“Hey Alex, want to fly?” she asked smugly, startling the handsome blond out of his intense staring. “I can talk to Charles about a new flying practice”
“How fast can you go?” asked Alex wanting to go faster if she can.
“Take a guess?” she joke but Alex being the hot nerd he is actually took it seriously.
“I don’t know. A fly can move at 200 beats per second and you should be able to fly at an even higher rate due to the size of your wings…” he contemplated.
Angel rolled her eyes at that. Sometime Alex doesn’t realize how nerdy he sounded. She quickly picked up speed, moving at a great speed. Instead of getting nervous like most people would, Alex only get even more excited and thrill. He truly did have an affinity with flying (maybe it is genetic since his father is the captain of the Starjammer). Angel can’t help but getting excited too. Trying to impress the blond, Angel fly backwards, hover and fly upside down. The blond let out an excited scream. Sean who was watching them can’t help but be impress and jealous by her amazing flying ability and fine control.
“They were both crazy” said Darwin seeing the stun Angel pulled and how Alex was really enjoying it instead of being frighten like normal people would. Alex felt invincible, happy in his element-irrepressible free.
“Yeah” Sean smiles fondly at them, thinking they are a couple. “But crazy and crazy make them a match made in heaven” he joked.
Darwin frowned at that. Sean thinks his two best friends are a couple. He looked over at them. They seem to be having so much fun. As jealous as he is, they did look perfect for each other.
‘But Alex like Hank’ he think.
Hank heard the door open and Alex walked in and went straight to him. “Alex, why are you here?” Hank’s heart thump louder as Alex got too close. “Wha…?” The next moment Alex was kissing him, kissing him hungrily. Hank was surprise but kiss him back like a starving man. He felt like the earth had moved. God, Alex was kissing him. Alex felt so real, felt so perfect and real against him and Hank never thought that this would happen. It felt way better than any kiss he had with Raven.
It was when one of those big hand cups his face that he was snap forcefully to reality. The hand was cold. ‘Raven’ he realize. ‘Of course. How could I be so stupid as to think it is Alex.’ He felt his heart breaking.
He pushed Raven away a little harder than necessary.
“Raven what you are thinking. This is my lab. Anyone can just walk in!” he snapped. ‘Alex could walk in!’
“That’s part of the excitement don’t you think” she smirk mischievously. “Beside it has been six days and you still wasn’t in the mood for it so I have to do something to get the rise out of you” she smile seductively playing with his collar.
“NO, RAVEN” Hank gritted his teeth. This girl is giving him a headache. “If we’re doing this, we’re going to be more discreet or we might as well stop! You do realize what will happen if anyone find out…if ALEX find out!”
Rave smirked at that. For all his reluctance, it seems Hank still can’t find the strength to put an end to what they are doing.
“Let me guess, he is going to fry us” she said jokingly but turned silent as Hank glare at her full force. Hank can be frightening when he wanted to.
“It’s more than that. It might just destroy our team dynamic. And it’s not like my relationship with Alex is good to begin with. And yes, he might fry us alive”
“Nah he won’t. Alex doesn’t hit girls. He might sent you to the hospital though” That sent another glare in her direction. Did she think this is funny?! Hank fumed angrily.
“Relax. Alex may be somewhat brash but he is not a violent person” she said lightly.
“Can you just turn back to yourself already” Hank said impatiently, afraid anyone can come in any second now.
Raven doesn’t look that happy but she turn back to her beautiful brunette form only with a sexy leather dress that shows a wide ‘scoop’ of her breast and attack a surprise Hank’s mouth hungrily. The kiss was raw and needy. Only because she can’t use Alex’s look doesn’t mean they can’t have fun. Hank had half the mind to push her off but decided to just give in. It is futile to resist her when she is like this. She smiled as Hank began to kiss her back. The kiss turn more heated and filthy and that’s how Alex walked in on them.
The blond really happy mood turn into one of pure shock as he saw the two devour each other’s mouth hungrily. For reason unknown to him, the sight made his heart ache so badly and his stomach tighten. He should just walk away but instead he finds himself calling the scientist name out loud before he realized it.
“Hank!” Alex’s voice startled him and the brunet quickly breaks the kiss, his face mortified. Alex had seen him making out with Raven! Alex is startled; he hadn’t meant to call out for him.
Raven huff at her luck and turned her dress to a decent one and just casually walked out the lab like she wasn’t just being caught sucking mouth with the team scientist. Hank on the other hand is as still as stone.
Hank heard the door to his lab shut and cursed at being left alone with Alex. ‘Today is just full of surprises’ he think feeling weary. The atmosphere was very awkward and tense.
“…There’s something wrong with my disc plate” Alex force out, his throat felt really dry all of sudden.
“…Give it here. I will take a look at it” Hank can’t look at the blond and found his shoes really interesting to look at.
Alex silently close the distance between them and gave it to him, avoiding from looking at the brunet. The air is so thick a knife can cut through it.
‘Cut it out, it’s not like everyone doesn’t know Hank and Raven was involve already’. Yeah, but I never thought I would walk into them making out in the lab of all places! ‘Why were you so bothered by this? Why you even give a damn about what they do? It’s not like you never walk in on anyone before, remember Charles and Eric at the sofa in the library’. Urgh, thanks I was trying to erase that! And who says I care, I couldn’t care less who the Bozo is doing in his spare time!! ‘Then prove it! Show that you don’t care’.
Alex took a deep breath.
“So you and Raven, huh?” he force out lamely. His throat felt dryer than the desert sand. He wished he had a bottle of water.
Alex’s question caught the brunet by surprise. The words sink in. Alex thought he and Raven was a couple?!
“No…we…”
“Hey, It’s none of my business who you’re fucking” the blond quickly cut him off, he really, really don’t want to hear about their relationship. “It was just a surprised; I thought you’re a totally naive or something. I mean you don’t even sit that close to Raven in front of us, even though everyone know you guys were involve” Alex’s mouth felt like sandpaper and he doesn’t even know why.
‘Everyone thought me and Raven were a couple’ Now that Hank think about it, he really shouldn’t be surprise since he spent most of his time with Raven (even though it is to invent a cure for his legs) and everyone must have think they were dating or something.
Then he remembers Alex basically said he don’t care if Hank have sex with other people. Despite already knowing Alex would never be interested in him, he felt his heart sank.
“Though I will appreciate it if you guys will refrain from PDF, Sasquatch”
Hank wasn’t happy that Alex has a new nickname for him. What is next? Yeti? Abominable snowman? Loch Ness monster?
“I mean we have got enough from the rabid fucking rabbit duo, I don’t want to walk in and found you guys fucking or something” Somehow the thought of walking in on them like that was arousing leaving Alex shocked and he quickly squashed the thought, horrified. What is that all about?! He wasn’t a pervert!
“You walk in on Charles and Eric having sex?” Hank said appalled. No wonder Alex is so irritated about it.
“Yeah” Alex winced at the memory. He is scarred for life. “Don’t really want to talk about it. Just don’t come close whenever you heard weird noises in the library even if it sounded pain. Those guys are into some kinky stuff you definitely could live without knowing about” he said before clutching his head “Argh, I need to get the images out of my head!”
“I will try to remember it” Hank said, feeling sorry for the blond. He can’t help but think about what Alex said. ‘Pain’ and ‘Kinky’ are Eric and Charles into S&M. The mental image make Hank wince. He can totally see Erik into that kind of think. That guy is so damage.
Hank thought he should say something more to Alex.
“How is your day?” Hank expected Alex to brush it aside with a mumble “fine” but the blond has this huge smile on his face making the brunet breath hitch and his heart soar. The room brightened.
“Great! I and Darwin volunteered for Sean and Angel to carry during practice this morning. Flying sure is a lot of fun” Alex face brightened as he remembered the morning. The dazzling smile stays on his face.
Hank felt the green monster roaring fiercely in his gut at the thought of Angel hugging Alex close while they fly. And doesn’t Alex seem too happy about it. It is just flying; surely it can’t be that exciting!
“You should try it some time, bozo. It is really great. Plus you get to be hug by a very beautiful girl. That definitely beat working in the lab” he bump his shoulder to Hank lightly, surprising the brunet with the sudden act of friendliness.
Alex smile is boyishly warm. It brought a brilliant smile to Hank’s lip (that made Alex’s stomach made a small flip) before Alex’s words sink it.
‘Is that why Alex love flying so much? He loves being held close by Angel’. The older male’s smile dropped.
“She is very beautiful isn’t she?” the brunet said quietly, his voice a little more than a whisper.
“Huh? Yeah. Angel is very beautiful” Alex is confused that Hank seems to grow quiet suddenly. The brunet had been withdrawn into himself a lot since last week. He wondered what had caused it, Hank look depress.
Alex looked at him and frowned. Hank mood has changed right after he mention about the flying lesson with Angel. Can it be that he is interested in Angel? Even while dating a babe like Raven? He doesn’t know why his heart arched at that. Who would have thought that Hank is such a ladies’ man? And everyone thought he is so virginal…What if he got on Darwin’s way. Nah, Angel wasn’t interested in dorky nerd. That is Raven thing. So is that why he is so depress? Is he torn between Raven and Angel? Alex looked at Hank. He wished he had Charles telepathic ability so he can stop worrying and pondering about this. ‘Why would I worry so much about Hank of all people anyway? We barely talk to each other’
They sat quietly as Hank continued to work. Alex can’t help but stare at him, watching and studying him. He can hear the rhythm of the brunet’s breathing. Hank smells very nice. Hank smell of chemical, fabric softener, tooth paste, and shower’s gel and under all of that something which is just Hank. Having a close view of the older teen, Alex can see what Raven seen in Hank. Despite being a super nerd (Darwin’s word not his), Hank had fantastic feature. His eyebrows have a nice, thick shape. Hank possessed large, sweet eyes the color of finest sapphire. His eyes just look so blue, so blue. And he remembered those eyes look even more enchanting without the glasses on. His eyes look sharper and more intense, absolutely beautiful! But he had to admit even with glasses, Hank look kind of endearing. It makes his eyes look bigger. He can totally see Raven losing herself in the clear blue depth of the gleaming orbs. His pale skin smooth like porcelain and his cheekbone has a beautiful sharp cut to it. Then he had those large, pink lips and those dimples that could bloom into the sweetest, cutest smile the blond had ever seen. His small perfectly-shaped teeth can set fire to any girl’s belly. Hank’s hair is fairly long, gel into a hairstyle it is shorter at the back and sides. It looked quite soft and thick, good to run your hand through.
Hank was tall, lean, graceful and elegance. Alex watched Hank’s hand at work. Even his hands were special. His hands are big and strong and his fingers so long and slender. Not to mention his great stamina, strength and acrobatic ability.
The guy is like a sex god in a very nerdy package. No wonder Raven is all over him. With a haircut, a contact and a new wardrobe even an alluring babe like Angel will be all over him. Girls will be swarming him like bees to honey. The younger teen’s stomach is doing a weird flip flop, it is unsettling. One of them should say something to break this silence. Alex wondered if he should ask why Hank had been so quiet and withdrawn lately. Nah, he doubted that the scientist would tell him. They aren’t exactly what people would call friend and he is sure that he is one of Hank’s less favorite people. Hank seems too focus on fixing the chest plate to appreciate Alex bothering him anyway. Thank god, he doesn’t notice Alex staring at him. That will be awkward.
“It is just overheated” Hank explained. The sudden talking surprised the blond. “You practice a lot so it is to be expected. I have fixed it.
“Thanks” the blond said gratefully. The disk meant a lot to him, it’s his only way of controlling his vast and dangerous power.
Alex put the chest disc on his chest. He turned around to leave except after 2 steps he stop and turn around. “You know, bozo. You really ought to give flying a try. It’s really great, you know” the blond smile as he remembering the feeling. “Looking at everything from high up, you felt like all your worry and problem is small and you can overcome it all. It’s a great feeling. I definitely want to fly again” Alex thought if he can’t make Hank talk about what is bothering him; he might just suggest something to lighten up his mood. Sometime that’s all people needed is a little push to the right direction. Or in Hank’s case a little time out from working and smell the roses. The brunet had to learn that nothing good will ever come from working too hard. Life needs balance.
“I will think about it” Hank wonder why Alex is determine to tell him to fly. Is it really that great?
Alex can’t help but think along with his physical beauty, Hank had a nice, soft voice.
Hank watched the blond until the door to his lab is shut. It felt lonelier than when he was alone before, like a piece of him just left. A hollow ache opening in his stomach. He felt completely empty and bereft! He wondered since when Alex has a piece of his soul.
‘It doesn’t matter because he would never return it’ Hank thought sadly
‘Looking at everything from high up, you feel like all your worry and problem is small and you can overcome it all’ Alex’s words resounded in his mind. Hank wonder if that really is true. Will flying make this ache deep inside him seems small. Hank knows the answer is NO, it wouldn’t. Nothing can minimize this ache and longing let alone make it disappear.
They are at the living room. Hank reading his newspaper quietly when he felt like someone is watching him yet again. He looked up from the newspaper he read but he sees the enchanting blond and Darwin discussing something, Sean is watching the TV and he remember Angel and Raven is out shopping for food, clothes and make up (using Charles’s credit card of course). Charles and Eric must be in the study room playing chess and discussing thing over a bottle of scotch like old men. That is if they are not fucking like rabid fucking rabbit. Hank mentally scarred himself with the image that came from that thought. No one was watching him.
Thinking it was only his imagination Hank went back to his newspaper after staring at the enthralling blond for a few seconds. Alex is talking about something rather enthusiastically. He doesn’t notice Alex watching him with a worry expression. Hank was quiet and withdrawn lately, even more than normal. Darwin called Alex as he drift away from their conversation again, his lip smiling knowingly. Alex had been stealing glances at the brunet a lot more lately as the brunet withdrawn into him.
That night Alex made Hank favorite hot pot hoping to get the brunet out the depressing mood he had fallen into. Hank actually smiled wryly at it, thinking it is a nice coincidence. The hot pot is very delicious. It has thinly sliced meat, leafy vegetables, mushrooms, wontons, egg dumplings and seafood. It even had a dipping sauce.
Alex smile as he saw Hank eating the food, looking happier than he look in awhile now. He felt something warm in his chest and his lips curve into a smile.
“Happy now?” Darwin smirked at him surprising the blond from his staring.
“I don’t know what you are talking about?” Alex feigned ignorance. He is good at poker face when he has too, that is what life at prison has thought him. Prison wasn’t a place for people who wear their heart on their sleeve.
Darwin smile. He wondered if Alex knew he had seen through his façade.
“Anyway, I should thank you Alex” Darwin smile cheerfully.
“And why is that?” ask the blond confuse.
“It seems you forgot. Today is actually my turn to cook. Your turn is tomorrow” Darwin said with a bright smile. Alex went still at the realization.
It is very unusual for Alex to forget anything. The blond have great memory. The only explanation would be he worried too much about Hank that he completely forgotten. Alex may be in denial but it seems his feeling for Hank run deeper than Darwin thought.
“Right” Alex said quietly, more to himself than Darwin. “I had been busy thinking about practice lately that I had completely forgotten” he lied. “I need to practice more. I am progressing very slowly, it’s frustrating”
Darwin sighed. The blond totally refuse to admit that he worry about Hank. He is in deep denial. It’s so like Alex to protect himself from everything that can hurt him.
“I think I will head to practice after this” Alex’s voice a little more than a whisper.
Darwin and Alex had volunteered to help Angel and Sean practice carrying people while flying. More like Alex volunteered and Darwin had been rope in into it. He swears Alex can convince people to do pretty much anything. Alex looked down the platform with a thrilling feeling.
“This is very high” Darwin said getting a little nervous. Why did he let the blond talk him into this again? “Shouldn’t we try from somewhere…not so high up?”
“Don’t tell me you’re getting Acrophobia” Alex teased him, bumping their shoulder lightly. “Come on Dar, what is life without a little danger in it. Beside I have always wanted to fly without machine around me” Alex voice excited and thrill. Since he was little he always liked to watch birds flew and wonder how it felt like to just fly freely into the blue sky like that. The desire only got stronger after solitary prison.
“What if we fell? I mean Angel and Sean have never carry people before” protest Darwin, his stomach churning from nerve.
“Well, if it make you feel better, Dar. With you power you will survive without a scratch” Alex said, rolling his eyes. “Your bones will soften and your body will elasticize to cushion your landing”
They can hear Sean snicker. It is just so funny that the most invincible one of them is the one who got scared.
“You’re right” Darwin said feeling a little relief. “But what about you guys?”
“We will be okay, Dar” said Angel half amused and half annoyed. “Have more faith in our flying abilities, okay” she smile her charming smile that can melt almost anyone and Darwin blushed deeply and nodded. He can’t help but stare at her so-very-kissable lips.
Alex smile amuse. Darwin was putty at her hand like normal. He was so glad that he is pretty much immune to that smile. He is so use to pretty girls hitting on him.
“You really sure you want to carry Alex, Angel” Sean asked worry. “Darwin here seem a lot lighter”
“Of course, I will never pass a chance like this” she said beaming at the chance to hold the blonde hunk close. If she can, she want to hold him close and never let go.
“Girls” Sean muttered under her breath, feeling a little jealous. Why girls always went to Alex anyway? Darwin also trying not to be jealous of his best friend.
Angel hugged Alex from the back. Pressed so close, she was overwhelmed by the pure smell of Alex; some combination of cologne (a perfect balance of flower and spice), clean laundry, and sweat that are difficult not to simply stand in and breathe. Her heart beating loudly but she wills it to calm down. If Alex realized it, the blond say nothing. Angel let out her precious wings. Darwin looked at it like it the prettiest thing he has ever seen. Angel’s wings started flapping and their feet lift from the ground slowly at first before gaining speed. Alex smile excitedly as she carried him fast across the sky. Wind whipping at his hair. The ecstasy of flying was awesome! He laughed and hollered excitedly. Alex can hear the sound of Sean screaming and watch the ginger carry Darwin soar into the air. After awhile he can hear Darwin’s excited laugh. Alex smile in relief, it seems the tall male is no longer scare.
“Having fun!” he can hear the smile in the Afro Latino girl’s voice.
“Thanks, Angel, this is great” he said in gratitude, his heart fill with warm. “I still can’t believe you did this all for me”
“Watching the birds again” Angel sat next to Alex at the garden’s wooden bench. “You really like them don’t you”
“I like to feed them bread” Alex look at the birds who ate the crust he gave them and smile fondly. ‘He’s so cute’ think Angel’. “Yeah, I really like birds. They’re cute, hardworking and they can fly. Up into the sky, with no mountain or ocean that can stop them” Alex seem to be picturing it in his head.
“So you thought you wanted to be like that. Free, unstoppable, and successful. That is what these birds represent to you, right” Angel said knowingly. Guys are so easy to read.
“I KNOW I can be like that” his tone full of conviction, surprising the dark beauty. “I am still a mess up now and have a lots and lots to learn especially about my powers but as long as I work hard, I can achieve anything”
‘You’re very confident; Raven said admirably albeit a little jealous.
“I have to be confident. People who weren’t confident are prone to failure. You can’t achieve anything if you keep questioning and look down on yourself. You have to be confidence, you have to work hard, and challenge yourself to the limit. That’s how you become truly successful”
Angel looked down. Somehow she felt like Alex was talking about her. Other than her beauty and her power, Angel doesn’t think she has anything else. Before she meet Charles and Eric she feel like being a stripper is the only thing she can do. Alex, Darwin and she had a dark past but only Alex has this level of confidence in him. Maybe that’s why she was so attracted to him. This kind of confidence to achieve anything, how do you get it? She can feel Alex eyes boring into her.
“My father once said that if life brought you down, all you have to do is fly high” Alex said softly. “No matter how many times we fall, we can always get up and rebuild our live however we want it. All it need was strength to do so. I only began to truly understand it after I enter G-man. When I am in the solitary prison, I thought that’s all my life is going to be. I thought I will succumb by dark depression and slowly gone insane” his time in solitary prison was traumatizing.
Angel’s hand holds his gently. “But you’re not. You are with us now. No more isolation” her voice surprisingly gentle and warm.
Alex smile brilliantly at her. Angel breathes catch at those stunning smile. If there’s an image for heaven, she is sure that his smile will be part of it. Cloud, paradise and Alex’s smile. Sound perfect!
“Anyway, your father was very wise” she said once she is out of her Alex’s induced daze.
“He is. He is a really great man. He has taught me so much. Of course I was so young back then and it took time for me to understand what he really meant but I think I understand now” Alex’s face glowing brightly and he seem much more beautiful that Raven’s breath catch.
Angel watched as Alex eyes follow one of the birds flew into the open sky. His gaze focus. Maybe there is one more reason why Alex loves birds.
“Hey Alex, want to fly?” she asked smugly, startling the handsome blond out of his intense staring. “I can talk to Charles about a new flying practice”
“How fast can you go?” asked Alex wanting to go faster if she can.
“Take a guess?” she joke but Alex being the hot nerd he is actually took it seriously.
“I don’t know. A fly can move at 200 beats per second and you should be able to fly at an even higher rate due to the size of your wings…” he contemplated.
Angel rolled her eyes at that. Sometime Alex doesn’t realize how nerdy he sounded. She quickly picked up speed, moving at a great speed. Instead of getting nervous like most people would, Alex only get even more excited and thrill. He truly did have an affinity with flying (maybe it is genetic since his father is the captain of the Starjammer). Angel can’t help but getting excited too. Trying to impress the blond, Angel fly backwards, hover and fly upside down. The blond let out an excited scream. Sean who was watching them can’t help but be impress and jealous by her amazing flying ability and fine control.
“They were both crazy” said Darwin seeing the stun Angel pulled and how Alex was really enjoying it instead of being frighten like normal people would. Alex felt invincible, happy in his element-irrepressible free.
“Yeah” Sean smiles fondly at them, thinking they are a couple. “But crazy and crazy make them a match made in heaven” he joked.
Darwin frowned at that. Sean thinks his two best friends are a couple. He looked over at them. They seem to be having so much fun. As jealous as he is, they did look perfect for each other.
‘But Alex like Hank’ he think.
Hank heard the door open and Alex walked in and went straight to him. “Alex, why are you here?” Hank’s heart thump louder as Alex got too close. “Wha…?” The next moment Alex was kissing him, kissing him hungrily. Hank was surprise but kiss him back like a starving man. He felt like the earth had moved. God, Alex was kissing him. Alex felt so real, felt so perfect and real against him and Hank never thought that this would happen. It felt way better than any kiss he had with Raven.
It was when one of those big hand cups his face that he was snap forcefully to reality. The hand was cold. ‘Raven’ he realize. ‘Of course. How could I be so stupid as to think it is Alex.’ He felt his heart breaking.
He pushed Raven away a little harder than necessary.
“Raven what you are thinking. This is my lab. Anyone can just walk in!” he snapped. ‘Alex could walk in!’
“That’s part of the excitement don’t you think” she smirk mischievously. “Beside it has been six days and you still wasn’t in the mood for it so I have to do something to get the rise out of you” she smile seductively playing with his collar.
“NO, RAVEN” Hank gritted his teeth. This girl is giving him a headache. “If we’re doing this, we’re going to be more discreet or we might as well stop! You do realize what will happen if anyone find out…if ALEX find out!”
Rave smirked at that. For all his reluctance, it seems Hank still can’t find the strength to put an end to what they are doing.
“Let me guess, he is going to fry us” she said jokingly but turned silent as Hank glare at her full force. Hank can be frightening when he wanted to.
“It’s more than that. It might just destroy our team dynamic. And it’s not like my relationship with Alex is good to begin with. And yes, he might fry us alive”
“Nah he won’t. Alex doesn’t hit girls. He might sent you to the hospital though” That sent another glare in her direction. Did she think this is funny?! Hank fumed angrily.
“Relax. Alex may be somewhat brash but he is not a violent person” she said lightly.
“Can you just turn back to yourself already” Hank said impatiently, afraid anyone can come in any second now.
Raven doesn’t look that happy but she turn back to her beautiful brunette form only with a sexy leather dress that shows a wide ‘scoop’ of her breast and attack a surprise Hank’s mouth hungrily. The kiss was raw and needy. Only because she can’t use Alex’s look doesn’t mean they can’t have fun. Hank had half the mind to push her off but decided to just give in. It is futile to resist her when she is like this. She smiled as Hank began to kiss her back. The kiss turn more heated and filthy and that’s how Alex walked in on them.
The blond really happy mood turn into one of pure shock as he saw the two devour each other’s mouth hungrily. For reason unknown to him, the sight made his heart ache so badly and his stomach tighten. He should just walk away but instead he finds himself calling the scientist name out loud before he realized it.
“Hank!” Alex’s voice startled him and the brunet quickly breaks the kiss, his face mortified. Alex had seen him making out with Raven! Alex is startled; he hadn’t meant to call out for him.
Raven huff at her luck and turned her dress to a decent one and just casually walked out the lab like she wasn’t just being caught sucking mouth with the team scientist. Hank on the other hand is as still as stone.
Hank heard the door to his lab shut and cursed at being left alone with Alex. ‘Today is just full of surprises’ he think feeling weary. The atmosphere was very awkward and tense.
“…There’s something wrong with my disc plate” Alex force out, his throat felt really dry all of sudden.
“…Give it here. I will take a look at it” Hank can’t look at the blond and found his shoes really interesting to look at.
Alex silently close the distance between them and gave it to him, avoiding from looking at the brunet. The air is so thick a knife can cut through it.
‘Cut it out, it’s not like everyone doesn’t know Hank and Raven was involve already’. Yeah, but I never thought I would walk into them making out in the lab of all places! ‘Why were you so bothered by this? Why you even give a damn about what they do? It’s not like you never walk in on anyone before, remember Charles and Eric at the sofa in the library’. Urgh, thanks I was trying to erase that! And who says I care, I couldn’t care less who the Bozo is doing in his spare time!! ‘Then prove it! Show that you don’t care’.
Alex took a deep breath.
“So you and Raven, huh?” he force out lamely. His throat felt dryer than the desert sand. He wished he had a bottle of water.
Alex’s question caught the brunet by surprise. The words sink in. Alex thought he and Raven was a couple?!
“No…we…”
“Hey, It’s none of my business who you’re fucking” the blond quickly cut him off, he really, really don’t want to hear about their relationship. “It was just a surprised; I thought you’re a totally naive or something. I mean you don’t even sit that close to Raven in front of us, even though everyone know you guys were involve” Alex’s mouth felt like sandpaper and he doesn’t even know why.
‘Everyone thought me and Raven were a couple’ Now that Hank think about it, he really shouldn’t be surprise since he spent most of his time with Raven (even though it is to invent a cure for his legs) and everyone must have think they were dating or something.
Then he remembers Alex basically said he don’t care if Hank have sex with other people. Despite already knowing Alex would never be interested in him, he felt his heart sank.
“Though I will appreciate it if you guys will refrain from PDF, Sasquatch”
Hank wasn’t happy that Alex has a new nickname for him. What is next? Yeti? Abominable snowman? Loch Ness monster?
“I mean we have got enough from the rabid fucking rabbit duo, I don’t want to walk in and found you guys fucking or something” Somehow the thought of walking in on them like that was arousing leaving Alex shocked and he quickly squashed the thought, horrified. What is that all about?! He wasn’t a pervert!
“You walk in on Charles and Eric having sex?” Hank said appalled. No wonder Alex is so irritated about it.
“Yeah” Alex winced at the memory. He is scarred for life. “Don’t really want to talk about it. Just don’t come close whenever you heard weird noises in the library even if it sounded pain. Those guys are into some kinky stuff you definitely could live without knowing about” he said before clutching his head “Argh, I need to get the images out of my head!”
“I will try to remember it” Hank said, feeling sorry for the blond. He can’t help but think about what Alex said. ‘Pain’ and ‘Kinky’ are Eric and Charles into S&M. The mental image make Hank wince. He can totally see Erik into that kind of think. That guy is so damage.
Hank thought he should say something more to Alex.
“How is your day?” Hank expected Alex to brush it aside with a mumble “fine” but the blond has this huge smile on his face making the brunet breath hitch and his heart soar. The room brightened.
“Great! I and Darwin volunteered for Sean and Angel to carry during practice this morning. Flying sure is a lot of fun” Alex face brightened as he remembered the morning. The dazzling smile stays on his face.
Hank felt the green monster roaring fiercely in his gut at the thought of Angel hugging Alex close while they fly. And doesn’t Alex seem too happy about it. It is just flying; surely it can’t be that exciting!
“You should try it some time, bozo. It is really great. Plus you get to be hug by a very beautiful girl. That definitely beat working in the lab” he bump his shoulder to Hank lightly, surprising the brunet with the sudden act of friendliness.
Alex smile is boyishly warm. It brought a brilliant smile to Hank’s lip (that made Alex’s stomach made a small flip) before Alex’s words sink it.
‘Is that why Alex love flying so much? He loves being held close by Angel’. The older male’s smile dropped.
“She is very beautiful isn’t she?” the brunet said quietly, his voice a little more than a whisper.
“Huh? Yeah. Angel is very beautiful” Alex is confused that Hank seems to grow quiet suddenly. The brunet had been withdrawn into himself a lot since last week. He wondered what had caused it, Hank look depress.
Alex looked at him and frowned. Hank mood has changed right after he mention about the flying lesson with Angel. Can it be that he is interested in Angel? Even while dating a babe like Raven? He doesn’t know why his heart arched at that. Who would have thought that Hank is such a ladies’ man? And everyone thought he is so virginal…What if he got on Darwin’s way. Nah, Angel wasn’t interested in dorky nerd. That is Raven thing. So is that why he is so depress? Is he torn between Raven and Angel? Alex looked at Hank. He wished he had Charles telepathic ability so he can stop worrying and pondering about this. ‘Why would I worry so much about Hank of all people anyway? We barely talk to each other’
They sat quietly as Hank continued to work. Alex can’t help but stare at him, watching and studying him. He can hear the rhythm of the brunet’s breathing. Hank smells very nice. Hank smell of chemical, fabric softener, tooth paste, and shower’s gel and under all of that something which is just Hank. Having a close view of the older teen, Alex can see what Raven seen in Hank. Despite being a super nerd (Darwin’s word not his), Hank had fantastic feature. His eyebrows have a nice, thick shape. Hank possessed large, sweet eyes the color of finest sapphire. His eyes just look so blue, so blue. And he remembered those eyes look even more enchanting without the glasses on. His eyes look sharper and more intense, absolutely beautiful! But he had to admit even with glasses, Hank look kind of endearing. It makes his eyes look bigger. He can totally see Raven losing herself in the clear blue depth of the gleaming orbs. His pale skin smooth like porcelain and his cheekbone has a beautiful sharp cut to it. Then he had those large, pink lips and those dimples that could bloom into the sweetest, cutest smile the blond had ever seen. His small perfectly-shaped teeth can set fire to any girl’s belly. Hank’s hair is fairly long, gel into a hairstyle it is shorter at the back and sides. It looked quite soft and thick, good to run your hand through.
Hank was tall, lean, graceful and elegance. Alex watched Hank’s hand at work. Even his hands were special. His hands are big and strong and his fingers so long and slender. Not to mention his great stamina, strength and acrobatic ability.
The guy is like a sex god in a very nerdy package. No wonder Raven is all over him. With a haircut, a contact and a new wardrobe even an alluring babe like Angel will be all over him. Girls will be swarming him like bees to honey. The younger teen’s stomach is doing a weird flip flop, it is unsettling. One of them should say something to break this silence. Alex wondered if he should ask why Hank had been so quiet and withdrawn lately. Nah, he doubted that the scientist would tell him. They aren’t exactly what people would call friend and he is sure that he is one of Hank’s less favorite people. Hank seems too focus on fixing the chest plate to appreciate Alex bothering him anyway. Thank god, he doesn’t notice Alex staring at him. That will be awkward.
“It is just overheated” Hank explained. The sudden talking surprised the blond. “You practice a lot so it is to be expected. I have fixed it.
“Thanks” the blond said gratefully. The disk meant a lot to him, it’s his only way of controlling his vast and dangerous power.
Alex put the chest disc on his chest. He turned around to leave except after 2 steps he stop and turn around. “You know, bozo. You really ought to give flying a try. It’s really great, you know” the blond smile as he remembering the feeling. “Looking at everything from high up, you felt like all your worry and problem is small and you can overcome it all. It’s a great feeling. I definitely want to fly again” Alex thought if he can’t make Hank talk about what is bothering him; he might just suggest something to lighten up his mood. Sometime that’s all people needed is a little push to the right direction. Or in Hank’s case a little time out from working and smell the roses. The brunet had to learn that nothing good will ever come from working too hard. Life needs balance.
“I will think about it” Hank wonder why Alex is determine to tell him to fly. Is it really that great?
Alex can’t help but think along with his physical beauty, Hank had a nice, soft voice.
Hank watched the blond until the door to his lab is shut. It felt lonelier than when he was alone before, like a piece of him just left. A hollow ache opening in his stomach. He felt completely empty and bereft! He wondered since when Alex has a piece of his soul.
‘It doesn’t matter because he would never return it’ Hank thought sadly
‘Looking at everything from high up, you feel like all your worry and problem is small and you can overcome it all’ Alex’s words resounded in his mind. Hank wonder if that really is true. Will flying make this ache deep inside him seems small. Hank knows the answer is NO, it wouldn’t. Nothing can minimize this ache and longing let alone make it disappear.