Page 49 of Supernova

Sure enough, when I lifted the window to the fire escape, he was sitting on the edge, legs dangling off just like the first time I’d ever seen him. His hoodie today was khaki and like usual, the hood was covering the back of his head. But even without seeing his face, I could tell it was him. Given it was a Friday and not one of our usual training days, I was a tad surprised to find him out here so early. Surprised, but not mad. Definitely not mad.

He greeted me without turning when he heard me climb over the ledge. “Morning, Supernova.”

“How did you know it was me?” I questioned.

“Sixth sense, remember?” He snickered.

“Right.” I paused, not knowing if I should approach him or sit on the ledge. Instead, I walked up to the ladder that one of us usually leaned on. “Do you ever sleep? Actually, where do you even sleep?” Now that he was here and it was just us two in the early morning air, the nervous energy and stupid babbling had kicked in.

“Why gorgeous, you looking to visit? You seem awfully curious.” He turned slightly towards me so I could see his too-perfect side profile.

My heart rate quickened and I hoped his sixth sense wouldn’t pick up on that. “I … I just think it’s weird that I’ve been here for months now and I have no idea where it is. Is there a separate wing?”

“I’ve offered to give you a private tour of my bedroom. Just say the word Cosmo and we’ll go.” He looked at me now, his expression playful and excited.

There went my heart again. “You’d love that,” I countered on instinct.

“Something tells me you would too.” His devilish grin adorned his beautiful face and I couldn’t help but smile back at his confidence. He wasn’t wrong.

After a beat, he turned away, back towards the front of the compound and the little courtyard. “Do you ever sleep?” He flipped my question back on me. “I can help tire you out if you like?”

“Actually, I was planning on going for a run around the block.” There was my chance, but yet again I fucked it, panicking in the moment. Maybe I liked the chase just a little too much.

I hoped he would join me. I could no longer deny that I wanted to be in his presence. I was starting to really love the adrenaline high I got from it. Like some sort of Griffin junkie. My usual runners high wouldn’t cut it anymore.

“Well, lead the way then,” he said so casually, turning towards me again. I smiled to myself as I walked past him and then descended the few steps down the ladder before jumping down.

When I was on the ground, starting to stretch out my quads, he leaped off and landed expertly beside me. His expression and posture showed how little effort it took him. As we stretched silently, I took in his black shorts that were high enough that his long, defined legs were on show. With his khaki hoodie, white crew socks, black runners and earphones hanging around his neck, I wondered if he also had planned to go for a run, and if that was part of his normal routine. I wondered what his routine was. He was still so mysterious to me. I had no idea where he went off to every night when he left his friends and no idea where he came from when he appeared in the morning for training. I was just hitting the surface of getting to know him and yet I was so intrigued.

???

The streets of Brooklyn were quieter than ever at this time as the dark sky started to lighten ever so slightly, a hint of red tinting the thick city atmosphere. Although he had told me to lead, he knew I had absolutely no bearings and took charge anyway, navigating us a few blocks until we hit a path along the East River—which was as far as my knowledge of the city went.

After about 1.4miles we stopped for a breather, taking in the views of the skyline and the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges. I was starting to grow really fond of the city. It was giving the forest a run for its money. Especially at this time, when it almost felt like it was just me and him. Soon this path would be full of other runners, but we had beat them to it this morning. It was probably one of the very few times you’d catch the city in this sort of stillness and I was lapping up every precious second of it.

I took a moment to soak it in, closing my eyes and raising my head towards the rising sun. When I opened them and looked towards Griff, I saw him doing the same thing, leaning forward against the rail that separated us from the river. Although it was getting warmer, the morning breeze ruffled his hair. He looked so at peace and I knew at that moment that this was part of his morning ritual, at least when he wasn’t wasting his time training a wannabe hunter.

When his eyes finally opened, he found me gently smiling at him. It was the most vulnerable I had seen him and it didn’t escape me that he felt comfortable to lower his guard around me, even just for a few minutes. No humour or charm or sarcasm to deflect and distract. Just him. Exposed and unguarded. Taking in the moment.

“We should head back,” he said when he finally spoke. I nodded and we ran back in comfortable silence.

???

Griffin gave me a boost to reach the ladder when we got back to the academy. The front door would usually be locked this early, although I’m sure the son of Thea had a key. But we preferred the fire escape anyway. Made us feel rebellious and in control.

I relished the feeling of his strong arms wrapped around my waist as he lifted me until I could grab the ladder and pull myself up. I watched as he effortlessly pulled himself up. By now the sun had risen and the sky was lit in a soft amber haze. I checked my watch for the time, it was just passed 5:45 meaning the rest of the squad would start to wake up and get ready soon, showering and then heading to breakfast. I waited, not too sure what I should do between now and then.

“Do you want to take another crack at accessing your extra senses?” Griff quietly offered. “I have a theory we could try out.”

“Uhh, sure. I’ve got some time to kill.” I was relieved I didn’t have to fill it myself. And that I got to spend a bit of extra time in his presence.

He gestured for me to head in before him, following me at a distance but letting me make my way off the fire escape myself. I liked that he didn’t overprotect or baby me the way River did. With Griffin, I was capable. I needed a lot of work and practice, but nevertheless I was capable. I wasn’t just some frail little human used for his entertainment.

After sticking the landing from the ladder in the gym, Griffin started to walk towards the door leading to the hall. “Start warming up on the sparring mats. I’ll be back,” he called out to me before he indolently continued in the direction of the door and disappeared.

“Uh, okay,” I shrugged as I watched after him confused. That boy was so vague.

I walked across to the closest mat to the front door and unzipped my hoodie that was sweaty from the run. Leaving it on a bench to the side, I grabbed one of the towels and wiped up the sweat, taking a moment to appreciate the detailed art that now covered my arms. I went back to Ivy soon after my first tattoo and had visited a few times since, diving into the deep end and getting intricate sleeves on both my arms as well as a few more tattoos down my sternum and ribs. I let Ivy do the design, choosing an eagle, the moon, a sword, flowers—everything that symbolised my new freedom. It was art and it decorated my body like a canvas. Every so often when I remembered they were there, I took a few moments to appreciate the beauty.

---