Page 68 of The Not So Super Hero
A soft click signaled the door had been unlocked.Zane didn’t hesitate to open it, peeking within to find that Bailey had backed away to stand in front of his bed.Bailey wasn’t looking at Zane.His gaze focused on the floor while his hands continued to rub together like he was desperately trying to wash something off.
“I never wanted to be a hero.I just…thought maybe I could find a way to keep everyone’s worst nightmare from happening.If I could help find a way to have kids identified sooner, their mutations under control until they were safe to use, then…” Bailey pressed his thumb so fiercely against his palm, into his scars, that the skin reddened.
“Maybe I could say my sister’s name without fucking hating myself for being too weak to help.Maybe it’d take away some of my guilt.”Bailey let out a laugh, a hollow sound that rippled through Zane like an icy breeze.He hated it.“I’m the big brother, and it was my job to protect her.It should have been—"
“Don’t.”
Bailey stiffened, his hands slowly dropping to his side.Zane wiped the stray tears away from beneath Bailey’s eyes.He would be mentally panicking about the proximity, but he was too focused on Zane’s stare that held him in place.For once, Bailey could clearly see what Zane wanted to say before he even said it.
“Don’t ever say that.”Zane didn’t want to hear“it should have been me”because the thought of Bailey not being right before his eyes hurt more than he will admit.
How could Bailey say anything after that?He wasn’t even sure if he was breathing.No, he knew he wasn’t, especially after Zane cupped Bailey’s cheek.The hold was soft, like Zane handled something precious that would break at the slightest movement.It was clear Zane wasn’t used to whatever the hell it was that they were doing, but Bailey was content with his actions, regardless.
“Sorry about what I said,” Zane repeated in a voice so quiet that Bailey almost didn’t recognize it.
“It’s…it’s fine,” Bailey mumbled, his cheeks warming up more and more with each passing second.It seemed he was returning to reality because his whole body was on fire and it was all Zane’s fault.Zane leaned over him and stared at him all attractively.He was supposed to be mad, damn it!
“I don’t like when you’re mad.Being cranky is my job.”
Bailey snorted, grasping Zane’s hand that remained on his cheek.He curled his fingers around Zane’s hand, half expecting to have it pushed away, but it didn’t happen.If anything, Zane leaned in a little closer, his warmth encasing Bailey like a blanket that he never wanted to get out of.
“I don’t like being cranky either, but it was your fault,” Bailey said.
“Mhm.”
“I don’t think I should forgive you this easily, though.You should have to work a bit more.”
Zane had an idea on how to “earn” his forgiveness, though it was going to be something enjoyable for both parties.
“Maybe you should do my laundry for—"
Bailey couldn’t finish because Zane decided talking was no longer necessary.He closed the gap between them, successfully cutting Bailey off with a kiss.Bailey wished he could lie and say he hadn’t forgiven Zane.But honestly, a nanosecond into the kiss, he morphed into a pile of mush that couldn’t even lie to himself.Let alone another person.
The kiss was a soft touch at first, one that was only interrupted in order to breathe.Then the two moved back in for another and another and another until their lips had practically sealed themselves together.The room became hot, heat scorching Bailey’s lungs to coil at the base of his gut.
Bailey’s arms wrapped around Zane’s waist, his hands twisting themselves into the fabric of Zane’s shirt as if he expected it to help keep him upright.His legs kind of felt like jello so there was a slight chance of falling.With his luck, it would ruin the entire moment, which he obviously didn’t want to happen.
The contrast of Zane’s warm lips against the cool metal of his lip ring sent a shiver down Bailey’s spine.He didn’t even want to admit how the tongue ring made him feel.All Bailey will admit is that he had a thing for piercings apparently, or maybe it was just Zane.Didn’t matter, he would not admit to any of that out loud.Not that he needed to, since his moans were probably enough to inform Zane that forgiveness had been granted.
The kiss only ended after the two realized they needed to take a breather, one that lasted more than a second before diving back in for another kiss.However, the proximity didn’t disappear.Zane rested his forehead against Bailey’s.Their breath mingled and hearts raced.Which could be felt between their chests, considering the two were so close that their chests touched.Bailey couldn’t help but smile at feeling how fast Zane’s heart raced, how it seemed to match his own.It was proof that, yeah, Zane had a heart and apparently Bailey helped make it beat.
“Have you toured the facility yet?”Zane asked a little breathlessly.
“Yeah.”
“Mind touring it again?”
Bailey gave Zane a curious glance, one that turned into a bit of embarrassment when he thought that was Zane’s way of saying he wanted to be with Bailey.Well, they were staying in the same apartment.Obviously they were going to be together, but who fucking knew, it was a sweet thought or maybe Bailey was over thinking it.
“Sure.They have a pool.”
“Swimming.Sounds exhausting.”Zane stepped back.He tugged on Bailey’s hand, keeping him close.
“I like swimming.”
“Of course you do.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”Bailey somehow didn’t notice Zane intertwining their fingers as they walked out of the apartment.
