Star Crossed Wires - Ch. 15 - Don't Think I'm Done With You Yet
Volt x FemOC!Reader x Eddie
Scandalabra/Jon Wick x Reader
Reader is: AFAB she/her - older, tall, curvy and epileptic and totally not a self-insert. Repeated references to hair and eyes. No y/n.
Wordcount: 5k
Series Summary: Like most things in the house, Eddie and Volt have watched the human since she moved in 15 years ago. But when she walks into the Breaker Box for the first time, they both quickly realize there's much more to learn about her.
Chapter Summary: Repairs finished, upgrades online, Volt is in rare form as the Breaker Box is back in action. He relishes being back on the stage. But where is his favorite patron?
Tags: Fluff (until it’s not-will update); Eddie and volt x reader; spoilers for ALL routes (mixing and expanding dialogue, combing path elements); EXTREMELY slow burn; canon mentions of alcohol; body-related self-consciousness (reader); burnout, exhaustion, temporal lobe epilepsy, seizures (non-convulsive - photosensitive - absence, aphasia, auditory and olfactory hallucinations); canon swearing; nicknames (live wire, spark/s) Trichophilia (Eddie loves hair) , PTSD, nightmares, longing, voyeurism
NOTE: I have Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. Depictions of seizures and their effects are from my personal experience. While I don’t know I’m having a seizure until it’s over, I’m describing what I imagine is going on in the milliseconds the seizure lasts from what I can put together in the aftermath (which is usually nothing, but it’s self-insert fic.) So please be kind when the seizures are described. Thanks.
a/n - Reminder - Eddie and Volt can communicate via their connection. That dialogue is in italics and bold. Also I was having formatting issues and I'm tired so, sorry about the that. <3
Volt draws in deep breath and lets it out with a pleased sigh.
As he walks into the Breaker Box for the first time in days, each step illuminates his beloved club. Signs and light bulbs no longer flicker. Their steady glow paints the Breaker Box in fiery orange. Soft amber light gleams on the polished and pristine tiles settled within their mosaics. With a metallic clack, the spotlight burns like a brilliant star on the red, velvety stage. Tables and chairs perfectly arranged. Candles lit and lively. And Volt’s reflection beaming back at him from the glossy bartop.
Charged, vital with his own power, the prodigal showman vaults onto his stage and spins triumphantly. Volt’s coat flares with every fluid movement. Closing his eyes, he draws another long breath. The scents of dust baked onto lightbulbs, the spirits behind the bar, Eddie’s cologne mingling with his own, and…and something different. Something soft and warm, spiced and sweet.
I must be far more enthralled than I realized. I miss her so much I smell her perfume when she hasn’t even been here in days.
Behind the bar, Eddie looks up from the glass he’s drying off. “What’s what?”
“Up here,” Volt says. “On the stage lights.”
“Oh, that. It’s just something I came up with. If there’s another power surge, this will cut the stage lights, that way they’re not flashing at the audience.”
“How inspired! What ever made you think of that?”
His gaze aimed at his own reflection, Eddie shrugs and answers bashfully. “Just thought it might be easier on the eyes, I guess. Oh,” he adds. “I also took care of that little extra you wanted.”
“You had the time? After all the other wonderful work you did?”
“Give it a shot,” he says.
Like a child on Blissmas, Volt brings his hand up and gives his fingers a cheeky snap. Instantly, the club is filled with the sounds of a flashy brass band straight out of the 1930s. A boyish grin takes over his face. He snaps again, the song changing to something driven by a rumbling drum beat that thrums in the chest and taps the toes. Another snap. Another song, this one all muted trumpets and sultry bass. It paints the picture of a dark, sultry night with rainslicked streets and clicking high heels.
“Mmmm,” he purrs. “I’ll have to remember that one for later.”
Volt looks up to Eddie, waiting for a response that doesn’t come.
“I think I know the exact someone who needs to hear this one,” he adds.
Eddie rolls his eyes. “Someone fascinating, I’m sure.”
He snaps again, changing the music to lazy blues; a late night whiskey and haze in the form of a song. Eddie has always enjoyed the blues.
“It’s the very least I can do. You’ve truly outdone yourself, Eddie. It’s incredible.”
A dimple appears in Eddie’s cheek as he smiles at Volt’s praise.
Volt’s eyes narrow, but he remains cheerful. “Was something wrong with that floorboard?”
Eddie’s stare lingers just a little too long. “Oh, that. Yeah. The damn thing was loose. Could’ve killed someone if they weren’t being careful.”
“Once more, dear Eddie, you are a hero.” Volt sighs with pride and admiration. “Stay out tonight,” he urges. “Enjoy the fruits of all that labor you put in.”
He shakes his head. “I don’t think so. But thanks. I’m glad you’re happy with everything.”
“Eddie, come on! You should be celebrating. You deserve to have some fun for yourself. And when our human arrives you can have some drinks. Get to know her.”
Eddie’s smile falters. His movements become sharper. The towel he’s been using snaps as he flips it over his shoulder. “I’m clocking out,” he says. “You get back to enjoying your show. You deserve a good one.”
Volt’s heart sinks a little. “You’re sure you won’t stay?”
“I’m sure.” As he passes Volt, Eddie puts a heavy, weary hand on his shoulder. “I’ll only slow you down.”
When the door closes behind Eddie, Volt lets out a disappointed sigh. Tonight feels so special that he just wants to share it with the two beings he cares most about. And how strange that one of them is the human. His live wire.
Well, at least I will get to see one of them in my audience.
Volt’s first night back at the Breaker Box is a whirlwind of music, lights and a scintillating vibe. He is drunk on the heat of pairs dancing to saucy songs. On the energy created by the glorious give and take of his performance and the applause and laughter of his audience. The night is pure magic and it is his to wield as he will.
Volt is even pleased to see Johnny Splash. Briefly.
It’s only after the last drink is poured, and the door closes behind the final patron that Volt realizes that the human missed all of it.
The next night, Eddie’s mood remains sour despite the smash evening; a night with no fear of surges. A show that doesn’t end with Volt collapsing into his bed out of sheer exhaustion. And so, Volt’s fire can not be doused. He’s too happy to be back. Too thrilled to feel so vital, to feel his power at its peak.
Though the show is just as invigorating as the previous, it also ends with the same disappointment.
For another night, his live wire does not come.
While Eddie mixes a drink with his typical tight movements, Volt leans on the bar, limbs draped as artfully as his coat nearby. The charming host is uncharacteristically sullen as he stares at the closed Breaker Box door.
“How long has it been,” he asks. “A week? Two?”
Eddie’s focus remains on the ingredients before him. “Since?”
“Since the human was here.”
“You’re asking me?” He chuckles ruefully. “You know I don’t pay attention to her.”
Volt shakes his head. “You’re still a terrible liar. You know that.”
“I won’t dignify that with a response.”
“You won’t respond because you know I’m right.”
“I know you’re a pain in the ass.”
“And I know that you do, in fact, pay attention to the human.”
Eddie’s response is drowned out by the rattle of ice against metal as he shakes the cocktails. But his annoyed expression is comfortable, teasing.
Volt grins. Eddie has been particularly edgy, morose of late, but this banter reminds him of old times. Good times. His smirk is just enough to lift Volt’s waning spirits, even if only slightly. The weight of his own emotions, however, tugs him ever downward. “Eddie, I’d very much like to see her again.”
“Didn’t we want her gone? Too close. Dangerous. All that.”
Briefly, Volt’s expression flips from melancholy to suspicion. “If that were true, I would think you’d be in a better mood. It seems your wish was granted.”
With one of his trademark sighs, Eddie strains the cocktail into two glasses.
It’s been thirteen days. And, of course, Eddie can’t tell Volt. It would be an admission that he’s been counting. Volt is insufferable on the best of days, but if he were to ask Eddie why he’s been counting, the playful air would quickly change to something darker. He can’t let that happen. So, while Volt is vocal about his feelings, Eddie holds his tight to the vest. Same as it ever was.
Other than Volt’s nightly lament, Eddie hasn’t heard a single syllable about the human since she walked out, and he’s not about to go looking.
At least Volt is still in the dark about her visits. But who knows how long that will last. I wouldn’t blame her if she broke her promise. Why would she protect me after everything I said. The horrible things I called her.
Volt lets out a forlorn, lovesick sigh. His brows are furrowed and the corners of his mouth droop. “I’m not sure what changed,” he says.
Eddie’s cheeks grow hot and pink. I did.
“I have heard a few things about my live wire. Mainly rumors passed around the audience.”
His stomach twists with guilt, curiosity and jealousy. ‘My live wire.’
“She’s not using the glasses as much. Nor is she sleeping well. Betty and Abel seemed concerned,” Volt continues. “Freddy hasn’t seen her much, either. Perhaps I should speak with Dorian. They seem to be close friends.”
Eddie’s current runs cold. If she’s not sleeping because of me…
He told himself that all these years of fostering his own icy hatred was the best way to shield Volt, to ensure he’d never have to go through what Eddie had at the cruel hands of careless humans. Though Volt was the protective one, Eddie would defend him against any threat at any cost. He couldn’t let Volt hurt like he had. But over the course of thirteen days, it has become blatantly obvious that Eddie had only been a coward, and as a result he’s not only lost something precious to him but he’s taken her from Volt as well.
Since she left, guilt has writhed in Eddie’s stomach. Volt isn’t the only one watching the door, desperately waiting for her to walk through. All Eddie wants is the chance to apologize. To take it all back.
Those can’t be the last words I say to her.
For days, Volt has replayed every interaction with his human, poring over every word in hopes he will understand the sudden shift. She’d been nothing but sincere in her flirtations. In the glances passed from her seat to his stage. The smile that sparkled in her eyes even when she didn’t know he was watching.
With genuine sadness and worry, he asks, “Do you suppose I could have done something wrong?”
Eddie sighs–as he does–and gives a gentle warning with his voice. “Volt…”
“Perhaps I was too forward and scared her away. It might have been the dress. She might have thought I was being insincere. Or that my intentions ar–.”
“You're not the problem.” Eddie chuckles darkly. “I’m sure of it.”
Staring longingly at the door, Volt replies, “I do hope you’re right.”
“Have I ever let you down?” Meeting Volt’s eyes, Eddie’s gaze is caring. Almost apologetically tender. “You’re not just fascinated anymore, are you?”
As his gaze shifts to her regular table, Volt shakes his head. “It was never just fascination, Eddie.”
Sliding Volt’s cocktail toward him, he says, “In that case, I hope she comes in soon. And I’ll keep my comments to myself. I’ll stay out of your way.”
Volt feels a tingle deep within his core. A wrong note in the band, as it were. Eddie is lying and trying very hard to hide it.
Before he can inquire, the sound of clicking heels echoes in the empty club. Both of them look up expectantly, but all hopes are dashed by the sight of Scandelabra mincing his way through the tables.
“We’re closed,” Eddie calls out.
“And yet all my little wicks have given me my own little backstairs entrance to your estimable establishment. But fear not, filaments and fuses. I am merely here to enlighten you and, perhaps, find some illumination of mine own.”
Volt raises a wary eyebrow. “Is that so?”
Scandalabra, dramatic as ever, brings a hand to his chest. “Rrrrumors abound. Titillating tales, you see. And my curious heart simply craves confirmation.”
Eddie’s face is inscrutable, but Volt’s eyes narrow as a dark, angry pall descends upon him.
“Sorry, Scandalabra,” Eddie says, rounding the bar and staring down the fop. “If it’s gossip you want, there’s a two drink minimum. And the bar is closed. Maybe go to Bev’s. I’m sure there are stories there for you.”
The candlestick is almost as tenacious as the human. “The lady of the house, it seems, abstains from many things of late. Some complain that she’s switched them off, leaving them unused for days on end. Some are quite displeased, as you might imagine. I have it on the highest authority that she spends less time with Telly and more with Lyric. Mac moans morosely for the gentle click of their mouse.”
“How sad,” Eddie says, deadpan. “Come on. You don’t have to go home but you can’t stay here. Ignore me again and I’ll get mean.”
“Oh, dear Eddie,” Volt chimes, “don’t trouble yourself. I can handle the candle.”
Scandalabra continues to natter on. “Hector is rather hot-headed about it, truthfully. You know how he–.”
Eddie interrupts. “Look, we need to open the club.
“And I believe it would be best for you to make yourself scarce, Scandalabra.”
“Oh, drat! But I’ve only just star-.”
Eddie takes the candlestick’s knobby elbow and drags him toward the door. Once out of earshot of Volt, Eddie hisses, “What the fuck are you doing?”
Scandalabra drops both his persona and his voice. “She’s kept her word.”
“Clearly not if you know there’s a word to be kept.”
“She didn’t say shit,” Jon snipes. “She just asked me to kill any rumors that might get to Volt. Don’t know what or why. But I figured you would.”
Eddie looks away. “I don’t, but thanks.”
Jon smirks, “Sure.” Looking to the bar, he sees Volt rakishly swirling his coat over his shoulders. “You’re not the only one who misses her, I take it?”
“Look, she doesn’t know I’m here or that I’m talking to you. She’d probably kill me if she did. But she’s kept her word,” he repeats. “And she’s going out of her way to use less electricity. Wonder why she’d do that.”
Scandalabra returns, spine straight, wrists limp and movements exaggerated. “I wish you both a bon nuit.”
Heels clicking on the wood floor, Scandalabra practically skips away. Once he reaches the nearest candle, he disappears into its flame.
The door swings open, revealing a small pack of patrons already waiting for all that he and the Breaker Box can provide.
“Hello, glorious guests,” Volt cheers. “Please come in! I do hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long. We’ve made some improvements. I think you’ll find they were well worth the wait.”
Residents from all around the house walk in, chattering among themselves, greeting Volt with broad smiles and coquettish grins. However, of all the patrons that pack into the club, none of them wear rose-colored glasses.
I’m clocking out. Have a good show. And…and I hope you see her tonight.
Rest, Eddie. I have everything in hand.
Volt roams around the tables, stopping to speak to several patrons. There is laughter, polite conversation and Volt’s special brand of charm. Everyone is important. Everyone is the star.
“Bathsheba! It’s generous of you to grace us with your bubbly presence!”
“Clarence, that is quite the ensemble you’ve put together. So…provocative.”
It’s Volt’s finest performance. Behind the showman’s facade, however, Volt sinks further into his confusion, the burden of a heart heavy with the intense longing to hear her laugh again.
The next time I see her, he vows, I’ll ensure she has no reason to doubt what she means to me.
He thinks about taking her hand in his and peppering it with soft kisses. Or cancelling the show just so he can make up for the nights lost. While mentally composing all the pretty words he could lavish upon her, Volt hears the door open. He holds his breath and whispers a plea that his favorite patron has finally returned.
I can’t put my finger on it, but something about her seems different.
As Volt approaches the human, he can’t help but beam with elation. He makes a valiant effort to dampen his excitement lest he come on too strong, but his words tumble out as if they too have ached for her.
“Live wire! Do we have the pleasure of your company for another evening? Be honest. You enjoyed yourself so much last time you just couldn’t stay away. Am I right?”
“The show is nice and the club is fabulous, but that’s not why I keep coming back.”
***
Eddie finds a spot backstage where he can see Volt and the human. No pajamas or one of Volt’s little gifts. She’s wearing a touch of makeup–just enough to make her eyes pop and her lips even more desirable. His stomach flops at the sight of her artfully mussed hair. Try as he might to ignore it, Eddie can’t deny the style is sensual and inviting. She wears a garnet colored shirt with bell sleeves, collar open to reveal a lattice pattern of black fabric. Torn jeans and a pair of Funk Taylor All Star sneakers complete the look. He hasn’t seen her wear clothing like this in quite some time.
She looks like she’s going on a date.
“Oh, is that so?” Volt’s smile is cocksure and charming. “And what is it that has captured your attentions then?”
Her grin is coy and she shifts her weight to her other foot. “I think you know,” she says, looking up at him from beneath her lashes.
“Do I, now?” Volt’s demeanor remains confident and flirtatious as he steps closer. “Perhaps you should enlighten me, just to be sure.”
She avoids Volt’s piercing stare, instead looking to a very specific floorboard.
Eddie feels another pang of guilt, longing and a flush of undeniable affection. Those emotions surge into Volt who immediately knows the depth of Eddie’s feelings. Possibly before even Eddie understands.
Volt softly reaches out. Eddie. If you…if you’d rather I not–.
You’ve been waiting for this, Volt.
For a split second, something like sadness flickers across the human’s features. But as she lifts her eyes back to Volt’s rakish smirk, she blushes. “You’re having fun, aren’t you?”
As he strokes her cheek, he answers, “Perhaps. Or maybe I’d just prefer to hear you say it.”
Though he hopes her squirming is not entirely about Volt, Eddie doesn’t believe she could possibly want him. Not with Volt standing right there being—well, Volt. And certainly not after…
“You,” she says, voice confident yet soft. Eyes sparkling, pink flushing her cheeks, she dares to meet Volt’s eyes.
Volt’s current skips, then races with elation, warmth spreading through his limbs and blotting out his thoughts. She is the best thing that’s happened to him in days. With his live wire here, he can breathe again.
But then, he feels something else.
With a bitter chuckle, Eddie stalks down the hall to a heavy steel door emblazoned with various symbols and warnings.
Eddie, wait. Hey, I told you to have fun and you are. So is she, apparently. And I can finally get some peace. Sounds like everyone wins. You really are a terrible liar.
Another pulse of Eddie’s emotions flows into Volt. Despite their unique connection, the pair has always enjoyed some amount of privacy. Volt knows Eddie has walled off parts of himself. Even more so recently. However, at least one barrier has fallen and what lies behind merely confirms what has been obvious to Volt since the human became the homeowner.
How interesting. You've actually fallen for her.
Speaking aloud, Volt’s words are meant for Eddie just as much as they are the human. “The spark is undeniable,” he says. “And the feeling is mutual, I assure you.”
For fucksake…even if that was true–which it isn’t–I…I’m not like you, Volt. That’s…that’s always been the point. I don’t know how to…
Then perhaps it's time you learn.
Volt’s voice loses some of its bravado replaced by a low and silky sincerity few others have heard. “I was rather hoping you’d come by today. I find that without you the club loses some of its lustre. It’s colder here when you’re gone. What do you say we make up for lost time and spend tonight a bit more closely together?” Offering his hand, he purrs, “Care to dance?”
Volt, what are you–? “Oh, I… um, I’m uh. Not exactly good at that. Like, I have more skills in flirting than I do in dancing.”
The air fills with Volt’s velvety laughter. “Then you must be talented indeed.”
She runs a hand through her hair nervously. “I haven’t danced since senior year Homecoming eleventy billion years ago. You’re taking a big risk.”
“So long? What a crime. I can’t see how anyone wouldn’t want to have you on the floor day and night.”
“Not when the sight of me on a dancefloor is a crime against humanity.”
“Well, I’m not human, am I? I am, however, an accomplished dancer.”
“Darling spark, you’re looking at the winner of the annual Hollyween Masquerade Dance Competition for three years running. Of course it would’ve been four,” he mutters, “but Wallace is surprisingly graceful after a few caipirinhas.”
“Huh,” she tilts her head and looks into the middle distance as if trying to imagine a dancing WALL! “On one hand I’m surprised, but to the left that totally makes sense. Weird.”
“Needless to say, if you give yourself–and me–a chance, you might just find you enjoy yourself. What do you say?” Once again he extends his hand to her. “Feel like taking a risk with me?”
She takes his hand, and despite her trepidation, allows Volt to lead her to the dance floor. “I’ll get Farya on standby.”
Standing in the dark power grid room, Eddie feels his connection to Volt shifting. Expanding. The room grows brighter and blurs, like he’s waking from a dream. As his vision clears, he finds himself in the bar with the human standing in front of him. When she slips her hand into Volt’s, Eddie feels her soft touch across his coarse fingers.
What…Volt, what the hell is this?
Your first lesson, dear Eddie.
But I–I don’t know what I’m doing.
Yes. And you won’t unless you try.
Holding one of her hands in his, Volt presses his palm to her back, gently urging her to straighten her spine and open up her shoulders. “See,” he says warmly, “you’re a natural already.”
Though his infatuation with the human has been genuine these past weeks, Volt had not presented anything but the easy, gregarious showman. But when his comment elicits a girlish laugh from her, some of his own barriers fall. Typically, his own laughter has been–at least partially–an affectation; sensual, dangerous and disarming. What escapes him is…joyful. Pure of artifice.
The moment even sweeps up Eddie who not only laughs to himself elsewhere in the club, but also in Volt’s mind.
How remarkable, Volt muses to himself.
Tension broken, the lesson continues. Volt is a kind teacher; patient, encouraging; his touch delicate and respectful.
At first, when she makes a mistake, she is apologetic and frustrated. But as she learns each step, her confidence grows until she responds with, “Reset. I’m gonna get this.”
She is delightfully tenacious.
I hadn’t noticed, Eddie says.
“Don’t overthink it. You’ll end up missing the experience entirely. Stay in the moment.”
You were talking to her, right?
Why, Eddie, whatever could you mean?
Eddie growls, but there’s no bite to it.
Once she’s learned the steps, Volt takes both of her hands. “Now, the most important part of a dance–more than the steps–is trust. Trust yourself. Trust your body to remember for you. If you feel lost, or make a mistake, trust me, and I will lead you where you need to go. Can you do that?”
Awash with warm delight, Volt lays a tender kiss on her forehead. “Good little spark.”
She shivers, and her eyes twinkle with sinful glee.
“Alright,” Volt says. “Let’s try putting it all together.”
I don’t think I can do this.
Trust me, Eddie. Just be here.
Eddie takes a deep breath and blows it out slowly. He focuses on sensations rather than thoughts. Volt’s presence is constant, allowing Eddie to nervously take the lead from time to time. The club might as well be deserted. For both Eddie and Volt, there is only this. Warmth and music, intimacy and longing. The three of them share this wonderfully strange three-part harmony, moving with one another with seamless fluidity. They are a song within the music around them.
The air fills with a new tune. One with a gentle, languid tempo.
Much to Volt’s joyful amusement, Eddie slips his arm around her waist and pulls her closer. He’s lost in the feeling of her fingers curling around the back of his neck, the shivers that course through him and Volt alike. There is no way that she could possibly know that he’s there behind Volt’s eyes, but Eddie could swear that for one moment she sees him.
As she lays her head against his shoulder, their steps slow, shifting to a languorous sway. She draws a deep breath and sighs with palpable bliss. Her body relaxes against his. Volt brings her hand to his lips, then clutches it to his chest. Eyes closed, he breathes her scent, the perfection of their embrace.
When the song ends, Eddie lingers, reluctant to let this drift away. Volt tightens his arm around her waist. She lifts her head from his shoulder and stares deeply into their eyes. The air crackles with anticipation, undisclosed desires and an unanswered question.
Volt uses a knuckle under her chin to gently tilt her face towards him.
With a slow but certain grin, she brings her lips to Volt’s.
Shared pleasure surges through Eddie in a torrent of pale fire, as he relishes the feeling of her body pressed to his, her mouth opening to him. When she tightens her grip on Volt’s shoulder, a hungry growl escapes Eddie. She answers with a euphoric moan. As he brings a hand to her cheek, Volt’s kiss grows fierce with unslaked need.
When they pull apart–reluctantly–Volt’s forehead is against hers as they try to calm their racing breaths.
“It is far too easy to lose one’s self with you," Volt whispers, stroking her hair.
Eddie leans forward to take one last taste of her lips, eliciting a burst of shimmering sparks that illuminate the left side of her head.
Volt’s shoulders sag as he sighs resignedly. “Loathe as I am to say it, I must take my leave. It’s time to start the show.” Whispering in her ear he promises, “Don't think I’m done with you yet, live wire.”
Placing a kiss on her fingers, he glides away and vaults onto the stage with his customary vigor.
Alone in the back room, Eddie feels his connection to Volt constrict to its normal distance, but that doesn’t stop the current coursing through him. His lips tingle, and his body trembles with the echo of her form pressed to him. Moments pass but the sensations and emotions do not. They only grow. Things he hasn't allowed himself to feel in a very, very long time; hope; aching desire; and something far deeper than the affection hesitantly fostered during his days with her.
Shit.
He’s held that door closed so tightly for so long, barring his wants–his needs–from seeing the light of day. Shoved it all away to avoid feeling…everything. Cracks in the dam spread faster by the second.
He hears Volt greeting the audience. “Hello, fellow objects and gentlethings! I hope you’re ready for–.”
A blunt pain slams into Volt’s guts. He sucks in air through his teeth, smile faltering.
Eddie grits his teeth as he feels the surge coming. I can hold it. If he can just push this away…just shove all thoughts of her away…Just for now.
Breathless, Volt launches back into his spiel. “…r-ready for an…incredible performance.” As his showman swagger falls away, the lights flare before dimming to near darkness.
Volt! Just hold on. I’ve… I can fix it!
The loud buzz of electricity rages and the flashing grows faster, more violent. Clutching his stomach, Volt falls to one knee, gasping for breath. He looks into the crowd. Though his eyes lock onto hers, his human doesn’t seem to see him. Her eyes are dull…empty, almost. The sparks, however, are brilliant, exploding stars.
***
A column of white fire burns Eddie from the inside. Cracks appear in his body, unleashing blinding light. Thin filaments arc from him, tiny bolts of lighting seeking the path of least resistance, a path which Eddie bars with all his might. It is by sheer will alone that those filaments creep millimeter by precious millimeter. Only the control fostered over decades allows him to mend one of the larger fissures. But within seconds three more spears of light burst out of him. Straining, clenching every atom to hold himself together.
Kneeling on the stage, Volt gasps for air. It’s as if thick cables snake around his chest, his throat, constricting tighter and tighter. He is suffocating. Slowly being snuffed out. Pressure builds behind his eyes and his temples throb as whatever power he has left ebbs away. Wracked with pain, growing colder, Volt’s vision tunnels until the human is all that he sees. Her eyes are just starting to swim into focus.
Volt’s voice is little more than a dry rasp. “Live wire…”
A skipped heartbeat later, her features are awash in fear. Eyes wide, her lips form the word, “No.”
Volt puts on the best show he can muster and gives her a smile bursting with all of those pretty words he’s wanted so desperately to tell her.
Eddie lets out a heart-shattering scream of pain and defiance before the searing light overtakes him.
Content that she will be the last thing he sees, Volt stops fighting the inevitable, closes his eyes, and collapses to the floor.
The club falls into absolute darkness.
Chapter 14 — Chapter 16
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