Echo From Beyond

Dylan Holloway / Asura

[andrewxstjohn]

In that moment – Matthias did want to kiss Dylan. Maybe a part of him had always been curious about how it would feel to kiss someone he kind of liked? He did like Dylan, right? He had been nothing but nice to him, showed him around the city and didn’t judge his twenty questions when he inquired the other man about everything and anything under the sun. It was a brand new world for him out these and as scary as that might had sounded before, at least a part of him knew that he could go to Dylan and ask him for help. Maybe that was why he was giving in to the kiss. To see how that would FEEL… But then the kiss… became a bit rougher. A bit more than he could chew at the time – that sudden hand on his throat making every alarm on his mind to ring loud and clear. He did not like to be touched like that. To have someone’s hand around his throat. To find himself pinned against the pool wall as the water moved around them with each movement they made. Was Dylan this demanding before? Was he this… forward? He was shivering moments ago because he didn’t want to be at the infirmary and now he was wanting to tear his shirt away – that lonesome hand cupping his crotch in a way that both made Matthias blush and feel even more confused than before.

“This was mistake.” It was his turn to grab Dylan’s wrist to remove it from his person. The water was already starting to freeze around the edges of the pool as the Russian couldn’t get away from Dylan fast enough. He was dripping wet as he climbed out of the pool, shaking his hair and arms as he barely dignified the other man with a glance. He really… truly believed that this would be different. That he would feel something – ANYTHING… when all he felt was the need to get away before he would murder someone. “You were not who I thought you were. Enjoy swim, Holloway.”

[thelinkedhero]

Dylan didn't seem to be fazed when Matthias grabbed his wrist. In fact, the way his body moved was as if he has predicted it. After all, close-range combat including wrestling is Dylan's speciality, it was impossible for him to miss the shift of body tension at such a close distance.

"I see," Dylan took a step back and raised body hands, keeping them in Matthias' sight to make it clear that he wasn't going to force this, whatever this was, going. "I wonder who you thought I was, Oborin." He crossed his arms as he watched the other man get out of the pool, moving far away from him as quick as possible.

"You still haven't answered the question. What is it that you want?" Dylan raised his voice at Matthias' back, "Maybe you are avoiding the answer. Better figure it out."

He watched the Russian disappear from his sight. With an amused hum, Dylan kicked his legs up and let the water carry his weight, floating on the surface with a relaxed posture.

"So that's your type, little brother? Think you might be chewing on the wrong piece of meat." His voice echoed coldly and quietly in the underground pool. "I am the one who's supposed to be here, not you."

He shut his eyes, enjoying the quiet moment as the water gently brushed over his body, humming a tune.

[blackandwhitebutblue]

"Fuck yes I am. Starving all day waiting for this meal." Giving Dylan a quick one armed embrace before leading him through the doors with a hand at his back. The laughter thick as a result of the obvious joke. "Me? Cook? God no. My skills have never been in the kitchen." Pushing through the doors he let Dylan see the true chef in the kitchen Wolfgang himself. "Dylan, as known as the hero Asura. Meet Wolfgang, a friend of the family as known to know to his way around the kitchen." Greeting the top chef as if he were just another person at the stove. His excitement more focused on the act of eating than the person preparing it. Be it him being an elitist or his apathy.

Was he flexing his real world wealth and influence? Of course. It's what he lived for. It's what drove him to fight for his place in the The Ten to elevate that power to new heights. But his grand scheme aside today was just an act of appreciation. "I am very thankful to you being my shield in that madhouse ordeal. And this is how I say thank you." Sure there might be an underline agenda. Continued protection from the golden armed hero. Alaric knew it best to keep in favor with those that came to your aid.

Wolfgang came over with lobster on a small tear drop dish. Enough for one bite, "I made a condensed version of the Shanghai Lobster to open up your palette." Dylan sure to taste the spicy ginger curry sauce the meat was soaking into. "And for the main we will have the pot pie. If you want dessert you have a ten minute window to put an order in." Staying long enough to get Dylan's reaction before going back to the stove.

Alaric sat back and wait for his plate to be filled at the table. A little jealous Dylan got a taste before him. "Tasted like fucking heaven didn't it."

[thelinkedhero]

Dylan was curious but did not think much when Alaric dragged him through the kitchen door. But then his eyes fixed on the figure behind the counter. He was confused at first, the man that stood in front of them, he has seen that face on television and on the covers of cookbooks countless times. Yet, this face in front of him was greeting back at him and told him that this legendary chef has prepared him a meal-

"Alaric, wow, I just...wow!" Speechless, Dylan turned and pulled Alaric into a tight embrace. His arms wrapped warmly and tightly over the younger man, shoulders tensed with excitement and the gesture was nothing else than sincere. "I...I don't know what to say? You didn't have to do anything for me. I...We are in a team, it's my job to protect you. I am sure you would have done the same for me." Dylan beamed a happy smile at Alaric before looking back at the chef. He was in awe, in fact, so much so that he slapped his face gently with a hand to see if it was just a dream.

Dylan would be embarrassed by how fast he dug into the food. He made a sigh of satisfaction, but before he went back in for another bite, he smiled at Alaric and began to praise the dish, simply sharing his excitement despite the other man might not be so interested in what seasoning or ingredients must have been used to achieve what flavour profiles. Dylan stood at one point and thanked the chef, asking shyly if he could have the Kaiserschmarren for dessert.

"I have never had lobster before," Dylan looked like he might have tears in his eyes when he sat back down and bit into the juicy white meat. "Never had the extra money for it, you know? I think...I think ma would have liked it too." There was a second of sadness crossing his face, but Dylan's face quickly lit up once more as he took another bite.

"Alaric...I know I said it so many times now, but...thank you. This means a lot." He put his fork and knife aside and turned his body a little to face Alaric more, looking to lock their eyes. "I wish...I wish there is something I can do for you in return. I know you already own a lot of things that I don't, but..." His eyes glanced down at Alaric's hands, there was something that crossed his mind before when he looked at them to check if there were any cuts on them, but the chef took him by surprise and made him forget about asking the question.

"...Does it hurt?" He placed a hand gently on Alaric's, fingertip touching the knuckles. "When you...get the bone claws out?"

[theghostlyhero]

Morgan wanted to say it: you're not your brother.

He only meant that Hyatt should be liberated from his current situation. Hyatt should choose for himself, not Dylan, or Paragon. Once Hyatt repeated the matter of failing his duel with Charlie, the phantom realized Hyatt had already decided. He was staying.

Morgan expected he'd comfort Hyatt, counsel him, but he seemed to have it all wrong. Honestly, it wasn't his business anyway. They were roommates. Hooked up. That's all this was. "... So why'd you... hold onto that criminal?" Morgan changed the subject entirely and looked away from Dylan and Hyatt. The least Hyatt could give him was that explanation.

"... If Dylan can't hear this, can you just relay it to him?" Page requested. At least to him, what he was about to tell the brothers was important. Information they should know. Maybe because Morgan had fucked up with getting caught up with Dylan. That's how it felt in his chest right now, anyway.

"I'm married. I have a wife." Part of Morgan wanted to leave it at that, because in the real world that fact was all that mattered. Not the details or his excuses. "We're separated... in every way other than paper and... Ethan. 'still."

Finally, Morgan looked at Hyatt. "And I don't know... how all this switching bodies stuff works with you two, but... Dylan and I hooked up. After the media circus. I... assumed you knew what was going on. 'shouldn't have assumed." It wasn't like Morgan to act without consent... but this situation was entirely unique. "If you didn't know and Dylan... knew that, but didn't tell me, I am really sorry."

[thelinkedhero]

There was something in Morgan's expression that made Hyatt think he was holding back with some thoughts. He wet his lips, waiting patiently at the man's question or whatever he was about to tell him. At the mention of the mysterious man they encountered last time, Hyatt blinked. He expected someone to ask him the question, but that never happened, so when Morgan brought it up it surprised him a little.

"There was...this symbol on his forehead. It was the same symbol on the other man's suit, the one that took him away. Did you see how Matthias and Charlie were affected by him? Something... on the mental level, I think. What if...What if he is good, Morgan? What if that guy was just being forced to do something he didn't want to? Until I can get some answer out of him, I...I don't want to fully believe that he is a bad person." He noticed how Morgan had looked away as if he was avoiding eye contact. The man's following words confused Hyatt and he felt Dylan's interest was hooked.

"Sure, I mean, he can hear," Hyatt replied just before the man dropped the news. Hyatt looked toward Dylan before he returned his eyes back to Morgan. "...Uh, Dylan said he wasn't surprised and shrugged-" He looked back at Dylan again and sighed, felt like a phone or message machine for a second. "He said you told him about having a son when you first met, he knows how human makes babies. He would be surprised a handsome man like you haven't been touched by- Dylan, come on!" Hyatt rolled his eyes and asked Morgan, "Look...Do you just want to speak directly to him?"

When Morgan informed him that Dylan and he hooked up, Hyatt's jaw dropped a little, trying to process the information. "...Like, you, uh, make out?" He unconsciously raised a hand and touched his lips. "You...kissed?" His face lit up in red, felt a little embarrassed. "Um, when he took over I...Well, it was as if I was sleeping. I don't remember a thing." He peeked toward Dylan once more, "What else have you done? God, do I even want to know?"

[andrewxstjohn]

You are better than that. Something about that one sentence seemed to hit the Russian hard – hard enough to make the ice wielder freeze in his place as he glanced into Dylan’s blue eyes. Was he better than that? No one had ever told him that he was better than that. Better than all those people stuck in their past. Trapped in a prison of their own making. But he was STILL locked. He would always be locked in his past, no matter how hard he would attempt to move ahead. Some things… could not be let go. What happened to him made him the man he was today. Was he really better than that? Like Dylan said? The hesitation was present in Matthias’ eyes. Always confident in doing what he wanted – which translated in avoiding people most of the time – now the Russian didn’t know what to do. What to even answer. All he could do was look at the man before him and slowly notice how Dylan was no longer trembling or freaking out about being stuck in the infirmary. He could hear the STEADY voice. He could process his words and feel the warmth of his touch over his usually cold skin. Was he better than that? Was Dylan right or was he just putting his faith in someone that deserved none? What hope was there for broken ice to be better than it had once been? Matthias could feel his own breath hitching the moment Dylan’s thumb was pressed against the corner of his lips. A part of him wanted to run. Just say sorry and bail as fast as humanly possible. But there was something on the way Dylan spoke that LURED him. Damn these bastards and their charm that could easily have him wrapped around their fingers. This was why Matthias wanted distance from everyone. So that he wouldn’t care. So that he could just do his thing – accomplish his goals – and not having anything distract him. This was why… This was why…

His lips met with Dylan’s before the Russian could think on words that would respond the inquiry. Maybe he just wanted Dylan to shut up – or maybe being with someone who treated him well and made him feel normal excited him. Or maybe Matthias just had no clue what he was doing and his body moved on its own. Whatever the reason – his lips were pressed against Dylan’s in a very shy – but still determined – kiss. Almost like he wondered if doing this was the right answer. Or the right thing. Or right at all… This was why he liked to stay away from people. They confused him.

[thelinkedhero]

Dylan was amused by Matthias' advance, but he wasn't shy to accept it. Pressing his lips back against the other man, he pushed them both further into the pool and pressed the Russian against the edge, letting most of their bodies soaked by the water as he grind their bodies against each other. They continued to kiss. There was something that seemed to make Matthias hesitant with the kiss...Was it shyness, or uncertainty? Dylan wasn't sure, but he didn't care. He deepened the kiss, determined to fire up the other man's desire. At least his physical one.

Then suddenly, Dylan's hand gently grabbed at Matthias' throat and pushed him back, broke off the kiss before they went back to staring into each other's eyes. "Don't think that's good enough for an answer, Matthias. I want to hear you say it vocally. Out loud." Dylan demanded, "Say I excited you."

His hands glided down, grabbed at the man's shirt and forcefully pulled a handful of fabric off the Russian's body. His other hand was quick to join, cupping the bulge deep down under the water's surface.

"Tell me what you want, Matthias. If you don't tell, I wouldn't know what to give."

[theres-a-rumor]

‘You matter’ ― Drew Alister & Rick Lincoln 

[andrewxstjohn]

Caring about someone was… NEW. Everything about it felt alien to Matthias but deep down in his core – there was a small fragment of him that remembered something close to this. To caring. He had once, long ago, cared about his friends. He had cared about his family. There had been a part of him back in the day that enjoyed the sound of laughter. The singing of the chirping birds close to his house whenever the snow would start to melt and spring arrived. Maybe he had friends back then? People he cared about and wanted to see happy. But all those things were a lifetime away. Maybe even several. Shoved ever so deep under tones of ice and snow – all for the sake of becoming stronger and surviving. But here he was. Doing something that was so unfamiliar to him and yet felt… right in ways that he didn’t have words for. Dylan needed help and there was just something within him that wanted to help. The very same side of him that wanted to keep his new… allies safe. Teamwork and all. But they were probably the first people with powers that he had met throughout his life that didn’t actively tried to kill him. They provided him with a sense of… belonging. Something that provided him with warmth in a very, very cold world. And as alien as everything was feeling – right now, he wanted to feel like he could do something to help. Anything that wouldn’t make him feel… USELESS. “I don’t know.” Matthias was not only confused with the question posed by Dylan, but also struggling with words that meant something. All this emotional crap was something he wouldn’t have touched with a ten foot pole back in the day – and now he was finding himself doing things he wouldn’t have done before. Did he care about Dylan? Yes. Dylan was nice to him. He gave him space when he needed and didn’t mock him when he got confused over something. He explained him things that he didn’t know. He showed him places he always wanted to see. His connection to a very scary world that wasn’t all that scary when he had someone by his side.

“I don’t know.” Matthias answered yet again, almost shyly as he avoided making any movement whatsoever, not really knowing what he was allowed to do or not. “There is much I don’t know. Everything is new to me, Dylan.” Paragon, what they did, having friends, smiling, living… being free. “I know only that I am scared. Scared of losing what I got.” The freedom that he had never, ever had. Scared of losing his chance to make people pay for what they had done. Scared of not being able to see and do all the things he didn’t even knew existed. “I am always confused. I come from different world. This… all of this is NEW. It scares me. It excites me. I don’t … I don’t know.”

[thelinkedhero]

"I think you know," Dylan tilted his head slightly to look into Matthias' eyes from a different angle and watched the reflective light from the pool change when it met Matthias' blue eyes. "Perhaps you are uncertain about changes. As you said, it scared you and excited you at the same time, perhaps you hesitated to move forward from whoever you were." There was a different weight in Dylan's voice that he hadn't displayed before. Less gentle, less soft, but more worn and seasoned. "I have seen people make attempts to move on to the next phase of their life, but their past bound them and they ended up grounded by themselves. Do not be those people, Matthias, you are better than that."

His lips curled up into a smirk once more, but there was encouragement behind it. His hand moved up once more, thumb pressed at the corner of Matthias' lips. "You are, right?" He asked with a hint of teasing. Still, he wanted to hear the Russian answered that question vocally.

"You came from a different world, sure. Yet, here you are. You made the decision to come here. You might doubt it from time to time, but you want this. You want this, Matthias." Dylan's tone was firm, "Oh, I would know. But do tell me, what excited you? Do I...excited you?" He lifted his other hand and placed it on Matthias' chest, his palm felt the beatings of the Russian man's heart. "Does being with me excite you?"

[theatomichero]

when the door swung open, the first thing charlie did was look around in evident confusion. for a second there, he could've sworn dylan was talking to someone. still peaked by his curiosity, he quickly searched under the beds and floated over to the curtains to see if anybody was behind them. the blond found nothing. "were you... on the phone?" he inquired, noticing dylan wasn't holding a mobile device of any sort.

"i don't mean to be nosy. just making sure i'm not crazy and you simply like talking to yourself," he mused with a small chuckle. charlie left the cupcake on the bedside table, hoping he didn't pour salt into the wound after deciding to snoop around. he's already had a shaky relationship with the four-armed hero by showing no mercy during their match.

emerald eyes shifted to the open suitcase left on dylan's bed. "you still haven't finished unpacking? boy, you must have a lot of clothes!" the blond remarked with an innocent grin, completely unaware of dylan's true motives. charlie wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed. he lived by the words ignorance is bliss for a reason. "i could help if you want? i organize my closet pretty well and i'm happy to lend a hand where i can. that's what being a hero is all about, right?"

[thelinkedhero]

"Hm, I am...okay. And uh, I was on...speaker phone?" Dylan replied with a not-too-convincing answer, the questioning note at the end hinted that he wasn't too sure if it was a good reason given himself. "You...uh, are you here to check on me? I mean, I am fine. You...You did really well on the sparring." Dylan tried to be polite, but he found it hard to squeeze out a smile on his face. Still, he wasn't a sore loser. He was mostly frustrated with himself.

"I...I really think you will do great. I mean, you really have a chance to get to the top. That's what you want, right?" Dylan was sincere, especially after seeing how good Charlie could fight, how could he not? "Have you...ever thought about what else you would do if not going for the limited seats? I mean...Have you ever doubted that you are not on the right path?" He asked as he watched the man place the cupcake on the table. He wasn't really in the mood for a sweet treat, but perhaps Morgan would like to have it later.

[blackandwhitebutblue]

@thelinkedhero Location: Kitchen

Alaric was busy on his phone scrolling through recent feeds and activity traffic. His numbers were still doing good but they could always be better. An agenda for another day as he was more focused on acts of gratitude. While Alaric was no stranger to people catering to his needs, it was rare to find one take such effort to defend him. Without being on his paid security detail. Dylan seemed so attentive to him being missing and rushed to defend him even when falling from the sky, as if he could brace the impact should they met ground. Alaric was doubtful they both wouldn't have met there end but the gesture spoke bounds to the savage one.

The two exchanged text the day prior when Alaric asked a 'hypothetical' question of if Dylan could have Wolfgang Puck cook him anything what would it be? It was clear food was a passion so he had a feeling the world famous chef would at least be on his radar. Today he sent him a text to meet him at the kitchen for surprise. "Dylan! There you are. Right on time." Alaric waiting at the closed Kitchen door as smells familiar to the very menu he request breezed through the cracks.

[thelinkedhero]

Dylan was a little surprised when Alaric began to text him more frequently than they did before. Perhaps the man decided to train his...Well, texting. Apparently, one finger tapping on the keyboard was not good enough according to both him and Charlie. Admittedly, having conversations with Alaric over texting did gradually upgrade Dylan's typing skills from one-finger tap to double-thumbs typing.

[text: Dylan] Wolfgang Puck? Chicken pot pie, I think. Or maybe the Shanghai Lobster?

The topic pretty much ended there and followed by Dylan asking what Alaric wanted for dinner. He didn't pay much mind, after all, they were all still getting to know each other and he had heard younger folks like asking hypothetical questions as a way of bonding. Something like that.

Next day, Dylan received a text from Alaric once more. He blinked at the mention of the surprise, rubbing his short but slightly messy bed hair as he made his way to the kitchen. He would shower first, but Morgan was using the toilet so he figured he would meet Alaric first.

Oh, he almost jumped when Alaric appeared right before him the moment he opened the kitchen door. "Wow! Someone is cheerful today." Dylan smiled softly as he noted the excited curl on Alaric's lips. The energy from the other man spread and lit his mood up too in a positive way. "What's that smell? Did you cook?" Aware that Alaric wasn't the type of person who is used to the sharp or heated kitchen tool, he couldn't help but raise Alaric's hand for a quick glance, checking there were no burn marks or cuts on his fingers.

[andrewxstjohn]

Matthias wasn’t the sort of man that usually acted without thinking about what he was doing – but this time around, he couldn’t afford to think. Dylan wanted out the infirmary and by the pitch of his voice and the look on his face, it was obvious that he needed to get out of there – and FAST. Who was Matthias to deny him that? If there was one thing that he knew well was wanting to get out of a place that brought back… all sorts of bad memories. But he would not pry. It was not something he did. He would listen if someone was willing the talk but he would never inquire someone else – especially knowing that by asking a question would entitle the other person to ask one back. And he did not want to reveal things about his past. By the way Dylan was clinging to him – almost desperately – it was clear that they needed to leave. Matthias didn’t present any opposition to the idea, merely casting a quick glance to the current state of undress of the other man before adjusting his jacket around Dylan – keeping his body covered from whoever they would cross paths around on their way out. “Pool. We can do pool. And I can do cold. Easy.” If that was what Dylan wanted right now, if that was what he could provide to HELP, then he would. He shook his occasionally trembling hands, hoping that the motion would keep him grounded in the moment and wrapped one arm over Dylan’s shoulders, almost as if he wanted to keep the other man as closely to his body as he could. He was naturally cold so maybe that would provide his friend with some degree of… comfort. They made their way into the interior pool without crossing paths with anyone. It was just the two of them and the pool with clear blue water – as still as it had been from the day they first met. “Want me to freeze water again?” Whatever would work. And Matthias had no damn clue what he could do to help. This was new to him. Caring for someone other than himself, being there to help them in a time of need. Maybe he wouldn’t need to speak much because if Dylan needed a pep talk – the Russian had none. Instead, he guided the other man to the edge of the pool and assisted him on sitting on the edge, not really caring about his own shoes, socks and pants as he dipped his own legs onto the water. “You need cold?” His gaze took in Dylan’s state and without any brilliant idea – Matthias placed both of his cold hands on Dylan’s face – holding the other man’s head in place as he looked straight into his eyes. “You not there anymore.” Maybe helping Dylan would… would make him feel less USELESS. Maybe it would stop with the shivers and the trembling and the continuous sense of absolute dread.

“Look at ME. You are not there anymore. You safe. No one is going to hurt you. You safe.”

[thelinkedhero]

"No, Matthias. It's not me. No. He will never hurt me. But-" Dylan stopped absurdly, the blue in his eyes widened as if he was looking further away than Matthias despite how their gazes were locked. He recalled something, a memory. And the pain in his eyes was naked and loud.

"Oh, god-" Dylan shook his head, his breathing was hectic like he was out of breath. "I...I can't-" His body tensed but not because of the water. But then Matthias placed both hands on his face, locked their gaze once more and attempted to calm him down.

Those eyes. Blue. Straight forward and honest.

Dylan felt like he didn't deserve to look back into the man's eyes like this. No, not after what happened. He felt like there was a stain he was desperate to hide, and he was afraid that Matthias would find out.

No, not Matthias. Please, god, no.

"I am sorry, I can't...Matthias, I can't." He shut his eyes as a tear dripped down his cheek. Dylan took another inhale, and suddenly, his shoulders relaxed.

"I am sorry, that was a poor display of me." The shivered voice was gone, Dylan spoke those words firmly, grounded. "The medical staff gave me some meds, you see. Must have...Well, messed with my mind a little." Dylan's opened his eyes and offered Matthias a small smirk. "Didn't think you care this much. I am touched, honest." He raised a hand, touching Matthias' jaw as he leaned one side of his face on Matthias' palm that was still placed against his face.

"I wonder, why do you care about me that much?" He leaned in closer, so close they could feel each other's breaths as they exhaled. "What do you want from me, Matthias? Is it friendship or...?" His hand slid down from Matthias' jaw to his neck, touching. "I rather not be confused, you know."

[theghostlyhero]

Exhausted as Morgan had found him the day before, it tempered the spiral that had become the phantoms mind. He carefully shut the door behind him, conscious of Asura's state and not wanting to disturb or harm that. Being welcomed to that bed like he had been nights before... Morgan hesitantly agreed. Only to oblige and make things easier for... Hyatt. The hesitant voice seemed to signify Dylan's brother.

At least that was who Morgan wanted to speak too. Dark eyes traced the emptiness around them till they landed square in one place. Dylan, right? Could he hear this? He stayed quiet and listened to Hyatt who seemed to have plenty to share. That was a good start. Hyatt explained the suitcase, his failed spar and how it effected his choices. "I understand." Morgan breathed with a steady nod. "You don't have to apologize... just... yeah, like you said, I was worried. It's what I do..."

Maybe he'd have to stop behaving that way. Others didn't require it and perhaps it wasn't appreciated. "Hyatt..." He said the name aloud for the first time. "I get you're helping your brother... but clearly you're figuring out how insane this shit really is. If you need to leave, like, I get it. He can't dictate your life. You have to choose for yourself. Things... don't have to be this complicated for you."

As for the mission, Asura's actions, that was a whole other topic.

"... I wanted to tell you both some stuff too." Morgan adjusted the collar of his hoodie, absently, eyes once more tracing the spot he believed Dylan lingered.

[thelinkedhero]

Hyatt's shoulders tensed when Morgan called him by his real name. It was a mixed feeling. Tensed, because he has been on this cover for so long he was always afraid to be reminded that he is actually someone else. Relief, because amidst all things, someone knows him. The real him. That he exists. "I...Charlie beat me so badly during the spar I...I honestly am not sure if I belong here." He buried his face into his hands, sighing deeply. "You are right, this is...insane. How am I ever supposed to be like my brother?" He let himself sink in that thought for a second. But Morgan's following words caught his attention.

"Oh," Hyatt raised his eyes and met Morgan's gaze, noticing the slight discomfort in his voice. He recognised that tone. It is when someone hesitates to share a secret that could change how others see him as a person.

"Of course," Hyatt sat up straight and took a quick breath to gather himself. "You can tell me anything. That's...the least I can do. You have been kind to me, more than I deserve."

[theghostlyhero]

location: their dorm room @thelinkedhero

It had been a day of... processing. The mission, his choices, and what was nearly lost plagued Morgan's mind. The latter only piled on by the suitcase he'd found hours before receiving Father's call yesterday. A clear sign that Morgan knew the secret, but not the full truth of it all. How could he, or anyone? Asura was at the mercy of two brothers.

Things weren't going well.

He'd needed time, not only for his mind, but his own injuries. Morgan had to take care of himself first. After having his bandages changed out that afternoon, he was told that Asura had been released. Maybe it was time to talk. Morgan dreaded it. All that went unspoken between Asura themselves and the Asura he desperately fought to save started to build a kind of resentment.

If they wanted to go, if death or abduction were better than Paragon or the hope they had as teammates, then maybe Morgan read Dylan all wrong. But he kept his head on straight. After all, he'd only spoken to Dylan. He had to hear from the second half.

He took a breath before walking in, steeling himself for whatever he found on the other side. If it was another goddamned suitcase, he had to stay calm. Morgan entered and saw the familiar silhouette that had him thrashing in sheets nights before. That vision of Asura... had to vanish.

"... I'm glad you're ok." He started. Asura being home, safe, ok was all he wanted. "I... want to talk. If this is a good time."

[thelinkedhero]

Dylan felt exhausted by the time he returned to his room. He threw himself into his bed, fortunate to still have the moment of quietness to himself without a ghost of the past whispering in his ears. It didn't take long until he heard a set of footsteps, followed by the mechanical sounds of the door clicking open. He turned to look and found Morgan walking in.

"Hey," Dylan gave Morgan a weak smile, "Sorry, I must have...made you worried." He sat up from his bed and looked at the other man with a tired look. "Oh, sure. What would you like to talk about?" He asked and placed a hand on the space next to him, inviting Morgan to sit down on his bed so they could talk. "Is it...about the mission? I...I know I was acting recklessly. But...I think...I was doing the right thing." His eyes turned to the suitcase that he packed up before the mission. Dylan clenched his jaw and realised Morgan must have seen it when he was at the infirmary.

"...I...Uh, I got beaten up by Charlie so bad at the sparring I...I wasn't sure if I really should be here. So..." He tried to explain but wasn't sure how to continue. "...Sorry."

[andrewxstjohn]

There was something that Matthias assumed to be genuine surprise plastered across Dylan’s face when he saw him there. Was it really that weird that he came to visit someone he cared about? Matthias’ head tilted to the side for one moment, the question made making the Russian’s expression become a frown. Angry? Why would he be angry with Dylan? He didn’t quite… understood why. AH. The moment when Morgan shouted his name to help Dylan. The moment when he was too deep in his own thoughts to actually realize what was happening around him. Was that what Dylan meant? Having so save him from being taken away by a weirdo in a floating cape? He had no reason to be angry about that. Dylan had done nothing wrong. In fact, if they were alive now – it was mostly thanks to him. To what he did during that mission. To the way he acted and fought.

“I have no reason to be mad.” His voice was almost gentle. Caring, even. The biggest fright was when Dylan fell unconscious after they wrestled him from the dude’s grasp but – still no reason to be mad. “I was worried. Concerned.” Of course, he was. Dylan was someone he was getting close to not just outside the mansion but they had fought side-by-side against an imposing foe that seemed to tank whatever they dished out against him. “We fought together. You earned my respect in more ways than one. You did good, Dylan. You did very good.” He didn’t need to mention the rest. Not the occasional trembling of his hands or how he could still feel COLD shivers running down his spine every now and then. He was there to check on Dylan – not the other way around. And then… Dylan started to chuckle. And the chuckle became a laugh and Matthias was so confused for a moment that he believed his friend had suffered some sort of head injury that was not yet treated. He was LAUGHING and as much as he wanted to keep the stoic and rather confused like an abandoned puppy would look – Matthias found himself… chuckling. He had read somewhere that people tended to laugh when they were nervous but he never understood why they would do that. Why they would laugh when nervous. But Dylan was laughing – and now so was he. Laughing at something that he didn’t quite get but hoped Dylan would explain once it was all over. Hopefully. STOP! Matthias did stop laughing and his posture became rigid – like a chunk of ice – his blue eyes narrowing and reflecting the monumental confusion that was going on inside his head. Dylan did mention that there were times where he couldn’t CONTROL his power. Was this one of those times? He was having some sort of episode? But he was shaking. Like he was enduring a harsh cold front and Matthias wondered what he should do. What he could do. Luckily, Dylan gave him the answer. He didn’t want to be there. Anywhere but there. Without a word or even doing anything that would go against his wish, Matthias got up from his chair and removed his jacket, gently placing it over Dylan’s shoulders before providing whatever assistance he would need to get up. “We leave.” No questions asked. Anywhere but there. “I take you to room, da? Better there. I can carry if need.”

[thelinkedhero]

The sudden coldness did manage to pull Dylan closer back to reality, to remind him that they were not in the hospital back home. The same one he used to frequently visit. White wall, white sheet, plastic wall clock with a black border. There's always camellia by the bed, pink. It wasn't her favourite, but that's what his father used to buy her.

"Mr Hollyway, we tried to help her. But none of the nurses know what she was mumbling-"

"She is hitting herself again-"

"I think it's best if you come here. She wants you to be here. Yes, we have turned up the heat of the room but-"

"Can you come in now, please? You are the only one who can understand her and she is shouting-"

"Only you know what she needs, Mr Hollyway. She needs you here. We can't make it any warmer-"

"Mr Holloway-"

"Mr Holloway-"

"She needs-"

We leave.

The Russian's words pierced through the noises in his head. With the moment of clarity, while he grounded himself with Matthias' voice, Dylan pushed away the memories, reached out and held onto Matthias like a drowning man desperate for the lifebuoys. He gripped onto the man and held him tight, needed something from the present to remind him where he was.

"No, not room," Dylan muttered, he didn't want his roommate to see him like this. He didn't want anyone to see him like this. "...The pool. Where we first met?" His voice in the end turned into a higher pitch, hinting how hard he was trying to steady his voice. "Somewhere cold." Pushing the white bedsheet off his body, Dylan realised he was only wearing his underwear brief. But he was so desperate to get out of this medical room, the last thing he cared about was how exposed he was.

[andrewxstjohn]

location: Infirmary @thelinkedhero Matthias had no idea how long it took since leaving Dylan at the infirmary to actually stop by and check how he was. Not because he was fearful of anything – but he had his own inner DEMONS to deal with and those had been a lot more persistent since whoever that guy was managed to mess with his head. But he did need to check on Dylan. They had fought together side-by-side during that mess of a mission and out of everyone inside that mansion, Dylan was probably one of the very few individuals that Matthias did actually like spending time with. He taught him things without judging. He showed him things and didn’t mind all the stupid little questions. Nor he asked him why he had never been to a McDonald’s before or why so many things were unfamiliar to him. Maybe he just assumed Matthias came from a shitty province in the middle of God fuck nowhere in Russia.

“Knock, knock.” Matthias head poked inside the infirmary to check if there was someone around. No doctor, no visitations… Just Dylan sitting on his bed and probably waiting to be discharged and sent back to his room. Which Matthias understood to a certain degree. “I came to check on you. Glad to see you are responsive now.” Between having to pull Dylan from that psychopath's grasp and bring him to the infirmary in his arms, the two had barely a chance to speak. “Took long nap. You look… better.” Pulling a chair, Matthias hesitated for a moment before sitting down by Dylan’s bed, his own gaze searching for any signs of something being wrong – when it obviously wasn’t. “You gave scare. Don’t do that again. Was not funny, Dylan.”

[thelinkedhero]

When Dylan opened his eyes, he almost thought he was back at the hospital again. The same white ceiling, the quiet humming from various machines and that disinfectant scent. The first thing he did was look to his side, expecting to see that familiar face. But then he realised he was the one who was under the white sheet. Then reality sunk back in.

"...What am I doing here?" There was an involuntary soreness that began to build up behind his eyes. Dylan covered his face with both hands, letting his palm rub away the wetness as he took a deep breath. "I don't- I shouldn't...This was never meant to be-"

Knock, knock.

The sudden voice made Dylan jump, he rubbed his face quickly before someone poked his head into the room. He half-expected Morgan. After all, they are roommates and the man seemed to be nice to him so far. That's why it surprised him a little when he found himself looking into those piercing ice-blue eyes. The quiet Russian walked into the room and pulled a chair.

"Matthias," Dylan said with a half-choking voice. He coughed to adjust and found his voice dried. "You...came to check on me? I thought...you would be angry at me."

The pieces of memories flew past Dylan's mind as he closed his eyes. Matthias blasted a ray of ice at the man Dylan was holding closely. He could almost feel the chilling sensation on his fingertips.

"I..." He was going to say something about the mission, but the man's words paused him. Dylan looked up at Matthias. Despite the circumstances, he found himself letting out a chuckle. "I...I gave scare? No, no. Sorry, it was...it was not funny." His chuckle broke into a laugh, Dylan had to cover his mouth as he burst out another laugh. "No, not funny at all...Sorry. I don't know...what has gotten into me." He rubbed his face and found a trace of tears dripping down his cheek.

No, it was too much.

I was never meant to be here.

I was meant to be back in that small town when everything was simple. He was meant to-

But you wanted her dead.

No, no. That's not-

A part of you have wished that, no matter how small it is.

"STOP!" Dylan shouted with the force of his lungs. His hands pressed against his ears. A pulse of force broke out from him, a momentum that didn't affect anything physical but something else. Finally, Dylan looked at Matthias, his body tensed and shaking. "...I want to be somewhere else. Anywhere but...here. Not here. Please."

[andrewxstjohn]

Everyone had their own issues. That was probably one of the many reasons why they were recruited to Paragon. Because they were all BROKEN one way or the other. Matthias knew what his damage was. There would be no point in dwelling in such a memory anymore. But he had no clue about Dylan. Morgan had died and came back – Alaric had the same views as he did when it came to humans and then there were those that Matthias really didn’t give a fuck about. Maybe because he didn’t exactly had a chance to meet them or even give any of them any time of day. Not that he cared. He wasn’t exactly there to make FRIENDS and even so… he found himself closer to people. Probably because he had never been closer to anyone before due to the whole fight and killing – but that was new.

“You have disagreements with your power?” That line made Matthias even more confused than before. It was natural that they couldn’t fully control their abilities. He tended to freeze everything around him when he was in a bad mood – but disagreements? “I hear meditation helps with issue.” The Russian was trying to meditate as well but for completely different reasons. Not that he knew that meditating would do Dylan any good. They were all UNIQUE in their own special, broken, twisted ways. “I do like silence. Most people are loud and they like sound of voice too much.” He waved his hand almost dismissingly as he turned his head to Dylan yet again. “You can stay in silence with me when needed. I don’t mind company – you know value of silence. Unlike most. That makes you good person to have around. Also why I’m here and not back at mansion.”

[thelinkedhero]

"I, uh, I don't know how to explain it. I am still...learning, you know? About my...powers." Dylan wasn't lying. But he also didn't want to give out too much details either. It had nothing to do with Matthias, but Dylan just wanted to keep things quiet to himself. There was absolutely no need for others to think he might be incompetent. He was already as inexperienced as he is. "But...Alright, I might give it a try. Meditation." There was a mocking laugh that only Dylan could hear, but he decided to ignore it.

Dylan continued to follow the instructions of the GPS. more buildings began to appear on both sides of the road, hinting that they were getting closer to civilization. Skyscrapers began to emerge from a distance and neon signs adorned the structures as the venues became more commercial.

"Why don't we just stop somewhere and walk around?" Dylan suggested as they were driving into the city centre area. "Is there anything specifically you want to do or check out? If not, Cherry Creek Shopping Center is just a few streets away, we can do some window shopping around the mall. Pretty sure they will have a McDonald's nearby if you do want to try it."

[theatomichero]

location: room a closed starter for: @thelinkedhero

it was the first time charlie truly showcased his strength. other than in the gym, he never really put his muscles to good use. he only wished another super wasn't on the receiving end of his mighty blows. part of him felt bad doing such a number on asura. the thrill of battle simply got the better of charlie, especially after witnessing the unique abilities his opponent possessed. in the end, the paragon prince emerged victorious. however, he couldn't help but find a need to apologize and make sure dylan was doing okay.

he fetched one of the cupcakes on a plate in the kitchen before making his way to the room labeled with the letter a. remembering the manners and good etiquette father taught him, he made sure to knock and await permission from dylan before entering. "hey," the blond spoke, flashing a small smile. "how are you doing?" he fished the frosted pastry from behind his back and offered it to the other super. "in the mood for something sweet?"

[thelinkedhero]

Ignoring the voice that only he could hear, Dylan grabbed the three jackets he had from the wardrobe and stuffed them into his suitcase. Dylan truly expected he might be the weakest among all the people in this manor, but to be defeated so fast in sparring in front of everyone has seriously made him question why would he ever agree to accept the invitation in the first place.

Oh wait, he didn't.

"Shut up," Dylan grunted as he cleared his drawer and just pushed the items into the corners of the suitcase. Morgan wasn't here. In a way, Dylan wanted to be gone before Morgan returned to the room so he didn't have to deal with the awkward conversation.

No. Fuck. He just wants to go away and return to his life as a nobody.

The door was knocked and Dylan sighed deeply, expecting it to be his roommate. He was waiting for the key to be turned, but the person behind the door seemed to be waiting patiently for a response. Probably not Morgan, then.

"Sorry," Dylan took a deep inhale before he opened his door. The last person he expected to see was the younger man who beaten him so quickly from the sparring. "...Uh, I am...busy." Wasn't quite sure how to respond, Dylan froze for a second. The gap of the door opened just enough for the younger man to see his opened suitcase sitting on his bed.

[andrewxstjohn]

It was such a massive difference from what he was used to. Dylan – like some others – was every bit of kind. That was such a rare thing for the Russian to behold and adjust to. He was used to others trying to kill him. To fight other people – men and women – who had been cursed or blessed with abilities like the ones they had. He did not expect kindness out of others. He would give none in return if such behavior was warranted. Yet, here he was. Sitting next to Dylan as they apparently were about to leave the mansion and explore the nearest town. To be away from others like them and be surrounded by humans. Humans that… liked them. Humans that considered them some new version of a savior that would delivered them from evil. How different was the world from what he had experienced? Were all humans bad like his parents had been? Did they have the same view as the guards of the Gulag that saw them only as usable trinkets that could be disposed of without a second thought? Why was Dylan being so nice? There were so many questions spiraling in Matthias’ head that he barely registered that they were already underway, blinking a couple of times as Dylan’s voice pulled him from his inner thoughts and back to the present. Back into that car and that moment. “Apologies. I was lost in thought.” Remembering things that made him angry and sad and wondering how there could still be good people in that world. But he was already so used to the sting of a knife on his back that… it made it so much harder for him to really CONNECT.

“I have question. You don’t need to answer if you dislike.” Matthias’ gaze moved from the road ahead and the trees in such a luscious shade of green that had the Russian mesmerized. “That day at pool. After ice cracked, you left quick. Did I do something to make you leave?” Had he been rude without noticing? Not that it was actually that important but… “I assumed you had issue with me after leaving and then you protected me from exploding table during gathering. I am CONFUSED.”

[thelinkedhero]

"No need to apologise. As I said, I am happy to make the journey quietly if that's what you prefer, Matthias." It took Dylan a second to realise this might be the first time he said the man's name. While he knew the man did introduce himself with the name, his presence still made him somewhat nervous about using it. There was something about Matthias, the sense that he was always vigilant and cautious. Considering people are here to ultimately compete for limited positions at the top, Dylan wouldn't surprised if Matthias rather not make friends with others. Especially him.

After all, Dylan wouldn't be surprised if he is the weakest among everyone else in the manor.

"Shoot," Dylan offered to answer, but the question quickly made him bite his bottom lip nervously. "My...power sometimes has its own...thoughts. And I don't fully have a hang of it." Dylan confused, "I just...rather not have anyone around me when me and my power have...disagreements. But no, you didn't do anything that drove me away. In fact...I am grateful that you let me stay with you for a quiet moment. I...needed that. Sanity check."

[andrewxstjohn]

Him? Learning how to drive? Matthias’ gaze fell on the vehicle for a moment or two, his imagination sort of picturing him behind the wheel. It could be a fun thing to learn. It could come in handy at a later time, perhaps? But as entertaining as the thought was… it was merely that. A THOUGHT. While Dylan had been kind to offer, the Russian was well aware of how his temperament could become the complete opposite of the element he represented. Other people made him anxious merely by standing too close and without even saying a word. What would he do if while driving they started to shout and scream obscenities in his direction? The evening news would have a filled night with the amount of cars he would freeze in the process. “Perhaps teaching me how to drive is bad idea. Not because of you.” For all he was aware, Dylan was probably the best driver in the world. “I have short temper when provoked. Would not be advisable to be being wheel if people scream at me.” Or talked to him or asked for directions or anything. No… it was definitely best for EVERYONE else that he would not learn how to drive. With Dylan unlocking the passenger’s door, Matthias slipped into the leather seat and fastened the seatbelt, taking in his surroundings and the fresh smell of expensive leather and clean insides. He had been in vehicles before but never in a… leisure sort of way. There was a small twitch on his lips, a barely perceptible one when Dylan commented that he didn’t go to McDonald’s often but at the same time, the Russian understood that fast food was bad for one’s physique. He just… never had a chance to have a burger and fries alongside a coke. “It is ok. We do not have to go to McDonald’s.” In fact, being away from the mansion even for a few hours would be good enough for him. To see the outside world that he had absolutely no knowledge of. “We can just walk. If others want McDonald’s, others can drive and get their own.” No offense to the ones he actually liked or tolerated but he was no one’s errand boy. Not anymore, at least.

“How does this work?” Curiosity made Matthias approach the GPS, one finger touching the screen which in turn responded with a mechanical and probably pre-recorded voice – making him almost yelp but sit incredibly straight back onto his seat. “I heard about movie where technology takes over future. This is how it starts.”

[thelinkedhero]

"Oh, okay." Dylan nodded at the man's words and felt a little embarrassed to offer the driving lesson. If the man wanted to learn, he doubted he would have waited this long or there were probably better teachers in the manor. "In that case...If you need to go anywhere with a car, just let me know, alright?" He offered. "Hm, don't forget to put your seatbelt on."

"So, it's essentially a map but for cars. You can type in the name of the place you want to visit. And it should show you the route..." Dylan picked up the GPS, his brows slowly frowned as he tried to figure out where the buttons were. "Uh, this is much more... advanced than the ones I am used to. Most of us have much older models back in my home town." Dylan muttered quietly and placed the GPS back onto the holder. He turned the key, ignited the engine, turned the four-by-four around and began to leave the manor.

Considering how far the manor is from the nearest city, the road was pretty quiet. Dylan's finger tapped mindlessly on the wheel, blue eyes peeking at Matthias to check on the man.

"I...uh, figure you prefer to not make conversations." Dylan finally took the courage and said, hoped the man didn't take this as offensive. "I just want to say...I don't mind that. But if you want to talk about something, anything, then you just let me know, okay?" He smiled and offered, "Or you can always turn the radio on."