Chapter Text
When the sun rose light streamed inside Warren’s bedroom. The blinds created lines of brightness that streaked across the young man’s face. He scrunched up his nose as his body reacted to the change in lighting. There was no helping that he was bitterly roused from his sleep. The boy groaned and covered his face with his blanket.The last night’s sleep was so peaceful. It was quite the contrast to his disarrayed state of mind before he succumbed to rest.
When it was obvious to the young man that he wouldn’t be falling back asleep, he sighed and then flung the cover aside. The cool air washed over him quickly. It was a unwelcome shock. Nevertheless he started to haul himself out of bed. His kitten Smokey noticed he was awake and instantly started to climb up his leg to beg for her breakfast. Warren rolled his eyes. At feeding time she always acted like it was going to be her last meal In the world despite being fed on time every day. He poured kibble into her small red bowl then watched as the gray tabby start to scarf it down.
Warren snorted at the sight. He thought Layla would just eat this up, cooing about how precious she looked or something like that. His hand itched towards his bedside table to grab his phone. Maybe he could get a good picture to share with her soon. He swore she could talk about Smokey for an hour straight if he would let her. Warren froze. Here he was thinking about her again and his day had barely begun. This cannot be happening.
Warren drug his hands across his face. He wondered how he would hold up at the party. It wasn’t for hours and he was already so jittery. The boy shook his head and reassured himself that this was no big deal. Surely it must be an overreaction. He Sighed deeply and then walked to the kitchen. The hothead testily shoved some toast into a toaster and whipped up some eggs. This couldn’t control his day. He should be able to enjoy a day off at least before being shoved into the lion’s den.
Warren took his breakfast to his room and enjoyed it quietly.When he was done he tried to look over his science homework but it was so hard to concentrate. He tried for Twenty minutes. All he ended up doing was doodling a sketch on the corner of his paper.He tossed it back inside his binder since there was no use. Warren flipped on the tv hoping that there was something worth watching. While flipping through the channels he thought he landed on a movie that he recognized. The corpse bride? He remembered Layla and magenta chattering about it at lunch.
He observed the characters on screen enthralled in a dramatic disagreement. The blue scrawny woman seemed distressed about grey groom’s endeavors. Warren listened closely to the dialogue so he could try to discern what the hell was going on. “You lied to me -just to get back to that other woman!” Wept the bride. The groom tried to reason with her. “Don’t you understand? you’re the other woman.” Warren frowned thinking his revelation was pretty cold. The bride sniveled. “No! You’re married to me! She’s the other woman” and then broke down in tears.
Ah.. it was a story about unrequited love. It clicked to Warren why a story like this may resonate with layla, and now it just may resonate with him too. Warren mentally kicked himself for his new pattern of thought and switched the TV off. The hero was getting restless. He needed to move. He made a grab for his gym sneakers and threw them on. He thought maybe A run could clear his head. Before he left the house Warren greeted his mother who now sat around the kitchen table. he kissed her goodbye on the top of her hair, as she thumbed through the newspaper and sipped on some coffee.She rubbed her eyes as she yawned. “Have fun, honey!” She called as he rushed out the door.
The wind felt refreshing, whipping against his feverish skin.A few laps would do him some good. His neighborhood was a good place to run. There wasn’t much traffic, it was full of large trees, so there were plenty of shady areas, and it was easy on the eyes, as the neighbors take pride making their homes look picturesque. Across The end of his block there was a nice park he use to go to as kid. It was quite different from how he remembered.
Warren brought to mind the last time he was there. He couldn’t have been more than seven. Awful time to realize you have powers. The day was scorching hot and windy. He was having a relatively good time playing by himself, swinging from some monkey bars and whatnot. His mom sat in the shaded gazebo area reading a book. The playground was an old school design. Everything was made of wood. He climbed up the playhouse stairs to get to the slide. He rubbed his itchy nose. All It took was one sneeze and an involuntary flame burst forth from his fingers. The next thing he knew, he could hear his mother screaming bloody murder and the playground went up in flames.
The aftermath wasn’t as bad as it could have been. He was the only kid there at the time. His mom got a few second-degree burns pulling him out of the play-house and extinguishing the flames from his clothing. Of course he was totally unharmed as it turned out he’s fireproof. The neighbors were floored.
He could hear them whispering on, speculating how something like this could have happened. They said it was suspicious that he wasn’t hurt. They of course got labeled as bad news for the neighborhood after the incident. He didn’t know what his mom told the firemen honestly. Either way The town came together and funded a new playground entirely. He didn’t want to play there much after that.
His pace slowed down to a trot as he neared the park. Something compelled him to stop. He stood before a tall tree in full bloom. There were several of them there now, another new addition to the recreational area, along with the shiny metal playground. Its pink petals blew in the wind and scattered to the ground. Warren held his hand outwards and one fluttered all the way down to fit inside his palm. The sickly sweet feeling inside his chest was back. But this time as he stood there with the sensation he came to a conclusion. This just felt right.
Seeing her in everything, counting down the days, the hours before he could see her again. He felt relieved when Layla was ok. Happy when she would smile. He didn’t want that to go away. From that moment on he prayed to whatever god was listening, what ever good forces that would bear down upon him, if he had done any good in his life at all,The one thing he wanted most in the world was for Layla to be his. Warren closed his fist around the petal feeling it for a moment longer and then let it dance its way down to the ground.
He finished his run after a few laps. When Warren returned home he still tried to stay busy. He heeded an old quote his mother told him about idle hands or whatever. He studied for a history test, did some chores, played with Smokey. He even sat in the living room and helped his mom shred some old papers for work. “My, are you helpful today!” She cheered. “Do you need a ride to your get-together tonight? Maybe we should bring some snacks for all of your friends!” Warren inwardly recoiled. He knew his mom meant well , but that just wasn’t happening. When he first told her where he was going this Saturday she wouldn’t stop raving her baby boy finally coming out of his shell. He did not need a repeat.
“That’s ok mom, I think I’ll take my bike.” He said much to her disappointment. Warren made his way back to his bedroom. The time was finally ticking down to the party. He supposed it was time to get ready. Warren grabbed his towel and threw it over his shoulder. A shower was calling his name. Warren felt a lump in his throat as he turned the bathroom faucet on. How was he suppose to speak to Layla now? Things wouldn’t be the same anymore when she’d crawl into his lap, make him wrap his arms around her or when she played with his hair. Would she see right through him?
The young man undressed and stepped in the tub beneath hot stream of water. His head tilted back as the water ran through his hair. the temperature was heavenly but it did nothing to soothe his nerves. Warren was practically buzzing out of his skin. Just the idea of them touching made him burn. Warren shuddered as he lathered his body with soap. He felt himself grow hard. His hand couldn’t help but wander down. As he gripped his firm length he felt dizzy with desire. A belly-deep groan spilled from his throat he slid his palm down his sensitive cock.
Would he be able to bear it when her small hands took the liberty of exploring his body? Things wouldn’t just be different. It would be straight up torture. But he wanted it desperately. How he longed to bury his face in the crook of her neck. He wanted to suck bruises along the side and make his mark. Warren felt no better than a caveman. However he knew the carnal sense of pride that would wash over him if his prayers were answered. Warren panted as he fucked his hand harder. That’s all that it felt like at this moment. A prayer, A pipe dream, Pie in the sky.
He sighed despite the thrilling ache in his groin. Warren glumly let go of his weeping cock and resumed his shower, stiff as a board. When he was done, he threw on some clothes. There was Nothing out of the ordinary from his usual style. Be that as it may his look never felt old to him. The boy found himself being grateful he bothered to do his laundry that week. He dried his hair quickly with his flames and then he was able to be on his way.
The air was refreshing as it whipped against his skin. The night was warm but not humid. Warren counted down the familiar landmarks to Layla’s house. His heart thumped harder and harder in his chest as he got closer. He didn’t know what the night had in store but it was now or never. When he pulled up to the hippie’s house he could make out her form seated on the porch. He could see her fidgeting with her purse. She gave herself a quick look with a tiny green mirror and then tossed it inside her bag when she became aware of his presence. Warren parked his bike and mustered up the courage to approach her.
It felt like the world moved in slow motion as they walked towards one another. Warren’s mouth was dry. She looked astonishing. Seeing Layla venture out to try a new style was exciting, Especially when it was so close to matching his own. The look fit her like a glove. The shiny satin material of her dress implored his innermost thoughts to touch. He’d never seen so much of her skin revealed at once. Warren had trouble finding where look, so he focalized on her face. That didn’t work out so well for him anyhow. Laylas big brown eyes nearly melted him on the spot.
There He didn’t think she could get anymore captivating and then she held out her hands. In her palms laid a black leather choker. In the middle, placed a red fire emblem ,he presumed to be made out of clay. On either side of the emblem were little, red embroidered leaves. It was amazing, he didn’t know what to say. “I made this for you” Layla spoke up “Will you wear it?” Her voice was small and unsure. The boy took the choker at once. Warren hoped it didn’t seem like he was snatching it. He clasped it around his neck. there was pleased sparkle that reached layla’s eyes after he did so. He was practically floating when she smiled.
Before his hands could begin to smoke again, Warren figured they should get going. “You ready?” He mumbled. Layla bobbed her head yes. “As ready as I’ll ever be!” She chirped. Warren placed himself on the seat of his bike, making space for Layla. He started the vehicle and it sputtered to life. The sidekick climbed on behind him. his heart almost stopped as she held onto his waist. Her body pressed snugly against him. His face burned when he felt the swell of her breasts resting on his back.
Warren was thankful for breeze as they drove. He was sure he was burning up, compared to a normal body temp. The hero took a deep breath and soldiered on. When they arrived on will’s street, the loud music vibrated halfway down from his house. Warren was a bit apprehensive about showing up so early on. He thought there might not be many people there, which could be kinda awkward, but he was wrong.
The house was right off bustling with rowdy teenagers. Teenagers who obviously didn’t give a fuck about being busted.
There were a handful of them hanging out on the porch adding to a stack of empty beer cans set up on the porch rails. Several others were running amok on the lawn, shouting, playing keep away with some poor soul’s retainer. “How gross” Warren thought. It wasn’t long until it was levitated high in the air. One student shot it with a laser from his fingertip. The group erupted with laughter at the victim’s dismay.
Warren looked down at Layla. He could see that she was nervous given that it was rare for her to go mute. He couldn’t help himself. His hand reached over to hers. He intertwined their fingers. He gave her a small squeeze and she squeezed back harder. Layla giggled softly “I guess we should get in there, huh? How bad can it be?” His heart was panging when she looked him in the eye. He hoped it would be bad. The thought of her ending up with Will turned his stomach.The guilt was eating away at his psyche. But there was something else. Something bigger that started bubbling up inside of him. A feeling he couldn’t quite place.
Warren didn’t know what to say so he shrugged and offered her an indifferent grunt. The flower child rolled her eyes as if to say `typical Warren’. She swatted him playfully in the arm “ugh! let’s go!” she sighed dramatically, but she already seemed much more at ease. Layla swung their hands as they walked inside. The groups outside were impervious to their presence.The door was left ajar for whomever to come and go, so the pair let themselves right in. As they walked in the boisterous voices of their peers surrounded them. It was almost overwhelming.There was a red cup in almost everyone’s hand.
Warren and Layla parted through the mass of people chattering and swaying to the music. Warren could feel the eyes on their back. He and Layla found a pocket of free space in the corner of the room. Warren leaned back against the wall. He didn’t feel welcome, but he didn’t care. The world around him seemed like a blur. Layla’s mouth was moving, but he couldn’t make out what the hell she was saying. Everything was far too loud.
‘Fuck it’ he thought. He grabbed her waist and pulled her in close. This is what she wanted him for right? He still had to crane his neck to hear. Layla made a small sound of surprise but she didn’t object. Even with the dimmed lights he could see the color blooming across her cheeks. “I SAID can you believe this place? Will’s parents are so gonna flip!” Warren looked around. He had to laugh. Furniture and trash were strewn about . He didn’t feel bad at all. He hoped she wasn’t too worried. Will would be lucky if Warren didn’t also vandalize the property.
What would be a good place to start? Maybe some beer down a house plant? Warren thought about the scolding he’d get from Layla.Even when she was angry she managed to be cute. All the while with, her scrunched button nose, ruddy cheeks, pouty soft lips. He gazed into the warmth of her eyes. His heart thudded in turn. He’d give anything to sway her. He’d have to prove himself. He knew he could be better than Will. No one knows her like he does. he’d wait for her to give him a chance.
Laylas hands slid up his back. Her mere attention was electrifying. He longed to swirl his tongue against the side of her neck and disturb the choker that called for his examination. If this was how she needed him he’d be the best. He hoped to leave her wanting with each touch she allowed, just as he felt for her. “The night’s still young” he said “we could trash it some more.” Layla laughed “oh come on! I feel a little bad! No way he’ll clean all this up without his parents noticing!” There was a syrupy sweet pause between them until the young lady interjected again. “wanna get a drink?”
Warren quirked a brow. On the exterior most would assume Layla wouldn’t partake in such recreation, but Warren knew better. He recalled a story she once told him, over her tofu stir fry,at the paper lantern. It involved her laughing so hard, during a speech at an aunts wedding, champagne shot out of her nose mid-drink. “Sure” Warren said “if you think you can handle it” Layla smiled and took hold of his hands. Her eyes were full of mischief as she started to pull him towards the kitchen.