Felix Fractured

16: quiet moments

"We're Already" - KimMuseum

*****
ALEXIA

A smile creeps across my face as I dodge Felix's glance. We're just leaving the restaurant. There's a slight chill in the evening air, but summer is still here. Though the cold months to come are foreboding, it seems to be refreshing right now as the chill cuts through the heat.

Chivalry seems to still be around, I deduce, as Felix helps me in the car, shutting the door securely. I kick off my heels, chuckling absentmindedly.

"What is it?" He inquires, shifting to get the key out of his pocket.

My unexplained laughter seems to perturb him and it only makes me smile more. I glance about the exterior of the Korean restaurant as we pull out of the parking lot. It had been wonderful, if my content stomach and the to-go boxes in the backseat aren't evidence enough. I would've never dreamed he'd take me to a small family establishment like that. A place he frequents, clearly since the whole staff (mostly human) knows him by name. The good food, company, and atmosphere has me all warm and fuzzy.

I rest my head against the seat. It'll be a decent drive home, but I don't have any complaints. I'm comfortable here, in this moment.

Felix takes a sharp turn onto the two-lane highway and I hardly flinch. It seems I'm adjusting well to this reality. Oregon really is beautiful with the ancient redwood trees. Though summer is basically over, it never really got that hot. Well, I guess a pack in the middle of a forest with massive trees like this doesn't get sun like the Midwest does... I don't miss home but every now and then I miss the scenery. Just for a moment.

I jolt when Felix's hand touches mine. I guess I'm not used to everything just yet. His palm is warm in mine and I shut my eyes, hoping my blush isn't too noticeable.

We'll be coasting on this highway for a long while. I'm happy to hold hands, but it's making my brain come up with weird ideas.

"Lex?"

"Hmmm?"

He doesn't respond, so I glance over. He appears to be refocusing and oddly clears his throat before speaking. "Would you want to go somewhere?"

"Sure?" I can't help but phrase my response like a question. Where can we go in the middle of a forest as dusk sets in?

He pulls over on the shoulder of the highway and I turn towards him, trying not to get distracted as my stomach does flips. What's his plan?

"Do you... have plans this weekend?" I can only hold his gaze for so long before I have to glance away. He has beautiful, unearthly genes. "It's okay if you do. It was a spur of the moment-"

"No, I'm good." I nod, slowly trailing my gaze back to his. "I mean-I'm free."

He nods and I catch myself nodding with him. Stupid girl.

"If we turn around, the cabins are only like ninety minutes from here." He glances at the side mirror. "I can clear my schedule if you just want to hang out this weekend."

Really? Clear his schedule? Is he sure?

I glance at him, trying to decipher a hint of something. It's Felix, I deduce. He's usually sure about work.

"Sure, let's go." Somehow, I'm able to channel the confidence I lack into my words.

I'm still content, watching the trees rush by, but my thoughts drift as the sun moves to his side of the car. It's strange to think that just outside of our immediate reality, packs are falling apart.