The TALONS Files: the chronicles of telepathic agent Ryan Dart

A Peck on the Cheek

46

The group's escapade caused a buzz, as they laughed and recounted the moments that led to a young man's first kiss.

Gunner then asked. "You guys up for some Avengers?"

Everybody agreed with a boisterous reply.

* * *

When the movie was over, everybody, after chatting for a brief while, dispersed. As they did, Ryan felt an overwhelming sense wrap around him. It was both a warm blanket and a stage curtain opening, simultaneously affecting him and causing sheer joy. He felt comfortable, yet, there was an electricity riding that comfort. It was as if a new world was being unveiled. It was a revelation, a revelation he always dreamed of, yet didn't dare accept as possible. Ryan Dart felt like he was meant to be here. With these people. In this moment.

However, nagging the back of his mind, while wrapped up in conversations and activities, was his meeting with Esmeralda. He ignored that burdened thought and continued to have fun with everyone else. Still, Ryan knew he was trusted, and betraying that trust could be his undoing. Especially now, when he made friends. Not saying Damon wasn't a great friend, he was awesome. But Ryan never went to birthday parties, never hung around with a group after school and never laughed and felt so care free around a group of people like he did now.

Tomorrow, he thought, with snowy pines and traditional skiing tracks playing through his head, he would betray all of them and engage with someone who had deserted their cause. Ryan reasoned that he had to do this. There were things nobody at TALONS knew about. The plot was unfolding around the Flash Fuel weapon.

His good byes were earnest, he loved these people like a new family. He was biting his lip in thought, as he opened the door and headed for his apartment. Soon, after entering the hall that, considering the thoughts rolling through his head, seemed miles away, Chloe quickly followed- softly saying, "Hey wait up. I'll walk you to your apartment."

"Sure." Ryan said, examining Chloe. Once again he saw Icy forests as he wondered, 'Did she read my mind?'

"You have your silent mind going in full effect." She said a little alarmed. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Uhh. I'm just wondering why you want to walk me to my apartment?"

The two made it to the elevator.

As the doors closed, Chloe wore a silent look of gratitude. "I just wanted to say thanks."

Ryan was at a loss. "For what?" Then he quickly remembered, "Oh yes, I did detect a thought or two about what I said about the whole intervention fiasco."

"Yes, the truth is, I would gladly play along with you guys. I just...can't. It's the rules and, in my role, I have to be the bad guy."

"Yeah, I can see how that sucks." Ryan said, as the elevator rose to the top floor. "Well, this is where I get off."

"I'll follow you to your apartment, I've got a little more to say."

"Like what?"

"This might be your last full week at school. They'll keep you here till you're eighteen, so you can keep your curriculum up to date. But you're going to be thrown into the fire by the weekend."

Ryan swallowed hard, as he reached his door. "Do you think I'm ready?"

Chloe shook her head. "I think God made you for this." She then stood on her tip toes and kissed Ryan's cheek.

"Wow, no open mouth kiss? My teddy bear thinks I'm pretty good." Ryan teased.

"No way!" Chloe said. "As she pushed Ryan in the chest.

"I was kidding. Really, a kiss on the cheek from you, I mean a girl in your position, is more than I ever would expect anyways."

"Keep being you, and it might turn into something worth while." Chloe said, as she turned and swayed back down the hall.

Ryan shrugged. "It already is. Can I call you?"

Chloe looked over her shoulder, swiping her dark brown mane from her eyes, "Not while your in school."