We Live Forever

Chapter 27: Prettier Than Concrete

Crimson's POV:

After the arduous process of freeing from all my straps was done they took me back to the cell. Charles was gone and Hank was back. Hank seemed to be doing good. He looked healthy again and he wasn't covered in blood anymore. The second I walked in the door his eyes lit up; from the look on his face you'd never know we were being tortured by some lunatic with an ugly mustache.

The door closed and Hank looked at me. His big goofy smile was back. I guess the mutation is finally sticking.

"Looks like we have one more thing in common my love," I spoke.

"I've missed you so much, these guys have terrible bedside manor."

"They really do, but they do seem to be good at keeping you alive," I said with a laugh.

"I think that one's on you. You saved me."

"I saved you and we still end up fucked, life's got a wicked sense of humor"

Hank's expression turned a bit more serious and his voice got lower.

"When they- take you away, what do they do to you?" Hank asked gently.

"The first time it was just questions. This time it was what they called testing. Really it was just plain torture."

Hank tried to reach out, but chains kept him stuck to the wall and away from me. He looked deeply saddened and angry.

"I hate this place," He stated bluntly, causing me to laugh a little.

"Tell me about it," I said like a kid in grade school complaining about homework.

Hank let out a sigh and looked me in the eyes.

"I just wish that I could just hold you. Hell, at this point I'd settle for just a quick touch. I'm stuck either looking at you wishing I could reach out or being worried about what they're doing to you when they take you away."

"Or you're being tortured yourself..."

"My love, seeing you like this and not being able to help IS torture for me"

A comfortable silence fell between us. I could see Hank thinking hard about something. He always got this look on his face when he was really concentrating. Even after years of seeing in while he's working in the lab I've never tired of seeing it.

"Enjoying the view?"

"I mean you are the prettiest thing in this place."

Hank gave a soft grin and blushed just a little bit.

"Aw, you think I'm prettier than the concrete and dirt! That's the nicest thing anyone's ever said to me."

"The view is significantly better when you're here."

"You are aware that I'm chained to a wall and I haven't been able to feel my fingers in hours, right?"

"It's part of the appeal."

"Oh is it now?" Hank chuckled.

I looked at him again. Really looked at him. Now that he was healthier again I had to admit I was enjoying the view a questionable amount. He was shirtless and just a little dirty which honestly was something I didn't expect to find hot. As for the whole being helpless and chained up, well...

"Definitely part of the appeal."

"We should really get kidnapped and held captive more often..."

"Maybe next time we'll leave your best friend at home, he kinda kills the mood.

Hank swallowed and snapped out his flirty mood.