The Fallen Short Stories

The Hospital Ball (dual POVS)

(Avalon's POV)

Ezra sighs loudly, as he flops down on a stack of workout mats. His practice sword still gripped tightly in his right hand. I shift my weight onto my sword the wooden tip pressing into the floor. I look at him, his face still obscured by his Korona. I can still hear the clanking of Riker and Cal's blades as they move across the gym. I walk over to the stack of mats and hoist myself up next to him. "What's the matter?" "Nothing, just thinking about work." "I'm going to need a little more information than that Doc." "The hospital is having this benefit thing next weekend and it's mandatory that I attend." "That sounds interesting," I say trying to make it sound more positive for Ezra. "It's a formal." "Like prom?" "Yeah, kinda like that. I have to wear a tux and there's dancing and a banquet." "That sounds fun actually." "Maybe it would be if you weren't, you know like me." I instantly look at his arm, the small pink marks left behind by the Fly Fever hidden under the cotton of his shirt. I could understand why he wouldn't want to go. Seeing Ezra in a room with a bunch of strangers didn't sound like the recipe for a good night. He'd rather be holed up in his room with a book and Beans where he was safe from prying eyes and harsh tongues. He covers his eyes with his arm. "I just don't want to be stared at all night." "So, what if they do? I mean you have just as much a rite to be there as they do." "I'm just going to be stuck at a table by myself all night, no one is even going to talk to me, it's just so awkward." "Maybe not, you aren't close with any of the other residents? No one you could sit with?" He shakes his head. "They said I could bring a date, but I don't have anyone to ask." "I'll go with you." "C'mon Mickey." "What? I will." "You don't want to, it'll be boring, and we won't know anyone." "No, I'm serious, I want to go with you." "Really?" "Don't look so surprised Ezra." "You don't have to; I didn't mean to make you feel obligated." I grab him by the face. "Listen to the words that are coming out of my mouth. I. Want. To. Go." "Okay," he says, and I can even make out a smile under the mask. "It's a date?" "It's a date." I can't help but break into a smile. Pink flares in Ezra's ears as he pulls his Korona down so that I can see his mouth as he says, "I'll meet you at your dorm on Saturday at 5:45." "Sounds good." I flash him another smile before hopping down to the floor. "I'm gone, guys. Gotta go to class," I holler to Cal as I pull the hoodie back down over my sports bra. I don't wait for a response before I take my bookbag and head outside.

(Ezra's POV)

I watch her walk away. It wasn't fair the way she could light me on fire and just walk out like nothing had happened. At first, all I feel is excitement then that fades into shock. I lay there on the mats for a few minutes until Cal and Riker were done sparring. "Kohen wear you out Doc?" Riker muses wiping sweat from his brow. I sit up, looking down at them before something inside of me snaps and the shock gives way to panic. "Holy shit! Holy shit! Fuck! What the fuck am I doing?! Holy Shit!" It all drips out of my mouth in one hardly coherent mumble. I jump/fall to the ground and I grab hold of Riker. "Dude, what's the matter?" "Doc what's wrong?" "Holy shit," I say again, unable to get anything else out. "Shit." "Real words Doc." "I have a date." They look at each other confused. "And?" "What the hell am I supposed to do? I can't go on a date. What was I thinking?! Shit!" I rake my hands through my hair. "Get over yourself Doc," Cal says. "I thought something was wrong." I completely ignore him and look back at Riker who's now laughing. "It's not funny, what am I supposed to do? I know I'm going to fuck this up." "No, you're not, hey you can handle this. First dates are weird but", he gestures wildly with his hands. "Just have a drink you know relax maybe you'll get lucky." "Yeah right," Cal laughs. "Both of you assholes shut up, I'm serious." Riker drops the smile and looks at me. "Okay, you're right, done messing around, I'm sorry. I mean Ezra it's Avalon, wait it is with Avalon, right?" "Yeah, how'd you know?" "Finally! you have the balls to make a move. You two have been flirting since day one, disgusting." "We have not Calvary shut up." "Anyway, you're already comfortable around her, just lose the labels. You're just hanging out like normal." "Lose the labels, I can do that. Yeah."