Mutant Teenagers

Nikolas's Struggle with His Past

Nikolas was never one to show vulnerability. His tough exterior had been built over years of trying to fit into a world that expected him to be strong, manly, and most of all, "normal." Growing up in a conservative neighborhood, he had internalized the homophobia that surrounded him. Even in his friend group, he'd often made offhand comments or jokes to maintain that image, though they always left an uncomfortable knot in his stomach.

Now, everything felt upside down.

---

Nikolas and Melina: A Late-Night Talk

Nikolas paced in the safehouse kitchen late at night, his thoughts swirling. He hadn't meant to snap at Kwstas earlier-or at Morena, for that matter. But his feelings were spinning out of control, and the weight of them was suffocating.

Melina walked in, rubbing her eyes and clearly annoyed. "What's with all the noise? It's, like, 2 a.m."

"Sorry," Nikolas muttered, but he didn't stop pacing.

Melina frowned, leaning against the counter. "Okay, spill. What's going on?"

Nikolas stopped and ran a hand through his hair, his shoulders tense. "It's nothing."

"Sure," Melina said dryly. "Because you always stomp around like a caged bear for no reason." She softened her tone. "Come on, Nik. Talk to me."

Nikolas hesitated, then finally sat down at the table. "It's Kwstas."

Melina's eyebrows shot up, but she didn't interrupt.

"I don't know how to deal with this," Nikolas admitted. "My whole life, I was told that being...like this was wrong. Weak. And now, every time I look at him, I-" He cut himself off, his voice breaking.

Melina sat down across from him, her expression serious. "Nikolas, you're not weak. If anything, you're stronger for letting yourself feel this. But you've got to stop fighting it."

Nikolas clenched his fists. "What if I can't? What if I mess it all up?"

"Then you'll figure it out," Melina said simply. "You've got us. And you've got Kwstas, who, by the way, is crazy about you. You don't have to do this alone."

Nikolas looked up at her, his eyes full of doubt but also a flicker of hope. "You really think I can do this?"

"I know you can," Melina said with a small smile. "But you might want to stop pushing him away before he gives up on you."

---

Sofia and Spuros: A Growing Bond

Over the next few days, Sofia and Spuros continued working together, both curious about the strange connection they seemed to share. They spent hours testing their abilities, trying to figure out if the glowing light was tied to Spuros's newfound powers or something else entirely.

One afternoon, as they worked on the mutant-tracking device, their hands brushed again. This time, the glow was brighter, pulsing like a heartbeat.

"Okay, that's definitely not normal," Sofia said, her voice tinged with awe.

Spiros chuckled nervously. "Yeah, because everything else about us is totally normal."

Sofia smiled, but her expression turned thoughtful. "You know, I think this glow happens when we're in sync. Like...when we're working together or trusting each other."

"Trust, huh?" Spuros said, looking at their still-glowing hands. "Guess I'm not used to that. I've always felt like the odd one out."

"You're not odd, Spuros," Sofia said firmly. "You're part of this team, powers or not. And for the record, I trust you completely."

The glow flickered before fading again, leaving them both staring at their hands.

Spiros cleared his throat, trying to shake off the sudden warmth in his chest. "So, uh, should we get back to work?"

Sofia smirked. "Sure. But you owe me dinner if we figure this thing out."

Spiros laughed, feeling lighter than he had in weeks. "Deal."

---

Nikolas Tries to Open Up

Later that evening, Nikolas found Kwstas in the training room, practicing his punches on a heavy bag. The rhythmic thud of fists hitting leather echoed in the quiet space.

"Hey," Nikolas said, leaning against the doorway.

Kwstas glanced at him but didn't stop. "What do you want, Nikolas?"

Nikolas winced at the cold tone. "I wanted to talk."

"Really? Because you're pretty good at leaving in the middle of conversations," Kwstas said, his punches landing harder now. "What's the matter this time? Afraid you might actually have feelings?"

Nikolas flinched but stepped into the room. "I deserve that."

Kwstas stopped, wiping sweat from his brow. "Yeah, you do. So, what is it?"

Nikolas hesitated, then took a deep breath. "I've been a mess lately. I keep pushing you away because...I'm scared. I've spent my whole life thinking that being like this was wrong, and now everything I thought I knew is just...gone."

Kwstas's expression softened. "Nikolas, you're not wrong for feeling this way. But you can't keep running from it. From me."

Nikolas nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. "I know. And I'm trying. But I don't know how to undo years of-"

Kwstas stepped closer, his voice steady. "You don't have to do it alone. Just...let me in, okay?"

Nikolas looked at him, his walls finally crumbling. Without thinking, he leaned forward, pressing a tentative kiss to Kwstas's lips.

This time, Kwstas didn't hesitate. He kissed back, the moment slow and grounding, like an anchor in the storm.

---

Melina's Discovery

Of course, the peace didn't last long. Melina, heading to the roof for some fresh air, caught sight of the two boys through the window of the training room.

"Seriously?" she muttered to herself, grinning.

She leaned against the railing, deciding to give them their privacy-for now. "About time," she said quietly, her smile softening.

---

The Team Feels Whole

For the first time in weeks, the safehouse felt like home. Nikolas was starting to open up, Spuros was discovering a newfound sense of belonging, and Sofia's connection to the group deepened with every passing day. Even Morena seemed to be finding her footing again, though her heartache still lingered.

As they gathered for dinner that night, the atmosphere was light, filled with laughter and teasing. Spuros accidentally dropped a plate, and Sofia leaned over to help him pick it up. Their hands brushed, the now-familiar glow flickering to life again.

"What's with you two and the magical hand thing?" Melina teased, earning a glare from both of them.

"It's not magic," Spuros said, though his face was red.

"Whatever it is, it's kind of adorable," Melina said, smirking.

Nikolas rolled his eyes but couldn't help smiling as Kwstas nudged him playfully under the table.

For the first time in what felt like forever, they were just teenagers-complicated, powerful, and maybe a little broken, but together.