Mechanical Heart

Chapter Three

He was grumpy, tired and definitely irked. Antoine huffed a bit and scowled at Rex's direction.

'This is the fifth store we went to. Exactly how many will we need to go to before he actually buys something?' The blonde thought as the red head picked out the same style of sweatshirt in five different colors.

"I'll take all of them!" Rex said excitedly which made the doctor spit out the espresso he was drinking. Wiping his mouth, he sent Rex a look of disbelief and confusion.

"I think you bought too much." Was the first thing Antoine could say. The boy shrugged and handed over six crisp bills to the registrar and grabbed the bag filled with his new clothes.

He almost forgot the change if the blonde didn't remind him about it.

After about eight more stores later, the red head was finished with his shopping spree and the young doctor was more than happy to take a break in a nearby café.

Taking a sip of the hot steaming cup of Darjeeling tea, the Antoine sighed happily. Rex was fiddling with his fork, still baffled by the 'complicated' design of said silverware.

"Don't play with that. You might stab yourself with it."

"I didn't hear 'acidentally' in that sentence."

".. Well knowing you, there's a high probability you'd actually do it on purpose."

"What? Me? Psh. When did I ever do such thing?"

"Rex, I saw you trying to remove food in between in your teeth using a knife. Why shouldn't I think so."

"Hm.. Good point."

"So, are you excited about going to school?" The question Antoine sent made Rex sigh; he gazed at his cake as if the answer was written all over it.

"I am. Though I wish I had you tagging along." He mumbled in utter dismay.

"I'll accompany you on your first day and visit you maybe 5-7 times a month." The blonde explained with a smile. The red head felt a bit better hearing this, but he'd be a lot happier if his father-figure was with him all the way.

"I guess that'll be enough." Rex harrumphed but grinned at the doctor.

Soon the two went home and was met with quite a riot. Flames licked around the west wing and everyone was busy finding water. No screams of terror nor panic, just commands for each member of the institution to grab a fire-proof suit and save as many documents as they can while the other half keeps guard of the place and assists with getting the fire extinguishers.

"What happened?!" Rex gaped at the scene, his heart thumping in his chest like a horse on a frenzy while Antoine pursed his lips. That nagging feeling in the back of his head, telling him the terrible possibilities.

'They're coming for the boy soon Antoine.'

Those words rung in his head like a broken record. One thing's for sure though; there may be a few change of plans.