Flashback to the Future

VIII. Breaking Down the Walls

Zeus

"Sir, we're running on back up generators now." Emilio said before I hang up on him. Its getting late and the storm was just about to get worse. I finger combed my hair as I looked at the scenery from the window. I can barely see the highway because of the heavy rain. I could hear the strong winds spawning against the walls.

I escorted Selena to the boss's pad earlier. She needed some sleep. Her face was plagued with worries especially when we lost our phone signal. She'd probably gone tired of standing in front of the same window for hours hoping that the storm would stop or weaken. That or because she's bothered that she's alone with me again.

I knew how much of an asshole I had been on her but things changed when we were left to ourselves to work together. Maybe because I was free to be me. All the while I was trying to compete with Zach to get her attention because she only get to notice me when I'm being stupid. She started to loosen up to me, too. I would say there were still inhibitions but I know we'll get over that eventually.

There were microwaveable pasta packages in the fridge when I checked it earlier but I felt like having a soup. I checked on the kitchen cabinets to see what we have in stock. Instant ramen - that should be enough. I took out two cups and prepared the utensils.

I'm giving Zach full credit to all these. If he wasn't that of a workaholic he would not have thought of setting up the warehouse this way. One can literally live here for days as long as one is well stocked. We'll, Zach had always been like that anyway, equipped and stocked.

I found myself humming as I followed the heating instructions from the pasta package when I heard a soft knock from the door.

"Did I disturb you from anything?" Selena asked as she walked towards my direction.

"Not at all. I was just making us some dinner. I'm sorry, that's all we have in here." I told her apologetically.

"Don't be. Oh! You have a ramen. I love ramen." She said with enthusiasm.

We ate dinner together talking about our thoughts on the story board. She said I didn't have to think much and that every single able bodied person from her team knows what she wants and how she wants it. I wished I knew how she thinks too. What she had been thinking about me in the past few days we've been working together. I like how we are right now. No, I love how we are right now.

She stood up after I did. Her hands brushed mine when I was about to clear the table.

"Want some tea? I don't have any deserts here. Zach is not into sweets." I asked to break the awkwardness between us.

"Yeah, he hates sweets!" She chuckled. She must have seen me frown. "I'm good with tea. They're just perfect." She said.

I started cleaning up and she didn't intervene anymore. I felt her stay behind me. She leaned on the granite breakfast bar to support her lower back.

"I wonder if this is sturdy enough to sit on. This has always been my favorite part in any kitchen." She said trying to lift herself backwards so she'd sit on the bar but she failed. She laughed at herself. Her laughter sent sirens to my heart.

I wiped my hands dry using a paper towel. "Here, let me help you." I said lifting both sides of her hips. Her arms weakened from supporting herself and she ended up falling on my chest. I was quick enough to catch her fully. My hands supported her back and my reflexes took over. I held her tightly into a hug and she didn't fight back. I felt her arms on me in an embrace. I stood there for a while. My body hardened. She hugged me back and it wasn't just my assumption.