Project X [18+] [Fanfiction]

Chapter XIX: The Food Court

  “Wait, you want to do what?” I scratched my head in confusion, trying to wrap my mind around it. Shifter and I were spending time relaxing in his room; my lover seated on the corner of his bed while I was perched on the edge of his desk. So far, it had been a lazy Saturday morning for the two of us, with no responsibilities around the mansion and no call to action. As was our growing habit during periods of peace, our minds very quickly turned to things we could do together that were usually naked, sweaty, and exciting. Officially, we were exploring our sexuality. In reality, we were simply having fun.

  “Just so I understand it…” I began again, a brow arched to my lover on the edge of the bed. “You want to go to the mall and borrow Mystique’s mutant gene to morph and pretend to be different people. And then have me track you down under each disguise by scent, and take you into a dressing room once I've nabbed you.”

  "Well, it’s an idea.” Shifter laughed as he relaxed, looking up at me with a smile on his lips. “It doesn’t have to go exactly like that. I was just thinking maybe I could use her power to take some other forms for you, to mix things up a bit.” He shrugged simply, and then quickly added. “...only men, though. I’m not entirely sure what would happen if I took a girl’s form and tried to do things with you. That might get a little too complex.”

  "Especially if it turns out that you really enjoy that sort of thing.” I added with a small smirk, and we both broke into a laugh. I hopped off of the desk and moved to my boyfriend’s side, slipping up to straddle his lap as I rested my hands against his shoulders. For a moment I just remained in place, letting Shifter  feel me atop him, my black hair hooked behind my ears to keep it from disturbing my vision. His idea was certainly creative, but I could tell that there was something underneath it, something deeper that laughing it away couldn’t necessarily unearth.

  "What brought this on?” I finally asked, my voice careful and cautioned. “Have I done something to make you think I am...unsatisfied?”

  "No! No, not at all, I promise.” Shifter was quick to reassure me, and his hands drifted to hold my cheeks for a moment, before lowering down to my waist. He held me warmly in place, his eyes kind and his expression gentle while he spoke. “I just thought I’d offer. You know...if there’s anything you ever wanted to explore, but couldn’t because of us. This was all about helping you realize your sexuality, after all.”

  I blinked for a moment, and pondered his words. My answer was simple and soft, and came with a finger that tapped the tip his nose.

  "...last night you used Magneto’s power to lift me by the claws in my hands and feet, and claimed me like I was a rag doll.” I simply spoke. “I think it is accurate to say I am gaining sufficient experience with you. We have done things that very few couples ever have, and not just with your mutant abilities. We push each other. We learn together, and I see no reason to think we are doing a poor job at it.”

  “I suppose so.” Shifter relented with a smile, and his shoulders rose in a tiny shrug. “So you’re sure? There’s no one whose form you’d like me to take? I’ll understand if it’s someone you’re just curious about, I promise we can do it if you want.”

  “Well…” I began, tapping my chin in contemplative thought. Shifter’s brow rose and he leaned in, his hands moving up the back of my shirt. I felt a small tingle go through my body as his grip brushed over my skin, and I relaxed into a long, thoughtful sigh as I finished. “There is one person, I suppose.”

  “Who? You can tell me.” he was endlessly encouraging and supportive, despite what I was about to ask of him. He was offering to wear another man’s skin for me; to forego his own appearance for another’s. It was no small sacrifice, and despite what he insisted, I could only imagine the emotional ramifications.