A Beautiful Reflection From Firework Eyes

Are You Living Well In A Living Hell

"Have you guys ever had issues with your powers?" I ask. It's probably close to dawn, but the three of us are still talking. I'm sitting on the floor in front of Alex's bed where Jack and Alex are sitting. "Like not being able to reach them?"

"No," Jack says. "It's always been really easy for me."

"Me too," I say. "Kellin's been having trouble, though."

"Is he scared of using them?" Alex wonders out loud. "That might be it."

"Maybe," I shrug. "I don't see why though."

"He might not have found the right motivation," Alex says.

"They're hurting him. I'd think that's enough motivation," I point out.

"Not if he's scared," Alex counters.

I sigh. "I'll talk to him. I hate that he's being forced to use them, though."

Alex nods. "It just doesn't seem right, but what else do we do?"

Jack sends him a curious glance but doesn't say anything. Alex quickly shakes his head, turning back to me. I frown, watching the exchange between them. It's almost as if they're hiding something from me, but I don't press them, changing the topic instead.

"Have you ever been caught?" I ask Jack. "All the times you've snuck around, have they ever found out?"

"Not yet," Jack grins. "I'm just that incredible."

"That's a lie," Alex elbows Jack. "We almost got caught once or twice."

"Almost is the key word," Jack says.

"What were you even doing?"

"Sneaking around," Jack says. "We wanted to steal some food from the kitchen."

"By that, you mean you wanted to," Alex says. "You just grabbed me and said you wanted to try something."

"You wanted to come," Jack protests.

"Did not," Alex argues back.

"Did too."

"Could you turn a whole building invisible?" I ask Jack, trying to continue the conversation before they start another argument. "Or like a table or something?"

"No," Jack says. "It'd take too much effort. Besides, it doesn't work on non-living things. But it did work on Alex, so—"

"Did you just call me dead?" Alex asks.

"Dead inside more like," Jack says.

"Wow, and here I thought you loved me," Alex fake groans.

Jack pecks Alex on the lips. "Course I love you," he says.

Alex rolls his eyes, but he doesn't push him off, taking Jack's hand. "I love you too, Jacky," he says in a joking way, but I can tell he's being serious.

"So," I clear my throat. "I'll just go then. Leave you two to either bicker or make out cause that's all you do apparently."

Jack laughs at my discomfort. "You can join in if you want."

I wrinkle my nose at him. "Thanks, but I'll pass."

"Just get with Kellin already," Jack replies. "Then you'll know what love is." I can't help but flush at his words. It's not like they know, right? Alex notices my blush and elbows Jack slightly.

"We're just kidding," Alex says.

"No, but seriously please get with Kellin," Jack says.

I shift uncomfortably. "So how long have you and Alex been together?"

"Trying to change the subject?" Jack teases, and I roll my eyes, blushing.

"Two months," Alex says.

"He fell for me when we first met," Jack says at the same time. Alex raises his eyebrows at Jack, but Jack just grins and plows on. "I'm just so amazing that he proposed right there, and then when I walked in."

"I hate you," Alex groans.

"No, you love me," Jack says, leaning over to kiss Alex again.

"I hate both of you," I cut in. "Can I go before I'm scarred for life?"

"You like Kellin, though, don't you?" Alex asks.

"What?" I splutter, caught off guard. "No, I don't."

"Don't lie," Jack says. "I've seen you look at him."

"You guys are creepy," I groan. "How often are you watching us?"

"All the time," Jack grins. "Every single minute."

"That's weird," I mutter. "I'm gonna be paranoid now, aren't I?"

Jack yawns, and I realize how tired I am.

"Shit," Alex mutters. "It's almost morning."

"I need to go before we're caught," I jump to my feet, dragging Jack with me into the hallway.

"But seriously, ask him out," Jack whispers as we get to my door.

"What? No!" I try to shut the door, but Jack holds it open.

"I mean, what else are you gonna talk about?" He asks as I finally manage to shut the door. I just stand in the center of my room for a few minutes with a stupid grin plastered to my face. It's nice to have friends again.