A Beautiful Reflection From Firework Eyes

We'll Let The Fire Rage

For a moment, there's just stunned silence as we take in each other. Kellin and I scramble away from each other, but we're not fast enough. Mr. Styles raises an eyebrow, seeing the two of us in my bed, our bodies tangled together. I'm blushing furiously, and so is Kellin, but more so, I'm scared. How will he react to this? Will he get angry? It wasn't in the rules that we couldn't be close—no one ever said we could not. But still, fear pounds through me. All I know is that if they hurt Kellin, I won't let them get away with it.

Mr. Styles breaks the silence first. "Would you care to explain what's going on?" he asks. He's angry—I can tell from the tense lines in his shoulders.

Kellin shakes his head quickly. I can only stare at them numbly. What do I say?"

Mr. Styles raises an eyebrow, and I know I have to react quickly before he lashes out at Kellin. "Sir, we didn't mean to do anything wrong," I hold up my hands, pleading with him. "Please don't get mad at us." His expression changes at my words, not to one of sympathy, more of one to curiosity.

"They care about each other," Mr. Styles remarks, ignoring my plea. It's a simple statement, but I hear the intent behind it. They're gonna hurt me probably. Just to see how he will react. Just as long as they don't hurt him, I'm okay with it.

"Put M-37 in M-49's study tomorrow," he instructs the guard who nods. "I'm curious to see how he might influence his powers."

"Anything else, sir?" the guard asks.

"I should have guessed," Mr. Styles mutters to himself. "After last time, I just wasn't certain."

"Pardon me, sir?" the guard looks utterly confused.

Mr. Styles shakes his head. "Never mind that. Let's leave the two of them be for today." He turns without another glance at either of us, stepping out into the hallway.

The door shuts, leaving both of us in stunned silence. Thoughts whir in my mind, but the only thing that stands out is relief. Relief that they're going to hurt me, not Kellin. He's going to be okay.

Kellin's shaking, from fear or anger, I don't know. I can tell he's picked up on the subtext of Mr. Styles' words.

"It's okay," I reach over, touching his arm.

"You're gonna get hurt all because of me," Kellin snaps, pushing me off. "How is that okay?"

"That doesn't matter."

"Of course, it does."

"You'll just be able to heal me. It's fine." Just as long as they don't hurt him.

"What if I'm not able to?" He asks. "What if you—" he swallows hard. "I don't want to lose you too—" his voice breaks as he turns away from me, a tear rolling down his cheek.

"I'm sorry," I say as I pull him toward me. I run my thumb against his cheek, brushing his tears away.

"Don't," he whispers, his eyes closed.

"It's okay," I say, kissing his forehead. "You're okay."

"It's not," he whispers. "How will it be okay if you get hurt?"

"As long as you don't, I'm okay with it," I breathe. We're standing so close together, his breath warm against my cheek, his lips so close to mine. My heart flutters in my chest, each beat growing painfully louder.

I don't think. I just lean forward, pressing my lips to his.

Warmth explodes in my stomach as I close my eyes, savoring the moment. Kellin tenses, startled. Something freezes in me, and I start to pull away, but he is suddenly kissing me back, his hands sliding up to tangle in my hair. I push him against the wall, my fingers grasping at his shirt as I kiss him harder. He wraps his legs around my waist, kissing me back with the same intensity. I feel like I'm either about to float away or fall, sparks exploding in my stomach.

The buzzer startles me, bringing me to my senses. I pull away sharply. Oh my god, what did I do? "I'm so sorry," I rasp. "Kellin, gods, I'm sorry. I didn't mean for that to happen." I'm stumbling backward away from him.

"Vic—" he calls after me, a confused expression on his face.

"I'm sorry." I'm rambling on as the door opens, the guard coming to lead us to the showers. I practically sprint out, not waiting to see his expression. What the fuck did I just do?