Project V.A.N.

"You look like hell," a blonde boy remarked from the sofa.

Another boy, this one with dark curls falling over his forehead, huffed out a laugh.

A third boy-his hair swept into a soft, careful swoop-shot the blonde a look that clearly translated to shut your mouth before addressing the newcomer himself.

"How old are you?" he asked, his tone neutral yet firm.

The blonde rolled his eyes dramatically and flopped back against the cushions, folding his arms across his chest.

The Project blinked once before answering in the automatic, emotionless cadence he knew best. "Project V.A.N. is of the human age of eighteen years old."

The blonde barked with laughter, loud and sharp, while Swoopy Hair merely lifted an eyebrow, studying the Project with a mixture of surprise and-was that concern?

"Project V.A.N.?" the blonde gasped between fits of laughter, wiping at his eye.

For the first time, the Project lifted his head fully and made direct eye contact.

His eyes were entirely black.