Chapter Seven - Shayera and Wally, John and Martha
It was almost three in the morning when Shayera moved on the couch. Se could not find a satisfactory position for sleep. Her wings bothered in every position. The space was very small. The floor at the time seemed much more inviting, and not because Wally was there. It just seemed better.
"Can not you sleep, Shay?" Wally's voice came from the floor. "You could have stayed in bed with Lily."
By the time bowling night was over, she was ready to go back to the tower, but John and Lily insisted on sleeping in "Daddy's" house. Bad idea, considering the tiny size of the place, but the kids looked happy. Lily took the bed, and John slept on the floor of the room. Already Shayera had the couch and Wally was on the floor next to her.
Shayera moved on the couch to face her friend. He used his pillow a hands, staring at the ceiling. She seemed much more comfortable than she.
"I've slept in worse places. Don't worry."
"I'll always worry about you." He chuckled. "Our lives were difficult, were not we?"
"And when life is not difficult?"
Wally then looked away from the ceiling and landed on it.
"Do you think they are happy?"
The "they" referred to the children. However, knowing his difficult childhood, the question had a slightly deeper meaning. She stopped to think. Those boys had a true adoration for both of them. Ever since they arrived, strange as it was, they were looking for a way to be around her or Wally. Surely those children were well treated, and happy in their reality. She smiled and reached out, entangling her fingers through his hair.
"You'd be a great father, Wally."
"I think they are yours, too."
It was true, but ...
"Believe me, if it is to happen, I won't avoid it. But I don't want to force anything, okay?"
"Okay. Night, Shay."
He turned to the side and closed his eyes. Shayera waited a few minutes and called. When she got no answer, she dropped to the floor. It was more comfortable, she thought. Her wings now had space.
When Wally woke up, he soon realized that he was not alone. There was someone beside him. Turning slightly, he saw the sleeping figure of Shayera. At some point in the night she went down to the floor. She was so close, and she was so beautiful. He would be very happy if someone like her fell in love with him. He held his breath, reached out to touch her.
Shayera felt two fingers touching her cheek. She opened her eyes and smiled.
"Good morning ..."
So Wally was there, very close. She felt his lips against hers. She caught herself responding, but ended as fast as she started.
"Sorry, Shay. It was an impulse. I don't know what hit me."
"All right, Wally."
"It won't happen again, I promise."
"I know."
They stared at each other for a second. When they realized it, they kissed again. Wally turned them over. He buried his fingers in her hip, and Shayera was very receptive to his touches. However the bedroom door was unlocked. Shayera pushed him and Wally fell to the side. John appeared in the doorway, followed by Lily.
"We're hungry." It was Lily.
"Are we in the way?" John asked, watching the couple.
"Not really."
The boys nodded and went to the kitchen. Shayera stared at her friend.
"We'll talk about it later."
More than quickly he stood up so he would not risk falling into temptation and kissing her. Seeing herself alone, she smiled. It was not all bad.
"How was dinner at Uncle Bruce's?" John asked. He and Martha were coming down the hallway. She shrugged.
"A little formal for my taste." She said. "But I understand, this is not my father yet. And the night of the bowling?"
"Interesting. Mom almost destroyed the place yesterday."
They laughed. Rex turned the hall, stared at his friends for a few seconds, and smiled.
"Hi, man." Rex said.
"Hi."
Martha looked at John as Rex walked away, following his way.
"Rex Stewart talked to you?"
John shrugged.
"Uncle John showed up on our bowling night, and even that was cool. Rex has not yet hinted at my sexuality, so it's a breakthrough."
"How strange." She laughed. "But I'm glad he leaves you alone."
"Me too."
Shayera tried to avoid Flash in the morning. Her attitude was in vain, after all, she soon realized that he sought her everywhere, making it clear she would not run away from the subject. When she saw him through one of the many corridors, she turned away. She hoped Flash would not see her.
A red lightning bolt stopped in front of her, and she almost fell when she bumped into him. Flash held her arms to prevent her fall, but also to keep her from running away from him. If she thought of dodging, she was very much mistaken.
"Are you avoiding me, Shay?"
"Why would I do that?"
"Don't play foolhardy."
Flash pushed Shayera against the wall. There was no one around, so he pressed his body against hers. Beneath the thin layer of fabric, she felt his body clamoring for her. Their foreheads lie together. His breathing was very close.
"What are you doing?" As if she did not know.
"You said you wanted to talk about this morning."
Shayera gripped his biceps with the intention of pushing him away, but gave up trying. He would flee if he wanted to, but Flash was not a threat.
"I said talk, not kiss."
"Ah, Shay ..."
He laughed, then ducked lower. Shayera wanted to push him away, but she did not have the strength to do. She closed her eyes, surrendered. His lips brushed against hers. He ran her tongue, begging for permission, and she promptly gave in. She opened her mouth, her eyes closed and her heart pounding. The coherent thoughts of running away broke as she felt him kiss her. And Shayera corresponded to him. They separated briefly and she smiled.
"I'm going to kill you." She whispered, between smiles.
He laughed still with closed eyes. Then he would kiss her again. Heaven would not be as good as kissing her.
John was in his third cup of hot chocolate. Martha looked at her own glass and sighed. They were in the food court of the mall waiting for Lily and Jason.
"I don't think Lily is coming." She said, looking at her friend.
The truth then hit John.
"Ah, Kiwi! Why does she try to do this to us?"
Martha laughed a little sheepishly.
"Your sister insists on wanting us as a couple." She paused, and looked at John over the glass. He took her hand.
"You know I don't want to hurt you."
"That excuse is getting old, John. I mean ..."
The building shook. Had a great bang, then the impact. More than quickly, they rushed out. The clusters of people formed around the street, where smoke and debris could be seen from what looked like an old plane, if they were right. Looking at the sky, Martha regretted it. What was coming toward them was much worse ...
