*Author Note: This chapter's long guys! - Darce'*
KAZ POV
I thought everything would be back to normal, or at least, as normal as things could get after kissing your best friend… who happens to also be a guy, but now I wasn't so sure "guy" could even apply to him. He was looking at some jewelry when I walked in, it looked like boring stone beads from a distance, but he was admiring the shape from all angles. I had a bad feeling about this, and a part of me wanted to just keep doing rounds in Mighty Med, biting on my pencil, (sometimes two when I wanted to convince one of the child patients that I was a walrus), and tapping it on my clipboard every now and then to convince Horace I deserved a higher spot in the rankings. But, against my better judgement, I approached Oliver.
His eyes immediately lit up as he exclaimed. "Check it out, I made a friendship bracelet for Skylar!" He handed it to me and I began to mimic him, rotating it as to see the different angles.
"Congratulations, you are now officially a nine year old girl." I teased, but I really didn't know what he was. I thought he was my friend, and I thought I lost that when I kissed him. Then I thought we were more, and now… "This is coal. You're giving her a bracelet made of coal?"
"Nope," He stuck his chin out in triumph as he took the bracelet, handing it to the Crusher who was relaxed on the gurney. "Diamonds," Oliver flashed a sparkly grin as he watched the Crusher pressurize the coal in his hands. "Thanks!" He perked up as he dangled the diamonds in front of my nose, as if challenging me to reach for it.
"Why are you giving her this?" I couldn't stop the question from escaping. I knew what his answer was going to be. It was the same answer he would've given me prior to my stupid birthday idea. But I still put it out there. I needed to know. I needed to hear him say it, one more time. He didn't seem to notice the plea my eyes as he began.
"Because I care about her as a friend." He stopped there cruelly, and I realized I could breathe again, until his words continued. "And if she happens to thank me with a giant hug and kiss, I'll have to live with that." But I wasn't so sure I could. I feigned my best smile as I began to walk away, noticing the superhero Experion as he entered the hospital.
"Oliver, check it out." I tried, as if distracting him from winning over Skylar would make him forget about it all together. "It's Experion, the second coolest teenager in the universe. The coolest of course is Billy Fowler." I pointed to myself with my thumbs before elaborating, "cause he does this", I motioned again. Really, the coolest teenager in my universe would have to be Oliver. He was always there for me, and always would be. Until he's not I guess.
"Look at him, he's so amazing with his magnetic powers and ability to manipulate gravity. What's he doing here." Oliver spoke with awe, his eyes glistening in admiration. That look changed to something else entirely when Skylar entered the room, front flipping over the reception desk in order to give Experion a hug even sooner.
"Experion! I can't believe it, it's so good to see you." She cheered as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders, resting her head in the crook of his neck. Oliver's eyes were a seething red, his cheeks dark as his eyes narrowed in what I could only take as jealousy. And a huge part of me wanted that jealousy to be of Skylar, for him to be jealous that she was the one wrapping her arms around Experion. That she was the one that had his sculpted build beneath her fingertips, each muscle tensing in her hands. But I don't think that was it. I don't think the blush that crossed Oliver's cheeks was because Experion was handsome, which he was. It was because Oliver wanted to be the one that Skylar jumped for joy at, that would embrace him and make him feel like the most important person in the world. And that's the first time I truly felt like the most worthless nothing in the world.
Sure, I always felt that around my parents. Usually my siblings. But Oliver? This was new. And I really didn't like it. What I disliked the most, was the fact that this, like everything else wrong in my life, could be my fault. It could be my fault for messing things up with him with my stupid idea. And even worse than that? I can't talk to anyone about it. I can't talk to Oliver, who is the only one that hears me out all the time. Because I was supposed to be happy for him. I was supposed to already know about the depth of his crush for Skylar. That's why I told him I kissed him in the first place. Some messed up, non-thought-out scheme to fulfill his Skylar fantasy. And if I tell him about my selfish reasoning for why I did what I did, there's no going back from that.
I can't talk to my parents. They would love having another reason to hate me and kick me out of the house the second I turn eighteen, if not sooner. And they already don't like Oliver. They told me he was softening me up too much, that his influence would rub off on me and I would become an "over-emotional wimp-pansy" I believe it was. Horace wouldn't be able to keep his mouth shut, and there is no way to talk to Skylar without telling her how hopelessly in like Oliver was with her. Someone's image flashed into my mind, and I regretted it instantly. Though I was doomed to keep thinking of this person. I could confide in them even though it might pain me. I could trust them to be brutally honest. Perhaps that's what I needed more than anything right now. I needed my false hope to alleviate, and I needed a friend because at this point, I have nothing left. And really, there is no one else I can blame except for myself. Before I could convince myself to keep everything bottled inside like I normally do, I pulled out my phone and sent the simplest, clear, cohesive text I could think of. "I'm gay."
OLIVER'S POV
After a few moments of watching Skylar and Experion, I cleared my throat loudly. It had the effect I was going for as they separated, though they both looked at me with a look of annoyance. As if I had just interrupted something important. Noticing my gaze, Skylar took it upon herself to introduce us. She caught up to Kaz, who I didn't notice excused himself to the hall, and brought him back before beginning.
"Guys, this is Experion. He's my best friend from my home planet Caldera. We used to live next door to each other." She smiled at me and something fluttered in my stomach. The same something I used to feel when I was around Kaz.
"Well, I'm her best friend from this planet, and I used to live next door to an Armenian deli." The fact I just called Skylar my best friend didn't even phase me until I noticed the look on Kaz's face. He was avoiding eye contact by all means, and his lower lip was protruding in that of a pout. Our eyes met for just a millisecond before I looked away guiltily. I'm sure it was obvious I had been watching him, but he ignored me and took a step closer to Experion, extending a hand and shaking it with enthusiasm.
"I'm Kaz. And you're Experion. and I'm Kaz." He stuttered, like he does anytime he's been thinking too hard and doesn't know what to say. He gave an awkward chuckle as Experion gave a slight roll of the eyes.
"Nice to meet you." He offered, "Twice." He added as the hand shaking continued. At this point, it felt more like hand holding and I was about to clear my throat again but Experion removed himself first. "So," he approached Skylar, "I heard you were ambushed by the Annihilator and lost your powers. But don't worry, I'll find a way to get them back for you, Sky."
Sky? Since when did Skylar go by Sky?
"That's cool," I brushed him off, hoping he'd realize I had her covered, "I'll restore your powers if it's the last thing I do." I promised her.
"That's nice," he scoffed in returne, "but Skylar, I'm going to make it the first thing I do." He slung an arm around her shoulder, swiping a piece of hair away from her face before beginning to lead her away.
"What are you doing at Mighty Med?" Skylar asked as they walked along side each other. Eavesdropping, I pushed myself in front of Kaz, feeling the way he shifted out of my touch as if in pain. His pout returned, but I didn't have time for that right now.
"More importantly", I chimed in, "when are you leaving?"
"Well, I have to get these kidney stones taken care of." He explained. "I destroyed a deadly meteor, and a few pieces got stuck in my kidney." With a blink, Kaz's expression changed again to his goofy grin as another light chuckle made its way from his throat.
"This guy," he began, listing traits on his fingers, "Good-looking, funny, awesome—"
"Ok, enough." I stopped him when I felt a familiar flare of heat spread through my chest. He looked at me this time, forcing my hand off his shoulder with more force than necessary. His eyes were lacking their normal vibrance as they scrutinized me.
"Let's go hang out, Cutie." Experion hinted to Skylar. Kaz, who was still glaring daggers at me, mistook it for an invite and whipped around with such energy.
"Coming!" He cheered, before realizing the invitation was for Skylar. That didn't stop him from following after them and leaving me alone. It was bad enough that Skylar seemed to be falling for Experion's charm, but for him to win over Kaz as well? I thought Kaz was more loyal than that. I thought he liked me. But then again, I thought I liked him. Feelings can change quickly I guess. I mean, before, I didn't think my feelings for Skylar would ever be stronger than that of close friendship. But now, I have a diamond bracelet and a burning desire to watch Experion get hit with the deadly meteor he claimed to have destroyed.
KAZ'S POV
I entered the rehabilitation room just to get away from Oliver. I pretended to follow Skylar and Experion, but I had no idea where they went, plus, as weird as this was, I'd actually prefer to be around Alan right now. He is at least straightforward with his thoughts and emotions. You don't have to try to decipher every glance, every word, every movement. It was relaxing to be around someone like that. And other than the person I hope will respond to my text message at some point, and not forward it to the entire school, (something I didn't think of when I initially hit send), Alan was the closest person I could find like that at Mighty Med. An open book with a hard cover that would give you a concussion if thrown at your head.
Alan still hadn't noticed me so I snuck up on him, making him jump as I yelled near his ear.
"Alan!" He looked up at me in shock. It was priceless, "stop drawing mustaches on all the female superheroes in comic books." I scolded, before continuing, "Also, stop drawing mustaches on all the actual female superheroes." I pointed to Solar Flare who was modeling Alan's latest fashion fail while working on strengthening up on the stationary bike.
"That's not what I'm doing," he confirmed as he stood up from the couch, showing me his designs. "I created my own comic about the greatest superhero of all time." He pointed to himself in true Billy Fowler style, "Me."
I began to read it out loud. "Awesome Man", I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face just from simply reading the title, "The adventures of the Not-At-All Awkward Superhero Who Everyone Respects."
Alan gave me a thumbs up in approval, and his expression was pretty cute as it turned perplexed. "The Mighty Med comic book company won't publish it because of some technicality. They say it's too horrible." Looking over the comic, that criticism seemed a bit harsh. I mean, the storyline wasn't brilliant, and the drawings weren't extravagant, but it was obvious that Alan put a lot of time in. "So, I decided I would self-publish and sell them in the Normo world." That was actually refreshing to hear him say. Alan wasn't one to give up, and even this set-back didn't ruin his spirits. "I just have to finish the ending of this edition."
"Can I hold on to this? Just for tonight?" I asked, "I'll bring it back tomorrow so you can finish it."
"Geez," Alan smirked, "You don't have to beg. Of course you can be the leader of my Normo fan club!"
"Ya, sure." I agreed before carefully closing the comic and putting it in my backpack. I saw my phone was lit so I pulled it out. One new text message.
"Meet me. Now." In addition, I also realized the nickname in our conversation had been replaced with "Kazsket Dweller" to "Rainbow Sprinkles." Knowing how this person feels about rainbows, I didn't waste anytime.
OLIVER'S POV
"Alright Citadel, due to your impenetrable skin I'll be using this highly sensitive super-powerful stethoscope." I equipped the device as I took a sample scan. Feedback blasted my ears as I ripped the stethoscope off of my head. "This is so powerful I just heard a pin drop." I announced as I tried to steady my breathing and lessen the ringing in my ears, "a bowling pin, in Honduras." I changed the settings, "that's better." I assured Citadel when I noticed his look of concern. "Now I only hear… Kaz?"
"I like you." Yes, that was certainly Kaz's voice. But who was he talking to? "Actually, I think I love you. I have for a long time." Despite his declaration of love, he was rather calm.
"That's how you want to do it?" That voice was familiar too. "I was expecting a bit less sap."
"Jordan, this is serious!" There was a loud bang, like a fist hitting a table. "I mean, are you really ok with this? With the way I feel?"
"I always knew, Kaz. It was always pretty obvious."
"Then how come Oliver never noticed?"
"Maybe because Oliver was never a best friend to you." I was so quick to flick the dial that he didn't catch anymore of the conversation. My eyes stung, and I felt like vomiting. Not only was Kaz in love with Jordan when he kissed me, but he lied about me being his best friend. What I heard next wasn't any better. It was Experion.
"The plan is working perfectly. I'm going to sneak up on Skylar, and when she least expects it, choke her. She is going to die!" He announced, and at this point I felt a few tears fall. I couldn't imagine a world without Skylar and Kaz. They were my best friends. And even if Kaz didn't want anything to do with me anymore, he was at least safe. Skylar however. I messaged both Skylar and Kaz telling them to return to Mighty Med immediately.
A few minutes later and they both bust through the doors.
"Oliver," Kaz demanded, "what's so urgent? I dropped everything to be here, which is really bad because I was holding my baby brother." I couldn't believe it. He flat out lied to my face. Screw him and this so called friendship.
"And why did you tell me to 'get black hair' right now?" Skylar asked.
"Stupid auto-correct. I meant get back here right now." I clarified, glad that she still showed up despite the typos.
"Oh, then I will just keep this for myself." She decided, pulling out a black wig and placing it tentatively on her head.
KAZ'S POV
"Look, I overheard Experion, and you're right. He doesn't want to be your boyfriend." Oliver began another rant. I had no idea they even had a conversation about this. So much for being in the loop.
"Told you." Skylar spat.
"He wants to be your ex-boyfriend, because he's going to kill you." Oliver revealed in hysterics. A part of me wishes he had told me about this speculation before hand. It may have saved him quite a bit of embarrassment in the long run. I just wanted to get back to the Domain. I doubt Jordan would actually wait for my return, but it was helpful getting to talk to her. It was a bit weird when she told me to imagine professing my love to Oliver, but she didn't laugh at me during the roleplay, unlike the events of any other RPG game we've ever played together. Then again, I usually ended up being the maiden in distress… though I'm not sure it was much different this time.
"Oliver, stop." Skylar held her arms protectively into her chest, and I could see the frustration spread across her features. "Experion really cares about me. In fact, he is flying me back to my home planet. He thinks he found a way to restore my powers."
"No! You can't leave with him." Oliver argued, grabbing her arm as if that would keep her from going. "I heard him say he's going to choke you when you least expect it." His story was just getting more and more out there. The desperate attempts were really sickening.
"Enough!" She yelled in his face, "I have to go. Experion arranged a full-spa treatment for me at five-o'clock." She tried to lighten the mood a little, though she was still fuming, as she adjusted the wig on her head. "Maybe," she forced a smile, "I'll get my new hair done." It didn't last long as the smile faded to a look of obvious hurt, and she sadly handed me the wig before exiting the hallway.
Oliver didn't miss a beat. "I have a plan!" He announced, grabbing the wig from and placing it on his head. This should be good.
OLIVER POV
I was able to find one of Skylar's spare superhero uniforms, and despite the fact that Kaz was struggling not to laugh the entire time, squeeze into it.
"Here, to complete the look." Kaz laughed, unrolling a fruit strip and adding it to my wig. I wanted to tell him to get that disgusting thing away from me, knowing that it was probably from Jordan who had an obsession with the candy, but instead I decided to embrace my inner Skylar.
KAZ POV
He began walking around the room like a diva, swaying my hips and turning my shoulders to show the my profile. A part of me wanted to accuse this plan of doubling as an attempt at cross-dressing, but I said nothing. It was uncomfortable, the way the tight cloth stuck to his legs, and the way he was parading said legs around while arching his back seductively. I told him I would hide and wait for Experion, but that was a lie. I just didn't want him to see my discomfort, and standing in the middle of the room made it hard to stay discreet. Once there, I pulled out my phone and though it made me feel like a pervert, which I probably was, hit the record button. I got a few clips of him strutting around until we heard footsteps approaching and he collapsed into a futon chair, facing away from the entrance.
A couple seconds later and Experion entered the room. I hit record again, but I was out of memory on my phone. The thought of deleting the clip of Oliver did cross my mind, but it wasn't worth it. Experion was holding a gold chain, and it was pretty obvious now what he meant by "choker". Unfortunately for Oliver, Skylar chose to leave her spa treatment early, and happened to enter the room a moment later, and watched as the entire scenario took place.
It wasn't pretty. Oliver accused Experion of trying to kill Skylar, while Experion explained about how the choker was a gift and when he said she would "die", he meant of excitement. Oliver then brought me into it, which I'm sure ruined any budding friendship I had with Experion, and asked me to show Skylar the video clip so she could see how menacingly he looked. You know, the video clip I didn't have. "About that, I forgot to hit the record button." I lied, glad that they all thought I was so stupid. It made lies like that easy to pass, and never any additional interrogations to answer to.
"Oliver, just go." Skylar offered, and I was thankful she didn't seem pissed at me. He bowed his head in shame, though his inability to be wrong forced him to make one last attempt at being right.
"Or was he trying to kill you with kindness?" He questioned. Having enough of this myself, I pushed him towards the door while Skylar looked ready to superhero chop him.
"Sorry about all this." I offered an embarrassed grin before following Oliver out into the hall.
"Can you believe her?" He ranted the second we were out of earshot. "I'm just trying to protect her!"
"Ya, well she doesn't need your protecting." I shouted at him. "And she doesn't want it either." I added. His fists balled as his voice escalated as well.
"You're supposed to be there for your best friends!" He yelled, and I wondered if he was aware he just crossed a major line. We locked eyes for a while, the first time in days, both breathing heavily. Angrily. I was the first to turn around and begin the trek back home, but there was one last thing I needed to say.
"How would you know anything about being best friends?" I asked him, with so much venom in my voice it surprised even me. I heard him gasp for air as if he had just been punched, but I felt no remorse. There was a weak call of my name as I continued to walk, but I didn't so much as flinch. I kept walking soullessly until I found myself on my front doorstep. My parents were yelling, by baby brother was crying. I heard a glass break so I decided to sneak into my room instead. Once up there, I barricaded the door just in case mom or dad were exceptionally drunk this time, and collapsed onto my bed.
It felt like a couple hours that I was staring at the ceiling, listening to the soothing sound of my parents' screams. Bored, I grabbed my phone, scrolling through my photos. I stopped at the video of Oliver and deleted quickly. Instantly, I received a text from him. On instinct, I dropped the phone, fearing he somehow knew about the video and it's potential purpose. But once I gathered the courage to read the message, it was simply that he had been right all along. That Experion was working with the annihilator, but that's ok, he forgives me for doubting him. I deleted that message too. And a few minutes later, his contact info.
Remembering something that might entertain me until I could fall asleep I grabbed Alan's comic out of my backpack. I continued reading where I left off. The characters were obviously based on us, the one similar to me had the head of a donkey, while the one that resembled Oliver had the body of a snail. Reading the dialogue didn't help me feel any better though. Donkey-head and Snail-butt were both inseparable, joking with one another, and solving cases together. But that wasn't the part that bothered me. The part that bothered me was how left out AwesomeMan seemed to be. Whenever there was any action, AwesomeMan would try to help, but just make everything worse, and then he'd lash out because Asshead and Snailass rubbed it in that he wasn't needed. He felt lonely too. And since I happen to be in search of a new best friend, (at Mighty Med anyway since I can't bring Jordan there), maybe AwesomeMan wouldn't be so bad.