Cloak

Day 1, 9:04AM

Alex awoke from a troubled slumber to a familiar ceiling. He couldn't believe he'd been here for almost a month. And in that time, he made next to no progress. If this reflected back home, people definitely would've thought he was dead. That uncomfortable thought haunted him as he got up to slake his thirst.

He inspected the contacts left for him with a glass of water in hand. Remy's home and work numbers remained at the top, each jotted down in relatively sloppy, but legible handwriting. Remy must've written that down himself. Too bad he couldn't compare with his own handwriting. The doorbell made absolutely sure of that.

Sebastian waited patiently on the other side. A small clatter, followed by a string of profanities erupted from within the apartment. He began to wonder if he had the right place before the door opened. In the doorway stood a human. His softer gray eyes stood in contrast to Reza's piercing green when he first arrived. That didn't stop him from intimidating through his height, though. That man was a good head taller than him.

"H-hello. You must be Alex. I'm Sebastian, and I'll be your escort. Or s-security, I suppose. I usually work for the police. It's nice to meet you." The raptor timidly gave his usual introduction, extending his hand for a shake. Alex gingerly took it. The longing he now felt for things to have just been like the first time around was overwhelming.

"It's... good to meet you. Shall we get going?" The human proposed. It was taken with grace as his bodyguard stepped aside. Fixing his holster, he took his first steps into a more peaceful world. Peaceful... and warm. How had he never noticed the temperature last time? He already figured it was lack of focus, but-

"So let's go over your agenda for today." Sebastian interrupted his thoughts with simple discussion. "We'll be going to the plant that's making your generators. I heard they have some news for you and Reza. I caught him on my way- what are you doing?" Glancing back, the runner caught a half-naked Alex mid-change. His shocked and appalled expression said everything that needed to be known.

"Sorry!" His head snapped forward faster than a bullet, with his hands acting as horse blinders. He stayed that way until Alex came into view. A neatly folded gray 'tote' hung from his left hand.

"Please don't do that again." Was all Alex said before their walk continued in complete silence...

Reza and Maverick awaited the two in the courtyard, somewhat bored. Reza impatiently observed the goings-on outside, which were rather scarce. Maverick kept his gaze fixated on the pathway Sebastian and Alex would be coming down. He perked up when they appeared from behind another building. Straightening out his dog tag, which had fallen to the side, he reclaimed his typical demeanor as well.

"Hey, you're late." Reza chastised as the duo approached. Maverick went off with Sebastian to 'chat, leaving them to their own business.

"It's been a while." Alex grumbled. If only he could express his true sentiments at that moment. But he'd just have to save it for later.

"Ain't that the truth. It's good to finally see a human face around here, no matter how gruff." The emerald-eyed male held his arms out for emphasis. His 'partner' took note of the prosthetic again. That could be good leverage in a fight.

"A lot can happen in just a few years, Reza." Alex's tone was low and icy, like a barren tundra. Not that it affected his enemy very much. He remained unfazed and uncaring in regards to such a thing.

"Evidently. Glad you lost that giant mane of yours. You look a lot better now that your head isn't the size of a watermelon." Reza fired a jab referencing his company's previous appearance. Now the other had a chance to strike back.

"And yet, you kept yours." Was all he said in return. His 'friend' changed his demeanor right quick with that.

"Very funny. At least mine doesn't need a curling iron to keep its shape." Reza's mouth curled into a cocky grin as he shot back. Before they could finish their repertoire, their security finished their exchange, with the larger of the two trudging up to them.

"Alex, I take it you've met Maverick already?" Sebastian queried. Alex glanced toward the familiar quadruped. Maverick's expression indicated for him to play it cool.

"I ran into him on a walk last night." Maverick stated bluntly, satisfied with the information given. At least his ally had something to work with.

"What were you doing out so late? Were you meeting someone? A secret lover, maybe?" The runner teased with a small chuckle. His coworker wasn't so amused, however. Blood red met amethyst purple as he locked eyes with the other.

"No, smartass, I was having trouble sleeping." The larger dragon bitterly brushed him off. And with that: he started toward the door. Sebastian only shrugged before giving the humans a little space.

"Forget about him, he's always like this. Let's just get this day over with." Reza ended that disaster and silently padded over to the rest of the party. It seemed as though this day would be no better than the others...

Sebastian led the group further into the building, looking for Anna's lab. And speaking of, there she was. Her salmon scales glistened like diamonds in the late morning sun. Her safety goggles were a mere blemish to the sight.

"There you are. I've been waiting for you guys." The scientist spoke impatiently. This made Alex begin to wonder just what her relation to Maverick was for him to give a damn. Yes, he was still on that. He wanted answers!

"Wait a minute, I thought we were supposed to meet the guys from production. What are you doing here?" Sebastian questioned with annoyance. Anna just shrugged nonchalantly. Knowing her, she'd probably have some snarky comeback if it was just the two of them. She seemed a little keen on that.

"I see. Well Alex, this is-"

"Anna, I presume? I've heard about you. It's a pleasure." Alex cut the officer off, extending his hand. He already had a feeling she wouldn't take him up, but it never hurts to be polite.

"The pleasure's mine. I've got one of the generators for you guys. It'll take a while to make the rest, so feel free to send that one home and give it a whirl." Anna offered. Alex took it before Reza could and set it down carefully.

"Alex-"

"Is there a problem?" The ambassador darkly cut off his enemy, his threatening gaze screaming 'do not'.

"No. None at all. I'll wait outside while you take care of business." Reza said coldly. He spun around and stormed off with Maverick in tow. The remaining human just sighed in irritation.

"I suppose I'll meet you outside as well. Try not to keep us waiting." And with that, Sebastian skipped off as well. There was a dense silence for a moment before Anna's voice sliced through.

"What a peach. So, have you brought the PDA?" Her question caused a spark within the human. He snapped his fingers in 'realization'.

"Oh damn, that's what I forgot. Whatever shall we do?" Alex snarkily asked, holding up Reza's PDA with a grin. Anna herself shot one right back at him.

"You're welcome, by the way. Pretty sure I loosened it for you." The raptor smirked. Her wagging claw said it all, and the human knew it. He saw her trying to raze Reza's skin. But as for why, he may never know.

"Then it shall be your gift." Alex knelt on one knee, presenting the device like a ring. She took it with some enthusiasm and slapped it on. He checked out the window at the greater campus below. A few dragons either milled about or chatted with one another. It wasn't difficult to tell that they were enjoying the late morning sun on their breaks.

"I love it already. Hey, by the way, would you mind letting me run a few tests on you? It would only take a drop of blood." The scientist requested, to which her company took a strained breath. There went his fear of needles again...

"I suppose so. Just don't puncture an artery or anything, else I'll have to punish you." The male smoothly warned to a mildly surprised Anna.

"Really? Just like that? No ridiculous request or anything?" She cocked a brow with much suspicion. Alex only gave her a deadpan look in return, to which she just shrugged. Her needle pierced the skin of his finger and sucked a single drop into its tube. Unlike the stinging jab from before, this one was just a softer pressure. He guessed not pissing off the nurse worked after all.

"There. If you're curious, the results should be done in a couple days. I'll just mail them to you unless you want to meet up." There was that proposal again. If he wasn't already trying to pursue Bryce, he'd accept.

"Maybe. I'll meet you here later on if that changes, okay?" Alex said plainly. Anna just bopped her head toward him in response and let him be on his way.

Reza stared impatiently at the door as he and Maverick waited for Alex. Sebastian, after much frustration thanks to their bickering, went in after him. They thankfully didn't have to wait long though, as the other two exited momentarily. Alex's rumbling stomach made the suggestion that they grab a bite to eat. So off they went in search of something tasty...

The restaurant was thankfully dead when they arrived, with a couple freshly done with their lunch date. The quartet sat in their usual spots. Alex was admittedly thankful that Maverick continued to keep up his facade. It certainly made it easier to work if he could be trusted.

"Finally. God, I can't stand that guy being on my ass all the time." Reza complained. When he thought of it, Alex never got the full context of why he thought that way. These dragons were just like them in most regards. Why would this man have such a disdain?

"You know, I don't think you ever said anything about what you think of them. Care to elaborate?" The vigilante pressed over reading his menu. That fish special was okay, but he just didn't feel like seafood anymore. Not after nearly drowning just a day prior.

"I'd rather not piss off the one who's clearly listening in. I still have to deal with him for the rest of the day." Reza stonewalled him, going silent swiftly after. It seemed as though Alex could either do the heavy lifting, or just keep quiet.

And he chose the latter. He'd much rather not be the first to get shot when things went to hell this time. Mulling over the menu, he just decided on a cold drink. The summer sun would be blazing hot by now, and much like avoiding bullets, he'd prefer to avoid melting before he got back home.

He was also pretty sure a certain dragon would be more charmed if he wasn't a sweaty mess too...

"Oh. It's the humans." A certain waitress came up to them, notepad and pen in hand... wing? Whatever. Alex shelved that thought and glanced up.

"Humans? Goodness me, you must be mistaken. We are but humble dragons sitting in this fine establishment." A short huff emanated from the flyer, along with a roll of her eyes. It seemed like Alex's joke fell flat. He made a mental note to keep it simple from now on.

"Very funny. Anyway, welcome to Uncle Mugen's. I'm Adine, and I'll be your waitress today. What can I get you guys?" The wyvern greeted more cheerfully than she probably cared to be. The two guests folded their menus and handed them off.

"Just some bacon and eggs, please." Alex requested as he collected the menus. Adine jotted it down with a glance to the other.

"Same with me. Just make it quick." Reza demanded with more hostility. Alex could've swore he saw a tiny crack show in her facade, but couldn't confirm before she straightened herself up.

"Coming right up." With that, Adine zipped over to the officers, leaving the humans to themselves. Alex's eyes narrowed with a poisonous stare poised toward his 'partner'.

"I recommend you cease your hostility before something happens." The black-clad male growled in a low tone. Not that it affected the other at all.

"Anyway, doesn't something seem off here? Just look at the-"

"Only warning, Reza. Do not piss me off. I am not in a good mood." Alex spat, his venom cutting Reza off. The latter grew just as irritable upon the interruption.

"Would it kill you to-"

"I already know about the thing. Just wait for me by the portal so we can shoot that generator back." Once again, the vigilante interrupted his adversary. This was met with a very angry flare-up, before he deflated.

"I guess I'll see you tonight, then." Reza exhaled as he got up to leave. Maverick followed suit, passing by Alex's table on his way out.

"That must be a new record." The dragon said quietly. His current lack of food seriously hurt his demeanor, which hurt his ally's in turn.

"Sorry you couldn't get your stuff. Can I make it up to you?" Alex offered. As mutual of an enemy as Reza was, his distrust was already creating a rift in the allies' relationship.

"We'll see." Was all Maverick said before pursuing Reza once more. The remaining human just stewed in a mildly dejected silence until his food arrived.

"There we- hey, where's your friend?" Adine finally came back with two plates of fluffy scrambled eggs and fragrant bacon, accompanied by the ever-standard toast and grape jam.

"He said he had something urgent to attend to, so I guess I'll just take it to go and deliver it later." Alex really disliked the look she gave upon hearing his excuse. It reminded him of his daughter whenever he had to give out bad news.

"Aw. Well, at least you're being sweet. I wouldn't mind someone like you being around regularly." Adine daydreamed of that kind of person as she spoke. Meanwhile, her human company just rolled his eyes.

"Are you giving me date ideas already?" Alex took advantage of her unintentional comment with a sly, if minuscule grin. Her eyes snapped wide open at his implication, with her spluttering for a few seconds before readjusting herself.

"Whoa hey. As fun as I think that'd be, I'm-"

"Just kidding. You don't have to worry about me. I'm not even straight anyway. Not anymore, at least." Alex's interruption may very well have saved those two from an extra bit of awkward tension. The last thing either of them needed was more of that.

"Well good. You scared me for a second there." Adine replied with a swiping of her forehead. The action knocked her goggles to the side, which she swiftly readjusted. And with one last courteous bow for comedic purposes, she backed off to get Sebastian's food.

Alex used a piece of his bacon to scrape some eggs onto his toast, completing an ad-hoc breakfast sandwich with some hot sauce laying around. The eggs were nicely done, being complimented by the crispy bacon and surprisingly buttery toast. That meal outclassed the fish special by miles, and he loved every single bite...