Fan Fiction ❯ In The Mirror ❯ Chapter 3 ( Chapter 3 )

AN: Honestly, I think I only changed one little thing here. Oh well, reposting it anyways.

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Suspended Animation.

That's what it feels like. The music surrounds me, thick and pulsing, and everything seems to slow down a little. It's intense, driving, loud… Everything a rock song should be. But… It's also mournful, the lead guitar almost crying out in agony during the bridge. Truthfully, I'm getting a little choked up as I remember to bring up the bass a little for the end of the song. Hell, they haven't even done the vocals yet. The music just connects with me on some fundamental level. I'm this close to crying as I slowly fade out the master volume on their cue.

Hoping my voice doesn't betray my sudden onslaught of emotion, I bend close to the mic that will connect me with the band on the other side of the glass. "Good cut, guys; very tight. Best one yet… You wanna have another go at it, or go on and add the vocals?"

There's some mumbled conversing between them, but their faces are away from the mics, so I can't hear. The bass guitarist leans down to the nearest mic. "Actually, we're gonna take our lunch now, if that's okay."

"Sure, that's fine. You guys deserve it, after that take." They're already setting their stuff down, stretching weary limbs and walking around a little. I know it's taxing. Once, I was on the other side of the glass…

I pull off my headphones, rubbing at sore ears. Pulling out a much-needed cigarette, I look over to my accomplice. Thomas is yawning, eyes drooping and bleary as he hunches over against the control panel. "Stay up late again?"

He just nods, pillowing his head on crossed arms, opting for a nap instead of a lunch break. I merely chuckle, pulling myself to my feet as I light up my cigarette, taking a much-appreciated drag. The break room is blissfully empty, and I decide to indulge myself with some instant noodles and a chocolate bar from the snack machine.

About halfway through my noodles' cycle in the microwave, I become aware of another presence in the room. "Smells good…" That voice. He's spoken very few words to me, and yet I know it's him.

I keep my eyes locked on the rotating styrofoam bowl in the microwave, hoping to prevent him from seeing the blush on my cheeks. "It's just ramen." There, nice and indifferent.

His feet shuffle, and then steady, slow footsteps move closer to me from the doorway. I look down at my hands and realize I've gone white-knuckled, gripping the counter top. I glare at the bowl of noodles in the microwave, willing it to cook faster. Dammit, hurry up!

Shit! I can't help but jump slightly as he leans down quickly onto the countertop next to the microwave, forcing his face into my field of vision. He's just leaning there, looking up at me. I can see him out of the corner of my eye as I attempt to maintain focus on the noodles. Why isn't he saying anything? Please, just say something or leave. Anything but this. Don't make me…

I'm already looking at him before I realize that my resolve has crumbled pitifully. His lips quirk up into something that approximates a triumphant smile. It doesn't go past his nose, though. His eyes still stare into mine with the same cold steel intensity as they had this morning. "What's your name?"

His sudden speech startles me. And something in his voice… It's curious and almost soft. Not at all the gruff apathetic note it held earlier. "Alex…" My own voice sounds foreign and meek to me. Hell, I can practically hear the blush in my own voice.

"Alex." The sound of my name from his mouth… God, my cheeks must be blazing right about now.

He stands, moving towards me, and out of reflex, I move back, turning slightly. My rear end hits the counter, and he's got me cornered before I can do anything to stop it. He takes my chin in between his thumb and forefinger in a slightly familiar gesture, tipping my head up. "Isn't this where we left off?"

Soft breath tickles my lips as he speaks, sending a tingle of anticipation down my spine. He's not… Not really going to… Is he? I can't break the stare. Fear, trepidation, uncertainty, excitement, lust. Every emotion must be playing across my eyes in rapid succession like a huge neon marquis.

But there's no need to think anymore. He crushes his lips to mine, using the weight of his body to press me back against the counter. I can't stop the small noise from my throat as the fingers at my chin trail up to tickle the back of my hair. The kiss deepens, and a soft burning sensation shoots through my veins as his free hand gently moves beneath my baggy T-shirt, deft fingers moving slowly across my stomach and ribs.

It seems my arms have wrapped themselves around his neck without my realizing it. His tongue brushes against mine, the burn in my veins growing more fierce. The hand under my shirt climbs higher, over my abs, getting closer to my…

Shit! With great effort, I manage to push him away, quickly retrieving my already cooked and cooling noodles from the microwave and heading for the door. From the corner of my eye, I catch a glimpse of his confused and perhaps a bit angry expression, but I can't let it turn me. I can't let him find out…

I quickly retreat to the control room with my noodles, flopping down into my chair, willing the blush away from my face. Letting my eyes close for a second turns out to be a bad idea, when all I can think of is that kiss…

"I saw…" I snap my head to the side to see Thomas grinning at me knowingly. He chuckles merrily. "I wasn't sure whether we'd have to postpone the recording or not. It was getting pretty hot in there, you two didn't even notice me coming in for a second then walking back out."

I just can't help but glare at him. "Shut up, Tom… Not a word of this to anyone, okay? It was a mistake." Why do I feel like it's myself I'm trying to convince?

He just holds up his hands, smile never leaving his face. "Okay, whatever you say. I promise, I won't say a word." A few moments go by in blissful silence as I finally take a sip of my lukewarm noodle soup. "But if you ask me, that was probably the hottest `mistake' I've ever seen…"

"THOMAS!!!"

He just giggles, getting ready to resume the recording session, granting me enough peace to finish my noodles. I don't know how I'm going to get through the rest of this day with him right there on the other side of the glass, but I have to try. I close my eyes, trying to center myself, but all I can think about is that kiss. His lips pressed to mine. His body pressed against me. His fingers against my skin… I shake my head, trying to clear it. Sighing, I can't help but think that the next few hours are going to stretch on forever…