A GIFT OF TIME

Episode 8

"you're kidding" I scoffed unbelievably. It can't be true. No. There's no way it's possible.

"Claire" he tried to moved close but I backed away so that I'm pressed to the wall. He stopped and heaved a heavy sigh.

"I did die Claire. It was painful, your limbs torn away from you, your guts clawed out of you. The pain was unbearable. I've never felt anything like it. I felt myself slipping away Claire" he had tears in his eyes now.

"I was battered. I couldn't feel any of my body parts Claire. Right in the corner of my bloodshot eyes, I saw you falling and I heard you yelling as you fall Claire, then.. Then everything went blank. I woke up to this... To this body. It was completely crazy for days I was locked in the room unable to accept it. I was dead I had repeated countless times at myself. I mean it was completely impossible for me to wake up and my identity different. If I hadn't had an argument with this person before, It wouldn't have been so complicated. And the confusing part is. Danny is in here.

"Ow" I pouted because I was confused as well. What does he mean? Danny was there with him or what?

"Danny is right inside you?" I asked face furrowed in a confused expression.

"yes, but I completely overpowered him. Like I'm in charge. I can shut him out anytime I like-

"Shut him out? "I inquired out of pure confusion. I mean who wouldn't be confused when your neighbor approach you tell you he was the guy you were crazily in love with. I mean it's sounded extremely insane. I couldn't help but briefly scan him with my eyes. Compared to Nick who was averagely built and tanned. Danny wasn't built at all. He had ice blue eyes compared to Nick's ocean green eyes and Danny had sandy blonde hair compared to Nick's raven black hair. They have nothing in common.

"Are you listening?" Danny or Nick whoever it was asked and I was forced out of my reverie.

"What was that again?" I asked completely lost.

"I can totally take control of his body if I so wish Claire. At first I thought I was going mad. Insane if possible especially when I could come to converse with Danny. He was freaking out too. Because to him I was a voice in his head. I don't know how it happens but it happened Claire. I'm in Danny's tiny body-

"My body isn't tiny" another voice which sounded completely like Danny protested and it had come out right from Danny's mouth.

"That was Danny" Nick filled in voice completely timid. I was too shocked to react I mean how was I supposed to take it, Nick was by my side this whole time and I wasn't aware. That explained the glances, the care, the fishbowl. Nick knew I loved fish as pet. He'd completely gotten that from a truth or dare game we play at camp. Oh no this is completely insane. I thought the only insane thing happening around here was me coming back from the dead. I can't believe Nick was alive too. And completely in someone else's body. Not something I was grateful for, not that I wasn't grateful because every part of me ached for him but him, Danny. Can things get any more complicating.

"I thought... I felt I was gonna die all over again from the confusion Claire. It was more terrible because Danny and I wasn't really good friends-

" You bullied me" Danny's voice came now as his eyes briefly changed into Danny's real eye colour. Danny closed his eyes and I could guess Nick was trying to shut Danny out like he'd said or take total control because he grunted in distaste after Danny talked.

"You used to bully Danny?" I found myself asking that question out of all the questions spiraling in my head so feral that it makes me frenzy.

"I was a senior" he defended with a rather stupid excuse.

"That doesn't count" I quipped and he sighed.

"I hate to admit that I regretted it now that I'm in his body Claire. I wish I don't have to die this way Claire" he was almost crying now. pitiful how the Alien got the wrong address for Nick. I mean it completely returned me back into my body. It was very unfortunate how Karma caught up with him, returning him back into the body of the kid he once used to bully. It sounded very awful but it seem he had no choice. Like I don't as well.

"It took a while before Danny and I got adapted to being in the same body because Danny and I have nothing in common well except..... Liking you" he said the last part quite despondently. That's true. Nick likes me so does Danny. Seriously are they that contrast?. I subconsciously asked myself slowly digesting the news I had just gotten.

"I thought I was the one going through all this...heart wrecking changes until I started to notice some things about you-

"Some things?" I questioned brows furrowed in a questioning glance.

"Yeah, most them relating to the future. I didn't believe it was gonna happen until I stalked myself. My real me and I realize my life was going just the way I had lived. It was likely for the apocalypse to happen. And when I met you at the hospital and saw everyone. Brian? I knew it was you. Claire in the future. I snuck back to your room to go through your stuffs-" he paused to study my expression to see if I wore any painful expression about him sneaking into my room but there was none. I was busy pitying him for all he had to go through.

"Going through the charts and your jottings " he sighed.

"I concluded you were Claire, doing a great job at stopping the apocalypse. I figured I wasn't the only one reincarnated or thrown back in time. I don't know which but since I had died I'll take it as I was reincarnated. Claire. You really have to believe me-" I didn't let him finish before going into his arms hugging him tight even though I was hugging Danny. The thought that he was in there was enough.

"I can't believe you're alive Nick. I can't believe it-

"I'm not really alive. I'm in someone else's body" Nick corrected slowly bringing his arms around me before tightening his grip. But what if he was Danny, and my brother told him all about the reincarnation thing and he was trying to use it to get me, but that doesn't explain the eye color and the fish bowl. It was Nick. It was Nick. I subconsciously repeated to myself to believe it the more.

"I can't believe we are both in this crazy circumstances Claire. But the only good thing about being alive is you and my sister being alive" He confessed and I smiled.

"You've seen Nicole?" I released him now.

"yeah, she's still living very carefree. I wish that wouldn't end soon Claire. We have to stop the apocalypse somehow Claire. The thought of it alone is driving me crazy" Nick's voice was tainted by his frustration. He was evident in his face and his voice.

"We'll stop it Nick. If we can't we'll survive it" I assured hugging him again. Right before my brother barged in. His f*****g attitude of saying knock knock after he was already in was now pissing me off not totally though. Maybe I could explain things to him.

My brother searched both of us nervously with his eyes before deciding to go back outside right before I make any sound. Then he came back inside like he didn't believe what he saw and it was funny because my hand was still completely wrapped around Danny's body.Danny, right. He was seeing Danny as Danny and not Nick. He was confused I could tell. I released Nick and pocketed my hands in my jean pockets.

"No, do carry on. I was just a little bit surprised" my brother beamed throwing a wink to Danny like he was showing process in getting me. I frowned at the conclusion before I heard him close the door behind him.

"Charlie" I called after him, hurriedly opening the door to see him whistling down the hallway looking extremely happy as he headed for his room. He turned to me with a grin across his face.

"I told you you'll like him. He's a completely sweet kid" my brother praised and I sighed hoping he wasn't going to get an heart attack by the time I relayed the news to him.

"He's Nick" I finally announced right before I heard the door to my room closed behind me and I could sense Danny was outside. He walked right next to me eyes dancing in nervousness.

"I don't understand" Charlie replied giving me a look that says. 'what the f**k are you saying'. After studying me for a while he arched a brow expecting me to explain myself.

"Do you mind coming up to my room, mom's downstairs" I pointed out and allow the two huge boys to slump into my room. My brother was sitting on my bed and Danny/Nick had his back resting behind the wall which my door hinges were attached. He had his thumbs slowly pressing down the pockets of his jeans like Nick's casual style. That posture doesn't look like what Danny will do at all. I forced my self to concentrate back on my brother to see his gaze narrowed at me as if in a studying glance. He seems completely surprised on the look I was giving Danny now, I mean it was completely not me and I totally believe that.

"Danny here is Nick" I started watching my brother slowly folding his arms as if expecting me to back up my declaration.

"He's Nick from the future and it seems like he died the same time I did. He is right inside of Danny" the statement sounded dumb to my ears as well but what can I do, it's the truth and I have to be completely frank with my brother if I wanted him to help.

"Claire, are you so into this Nick guy that you see Danny as Nick now?" Charlie asked his face scrunched up in a disgusted look. I was affected too and I felt colour rose up my cheek. I wouldn't have been bothered if it was really Danny standing right next to me but considering I haven't told Nicholas how I felt then, got me feeling so embarrassed.

"Danny it's a complete stupid idea if you're letting him see you as the person she likes. I know you're desperate to have her and I know you're madly in love with her but it's stupid, no offense, it's stupid to have her take you as someone she loves" my brother sputtered actually thinking he was scolding Danny but was actually embarrassing me in the front of the guy I was madly in love with. He was misinterpreting the whole f*****g thing.

"She's right. I'm really Nicholas. From the future. Claire are you sure it's okay to tell him that?" Nick mumbled the question hoping Charlie wouldn't make it out but the sudden shock expression covering Charlie's face told me he heard.

"Yeah, it's completely cool. He's with me in this"

I replied and I seem to add more shock to Charlie's face.

"Hold on a second, you don't mean-

"Yes Charlie. He's Nicholas Robinson trapped in Danny's body " I almost shouted at him for having realizing too late and completely embarrassing me.

"No...that can't be possible... I mean.. No.. It can't be.. Danny.. Ah.. Nicholas.. It's crazy" his attempt to deny what I just told him came out as rather incoherent nonsense.

"I find it hard to believe it too Charlie but after what happened to me, nothing freaks me out anymore...except spiders" I immediately added making my brother chuckle softly.

"So... Nick's in Danny?" Charlie asking sounding very much disbelieved.

"Yeah. He died and woke up to find himself in Danny's body but Danny's in there. He's conscious of everything too and to him. Nicholas is just a voice in his head" I fueled my brother's fire of confusion but he didn't say anything. He just stood and walk over to the door.

"Where are you going Charlie?" I questioned and he sighed before turning to me.

"To get some sleep. I'm super tired of this awful nightmare" he muttered making his way out after giving Danny one last glance, he carefully shut the door behind him.

.

"Do you think-

"Don't worry he'll come around. It's not his first time saying that. He always end up groaning after seeing me in the dining room reminding him of his intentions to wake up from his nightmare" I shrugged cutting Nick short and Danny or Nick chuckled slightly.

"I'm so glad you're here Claire" Nick said pulling the strands on my hair that had escaped the pack right behind my ear. As much as I wish I could kiss him. I wasn't too sure of myself yet, so I make a topic of discussion not only to stop further actions but to cover for the blush that had instantly rose to my cheek as he rubbed his thumb against it.

"I managed to get the team together Nick. I didn't know you were going to be here so... I had the younger Nick, Brian and Tony-

" Tony? "his face showed disbelief.

"Yes ... All of our friends, our hunters back at camp except Hailey Anderson, your sister and Trevor Mitch" I said moving away from his embrace not exactly ready for his extremely appealing body contact.

"You do know Tony and I, are not really friends right?" he hand quoted the friends looking very funny at it.

"Yeah I know, but I told them they have to work together or we'll all be dead before they know it" I relayed and he sighed before finally speaking.

"I want in too-

"What about Nick? " I asked slightly bothered about the fact that younger Nick and older Nick would be on the same team and things would go normally.

"I know it'll be difficult to explain my existence to them. You don't have to at all. I'll go as Danny. As a friend?" he solicited moving closer. Every of his actions was disturbing. The way he moved and talked like Nick I used to know was practically tempting

"I don't know Nick. I mean right now you're in Danny's body and the younger you apparently isn't very much fond of Danny. They are not literally 'friends'" I hand quoted hoping for him to understand.

"I know, as much as that sucks I need to be in the team and you know it. We have to build the repulser, there so many things we built back at camp to survive. We made the air filters, and litters repellant. Claire. They cannot do this without me" With that been said I was finally convinced because I knew he was right. There was so many things Nick could teach them pretending to be Danny. It's it was going to be hard for younger Nick because he sort of have ego issues, learning from Nick in Danny's body wasn't something he'll like. I let out a frustrated groan and dejectedly bounced into my bed sitting as I briefly think about the situation.

"Okay Nick, Danny... Anyone" I rolled my eyes and I saw that playful smirk Nick always had on playing right in the corner of Danny's lips. It made my inside grumble in hunger. That was embarrassing because my stomach did grumble.

"Is that your stomach?" Nick decided to ask and I paled. My cheeks was technically on fire as more blood rose up my cheeks.

"You're flushed" he choose to point out right that moment and I groaned making my way out of my room with him trailing behind me. I met my mom downstairs watching more news about the seas which were rising normal than usual.

"Why do I feel apocalypse might be drawing near?" Danny directed the question at me and I frowned.

"It is drawing near Danny" I sighed moving into the kitchen.

"Mom when is Dad coming back?" I suddenly found myself getting worried.

"He was supposed to come back next week but I think he might got delayed with the crazy weather thing going on" I wasn't the only one that froze as the revelation. I heard Charlie's footsteps cease on the stairs at the revelation.

"You have to make him come home mom" my brother was the first to request.

"Mom you have to make him come home" I added moving hastily into the living room with my brother.

"Hey guys relax, your father is going to be fine. It's just crazy weather I'm sure he's fine. It's not his first time going for research-

"Mom this is different you have to make him come home" I cried out and I kinda shock my mom out of her bones because she froze at the sudden tantrum I was throwing.

"Please mom. Make him come home" I pleaded and Charlie nodded.

"I can't do that... I can't, this research meant everything to Carl. He'd work so hard for this" my mom frowned completely shocked at our sudden interference.

"Mom please, you have to make him, it is very important that he's here. Mom please" I pleaded.

"Claire why would you want your father to abandon the research he'd worked so hard for?" she asked narrowing his face at me. Charlie and I have no excuse. There was no excuse who could give to justify our actions. We couldn't possibly claim and apocalypse was gonna happen and it might likely have our dad trapped in Korea and eventually losing him. The fear of losing him made my gut hurts. I couldn't hold back the urge to break down anymore I storm upstairs to my room and broke down into sobs. The soft knock on my door signified it was probably Nick at the door. He had stood motionless watching us trying to convince my mom.

"Come in" my voice came out brittle and hoarse. I couldn't hold back sobs nevertheless.

"I brought your lunch. It's past lunchtime though. You know better than anyone not to joke with lunch at camp. You lose when you toy with food" he sounded funny and I chuckled softly sniffling as I tried to stop myself from crying. I would have felt embarrassed at Nicholas or Danny watching me cry but the funny thing was. It wasn't the first time both had seen me cry. Nicholas had seen me cry back at camp while Danny had seen me cry right when I was dating Ken. Thinking of dating I was suddenly annoyed that Nicholas didn't tell me he had a girlfriend. It doesn't really sounds like a good time to ask him but I was determined anyway. I nodded and gestured for him to move forward. He placed down my lunch of pancakes and fries. I felt more embarrassed as my stomach grumbled in appreciation.

"Come on, go ahead and eat" he urged and I smiled in gratitude digging in.

"I don't know what to do Nick. I can't make her understand how dangerous it is for my dad to be there. It's extremely dangerous and could-" I fretted after I was done eating and had the plates right on top of my table. but I was interrupted by Nicholas sudden gesture of holding down my shoulders.

"Hey, relax. Everything's going to be fine" he assured his voice soothing and genuine.

"I don't know Nick. I don't know" I felt my voice breaking again. Oh God I was going to cry again. Nick brought me closer and eventually had me trapped in his arms as I cried. I was worried for my dad. I had vowed to protect them this time. I had vowed to see my family push through. No matter how hard the apocalypse was going to be. I was either going to stop it or save my people. I was extremely determined but I felt my hope shattering with the thought that I might lose my dad. I didn't want to lose him again. I heaved a heavy sigh as I finally calmed down.

I released Nick to face him our lips inches apart. I wasn't really expecting him to be so close. His close proximity was making my stomach knots... In good way. I didn't think I'll be kissing Danny. I've never imagined myself doing it. Not that he was a bad one, I've just never had any attraction for him. But seeing Nick's oceans eyes staring intensely at me was urging me to go ahead. I felt his hand move up to caress my cheeks and eventually bringing my mouth closer to him. He slowly took my lips in his and I swear I felt butterflies flying in my stomach. I was just about to open up to him when the door burst open exposing my angry brother. He wore a deep frown which instantly got drained out of his face on seeing us instantly pulling away from each other. He suddenly wore back his frown and turned to me.

"Didn't Dad matter to you?" his question got me boiling. What the f**k does he mean by that?!

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