Inextinctus

Mortal danger

His marking was barely done when he couldn't resist the allure of the book he’d never seen before. He found himself lifting the book off his desk and taking it to the sofa, settling in and getting lost in its pages.

It was a strange book, with no apparent story line that Logan could barely discern. It also didn't seem like a genre he would pick up or buy. From what he could tell, it was about an alien species that came to colonize earth but instead found that it had life on it that had the potential to become intelligent. Then the book went haywire with different factions and pantheons and words that he couldn't understand but felt like he should. Still he read the book to the end, not once moving from the sofa till the book was finished. When he did bring his face out of its pages, he looked at the clock by the television and gasped at the time. It was almost 10pm on Sunday. His stomach growled reminding him that he hadn’t eaten for over twenty-four hours. It was almost dark outside and his mouth had that morning grit feeling to it.

He double checked the time once more before taking another look at the book. For the life of him he couldn't remember half of what he read but he knew that he had found it very interesting. It was very strange, he ran his hand over the cover of the book again as if to memorize the feeling of it. it was as if he’d been in a haze, he really didn't know what was wrong with him recently. With a tired sigh, he ran his hands over his face as he returned the book to the shelf and made for the kitchen with his forgotten cup of coffee from his office desk in hand.

He dumped it in the sink and popped another tab of espresso in the machine and went to freshen up. he still had to finish the marking for the next day and there was no way he could get out of it. freshened up, he grabbed his espresso, and popped some leftover lasagne in the microwave before going back to his desk. The night was going to be long.

Logan got out one hour sleep that night. After he managed to mark and pack everything for the next day, he just fell asleep on the sofa. He was pretty sure he would have slept the day away if it wasn’t for Tilly, jumping on him and demanding breakfast. He managed to shoo her away for a few extra minutes, before he mustered enough energy to get off the sofa and feed her before going up to shower. The hot shower helped wake him up a bit but the espresso he had as he was getting dressed for work was what really cinched it. it was so good, he made a cup to go. He didn't have enough time to transfer it to the thermos so he just took it in the mug, being careful not to spill it as he rushed to his car.

The drive to the school he taught at seemed more awfully long and tiresome. His espresso finished half way through and he felt like he had an itch under his skin and because it was under his skin, he couldn't scratch it and it was driving him mad.

The sun was once again beating down on them as if it was apologising for the torrential rainfall the day before. Logan parked the car, took his tie and jacket off, leaving it in the car as he got out and made his way towards the school. He made sure to tuck it under the steering wheel; he didn't want someone to break into his car thinking he might have left some cash or something valuable inside. He undid the first two buttons on his shirt trying to get some ventilation to his skin as he was slowly cooked by the sun.

Saint Dymphna High School was the only high school in the town and most of the parents sent their kids there or home-schooled them. Even though it was a public school, it had quite high-end systems and offered quite a range of subjects. Despite this, there were still some students that made you want to throw yourself off a building in rage. He greeted the receptionist as he walked past with a wave of his hand and was half way to his class when he heard the principal’s voice boom down the corridor, calling out to him.  He wanted to pretend like he didn't hear him and carry on walking, his class room was just around the corner. But he was too good, so instead he stooped, took a deep breath and smacked the biggest fake smile he could muster onto his face before turning around to greet the principal.

And just as quickly the fake enthusiasm he’d built up vaporized as he looked behind the principle only to spot a very familiar pair of electric blue eyes. He didn't hear what the principal said as his hallucinations from their last meeting flashed through his mind and his face lit up with a fierce blush. A part of him had been hoping to see those shocking blue eyes soon, but he didn't really expect it to be so freaking soon. He wasn’t prepaid. He need more time to sort himself out.

“- nice to meet you, although, technically we’ve already met” the words and a hand suddenly appearing in his line of vision snapped him out of the spiral that his brain was sending him into. All he could do was stare at the hand for a while before he realized that he had to shake it and blushed some more. He had no idea what had been said in the past few minutes so he just assumed it to be introductions.

“Ahh yes. Hah. Well it’s nice to meet you too!” Logan didn't try for his name because he didn't want to make it apparent that he hadn’t been listening.

“well then, I’ll leave the rest to you Logan!” the principal boomed once more, clasping Logan on the back hard almost causing him to fall into electric blue who was still holding his hand. At first Logan watched the Principal as he walked down the corridor, his eyes and head blank. Then what he said registered and he was ripping his hand from electric blue and started towards the principal.

“Wait, what?!” he shouted but instead it came out as a little squeak as the Principal disappeared around the corner, shouting at some kid not to run in the hallways. With a sigh, he slouched slightly all his strength leaving him all at once.

“Erm, are you okay?” deep husky voice asked a shadow fell over his slouched form. Logan immediately sprang up, nearly catching electric blue in the face in the process. 

“Ah, I'm fine. Just tired” and apparently now I must do something, that I’m not quite sure about. He rubbed his head a little, trying to relieve the stress on his brain but he knew it was futile. Something was wrong with him and he was pretty sure it had something to do with his biological clock. He was at that age; but he wasn’t really, seeing as he was only twenty-six and twenty-six was way too young for a midlife crisis. “Erm, aren’t you supposed to going after him?” Logan didn't know what was exactly funny about what he did but the attractive stranger threw his head back and let out a hearty laugh that had some of the students shooting him strange looks. “What are you laughing at?” Logan could see that it took him significant effort to stop laughing and it was making feel very self-conscious.

“You really weren’t listening, were you?” Logan tried to look confident and pretend like he was listening but he wasn’t really fooling anybody. His expression faltered and instead he settled for the haughty look that dared electric blue to tease him some more.

“I have a lot on my mind okay?” he answered back, his mind briefly wandering back to the book that he had already made up his mind to re-read once he got home and the hallucinations that he was yet to properly examine, immediately causing a blush to creep into his features.

“Ah, yes. You did look out of it. Did you get enough rest last night?” Logan jumped at the tone of his voice. He sounded deeply concerned as if he knew something that he didn't want to share with anybody. Logan thought he was just reading too much into things, but those eyes seemed to shine with some obscure light as if he was privy to some juicy information. For a moment, Logan thought he could read his mind and see the strange s****l fantasy he had the night of their meeting and wanted to run away as fast as his tired legs would carry him. But he thought better of it. There was no way he could do that. He must just be worried.

“Y-yeah. I just had a lot of marking to do over the weekend so...Erm...yeah. I'm okay” he wasn’t hence his inability to finish his sentence. His pulsing headache was back and his vision was starting to blur. It was like a film of white was creeping up from his peripheral vision and then he was standing in a desert.

He heard what sounded like a gunshot and tried to run to take cover but again, he couldn't move. He was rooted to the floor as a blast of sand shot into the air like a wave after he heard another shot. He saw two people running towards him from within the wave of sand. From the way they were holding towards each other, he could guess a strong relationship between them. He was startled to notice that he woman was pregnant and finding it difficult to run. From the looks of her, she looked almost due to have the baby and her legs didn't look like they would able to hold her weight for much longer. And his musing was proved right seconds later when she fell and toppled down the sand dune, clutching her stomach and crying out, the man right behind her.  He wanted to help, he really wanted to help, but he wasn’t quite sure how to. He didn’t know what was chasing them and he couldn't move his spot anyways.

“Mr. Cutcher, are you okay?” Logan was snapped out of his weird little vision by the sound of a small voice he recognized as Grace. She was a student in one of creative writing class and she always wrote very expressive pieces and he was always encouraging her to enter some competitions but her confidence still had a way to go.  She wore huge coke bottle glasses that he guessed got her bullied quite a bit by the rest of the student body but she was very resilient.

“Ah yeah. Just thinking” he smiled at her to reassure her even he wasn’t really sure what was wrong with him anymore. He should probably book an appointment with the GP sometime soon but he hated going to the hospital. And besides, he’d only been having these problems since Friday. It was probably from the rain and should fade away soon.  He looked away from Grace for a second when he noticed another pair of eyes boring a hole into him and turned to see electric blue fixing him with a troubled look. He raised an eyebrow at him – a skill he managed to perfect after weeks of practice – as if asking what he matter was. Electric blue just shook his head and looked away. With a sigh, he turned back to Grace and started to talk when he heard the toll of the bell, signifying that they had five minutes till classes started. Saved by the bell. “Go on, I’ll see you in lass later” when she scurried away, he turned back to electric blue with an expectant look in his eyes.

“According to the principal, you are the best person to show me around. I’m the person that would be signing off the grant that the school recently applied for and I'm just here to make sure that they meet the requirement. Some others will be coming in over the week but I'm here first” the worry and uncertainty in his eyes seemed to clear as he spoke and for some reason Logan was glad.  Logan had heard about the grant, although he had completely forgotten about it, the principal did hold a meeting a few weeks back, letting the teachers know.

“Yes, I heard about that. We had a meeting a few weeks back” Logan said as he resumed walking in the direction of his classroom, not bothering to tell electric blue to follow him, he just knew that he would and smiled a little when he peaked from the corner of his eyes to see him walking calmly beside him, taking one step for every two of Logan’s. The last time Logan had been around electric blue, they had both been sitting, so he didn't have a chance to appreciate his height, but now, he really couldn’t help but stare. The man was tall and built. He was a least a head taller than Logan and for some reason that caused his ears to heat up, he could see himself nestled into the crock of his Pecs. He shook his head trying to get the image out of his head as his class came into view. Another stray thought for the later pile. “so, do we have any chance?” Logan asked with a small smile as playfulness came over him. Such strange mood swings. But his mood was further encouraged when the corner of electric blue’s lips lifted as he let out a chuckle.

He took another discreet peak at electric blue admiring the fit of the dark suit he wore. From the fit of it, he had to say that it was tailored. It showed off how long his arms and legs were by hugging him in all the right places. It had that bit of old work feel to it, complete with a waistcoat and a pair of black leather oxfords. He looked very sophisticated and a bit like a prince. Logan wanted to lag a little so he could see how well it fit his arse but managed to shake the thought away. He seriously needed to talk to someone because he didn't know what was wrong with him anymore. He wasn’t even gay but he was undeniably attracted to this man.  

“I am not allowed to disclose such information Mr. Cutcher” it was as if the depth of his voice changed when he said Logan’s last name. Became deeper and huskier than the playful tone they were talking in. Logan felt a ripple down his spine but managed to shake it off without stopping or showing any outwards effect of how affected he was. Although, now he wanted to hear electric blue call him Logan.

When they walked into his class room, the kids were all already at their places, with only a few of them missing. Most of them were already logged on to a computer working or just reading each other’s work. Logan wanted to introduce electric blue to the class and use the opportunity to find out his name by pretending he forgot when he didn't hear at all, but before he had a chance to do that, electric blue was already moving towards the back of the classroom and taking an empty chair.

He ignored the class till the second bell tolled as the last miscreant trickled into the class room. Instead, taking some Advil from his drawer and drinking it trying to suppress his impending headache. He sighed when it finally took effect and let the kids carry on as he sorted out all the paper work crammed into his brief case. When he was finally sorted out, he called the class to order and handed back their work, complementing all of them on a work well done.

The students in his class usually did well, mainly because creative writing was optional and everyone in the class wanted to be there so they were motivated to do well. He smiled as he brought up the next writing point and hands started flying into the air, asking questions and making suggestions. He could feel his tiredness seeping away as he chatted with the student. He really loved his job, just talking to bright young people who enjoyed what they were doing. They made jokes, laughed and made fun of each other. It carried on like that till it was break time.

As the students trickled out of the room, Logan’s eyes met electric blue and a shiver racked down his spine as a blush stole away at his cheeks. He had completely forgotten about his existence at the back of the class and said electric blue eyes were staring at him with wonder and pride shimmering in their shocking depths. He didn't know whether to be concerned or happy with that look but it seemed like it was a bit of both.                              

When all the students were finally done, Logan picked his way through the maze of computer desks and forgotten folders and work to the enigma sat behind his class. He twiddled his thumbs when he was close enough but didn't say anything.

“Wow, you're a really cool teacher. I bet all of your students look forward to your class” his voice was as gentle as the compliment rang true and Logan’s blush deepened. 

“Well they chose the subject so they should look forward to it, but thanks” Logan smiled his appreciation, flashing perfectly white teeth and taking a step back as electric blue stood up, towering above him once gain.               

“So, what now?” electric blue asked, gently putting away a small notepad he was writing something on before discreetly stretching a little. Logan couldn't help smiling a little bit at that as he turned as started for his desk.

“It’s break now. I usually stay in here and sort things for the next lesson but...” he trailed off looking at his watch “...we have about fifteen minutes left. Do you want to grab a coffee from the cafeteria before the next class?”  Logan smiled at him. He was getting a bit of himself back now that was a safe distance of the full length of the class between them. Although he could still feel a slight crackle of something in the air.                                                                                                                                

“If it’s no trouble...” he trailed off looking at Logan who shook his head vigorously, almost too vigorously in the universal sign for no.      

“No, it’s no problem at all. I usually bring a bottle of Frappuccino but I was in a rush this morning and forgot. Brought and espresso instead but I finished it even before I got here!” he smiled grabbing his wallet from his brief case and starting for the door. There was a twitch in the corners of electric blue’s lips that caught and held Logan’s gaze for a few minutes before he shook himself out of it. he was getting too fascinated with those twitching lips.

“Espresso in the morning? I didn't peg you for the coffee type” his eyes clouded for a second in slight horror as if he was remembering some coffee monster before he shuddered and focused back on Logan.

“Well, you pegged me wrong. I can’t live without coffee” Logan smiled at him only to get a hearty chuckle as a reply. They chatted till they could see the cafeteria before electric blue asked for directions to the toilet, nodding his thanks to Logan with a promise of meeting in the cafeteria before walking back in the direction they just came.  He stared at his retreating back for a few seconds before he pushed the doors of the cafeteria open and entered. He has a really broad back was all Logan could think while he pressed the buttons on the coffee machine to order his coffee.

Logan settled on a table with a view of the door so he could see when electric blue came in, sipping slowly at his espresso while alternating between scrolling through his phone and looking at the door expectantly. Maybe he got lost. He thought when they only had about five minutes left of break and his espresso was almost finished.

He downed the rest of it in one go before tossing the paper cup in the bin and starting for the toilet that he had directed him to.  He nodded at the students that greeted him and smiled at the teachers whose eyes he just happened to catch. The toilet Logan had directed him to was a staff toilet and it only had three cubicles in it. You had to go through two different doors to make it into the toilet space though. Logan was just about to open the second door when he heard voices coming from inside. It sounded like a man and a woman arguing but he couldn't be quite sure.  He pressed his face into the glass rectangle in the middle of the red door, trying to see what was going on in case he interrupted something, but the thought of electric blue and anyone else was like a physical ache.

He sighed though, when all he saw was electric blue at the sink washing his hands. He was about to enter and ask him what kept him so long, when electric blue leapt out the way a flash of lightening that seemed to come out of the mirror. He managed to stifle his gasp, but couldn’t quite hold it when electric blue just turned around and thrust his palm at the mirror a flash of lightening, blue as his eyes shooting from his palm and into the mirror.

“Adad! You swine. I was having an importa-” he stopped mid-sentence when he heard Logan’s gasp and Logan feared for his life. A little voice inside his head was telling him to open the door and pretend like he saw nothing but he had never been a good lair. Maybe he should just turn around and run as fast as he can back to his class and try to calm down then, but he wasn’t very fast either and beside electric blue was already moving towards the door. “Is there someone there?” his voice was low, slow and predatory and although he might be in mortal danger, Logan still loved the sound of his voice.

He could feel his heart racing and swore that the man on the other side of the door could hear it too.  His head felt like it was twice its normal size and growing even bigger. He had a headache and his ears were heating up the way they do when he got really embarrassed or scared.  with his mind made up, he made a mad dash for the first door trying to scramble out before the door he was resting on was opened but promptly tripped on thin air, and falling head first onto the handle of the first door.

He was out like a light bulb before he even hit the floor