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WHO Will Vega, Jr (

androit), Felix Bakar (

ambibionic)
WHAT guess who just saw X-Men: Apocalypse and wanted more evil, power hungry Oscar Isaac (hint: it's us)
WHEN About usual timeline for these two. 2106, Junior is 26, Felix is 28.
WHERE Start at the bakery, work our way from there
WHY read: what

Every now and then, it was easy to forget what he really was. Not that it was a thought that ever left him, but an instinct you cold live through without acknowledging. Like breathing or walking or getting up in the mornings. His power was delicate and difficult to comprehend — not that Junior allowed himself to slack on maintaining control, oh no — which meant that he would be better off letting it rot while he lived his own simple life. His powers had nothing to do with who he was or what he was capable of. Even if sometimes it made things a little more convenient than not.

His day was like any other, just working in his bakery and considering what he would need to restock, where he would need to meet up on interviews for part-timers and everything in between. He wasn't worried about his status, not even with the quiet murmur of mutants on the rise in the area getting everyone into a tizzy; some poor teenager had grown into their genes in a way that was hard to ignore, and that left a sour taste in everyone's mouth. Even though his own mutant puberty hadn't been so noticeable, it had been a disaster nonetheless. It was more than enough reason to keep his head down through the panic and confusion, the gossip and sensationalization.

The store was empty at the moment, blinds pulled down in the harsh afternoon light leaving only the silhouette visible from the outside, and Junior still had some things to get done. Glancing at the door to make sure no one was coming in, he twisted his hand and the broom started its work across the floor. Dirty to clean. Maybe he could have pushed harder and forced the shop to clean itself but there was a sort of simplicity he enjoyed in watching the effect he could have, making it more mundane than awe-inspiring. Like this, he could pretend his power was something banal like telekinesis. He could certainly approximate plenty of different things if he thought long enough about what forces acted against each other; as long as nothing was accomplished in a true neutral fashion, Junior would usually mimic it.

And considering that for every action, there was a reaction, well... he had plenty of room to work with.

Glancing to the door once more, he quickly shoved the broom back into the corner with the wave of his hand and got back to tending the counter when he saw someone approaching. Easy, simple, nothing to worry about. Just another day. No indulgence here. Better to save the rest for after hours, probably. Maybe never. "Hey, uh, welcome. Anything I can get you?"

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

For all intents and purposes, Felix seemed like the average customer, though not someone who had been in before. Someone who was from out of town, passing through or deciding to move to the area, who really knew. He was in the area for a purpose: find the new mutant, copy their ability, and then learn what their ability was. Nobody said that he had to do it on an empty stomach, though, thus why he had stopped in at the bakery.

Barely giving the other man a glance, he went to the counter and perused the assortment of baked goods before he noticed a familiar feeling, like stretching out for something just barely in reach. Looking at Junior for a moment, he gave a brief shake of his head as if to get rid of the feeling so that he could focus. There weren't that many mutants in the area, maybe he was getting a false positive and he wasn't about to check inside of a bakery to see what he had gained if anything.

"Ah, yes, actually. Could you get me a couple of these," he said as he pointed to something in the display case that looked especially delicious. Maybe it was hunger getting to him, who knew when it came to such things. Even having had his power since a child, Felix still didn't know the ins and outs of his power like he really wanted to. He was getting close to perfection, sure, but he still had room for improvements. And acquisitions.

Easy enough. Junior gave him a speculative look as he checked out what was available; it was a rotating stock, after all, not something that could all be made in a day but deserved to be sold over the week. Besides, well-kept pastries and breads could still be sold the next day at a discount and it really did help business to be practical and fair both. Either way, he continued to putter until the man made his decision, then reached inside with his tongs to set them on a plate above the counter. He started punching in the price on reflex, turning to give his patron a smile.

For all that the man was new and probably from out of town, he was definitely handsome and fleshed out in all the right places. Maybe something for a fantasy later if he thought about it; the chances of ever seeing him again were close to nothing, after all. "All right, did you want this to eat in or take out?" he asked, hand going to receive the payment as he gave the total. There was a strange pull in the air, easily attributed to the attraction, and he was going to remain professional throughout. Word traveled easily and with apps tracking new businesses and word of mouth more powerful than ever, it wouldn't do to give the new guy a reason to think he was being hit on just for walking in.

Felix was watching him carefully with an unreadable expression, wondering if he was a mutant as well, hiding his gifts from the eyes of those who were weak and afraid of what their kind could do. Telepathy wasn't part of his arsenal, not yet, but he did have empathy that he had taken off of a family friend who thought she could help him with his desire to collect as many powers as he could handle.Reaching out with mental tendrils, he paid attention to the emotions of the man in front of him, not really sensing anything odd from him beyond a light attraction. It was amusing and interesting, though not something he would deem as important.

Taking out his wallet, he pulled out the necessary money and placed it on the counter in front of them, looking as if he didn't just try to pry whatever secrets he could via his emotions. If nothing else, Felix was rather stealthy about using his powers when he needed to be and it wasn't a flashy one to begin with. "Take out, please."

When the customer put the change down rather than in his hand, Junior bit his tongue. All right, maybe the fantasy would have to use some tweaking before it could really go anywhere but a face didn't necessarily need to share the personality. Sure. Clearly the man had never worked in retail before. Never mind that. He picked the money up and counted out the change, eventually hold his palm out flat with the return for the other man to pick up.

Having something in his head didn't really ping anything. He wasn't the mental sort of power-user no matter what other strength he possessed. That he was being read at all was a mystery and his emotions were flowing freely and without compunction, deep and intertwined with thoughts that never stopped. It was a dangerous place for someone who poked into other minds if they weren't prepared for an intellectual under all of the doofiness. "Take out it is," he said, already pulling his hand away to retrieve the bag on the shelf under the counter.

Sorry Junior, the guy you want to fantasize about is kind of a dick. His life and his powers made sure that he wasn't a nice person, even though he could be incredibly charismatic when he wanted to be. He could still sense his emotions and noted the reaction to not handing him the money. Felix didn't like touching others, not finding it beneath him or anything, but instead a response to his powers. There was an irrational fear that touching a human would render his powers useless and touching a mutant made them know that Felix was one of them, a connection that he loathed having made public without his express permission.

Reaching out, he carefully tried to grab his change without touching Junior, but for the briefest of moments, fingers brushed against the skin of Junior's palm and Felix could feel the tingling warmth spread through his fingertips, eyes looking to stare at Junior of a moment before turning his attention to putting his change away. So the baker was a mutant. That was a surprise. Immediately, he wondered what he gained from him, but he quieted that portion of his mind to focus on the fact that he had stumbled upon a mutant.

"You felt that, didn't you?" His tone was soft, quieter than his normal speaking voice and seeming completely different from the man he appeared to be just a moment before. It was like he was opening up, breaking down walls he had put up, though that wasn't true at all. This was a mutant and he wanted him by his side if he found that his power would be useful enough to warrant getting the original, powerful version.

That moment of contact was like some sort of fire sparking against his skin. It simmered and traveled down his veins until the weakness of the touch sizzled out and he paused, turned to stare up at the man across from him. It wasn't his imagination, his body told him, although certainly it had to be highly unlikely that it was real, said his mind. He made the eye contact and found he couldn't look away, licking his lips to hide the nerves and the hope.

Another mutant wasn't common. One that he could sense so outright was impossible. That wasn't his power. Was he reacting to the power that the other had? He slowly shifted upright, setting the bag still-folded on the counter to let it process. "Yeah," he said after a moment. Whatever it actually meant was still a mystery. All he knew was that the sensation was genuine and it meant something different and real was happening. Brows furrowing and hands lifting briefly to make a few meaningless gestures, he asked, "What was that?"

He didn't need to use any of his powers to know that he had actually felt the momentary fire that connected them and instinctively seemed to scream mutant at them both, didn't really need to ask the question before, but always felt the need to because he wanted to know if this happened with everyone he made contact with. So far, that seemed to be the case and Felix placed his hands on the counter, fingers splayed out as if to stretch them and remove whatever lingered of the sensation.

"That was letting us know that you and I are alike, that we are both mutants," Felix said with an ease that made it obvious that he had done this before many times in the past. Maybe not the same words, but definitely the same point that he wanted to get across to his fellow mutants. "I know there aren't a lot of our kind around here. Have you ever met another one before or is this your first time?"

"I've heard of them," he said carefully. May have seen them on the streets. No actual contact with other mutants, although he had the strong suspicion his grandmother was much the same. Not that she seemed to feel safe outing herself even to her own grandson. That wasn't his place to pry and his own power was already a strain on their relationship. The damage it had caused in ways no one could have anticipated before he understood his effect on the world without due caution.

He bowed his head momentarily, watching the hands moving, stretching, reaching without touching or wanting to touch. One hand gripping the counter himself, he looked back up and searched the other man's expression. There was a nearly-uncomfortable amount of familiarity in how the other man was speaking, as if he was used to this happening. Was that his power? Feeling the power of others? Useful and a burden at the same time, much like any other. "You're the first I've ever confirmed... Is there some kind of handshake I should know? Was that it?"

"I see," he said as he looked at him. Felix's expression was well-guarded, not giving much away as he studied the man in front of him. Now he was curious about his power, wanted to know what he had been given this time so they he could either use it or ignore it for something else. Another part of him felt bad for Junior, that he had been alone without others of his kind there for him. Felix's mind was already racing with ideas of how to get Junior to join with him, use his power for his purposes.

"No, that was only a side effect of my power. When I touch another mutant, we both get that feeling," Felix explained easily enough, finally glancing away from Junior to look down at his hands. It was difficult enough trying to blend in and acquire new powers without others noticing, but add in the fact that contact singled him out to every other mutant and it turned to nearly impossible, though that didn't stop Felix. He had ways of making sure the original owners of his powers would stay silent to his theft.

It was the guardedness that Junior didn't know how to deal with. He was good at reading other people, trying to follow their lead in conversations and the like even if he couldn't carry anything on his own. As careful as this man was, it left Junior somewhat adrift in how he was supposed to be reacting. There was something like relief there, happiness at finding someone like him who wasn't opposed to speaking the topic that others might be too afraid to approach. He wanted to believe the best for it, that maybe he could hold on to this connection and keep it unlike many other things in his life. His heart ached with the fact that the man would likely end up walking out the door with his pastries and never looking back; this must happen to him all the time, after all. Junior wasn't going to be anything special.

If it meant sharing something of his own powers with this stranger, Junior was willing to do it. Not that it was easy to comprehend or control but maybe it would be intriguing to someone who didn't have to deal with the fractured truth of it. He took a breath and continued to watch, much less guarded than his fellow mutant. He'd never learned how to be closed, just open and honest and trustful. Knowing what he did of polar opposites, he simply didn't want to fall into the mire of any negatives he could avoid.

"Does it tell you anything?" he asked. "The feeling, or the... rest of your power. Whatever it is. Or do you just have to guess? Or do you even care, to put it better," he added with a forlorn, self-depreciating smile. This couldn't be anything special, he reminded himself. Just a bumpkin running into cityfolk in the grand scheme of things. Someone small who couldn't comprehend the fastpaced life of someone with so much more.

His guardedness came from years of dealing with humans and their dislike for his kind. If they knew what Felix was truly capable of, he would be locked up and his powers neutralized so he wouldn't be a threat to them. Better to hold his secrets locked up tight so nobody ever knows the true extent of what he can do. Even to other mutants, he can't tell them everything, so he doesn't.

"No, if I want to know what you can do, I'd have to ask," Felix responded as he read the emotions Junior was giving off. This was someone he could use, judging from what he could read. Someone alone, afraid of being left behind. Reaching out once again, he took Junior's hand and let the connection spark again, the fire running through his body as he looked at him. "I care greatly about every one of our kind that I come across. My power gives me a unique perspective on things and I take it upon myself to learn about those I meet. Now, why don't you tell me what it is that you can do?"

Junior himself understood the dangers of being found. He knew it was a risk, which was why he had never reached out or tried to confirm any rumors floating around about others. No one appreciated being called out even if mutants were theoretically public and had accommodations and laws set up just for them. Most of it was a farce and the parts that weren't didn't make up for the difficulties a public-faced mutant faced. He didn't want to deal with any of that even if he could easily pass his power off as something small, nonthreatening. It was different and inhuman, that was all people looked at.

His breath caught in his throat, moving into a faster beat at the connection. The heat went straight to his heart, pulsed in his veins and he found himself staring at their hands, expecting to see something out of the ordinary. There was nothing, which was a bit disappointing, yet comforting at the same time. At least this would just look weird if anyone were to walk in right now, not weird. "It's hard to explain," he said slowly. In his opinion, his power was dangerous but ultimately useless. He couldn't really use it for anything that would make it worth it, not just for himself. The attention he was being given now was good and uplifting, unaware as he was that his emotions were being played like a violin. "I can... tap into extremes? Opposites. If it has an opposite, I can probably tweak it."

It was a perk of what he considered his weakness, this ability to ping to other mutants on contact, that made them feel comforted and not alone in a world definitely against them. With it and his empathy, he could manipulate a person far easier than most would really believe and it helped him get a foothold into their minds and gain their loyalty and approval. Besides, Felix liked the ones with an obvious need for companionship because it made things so much easier to twist.

"Extremes?" The tone was filled with curiosity and he looked down at the plate of pastries that he had just bought. Those would be a perfect test for the power that he had just gained from this lonely baker. With his free hand, he tapped one of the pastries and it quickly became covered with mold. He looked amused and then touched it again, turning it back into its pristine condition. "Like that, I take it?"

"That's not..." Junior paused, automatic reaction stuck in his throat. Had this man just copied his power? Siphoned it? He stared at the pastries, attention switching between the plate and the point of their connection with a confused, concerned look. However he had just done that, there was something amazing about seeing someone else do the same sort of thing he could do, and with such natural grace to boot. He probably had some kind of practice with using other powers, but the fact that all he needed was to be told what it was...

He shook his head, hand curling closed underneath the one holding it. Exhaled slowly. Looked up to the man with an obvious spark of interest and wariness. He didn't know what to make of sharing his power, whether it was permanent or temporary. "That's it exactly," he said, tone seeped in awe. "You can sense us because... you're borrowing from us?"

Felix waited patiently for the shock to pass, knowing that it usually took people a little bit to get over the surprise of seeing someone use their power in front of them. The fact that Junior taking it so well only added points towards his approval of the baker and more confirmation that he was going to have to take him under his wing and twist him for his own purposes.

"That's right, though I don't need contact to gain your powers nor to use them." Since he had shown him what he could do, there was no reason to hide the truth from him, especially since Felix had already decided what he was going to do with this man. "Yes, that's why I can sense you. There are theories about the exact workings of it, but it's still a mystery to everyone that knows."

He didn't really know what to do at this point, somewhere adrift with all this new information and the fire still coursing through him. It felt empowering and vast, like someone had just taken down the curtain to show him the rest of the world and yet he couldn't comprehend the whole picture that he was seeing. That this man could tap into his power virtually whenever had so much potential within it, Junior wasn't even sure where to start. Sure, it was interesting, but could it really be of use? He had never considered the full ramifications of his power before, never wanted to be a hero or a villain or someone in the spotlight. It was just something he kept under control, like everything else.

"Not the kind of thing to go and get studied," he commented idly. Being acknowledged, spoken to, let in on something like this felt like an honor. It was probably still all standard for the course. Nothing amazing, just how someone who could do this must operate out of necessity. He had to keep his hopes stamped down because he didn't even know what he was hoping for right now. A place to be and belong where he didn't have to worry about exposure or fear or pressure for something he was born with, couldn't have refused if he wanted to. One man coming into his bakery couldn't possibly give him all that. "I'm, um, Junior. That's what everyone calls me."

He was keeping an eye on him in more ways than one, his empathy tracking his emotions while Felix's eyes watched him with a curiosity and interest that seemed rather intense. This baker, so lost and alone in the world, was going to be his, one he would make into someone useful to his endeavors to make a place for mutants in this world that wanted them to suffer. How much twisting and manipulating he'd have to do to make him useful has yet to be seen, but Felix was ready to do as much as he needed to so he could make sure that Junior would be useful.

"Most scientists tend to be human and they tend to fear mutants for a number of different reasons," he agreed as he gently squeezed the hand he was still holding, not wanting to stop the feeling connecting them both together since that helped ease minds far more than sweet words that he knew he would want to hear. "Well, Junior, it's a pleasure to meet you. You can call me Felix."

It was hard to have so much scrutiny on him, even if it was positive. Especially because it was positive. Junior was not one to easily get along with others and not for lack of trying. His own hangups simply got in the way where others tried to break through and often made it difficult for him to make genuine connections. This encounter was frightening as it was exciting even if there was still the potential for it to go wrong at any moment.

His eyes moved, searched around, met Felix's gaze almost reluctantly after a long moment. Shy and unsure, a smile came unbidden. "Felix," he said, trying the name out. Just having his hand held tighter for that brief moment loosened something in his chest, let the fire spread throughout. "Believe me, the pleasure's all mine. I, um, promise I don't do this with all my customers."

Whatever this really qualified as. He was still trying to get his head around it.

A smile spread across his face when Junior's eyes met his. This was even better than he expected and he definitely knew what he was going to do now. Shifting gears a little, he moved the hand holding Junior's slightly, letting the tips of his fingers brush against the sensitive skin of the inside of his skin. He knew there was some attraction there and he was curious to see just how much there was so he could use it to his advantage.

"Well, I'm pleased to hear that I'm special in that regard," Felix said a bit flirtatiously. Leaning forward a little bit, he tried to close some of the space between the two of them to see how Junior would react. "I'm going to be in town for a little while and I'd love to see you again, if you'd be okay with that. We could talk, learn about each other, not have to worry about someone walking in on us in the middle of your cute bakery."

Oh god. Junior could feel his ears turning red, fingers twitching for the change in Felix's grip and he could tell something was going on between them. The constant physical/mental sensation of their touch was only adding to it, making it harder for him to deny and muddling his own responses. This sounded like an invitation, like Junior was something Felix actually wanted to pursue. It was too good to be true, probably wouldn't pan out the way he hoped but could go better than he could otherwise imagine, either.

He didn't move away. His breath slowed and caught and he had to remind himself to exhale after a moment of staring dumbly at Felix. This was where people might get offended or weirded out or just cut contact and excuse themselves. Would the same thing happen here? "Like... lunch or something? That's what you mean?" It would help to have the specifics laid out, and he hoped it wasn't obvious exactly why he was asking.

Felix wasn't going to stop flirting now that he started, especially with Junior responding so well. It was sad how much Junior seemed to crave his attention and Felix was going to make sure to give him every bit of attention he needed from him. Thankfully, he was in need of a project that didn't involve the destruction of humanity and this shy, awkward, powerful baker was going to be said project. And he could have some fun with him.

"Lunch, dinner, drinks over at my place. Whatever you want. I'd be lying if I said that you didn't interest me." As he spoke, his free hand reached up and touched the side of his face, cupping it affectionately as he looked at him. Even that touch added to the fire that connected them and it was obvious that it was something that happened at every bit of contact Felix had with another mutant. "I wouldn't say no to it being a date, if that's what you really want."

Okay, that was completely wrecking his focus. The warmth and electricity of the touch was anything but bad and Junior swallowed hard against the hand sitting gently at his cheek, eyes fluttering closed before he remembered himself, where he was, and opened them with a deep breath. He was licking his lips, trying to find something to latch onto in this odd maelstrom of his dreams apparently deciding to come true over a plate of simple baked goods on an otherwise-normal day.

"Uh," he said, really trying to process how all of this had happened. It seemed so fast, like a connection suddenly switched on where it had just been lying in wait before. He couldn't pull his attention away from Felix in the slightest, feeling that fire acting like a conduit between them, tying them together. "I'm not... Usually, it isn't—you really want to?"

That was exactly what he was going for, destroying his focus so Felix could dig his claws deeper into him and claim him as his own. His fingers stroked his cheek affectionately as he looked at him, gentle and caring like they were more familiar with her other instead of two strangers only connection by their status as mutants. After a long moment of this, Felix pulled his hands away, breaking the connection almost instantly, although he knew that the feeling would still linger like a newfound addiction that needed to be sated.

"I want to, otherwise I wouldn't have said it," Felix responded as he watched him, leaning against the counter in a way that could definitely be considered seductive. Even without the contact, Felix would still make it obvious that he was definitely interested in him. "I've got business in town, so I'll be around for a while. Take your time and we can talk about our maybe date in the future."

Being left bereft just as quickly as he had been full of the sensation took Junior a moment to adjust to. It was like a cool breeze had swept in and drained the heat he had just been bathing in and he tried not to left the momentary discomfort show. That didn't seem like the proper sort of reaction. Just the physical contact alone would have been manipulative, but this feeling still echoing through his now-empty veins made it feel all the more abrupt. His hand, still at the edge of the counter, tensed up, and he pursed his lips to try and forestall any other reaction.

Felix was still there, after all. Still there and talking about a date, or a maybe date, or even just meeting up again and talking. About their shared similarities, that connection, maybe even just... staying close once again. Junior found himself really hoping for that. He smiled out hope and pleasure for the attention, unable to fully maintain eye contact. "That sounds perfect," he said, words very nearly a jumble before he caught himself. "I'd like that. I'd really like to see you again. Soon. Sometime. Anytime. Um."

He knew how difficult it could be for a mutant to handle the absence of his touch and was relying on it to twist Junior even more into being his. For all that he was hiding his reaction, Felix could pick up the emotional side of things and smiled a little at Junior for his reaction. It was cute and definitely a point towards future interactions.

"We'll see each other again, I promise," Felix said as he pulled a card out of his pocket and handed it to him. It was blank outside of a phone number printed on it, but it was obvious that it was Felix's number. Before he said anything, Felix leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. "Call me in a week if I haven't come by the bakery and seen you myself. Then we'll have our date."

Simple as it was to use the reaction to Felix's advantage, Junior was falling for it hook, line and sinker. He had been relatively sheltered from mutant politics over the course of his life no matter how much he tried to keep an eye on things. It simply wasn't possible unless he outed himself to the public, or at least to any local groups looking for support, and he was too reluctant to give the game away. He wasn't exactly the sort that could be welcomed with open arms should anyone think too hard about it.

At the offer of a card, Junior shifted to take it and found himself memorizing the number. He wasn't obsessed or anything, just had a good mind, and this was something he wanted to try and follow up on. One week. He could wait a week, let this simmer, see if he felt the same later. After all of this, though, he doubted his mind would change much. The intrigue and connection was too much to ignore. While he was looking at the number, Felix leaned in and Junior felt the brush of heat blossom at his cheek and his face turned red before he realized what was happening.

Oh.

He breathed for a moment, totally taken off guard, before he finally found his focus again and snapped out of it. Right. Come by the bakery. See him again. Bakery. Bread. Food. Felix had—without a word, Junior shifted gears and finally bagged up the order for Felix and held it out with an embarrassed but uplifted look. "Okay," he said finally. "I'll call you. After a week. Like you just said. Then we can... Or if you stop by, then—um, enjoy?"

It took all his restraint to keep from laughing at how flustered Junior was by a mere kiss. He really had picked someone attention starved and he definitely was going to make sure he got all the attention he wanted and not of the negative kind mutants got whenever they were found. For being a mutant terrorist, Felix had no plans to drag innocents into his plans, especially not ones with powers like Junior's who didn't want to use them.

"I definitely will," he said with a smile as he took the bag without touching his hand, instinct instead of actively wanting to not touch him. Small little bakeries like this were usually better than the big ones in quality, which is why he had chosen it in the first place. "I'll see you soon."

Felix's search for the new mutant in town took only a couple days to find and since it was a loud awakening, Felix couldn't exactly make them disappear like he usually did. He didn't mind since it meant the government had no idea he was in town and he wanted to keep it that way for a while because he had plans that he didn't want interrupted. Like revisiting the cute baker with extraordinary powers.

Waiting until Junior had closed for the day but hadn't left yet, Felix walked in with a hat and glasses obscuring his face. Making sure the door was locked behind him, he finally decided to speak. "You haven't forgotten about me, have you, Junior? I wanted to know if you're busy tonight and to compliment you on your pastries."

It wasn't a very long week, all told. Junior did have things going on in his life, even if social outings weren't really part of it. There was a business for him to promote and take care of, not to mention repairing things with his grandparents and also looking into more employees that would work hard for the fair wage he hoped to give. He wanted quality for his life's aspirations and wasn't going to settle along the way.

He was in the middle of cleaning up, blinds down if only to make it obvious he was closed rather than to hide himself, when someone walked in. He was already raising a hand and saying, "Sorry, we're closed for the day," when the other person began to speak. His heart rate picked up a little just from hearing the voice, recognizing the body and face under the muddling clothes. He smiled bright and leaned sideways on his broom rather than immediately rush to go see Felix.

"Of course not," he said. It was meant as a joke, but there was no way Junior could have let Felix slip his mind. He'd been counting down the days in the back of his head until he could call. Now it wasn't necessary. "I'm not busy. You liked them?"

"I loved them," Felix replied as he put away his glasses and took off his hat, revealing himself properly to Junior. Normally, he'd be in some other face, something he could toss aside if things went wrong, but he picked his original face to stick around Junior, knowing that he wouldn't do anything with the information beyond know it as someone he appeared to enjoy being around.

Walking over to Junior until they were barely apart, Felix reached up and stroked the side of Junior's face affectionately, looking up at him with a gentle smile. He had thought of him during his other business, how he latched onto him immediately and had giving him such an amazing power. There was no real affection for him, Felix not the sort of person to fall in love immediately, but there was an interest there that was more than purely powers-based. "I'd be lying if I said that I liked them more than the person who made them. You are an amazing person, Junior, and I've been looking forward to seeing you again."

Just the enthusiasm for his work was enough for Junior, but then Felix got closer and reached out for him and Junior held still. That feeling sparked up in him again and only sharpened the memory of Felix's first visit. He was already happy that Felix had actually come back to see him, and now this was further confirmation that every bit of it had actually happened. His hands flexed around the handle of his broom before he carefully brought one hand up to rest over Felix's forearm where his clothes blocked the skin-on-skin contact. He seemed a bit wary about having that touch out of his control and Junior wasn't going to try and steal the sensation from him, no matter how breathtaking it was.

"I'm just a baker," he said modestly. That really was all there was to it. He wasn't someone who claimed and made use of his power, or tried to reach past his means, or had any wishes to be more than what he already was. Happiness was about the top of his list of things to achieve, and maybe having someone in his life would help with that. Maybe Felix. He certainly liked Felix enough, this strangely blossoming something giving him hope that he could try it out. "You're... You travel, you've got this amazing gift, you look like you could hold the world in your hand. I... don't even know what you do, come to think of it. Is that weird?"

There was a brief moment where Felix watched Junior touch him and tilted his head slightly as if to see if he'd do more. Since he had initiated contact and didn't seem to mind his presence so close to him, he definitely had no problems with Junior touching him, especially since he enjoyed how their contact felt skin to skin. Maybe he'll just encourage him a bit, show him just how good it could get between them without anything in the way of the contact.

"It's not weird at all. I'm not the kind of person who talks about what he does usually," he answered as he pulled Junior down to press their foreheads together, making more contact between them, wanting to draw him in further into his trap. "As for what I do, I take in those whose mutations don't allow them to live peacefully among humans."

It was still hard to tell, and Junior was so desperate to make sure Felix wouldn't disappear on him that he didn't want to presume on any subject. Better to let Felix lead for now, and his hand only tightened around Felix's forearm when they were pulled closer together. It was such an amazing feeling, and Junior dimly wondered if Felix had ever gotten used to it. As he spoke about his work, Junior figured he must have. How could he not, coming into contact with other mutants on such a basis? Being so close, though, couldn't be nearly as normal and he took it in with a pleased smile while he met Felix's eyes. It felt almost like a drug, something injected into him and making him feeling bright and whole. Such a sensation being directly related to the touch of a specific person obviously only brought him closer without the conscious realization of the quickly-forming Pavlovian response.

"See?" he asked softly. "You're the amazing one. Fantastic. That's got to take a lot of work and courage, and... the mutant in the news. You were looking for her?"

"I'm just doing what needs to be done, protecting our people and giving them somewhere safe to live." There was more to it, but he didn't need to tell him about the horrible things he does in the name of protecting mutantkind from humanity and eventual destruction by their hands. No, he was going to keep Junior out of the loop on his true actions until he was sure he could handle it and possibly accept them. "Yes, I was looking for her. Whether or not she comes with me is up to her, but the offer has been given and now all I can do is wait."

He might have claimed to come here to talk about each other, learn more, but Felix had other plans and they didn't involve much talking. Shifting his head slightly, Felix pulled Junior into a kiss, gentle and cautious, waiting to see how he responded to being kissed out of nowhere. If he liked it, he'd continue on with his plan, but if he didn't, he'd take a step back and wait until he was ready. He was patient and was going to make sure Junior was putty in his hands by the time he's done with him tonight.

There was a lot to think about, learning that Felix was not only a mutant who seemed interested in Junior for some reason, who had the power to use the powers of others, but also went about trying to find and make a better life for any mutants in terrible situations. It could have all been a lie for what Junior knew but so far he had no reason to assume so and he was not, actually, smitten enough to follow Felix blindly without more information. But Felix wasn't asking Junior to follow him right now. Right now, he was...

Junior moaned softly into the kiss when it started, heat passing from his lips into his lungs and starting to set his whole body ablaze. It was both incredibly soothing and startling, out of nowhere in the way that had him pulling back instinctively to try and gather his thoughts and figure out what had just happened. "Wh—wait. What?"

Blinking slowly when Junior pulled away, he didn't try to keep him there, but instead looked over at him with a slightly confused expression on his face, playing his part perfectly in an attempt to manipulate Junior further. He knew this could happen since he did take him by surprise with the kiss, but he could definitely make sure that this only ended how Felix wanted it to end.

"Did I go too far? You seemed interested and I thought..." He looked away as his voice trailed off, seeming embarrassed by having read the situation wrong. Sure, he'd have to play it this way for now, but he wasn't the type to act like this normally, preferring to be rough and take what he needed over anything else. Physical intimacy wasn't something he had any shame about and Junior was definitely going to find that out soon enough. "Well, I was interested. If you're not, I'll back off and we'll just talk."

Seeing that expression, Junior shook his head. That wasn't what he meant, hadn't intended for Felix to take it as rejection. Not good, not what he wanted, and he found his hand sliding up to cup around Felix's in reassurance. He had to take a breath as making the contact himself still brought on that feeling. Both amazing and distracting, it made the world grow so large while putting Felix right at the center. Everything was there but none of it could overcome the sense that it was all there because of the one giving it to him.

"No, that's not what I meant," he said, firm without being rough at all. He didn't want to lose this opportunity because of his own stupidity. If this ruined his chances somehow, he would be kicking himself for a long time. "I just... didn't think... that was going to happen. Sorry. You're not wrong. You just picked the really inept one to go after. You know?"

Edited 2016-06-09 06:36 (UTC)

When he felt Junior's hand, another connection between them forming, Felix looked back at him and smiled softly. So he was just awkward. That made everything a bit better and privately, he found it amusing. He didn't think he'd be the completely awkward type, but that just made this more fun, seeing how he could make him flail while still pushing him as far as possible.

"You're not inept," he said, smile turning into a slight frown at his words. Inept meant negative things that he didn't associate with Junior, at least not as far as he could see. "Inexperienced, unsure maybe? Definitely not inept. I'm not going to run away because of this, but if you want to take things slower, we can."

Incredibly awkward, very earnest, horribly unused to social interaction as a whole. He had a lot to work on before he would really be the best person to take out to parties but for now it was part of his charm. His hand gripped a little bit tighter for the encouragement and he offered a relieved look.

"Slower isn't necessary," he said, a thoughtful sort of drawl as he considered his words. Slower meant fragile and he didn't want to be that. Slower meant unsure, and he knew what he wanted, just wasn't sure how to handle it actually happening. "I mean, this is just new... ish. To me. I'm just figuring it out."

"If that's the case, then why don't I help you figure this out?" As he said that, he leaned forward to kiss him on the cheek. Junior said that he didn't want to go slower, but Felix was going to be a bit less forward than the last time. Make Junior get more out of him instead of giving him everything. Sometimes people liked when they had to work for things instead of getting it for free and Felix didn't mind drawing this out a bit.

"That better?" He tilted his head to study him carefully, using his empathy to peek in on what Junior was feeling. This was important, something that he needed to know moving forward. Being careful wasn't going to get him too far, but careful at first was always good so he could expand on his actions later.

It wasn't so much a matter of needing to work for it as needing to know he was safe in doing what he wanted to try, that he had enough room to work and be worked with. It was a matter of trust and interest and Felix so far was providing both just fine. Swallowing, eyes fluttering for the kiss, Junior shifted to push the broom away, hand outstretched to send it gently against the far wall. His hand then moved to sit at Felix's hip, and he gave a smile for it. "Yeah," he agreed quietly.

That said, he was definitely wanting to try that feeling of kissing again. Those sparks against his skin and up in his head were totally peaking his interest, not to mention wanting to see what Felix was like during a kiss, making out, maybe more. Probably not more yet. He exhaled slow, then pressed closer and kissed Felix, slow and gentle and probing more than anything. Heat spreading through him for the contact, it emboldened him to shift his hand to Felix's back, hold him more steady and firm. "Is this okay?" he asked after a moment, barely the space of a breath apart.

Trust wasn't something that came easily to Felix and it wasn't even a consideration at this point because physical intimacy wasn't something that needed trust from him. This was something freely given because it was the opposite of his own powers, giving others something instead of taking what he wanted. Besides, he wanted something a little more stable than a one night stand lately with his plans finally focusing down and his goal almost in sight.

Letting out a soft little noise, Felix kissed back, one hand reaching up to thread through Junior's hair while the other moved to grip his shoulder, firm but not rough. He wasn't dazed from the kiss, but instead he looked eager for more, peering up at Junior with a hint of a smile on his face. "That's more than okay, Junior. It's nice."

For Junior, trust was necessary in a lot of things. His heart was too big and open for him to do much without knowing the other person could handle it with care. Not to say he had never tried things before, but usually with friends or on his own than looking for a master of the night to help him out. Short, ethereal relationships just weren't his sort of thing. Judging by Felix coming back specifically for this, he had hopes that it wouldn't be a short-lasting thing, even if he did have business to get back to sooner rather than later.

There was a pleased-sounding breath at the hand in his hair, mind buzzing pleasantly from the touch and the warmth. He liked this, wanted more, was open to Felix in this moment of being swept off his feet with caring and want in equal measure. "Good," he said, happy and content. He pressed closer, kissing him again and this time licking at his lips in a request for entrance. Something deeper, more meaningful, fast but not without having been encouraged first. Junior wouldn't dare push and risk Felix getting offended or weirded out and leaving him, rather hoping to follow and signal he might be given.

With Felix, there was no worry of him leaving when he was determined to do something and since making out was the plan, he definitely wasn't going to bolt if Junior decided to push. His lips parted so that Junior could enter, his own tongue slipping out to explore Junior's mouth in a curious but almost forceful manner while he moaned softly. Kissing, touching, feeling the warmth of their contact grow through Felix's power, it was absolutely amazing to him and he wanted more, to give and receive everything that both of them could do.

Hands moved down to Junior's hips and he picked him up with a strength that was more than someone his size seemed capable of, pulling him close while pushing him up against a wall to position them better, making little noises while hands slipped under his clothes to feel and hold, keeping him in place while he continued to kiss him, more eager and demanding than his previous responses would have people believe.

There was an audible gasp, surprise and excitement at being pushed against the wall. Junior held tighter to Felix as he was positioned, stomach dropping in the good way at being handled so easily no matter what it looked like Felix should have been capable of. He was a mutant and probably had more muscles to hide under his clothes to boot. It took time for his brain to catch up to what he was doing, a mixture of the sensation and Felix's actions sending him momentarily into autopilot; when he caught up, his hands moved to grip along Felix's back, then shifted to try and raise his shirt so he could have more access.

Even so, there was something to be said for the proper abuse of one's own power. He gasped a breath and pulled away momentarily, eyes darkening almost entirely before they turned to pinpricks and the world shifted just slightly to the left, their shirts now on the floor beside them. If he didn't use his hands to channel his power, he had to use something, and hopefully Felix wouldn't be put off enough to stop Junior from diving back into the kiss.

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