AJ had to stop for the moment. His throat was dry and sore. He reached over to the dresser by his seat, and pulled out one of his ready supplies of bottled water. As he opened and chugged it, Brian spoke up for the first time since he started his story.
“So, you’re not only immortal, you’re, what? An elemental magician as well?”
Nodding, AJ took another drink. “Pretty much.” He said with a shrug, wiping his mouth on the back of his hand. “Though I don’t like the word immortal. That implies that nothing can kill me. One thing and one thing only can do that. And that one thing has to be delivered by either one strong magician, or a few semi-strong ones together. There aren’t enough out there to band together and destroy me. Roth is the only one I need to worry about. He’s the only one that’s strong enough to do it.”
“This is insane.” Brian mumbled. “God, I must be dreaming. I think I might actually believe you!”
“You should.”
A noise on the roof startled them both. They about jumped out of their skins. That was enough to break the tension tough. Together they chuckled at their own skittishness. “God damn trees.” Brian swore, looking up at the ceiling for a minute before looking back at AJ. “So, you’re magical and immortal and your name is Alyck. What else have you hidden from me?”
AJ didn’t answer. His eyes were still trained on the ceiling, staring.
“Alex?” What the hell was going on? A part of Brian’s brain was almost shut down, unable to process all the information that it was receiving. He had been raised to believe that things like this didn’t exist, that there was no magic. Yet across from him sat the one person he loved totally and completely, telling him that so much of things had been a lie.
He was about to call AJ’s name again when he saw the tension snap through his lovers body. In a flash, AJ was on his feet. He rushed to the closet, moving so quietly that Brian wondered if his feet had even touched the ground. The next instant he was back, carrying two bags. Brian recognized them as their to-go bags for emergencies, already packed full of everything they’d need.
“We need to leave.” AJ hissed, throwing Brian’s backpack at him. “Put this on, and follow me.”
“What the hell is going on?”
Impatience snapped in AJ’s eyes for a quick second. Then they softened, and he stepped close to Brian, pulling him to his feet. “Brian, do you trust me?” It was an odd question in light of their conversation this evening. But, as he stared into those chocolate eyes, Brian knew that no matter what, his answer was the same. “Yes.”
“Then follow me, and keep silent. We need to be out of here ten minutes ago.”
With that cryptic remark, AJ grabbed Brian’s hand and moved from the room. His steps were silent and stealthy, making not a single noise as he moved into the dark hallway. Brian tried to follow as quietly as he could. Any questions that he wanted to ask he held in at the sight of AJ’s face. There was a burning intensity there and temper as well. What was going on, he had no idea. But it was obvious that the smart thing to do was follow AJ.
The made it down the stairs without a sound. AJ pulled him around the corner. They ducked into the shadows there. Pressing Brian against the wall, AJ held a finger to his own lips. Then he closed his eyes and opened his senses to the world around him.
Brian watched him, his mind going crazy with everything he had heard. To believe AJ’s story was to admit that nothing in his life was what he had thought it was. It also meant that the man he had fallen in love with wasn’t who he thought he was. But when he looked at AJ, nothing had really changed. Brian still felt that familiar love fill him, and he saw it reflected in those warm chocolate eyes that he loved so much.
Lost in his thoughts, he almost missed it when AJ opened his eyes again. But he heard the muttered “Fuck” That was enough to have him paying attention again. AJ looked annoyed and resigned all at the same time.
“What?” Brian dared a whisper. Something in him was on alert. Every sense was heightened, and a chill was running down his spine. He had no idea what had AJ so out of sorts, but he knew it had to be bad. With everything he’d just learned about his boyfriend, well, if he was this spooked there had to be a reason.
AJ ran a hand over his face and let out a loud sigh, startling Brian. For all the noise he had just made, he whispered his next comment. “I want you to stick close behind me, and whatever you do, do not try to insert yourself in this. Try to be as inconspicuous as possible. Don’t even talk. If I have to worry about keeping you safe because you’re being noble, it could be disastrous, do you hear me?”
Eyes wide, Brian nodded. He was used to AJ’s dominating side, and often joked with him about it, but this was something more. Everything in his face, his voice, was dead serious, and demanded to be heeded.
Satisfied, AJ took a deep breath and turned. “Why don’t we stop playing games, and you get your little ass out here.” He called out.
A noise from the direction of the kitchen had Brian jumping. He squinted through the darkness, trying to see what it was. Then a light filled the room, blinding him for a second. He had to squeeze his eyes shut, then slowly open them. Standing in the entryway to the kitchen was a dark figure. Dressed in all black, it made his caramel skin look even darker, the image accentuated by the long black hair. In the mans extended hand was a small flame.
“Hello Alyck.” The man spoke with a voice as smooth as honey.
AJ sighed again. “Hello, Roth.”