Living with a Double-Edged Sword

Ray looked into her eyes and for once, was the one to speak. "Hey, you okay?"

It was as if the tables had turned. Mystery girl was the one to lose herself in his eyes. In that moment, she was the only thing on his mind. His eyes practically bore into her soul. He was concerned for her. He didn't even know her name, and had kept to himself. But here she was, in his arms. It took her several moments for her to realize that he'd asked her if she was okay.

"Umm?"

With a start, she said, "Oh! I'm sorry! I just..lost myself in your eyes.."

That definitely caught him by surprise and he wasn't even mad about the blush that threatened to cover his whole face. He was more worried about mystery girl's face looking like a tomato. "Well, so long as you're okay. That's all that matters."

"I-I'm Sydney. Sydney Weller. I'd like to say that it's nice to meet you, but we've been meeting every now and again at Nancy's.."

Ray helped her up and was wary about letting go. She molded to him quite nicely and was conflicted. He shook her hand, "Why don't we just act like we've just met? I'm Ray. Ray Aguilar."

They smiled at eachother in their own awkward way and he broke the handshake. "Well, I'm about to open up shop. Wanna come in for a cup? My treat?"

"Oh! Yes, please. That'd be great."

They made their way to Nancy's and the mystery of how he'd made it to her still troubled Sydney. It wasn't at the forefront of her mind; but something bugged her. How?

Ray quickly set everything up and got two cups of the house special. Only this time, he added a little something extra. They had 5-10 minutes to themselves before the boatload of people invaded.

He placed their cups down and sat across from her. He waited patiently for her reaction. As if right on cue, he smiled with satisfaction at her own smile. He couldn't help but shiver as she let out a sensual, "Mmm..".

For Sydney, this was more than what she expected to happen. If her friends knew that she was alone with Ray of all people..It was then that she remembered what she wanted to do today of all days. But, she had to know how and why he'd helped her earlier.

"Ray?"

"Hmm?"

"Can I ask you something that's been bothering me?"

"Uhh, sure?"

"See, I could've sworn I saw you on the opposite side of the street. And I know that there's no way that you could've helped me when you did. It's not that I don't appreciate what you.."

Sydney couldn't help but trail off seeing his face harden in the worst of ways. She could see the sea of turmoil in his eyes and how his demeanor as a whole went from friendly to rigid in little to no time at all.

"Fuck.." was the only thought in Ray's mind. The one time he'd acted without thinking, the one time he did and he'd pretty much gotten caught.

"Look, Sydney..I don't know what you think you saw, but-"

At this point, Sydney could see in his eyes that he would deny everything at any and all costs. But the one thing she hated was when people talked down to her. "No, you look, Ray. I know what I saw. I just wanted to know how you did it. One second you were all the way over there and then you were right next to me catching me."

Thankfully, their conversation was interrupted as the start of the morning rush of people entered Nancy's. "Saved by the bell," Ray thought to himself. He got up, but was stopped by Sydney grabbing his hand.

"This isn't over Ray. I'll see you soon?"

He could do nothing but grunt in response and moved to take care of the customers. Nancy noticed that he was on edge as soon as she got in. "So? How'd it go with mystery girl?"

In the years that she had known him, she'd never seen him act on his emotions. He'd never gotten mad, she'd never seen him cry or get emotional over anything. But this? He'd grabbed the table he was cleaning and shook it with the quickest of motions. She could feel his uneasiness consuming the room. "Damn, that bad huh?"

Trying to quell his anger and shame, Ray said, "Nan, I love you, but could you please drop this?"

"I love you too kid. And fine. But don't think this is over."

He nodded and went back to "cleaning" the tables. The thoughts of what Sydney saw and if she'd tell people were clouding his thoughts. How could he tell his mom what happened? This was what they'd been trying to avoid ever since he did "it" for the first time. Ray chose to keep things to himself and to wait things out. She didn't seem like the type to try anything, but he'd keep an eye out.

After the long day, he was glad to be back in his apartment. He grabbed a sandwich and ate it without doing much. His thoughts darkened as he imagined all the bad things that could happen if this got out. After a quick trip to the shower, he fell on his bed and fell prey to the dreams of what was to come.

Sydney was also plagued with dreams. But they weren't going in the way they usually did. The usual dreams of the hot, steamy, and raunchy things she'd do to Ray were replaced with the eyes he had on her. Those cold, cold eyes. They held nothing but contempt for her. If only she'd worded things differently? Maybe it could've gone better. She had to know though. It still bugged her. How could he have done such a thing? It wasn't a trick of the light, her mind was crystal clear at that time, and she for sure knew he was on the opposite side. So..how did he do it? She'd find out tomorrow.

Sleep eluded Ray. He woke up at 5 and couldn't go back to the land of Mr. Sandman. He said, "Fuck this." and got ready for the day. He even decided to show up earlier than usual so he could have some time to himself. But, fate was working against him as Sydney herself was making her way over as well. She'd gotten more sleep than she expected to and wanted to show up early to get some time to think things through. So, they both got there at 6:15 and were at an impasse.

It was one thing to be confronted yesterday, but to see the woman that ailed him so early in the morning? That was a crime. "Son of a" was all that he was able to get out. She practically yelled when she saw him and tried her best to look nonchalant about the whole thing.

They reached Nancy's without any further incidents. With a look of resignation on his face, he asked her, "Wanna come in? I was hoping for a little extra time to wrap my thoughts around all this..but seeing as you're already here.."

"If that's okay? I'd love another cup of your specialty."

She plopped down into her seat and waited for her coffee and fate. The clang of the cup on the table brought her out of her thoughts.

"Oh!"

"Sydney. Look. I don't know what you want. If it's money or anything like that, you're barking up the wrong tree."

"No! It's nothing like that! I just know that you did something impossible and it's been eating away at me. I never wanted you to hate me.."

"Hate you? Look, I never said or did anything to confirm that did I?"

"No, but-"

"Sydney. What you think you saw? It happened. That's that."

"Wait, you're telling me-"

"I'm not telling you anything."

"But.."

"Look, if you want my time, you got it."

"What?"

For the first time, she saw what was a smile forming on his face. A real and honest smile.

"Sydney. I'm sorry, I guess I pegged you for someone else. I thought that after realizing what I can and/or can't do you'd come after me and blackmail me or something."

"No! I'd never do that! Like I said, I just..look, I like you and I'd like to get to know you. No ulterior motives."

With his eyebrow raised, he asked, "Really?"

With a look of utter determination, honesty, and cuteness, she nodded in affirmation.

"You got any classes today?"

Ray could've sworn he could see the gears working in her head. It was cute. She was cute. A little awkward at times, but she was definitely cute. Her smile was what killed him. He hated how she could turn his mind to mush at any and all times. "I don't, actually..I just had to see you though. I know it's kinda weird, but I'd rather have gotten this over with than prolong it another day."

He put his hands up, "Wow, I get you. Don't worry. In fact, I'm glad you came. You put me at ease with..all of this."

Sydney couldn't help but giggle as he motioned all around them when he said that. It then that she got that determined look in her eyes and Ray knew he was a goner.

"What time d'you get off of work today?"

"I-"

Like Ray thought before, fate was definitely intervening; or it was having a good laugh. Because right as they were really getting into it, Nancy opened the door to her office and practically yelled, "He can take today off if you want, young lady! He's needed a break for the longest and going on a date will definitely benefit all of us!"

Ray sighed in exasperation and looked towards the cute, but weird woman in front of him. He'd never gotten passed her eyes and smile. She was different, but in the best way possible. It'd be hard, but he wanted to risk it. He wanted her to get to know him. If anything, the way that she blushed and covered her face made that decision all the easier to make.

"Alright, Nan! I'm taking the day off! Love you!"

Nancy took a peek out her door and smiled to herself. She didn't hear everything but had heard enough. This girl..Sydney? She was special, that's for sure. "Love you too, kid. Be safe you two!"

Sydney gasped in surprise as Ray grabbed her hand and led her out of the cafe. She yelled back, "Yes ma'am!" and noticed the look of affection on Nancy's face. A pang of jealousy overtook her, but only for a second. She didn't know anything about Ray, but she was going to try her best to find out. The whole time she was left to her thoughts, she didn't realize that they were still holding hands. She tentatively squeezed and could feel the warmth flow through her as he squeezed back.

Ray looked down at her and stopped as he realized they didn't really have a destination. "Soo, what's the plan?"

"Plan?"

"Y'know..you're the one that wanted to get to know me. So, where d'you wanna go? What d'you wanna do?"

Sydney shivered, moreso from his gaze than anything. But Ray interpreted that as her being cold. "Shit, it's cold. How about we go back to my place? It's a couple minutes away and I can crank up the heater. That okay with you?"

Ray smirked at her blush and squeezed her hand again as she nodded. He let go and could've sworn he felt the pang of sadness that flitted across her face. That look was replaced with a content smile and blush as he placed his hand on her shoulder and brought her in close to him.

They made the short walk to his rust bucket and in 10 minutes they found themselves in what he called "home."

It was a small, but "homey" apartment; it was cozy. Sydney couldn't help herself, she was looking over and at everything. She was looking for signs of a girl, for signs of anything. With nothing that really popped out at her, she nodded to herself. It was a nice place. It was simple, but it fit him. She looked up and found Ray staring at her with a smirk. God, she loved how he did that.

"Everything okay? I know it's not much, but I make enough to get by.."

"It's nice! I'm just..overwhelmed. This is the first time I've ever been to a guy's place."

He looked surprised and got out, "Oh! Well, welcome. Want a cup of hot cocoa? We can cuddle up on the couch and you can..as you said and wanted, get to know me."

If there was ever a time Sydney cursed her somewhat pale complexion, it was now. She could feel the heat of her blush on her skin and could only think of splashing water in her face to calm the "flames."

"That sounds..that's fine with me."

"If you thought my coffee was good, wait 'til you try my cocoa!"

She plopped down on his couch and looked around some more. The smells wafting through his place were making her mouth water. He sat next to her and placed their cups on the table next to them. He'd grabbed a couple blankets and wrapped one around her. She loved the way he did that. It was gentle, but not intrusive. He respected her space, but got close enough for her to feel something.

After wrapping up, he placed one more between them and looked at her. He really looked at her. Again, Sydney blushed. She grabbed for her cocoa and almost moaned in bliss. Thankfully she was able to catch herself before doing so. But the flavors in it, complimented by the marshmallows and whipped cream? It was to die for! "Good right?"

Any functions her mouth had were rendered nonoperational. The cocoa had consumed her, and she was fine with that.

He laughed and she swore she could feel the warmth from it. "I can tell by your reaction that it's good. I'm glad you like it."

They slowly drank and savored the cocoa and closed the gap between themselves. He was laid back and she brought her head to his shoulder. "Ray?"

"Yes, pretty lady?"

"Wait, you think I'm pretty?"

"Oh, more than that. But that's for another time. You wanted to ask me something?"

"Right! Can you just..tell me everything?"

"About 'it,' or me? And is this a one-man show or can it be a man and woman show? I'd rather not be the only one talking here. I wanna get to know you too."

"I'd like that, very much!"

Ray grabbed her hand and she smiled up at him. He told her everything. He told her how he grew up watching his parents fight constantly. They wanted to stay together for him, but he didn't see the point in it. If they hated eachother why not go their separate ways? Why prolong things? Why be and stay miserable? It still confused him to this day.

He told her how it was during one of their really, really bad fights that he discovered his.."gift." He was about 9 years old and the yelling and banging wouldn't stop. He was alone in his room and was looking out his window. "Anywhere is better than here," he'd thought. He wished to be outside, he wished for the quiet. He didn't want to hear the two people he'd loved most fight anymore. And then, it happened.

One second he was inside, the next, he was outside his house in the culdesac. To say that it scared him would be an understatement. Before he could really react, a neighbor was leaving to go somewhere when they spotted him; a kid out in the cold at 2am? That's obviously a bad thing, so they went up to him and asked what was going on. They eventually called the police and they intervened. Not only did Ray's parents not know what happened, but they partially blamed him for "sneaking out" and getting others involved. They never asked how or why he'd "sneaked out." That was it for awhile.

Then he was in junior high. There was a local bully in the culdesac. He'd seen Ray heading for the park down the street after they'd gotten dropped off and followed him. He cornered Ray into the restroom and locked him in. What disconcerted him was that the cries for help from the little boy died down after awhile and he freaked out when he opened the door and found no one inside. Naturally, he ran over to his parents and explained the situation. They ran to Ray's house and were more than surprised when Ray himself answered the door. The bully was then reprimanded for lying and was punished.

It was then that Ray knew that he had a gift. His mom soon found out after he did it on accident during their preparations for a cookout. He'd tripped with his gameboy advance in hand and he would've fallen in the pool; but the need to save his video game outweighed the common sense of not showing his powers to his mom. She screamed out for him only to find him a few feet away from where he was supposed to fall with wide eyes. She saw everything. And then he had to painstakingly explain that he did and could teleport. He told her everything. He then promised to never, ever use it under any circumstances.

It was then that Sydney knew what a horrible burden Ray carried in his day to day life. But she was so happy and proud of the fact that he'd saved people with it. He had a gift. Or as he so "lovingly" called it, a double-edged sword. After his story, Syd latched onto him in a hug that brought smiles to both of their faces. "I'm proud of you Ray. You're a good man."

"Thanks Sydney. That means a lot."

"Can I ask you some more questions about..'it' if that's okay?"

With a laugh, he said, "Sure, pretty lady."

She inched in closer and asked, "So, you were born with it? Nothing happened that triggered it?"

"Aha, no. Nothing like that. I just..had it. I wasn't bitten by a radioactive spider. I don't have a special ring or anything. I wasn't struck by lightning, but I was born with it? If that makes sense?"

"It doesn't, but that works for me."

"Good."

"Is teleporting all that you can do? I just had to ask.."

"I think so. I've never actually tried to do anything but that, though. But I'm 85% sure that's all I can do."

She giggled when he followed that up with a wink. "Hmm..can you teleport whilst driving? Like in that one movie?"

This time, he was the one to laugh. "No, no that's not how it works. See, the range I have with it is everything I can see with my eyes. I can't teleport to places I've been to or use pictures. Plus, there's a limit to how many times I can use it per day. It's weird..but it's me, you know?"

"Well, I like you. So there's that, right?"

Ray was stunned. Here was this beautiful girl confirming her feelings for him and he was too flabbergasted to say anything else. "I.."

Sydney got in close, and gave his kiss a cheek. "Ray. You don't have to say anything. Just know that I do like you and I hope to get to know you and that you'll like me and get to know me one day too."

"Well, I'm already well on my way there. You don't have to worry." He lightly pulled her into him and they hugged. She sighed with content and before they knew it, the warmth and comfiness of it all got them flying into dreamland.

They eventually woke up two hours later, groggy and sweaty; a gross combination. With hazy eyes, Ray got up and slipped much to his chagrin. This time it was Sydney that "saved" him from a fall; just without the teleportation. She giggled and asked, "You okay there?"

"Yeah, just a little lightheaded. Want some water? I got some juice too if you'd like?"

"Uh-uh mister. You invited me over, I'll prepare some lunch for us." She looked over at the clock and it was a little passed 10. "Actually, more like brunch. I dunno about you, but the only thing I had for breakfast was the coffee you made me, plus the hot cocoa. Mind if I make something?"

"If that's fine with you, then by all means. Please and thank you. Mind if I get a shower?"

Sydney couldn't help but blush as her thoughts turned to places she didn't want to go to at that moment. "Sure! Brunch'll be ready by the time you're done.."

He wasn't one to take fast showers, but this was the exception. With the quickness of an old man, he finished up in 15 minutes and was dressed in 20. He was making his way over when she saw him and he was surprised to hear her gasp and look down.

"What?"

"You-You're shirtless..."

He laughed lightly and she couldn't help but feel the warmth spread all over her face and neck. "Want me to put one on?"

"No!" She caught herself and said, "I-I mean, yes? Please.."

He quickly turned around and headed back to his room and got a shirt that Sydney thought fit him too well. She did miss seeing the muscles and six pack. He was surprised but was very happy with the omelettes and bacon that she made for them. They made small talk, but wouldn't and couldn't tear their eyes away from the other. Little glances here and there, followed by smiles. They finished up and as Sydney was going to help clean up, she was surprised when Ray swiftly carried her over to the bathroom. "Your turn."

"But, I don't have a change of clothes!"

"You do now," he showed her his closet and let her pick out a hoodie, sweatpants, and one pair of boxers.