Eternity: Circle of love By Nara

Day six

 Beautiful stranger

                 Evan woke the next day with a start.  He was in his aero car.  He lowered the top,  the air out side was so different than on the ark. In some ways he liked it better.   Fresh tears welled up behind his eyes as he recounted yesterday. It couldn’t be true, Dante did care about him.  He sure has a funny way of showing it, Evan thought.  I should go back this is stupid. And the longer I stay a way the more pissed he’ll be.  He didn’t mean it.  We’re not really over. I have to go back and beg his forgiveness.  What if he won’t take me back?  What if I die here all alone?    He’d driven around aimlessly all night. He actually had no idea where he was. Fortunately the ark was preprogrammed into his car.  

                “Reverse” Evan said out loud, his hover car began backing out slowly.  He turned his head suddenly a dark blur was heading for him.  Why did he have his car so low to the ground?  Before he could elevate the vehicle the blur had jumped into the back seat.  Enforcers were heading his way too.  Evan looked back and lost his breathe.  It felt as if time was slowing down, his heart began to pound in his ears.  Two emerald green eyes looked up at  him terror.  The boy was beautiful, not a boy really, he had to be the same age as Evan. But his eyes were innocent like a child’s.  Evan drank him in, he was wearing ripped jeans and a t-shirt that cut off above his stomach. His skin was rich and brown it reminded Evan of cocoa. He had a slim but muscular build, Evan’s eyes rested on his well toned stomach.  He made a mental note of the bar code on his arm, he was from a work camp.  He looked back up at his face.  His lips were slightly parted, the were wide, sensual even.   His nose was round, small, very cute. The boy pushed his long braids out his face.  His gorgeous green eyes full of fear.   He was ready to run, but the enforcers were to close, he’d never make it. Evan hit the elevation button and his car shot upwards.  He zoomed along and finally landed on a roof top a few miles away.  The boy blinked at him in amazement.  He hadn’t expected him to help, especially from an upper.  He was sure he would be killed on the spot.      

                “T-t-t-thank you” He stuttered as he prepared to leave.

                “If you get out, you’ll be caught.” Evan told him, staring at him levelly.  He tried to sound convincing.  The were miles from the enforcers. But he couldn’t let him leave, he had to know his name. He had to know everything about him.  The boy looked around fearfully and sat back down. 

                “What’s your name?” Evan asked, as casually as he could in spite of his racing pulse.

                “Malcolm people just c-c-call me M though.” Malcolm answered. He wanted to take off, but he didn’t want to risk upsetting the upper.    

                “I’m Evan Askins,  Malcolm, you have a place around here?” He smiled at him.  Malcolm groaned inwardly,  this was the last thing he needed.  But he was stuck , he’d have to take him home. Damn

                                Malcolm’s place turned out to be four stories of an old building.  Most people had abandoned the cities to dwell in complexes hoping to survive the wave.  Evan wondered why he was still there.  He stopped, causing his new acquaintance to bump into him and grumble.  It was a garden, a real garden full of plants, fruits and vegetables.  He hadn’t seen any since he lived with his parents.

                “That’s a tomato.” Evan exclaimed touching the fruit with wonder.

                “You’re right.“ Malcolm  responded.

                “How do you get this to grow here?” Evan wondered.  Real plants were so hard to come by in this day and age. It looked like Malcolm had set up some sort of hydroponics lab. How would a lower do that? They weren’t allowed to earn wages.  The equipment wasn’t cheap. The boy was very resourceful. Or an excellent thief. He smirked, he saw regency coding on some of the pipes.  Dante’s head would explode if he knew a lower had been stealing from the.  If Dante knew he was here, if he knew what he was thinking about doing with Malcolm.

                “I ask ‘em nicely.” Malcolm finally responded sourly. Is he making fun of me?  Evan wondered. There was a definitely look of contempt in his eyes.  Evan wished his telepathy was stronger, so he could read his mind.

                “I need somewhere to stay. Do you mind if its with you?”  Evan smiled at him again.  He knew he had a charming smile,  he had been designed to be charismatic. He wanted Malcolm to like him. He wanted him period. Evan had never felt desire like this before. It was more than M’s looks. Dante was beautiful, but had never made him felt this way.  There was something behind his eyes.  Something inside of him.  By the high regent, he wanted to be inside of him.         

                Evan’s desire for him was so obvious.  Malcolm would only look at him briefly, but when he did felt like he was drowning  in his golden eyes. That was different blue was the most common eye color for uppers.  He was very handsome, beautiful in fact..  And the way he was staring at him seemed to actually raise the temperature of the room.                 

                Malcolm  flushed and muttered something along the lines of an affirmation. It took all his power to pull out of that golden gaze. He was starting to hate how charming Evan was.  The upper was actually  flirting with him.  At least he hadn’t attacked him.

                “I’ll just leave, okay.”  He grabbed a bag, there were plenty of buildings he could sleep in. 

                “Wait!” Evan cried out moving across the room so fast, M had barely seen his movements. Uppers were so fast.  Evan grabbed his arm, M flinched in terror.   He hadn’t even seen him move across the room.  He would never get use to that. 

                “Don’t leave.” Evan smiled letting go of his arm. “I mean this is your home.”  Maybe he was being selfish by asking to stay here.  But he didn’t want to face Dante yet.  Most of all he didn’t want to leave him.

                “I’ll stay if you w-want me to” M said.  This is ridiculous, Evan thought.  Why does he need my permission to stay in his own place?  He’s acting like a servant.  Like the lowers on the ship, always demure with their eyes down.  He then recalled some Regency law about putting lowers to death for disobedience. No wonder He was scared.  Evan had to make him understand he was safe though.

                “Just relax Malcolm.  I’m not here to cause trouble” Evan said, he ran a hand through his braids. “It must take you forever to do this.”

                “I got time.” Malcolm said, breathing a little easier. 

                “Why did you leave the work camp?” Evan asked glancing at the bar code on his arm.

                “I didn’t like the w-work.”   He responded

                “What type of work was it?”  Evan asked him mildly.

                “All you w-w-want is a p-p-p-place to stay?.”  Malcolm asked him warily.

                “What else would I want?” Evan asked him obtusely.

                He bit his lip, he was unsure of what to make of Evan. He just couldn’t believe he had helped him and didn’t want any favors in return. He was obviously genetically engineered, he really wanted to thank the designer for doing such a great job.  He wasn’t a Regent luckily.  The Regents were all the same, unsmiling, pale...like ice people. Evan was anything but cold.   His skin was almost bronze, like he spent every day lounging in the sun.  Maybe he sun bathed nude, He  thought. Evan naked was a very pleasant thought.  He seemed to have a nice build underneath  that uniform.  No, he was upper, why was his mind even going in the direction?  Evan was so damn attractive, more like drop dead gorgeous.   What was the chances of meeting someone like him on his last week on earth?  And g.e.’s were in such a amazing shape, the things they could together...

                 He glanced at the laser lance on Evan’s hip.  He’s not carrying that around for decoration, M thought.  He’s friendly now, but uppers kill on a whim. Hopefully if he didn’t piss him off he’d make it to the end of the world.

                “I’m g-gonna m-m-make some food” He  muttered and walked into the kitchen. “You can shower upstairs.  I’ll wash your clothes if you want.

                “Um thank you." Evan said. Malcolm grunted and walked away.  He was being nice to him, but still he seemed to resent him being there.  I’ll just have to change his mind then, Evan decided.

                Evan stared at the feast before him almost afraid to touch it. Grilled fish, a salad, and potatoes.  He’d never smelled anything so delicious, not since he was a child.   Malcolm glared at him.  He didn’t spend hours cooking to have the stupid upper stare at the food.  Not to mention that Evan had hovered in the kitchen while waiting for his clothes to dry.  It was clear he’d never cooked before with all the annoying question he asked.   He had to  place a blanket and pillows on the floor so they could eat. It was the best he could do.

                “It’s g-good. Don’t you” He paused, of course Evan was probably used to lobster and steak every night. Actually Evan had eaten mush and vitamins while on the ark. “You probably used to better stuff, huh upper?”         

                “Don’t call me that, my name is Evan.” Evan snapped at him.  “It’s amazing what you’ve done here.  I would have never survived on my own.”

                “G-guess that’s why you’re n-n-n-not me.”  Malcolm said went back to eating. Smart ass, thought Evan to himself, then dug into to his meal.

                “This is so amazing, it’s like my Mom’s cooking.” Evan said between mouthfuls.

                “You have a m-m-mother? I thought all uppers came out of test tubes!” He exclaimed

                “They do I was the...exception.” Evan eyes darkened.  He’d always been giving a hard time because of his birth.  Being born was unnatural, at least for uppers. 

                “I had a mom, she was killed in a raid when I was young.” Malcolm said quietly

                “My mom and dad were killed too...by the Regency.” Evan said. “I was too small to do anything, I couldn’t-” Evan’s voice broke. How had they gotten on this topic? Just thinking about his parents hurt. Malcolm reached his hand across the blanket and too Evan’s hand.  Evan felt his heart race again,  he loved his touch.

                “I’m sorry.” He said a gentle smile on lips, a look of understanding in his eyes.

                “I’m sorry for you too.” Evan said. He wanted to kiss him more than anything, but instead he looked down at his food. Malcolm let go of his hand and went back to eating.

                “I would have n-n-never thought we could have anything in common, we come from different worlds.” Malcolm said.

                “We’re both human beings, Malcolm.” Evan responded.

                “Just call me M.” Malcolm said gently.  They ate in silence afterwards.  After dinner Malcolm walked upstairs, Evan followed him slowly, wondering where he was off to.

                Evan stared at the bed. All sorts of thoughts flew through his mind. Maybe Malcolm wanted to repay his kindness.  Maybe they had really bonded over dinner.  Or maybe not, Evan thought. Malcolm had flung himself down and appeared to be nodding off.  So much for any hanky-panky, but where was he supposed to sleep?

                “Hey !” Evan said, almost squeaking.  Malcolm opened his eyes, and sighed. 

                “I’ll leave.” He grumbled getting up.

                “No. I just.” Evan began.                   

                He let out another sigh a longer one bordering on exasperation.

                “Do you want m-m-me to service you?” He asked dully. It made sense an upper just wouldn’t help him with out wanting something in return.  Bitter thoughts filled his mind, uppers never did anything with out an ulterior motive.

                 Service? Evan smiled finally Malcolm had succumbed to his charms. He was glaring angrily at the wall, he didn’t really look like he was in the mood.  Then why did he ask?

                “Do you want to service me?” Evan asked lightly.  Malcolm looked at him like he had been insane to ask that.

                “Don’t matter w-what I want d-d-d-does it? You fucking uppers just do whatever the hell you feel like!“  He yelled at him.  Evan stepped back, well that wasn’t very nice to say.  And such foul language to come out of such pretty mouth. All I do is upset people, Evan despaired. Damn, Malcolm thought. He shouldn’t have yelled.  He had to make a break for it.  Evan was in front of the door before M could get to it.            

                “M wait a second.”  Evan began, something had gone wrong here.  He had to make it right.  He wasn’t sure what he’d done to Malcolm.  Malcolm panicked , he was trapped.  He knew he was gonna die in a week any ways.  But the upper would kill him slowly. He didn’t want to be tortured to death.  Maybe he could save himself.  He knew what Evan wanted.  He could give it to him, he given it to plenty of others.

                “I’m sorry.”  Malcolm said sweetly “What do you want me to do?”

                “Do?” asked Evan completely bewildered. Malcolm had changed moods again, first he was angry now he was nice.   M was suddenly too close to him.  He put his arms around him, pressing his body into his.  What was he doing?  Malcolm's hands were everywhere.  His touch was fantastic.  He moaned as Malcolm's thumb glided over his nipple. Then he felt M’s lips on his neck, it was like an elixir.  Evan closed his eyes and leaned back against the wall.    This was what he’d wanted from the moment he’d laid eyes on Malcolm.  But the fear rising off the object of his desire engulfed him  He doesn’t really want to do this.  He’s scared of me, he thinks I’ll hurt him.  Just go with it, a part of his mind told him,  you’re not forcing him. This wasn’t how he wanted it,  but his body was screaming for him to give in.  If he let Malcolm go any further, he might not be able to resist.  Malcolm's hands going lower to the top of his pants.

                “Stop, M.” Evan gasped. He pushed him away.  ”Why are you doing this?”

                “Because you want me to.” Malcolm said simply

                “Well not if you don’t want to...” Evan trailed off, he was still trying to catch his breathe.

                “No one’s ever cared about what I wanted before.” M said in amazement.  Was Evan really an upper?

                “I’m not that type of person.” Evan said, wishing his body would calm down.

                “But you want me don’t you?” Malcolm asked

                “No.” Evan lied.  Malcolm looked up at him staring him in the eyes.  He’s a terrible liar, Malcolm thought. Evan looked a way, hoping he  would just ignore the bulge in his pants. 

                “I think it’s better to ask for you what you want, that’s all.” Evan said running  his hand through Malcolm’s braids again.  

                “So.” Evan began coyly. “Would you like to-”

                “Absolutely not.” Malcolm said. .   Evan felt his ego deflating.  Dante was right, he just wasn't appealing.

                Did he actually think I would force my self upon him. Evan wondered  I could never, he knew what that was like.  It wasn’t the same if you didn’t want it.  Dante had made him once. But Dante was my boyfriend, it was expected, it was different.  It had just been a miscommunication Dante had said, besides I overreacted.  He’d never said no to Dante after that for anything.

                Was?  Dante is my boyfriend, how can I think about cheating on him.  But when M touches me I feel more that I ever did with Dante, even when we had sex.  Besides Dante dumped me  and threw me off the ark. It’s over.   At least I found M, I don’t have to be alone.  But I want to be more than his friend, I want him.   NO! I have to go back I have to try. He mainly needed to get a way from M.

                “I’m sorry for the trouble, I guess I’ll go then.” Evan said he had to face Dante sooner or later.  Malcolm  grabbed his hand. Evan felt the electricity shooting through him again.

                “Stay with me, Evan. You did save my life.” Malcolm said, he couldn’t throw him out. 

                “I can’t not after what I did.” Evan said guiltily.  M looked at him quizzically, he hadn’t actually done anything.  Malcolm had just assumed that Evan would try to kill him for yelling at him.  It was forbidden to raise your voice to a lower.  It was also forbidden to look one in the eyes.  He’d been looking at Evan all night and he hadn’t cared.  Evan was different from other uppers, perhaps because he had parents.

                “You don’t fit in with the other uppers, do you?” Malcolm asked him.  He was still close to him, and Evan was still staring away.  Was he afraid to look at him now?  Malcolm turned Evan to face him. He didn’t need him to answer.  He could tell he had no where to go.  How could he fit in with other uppers with his looks?  He would never be accepted among lowers either.  He was all alone, just like him. 

                “Where will you go Evan?” Malcolm questioned him.

                “I...” Evan couldn’t think with Malcolm so close to him.  Malcolm frowned, Evan was actually trembling with desire.  He could overpower him easily if he wanted. He was holding back.  Malcolm didn’t understand why.  In this world people took what they wanted, no matter who got hurt.  If you were to weak to defend yourself that was your own fault.  Evan baffled him, still he didn’t want him to leave.

                “Stay with me okay.” Malcolm told him almost smiling.  Evan nodded, he couldn’t say no to him anyways. “You w-won’t try anything right?”  Evan wanted to try a lot of thing with M.

                “No of course not.” He responded quickly. ”There is one thing I want to ask.”

             Later they were both lying in the dark.  Malcolm was only a few inches away from him in the bed.  Malcolm had insisted he take the bed.  But Evan refused to let him sleep on the couch. So here they both were in bed together, and not doing anything.  Still ,the frustration was worth being close to him.

                “Well I’m waiting” Evan said for the fifth time

                “I didn’t work out side with the other boys.” Malcolm  said his voice barely a whisper

                “ I was assigned house duty.  I was a personal servant to Overseer Wilson.  I had to tend to his every n-n-eed.  By day I would clean up and night I w-w-would...”Malcolm  hesitated.   Evan felt his stomach churning.  He didn’t want to hear anymore.

                “M it’s okay, you don’t have to tell me anything.” Evan said. 

                “I would satisfy him.‘ M plunged ahead like a train wreck..  “Sometimes there were other boys.  But he said I was f-f-f-f-favorite, he said if I was good, I could go on the ark with him.   Every n-n-night I had to stay with him.  And t-then during the day time he w-w-w-ould come in.  Finally he j-j-just kept me in his office  It was too much.  I tried to r-r-r-un away. B-b-b-b-but they got me.  They tied m-m-m-me up outside.  The other m-m-m-en. There was so many of them. -- I promised him I wouldn’t r-r-ru-ru-ru-run” M broke off into a sob “I p-p-promised to do anything he wanted!” M cried out.

                M had tried so hard to bury those memories.  To pretend it was someone else.  He’d never cried back then.  He was too proud to cry. He had been so full of hate, for the enforcers, for the uppers, for the world that had never given him anything but pain.  And then he’d stopped feeling anything at all.  Somehow Evan had awakened emotions him in him.  Maybe it was because he was the first decent person he’d met since he was a child. A common saying among lowers was that all the good in the world were dead. He’d honestly believed that, but Evan was good and alive. Evan made him feel.  But he’d been numb for years, and now that feeling was returning to his heart, it hurt.  By the end of the world it hurted like hell.  

                “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.” Evan had his arms around him he pulled him as close as possible. “I’m sorry.” He repeated it over and over , as he rocked him gently. Why did I ask? Evan mentally kicked himself. M clung to him sobbing into his chest. The pain emanating from him was overwhelming, Evan himself couldn’t fight off his own tears.   Why did I ask?  Evan kicked him self.  He had sensed it, there was something terrible in M’s past.  He wanted to know everything about him good or bad.  Evan felt so helpless, there was nothing he could do.  He couldn’t turn back time.

                He promised himself he would do everything in his power to ease his suffering.  He wanted to make these last six days the happiest he had ever known.