Darker Days, Original Fiction, NC-17, 1/2
Title: Darker Days
Author: firefox1490
Fandom: Original
Pairing/character: Adam/Ceres
Rating: NC-17 (though some may take it as a hard R)
Word Count: 13,634 total
Kink: foreign object penetration, blow jobs, telepathic bonds and power play
Notes/Warnings:No warnings that I can think of, unless you count some toys and het sex :D Some of the lines make me cringe in “Oh my god I can't believe I actually wrote that” manner but I can't complain. I laugh because mentally I categorize this as pointless porn for the fun of porn but that's okay with me. Million thanks to Rebecca who held my hand through this whole thing and beta'd this at least 8 different times. And a huge apology to Mrs. B my High School History teacher who I accidently traumatized by sending this too her by mistake.
Summary: Adam is losing control of his telepathic and gaining other powers and Ceres is charged with bringing him to heel. He was given universe and all he wanted was silence.
Artist: Zabby
Please no stop, please I'll give you everything, I swear I won't tell anyone…no please don't please. No no no no no no no please no stop please stop. Oh god what did I do. Please I don't want to die like this oh god.
Adam woke with a gasp, struggling to breathe and fight back the panic and fear that was choking him. Scrambling out of his bed he made a mad dash for the bathroom but it was too late and he retched and vomited the content of his stomach. No, no, no, no, no his mind screamed, the panic over taking him causing his vision to grey around the edges and hands to shake so hard he could barely hold himself from falling face first into the watery yellow mess that he'd spit up. Breathe goddamnit breathe, he mentally commanded himself forcing himself to take deliberate breaths In, out, in, out, in, out you can do this damnit do this. Finally after what seemed like forever the panic and fear faded out and he could breathe properly.
Orienting himself he realized he had vomited in the doorway of his bathroom and his hand was in the vomit while his other hands nails where digging so hard into his hand that it was bleeding. Unclenching his fist and flexing his hand he wiped the vomit and blood off into his sweaty boxers.
Looking over his shoulder he realized it was earlier in the morning than he'd dreamed it was. Or maybe it was later in the morning, he wasn't fully sure. He knew that what he'd dreamed/seen happened already and that the woman in his mind needed his help. It was the least he could do after eavesdropping on what could be the most humiliating moment in her whole life. Adam took a few moments to collect himself before attempting to call for help. Closing his eyes and focusing on his breathing counting each inhale and exhale. Keeping count until he felt his arms stop shaking, he opened his eyes.
Pushing himself up and using the wall for support his wobbled over to the phone and punched in the numbers for emergency services. Two rings later the operator picked up.
“Hello 911 how may I help you,” the female voice on the other side asked.
“I'd like to report a break in,” he managed to get out clearing his throat twice before it was understandable.
“Is there anyone hurt sir?” the operator asked.
He could hear her typing away over the phone.
“Yes, yes, there's a lady she's really hurt you have to hurry,” he said the panic creeping back.
“Okay sir, may have the address?” the operator asked, her calm permeating over the phone helping Adam calm as well.
“I don't, I don't know the exact address, I'm sorry,” he told her.
“That's okay sir can you tell me where you are?” she asked him still typing in the background.
“No, no look it's on” Adam forced his mind out trying to find the women from before getting swept back into her fear and terror causing him to start
“Sir, sir?” the operator called over the phone.
“Its 809 west 4th street on the corner of Lincoln,” Adam finally said after he'd managed to steady his breathing again. Absently he realized his hand was bleeding again.
“May I have your….” the operator said
“Look there a lady inside, she's hurt real bad you have to hurry,” Adam said cutting the operator off.
“An ambulance is on the…” Adam hung up mid statement not caring to hear anymore.
This was the fifth time that month that he'd woken up trapped in someone else's mind, consumed by their thoughts and feelings. He knew that it was getting progressively worse and in the back of his mind wondered what would happen when he was unable to pull himself out of it.
Each time it seemed to be getting progressively worse and nothing he could do seemed to be helping. It was times like this that he wished that there were others out there like him, someone who could tell him, show him how to control his ability. He had long since come to the conclusion that he was alone in his struggles. Either that or the people like him were so well hidden that he would never find them unless he did something drastic.
Pushing himself up in an attempt to get to his feet caused the world to spin and had him back pressed to the floor trying to control the nausea. Really wishing this didn't happen to him again he fought past the nausea and opened his eyes again. Please let this be the last night, please all I want is peace and quiet. Don't let me get lost in someone else. Don't let me lose myself.
Swallowing his worry he pulled himself up and started moving around his room. It was really too early to be up but there was no chance of getting any more sleep. Grabbing a clean towel and some vaguely clean shorts he made his way to the bathroom to shower. He really didn't have anything to do today beside class at five but he needed to get out of his apartment.
Walking into his bathroom his started his normal morning absolutions. Turning the shower on as hot as it would good he dropped the boxers that he'd slept in and stepped into the scolding water. Flinching at the shock he gritted his teeth and counted the seconds as the water beat down on him. It would take about 15 minutes at the current temperature for him to get second degree burned which was just under what his was aiming for, painful enough to distract him but unnoticeable enough that there would be no awkward questions.
Reaching the required time Adam swiftly shifted the shower temperature down as cold as it would go quickly washing himself in the freezing water. Stepping out of the shower and giving himself a shake he felt the burns on his back crack and break and the sting of the blood dripping slowly down his back. With a wince he turned to examine his back in the mirror, it was not the worst he'd done to himself over the years but he'd be in a constant level of pain for most of the day. Not that that was a bad thing, he'd learned at an early age that pain helped him focus, helped him shield, helped him not hear everyone around him. Recently though the pain was not helping as much as it used to and part of him - a rather large part of him - was worried that soon it would be useless in combating the constant bombardment of thoughts. One of Adam's greatness fears was losing himself completely and utterly in the world.
Shaking himself out of the depressing thought Adam opened his medicine cabinet and frowned at it, all that was inside was some tooth paste, some bandages with tape and some aspirins that he was pretty sure were expired. Sighing in annoyance he shifted his back trying to see just how bad it was. Deciding that it wasn't too bad Adam grabbed a clean wash rag and wet it with cool water and started gently wiping the bleeding wound. Once it was all cleaned he grabbed the bandages and wrapped and taped them up them up to the best of his ability which was almost as good as a hospital nurse he had so much practice.
Once his wounds were tended to he quickly dressed to go out. There wasn't much that he had to do so he figured he'd put in some over time at his internship. It probably wasn't the brightest idea he'd ever had going into the city after having a night like he had but it was better than sitting in his apartment till he had to go to class. At least this way he could build up his shield and maybe he wouldn't sleep that night and keep them for a few days at best.
Grabbing his keys with his mind made up he headed out laying on layer after layer of protection the farther he got away from his apartment. He had been lucky having gotten an apartment in a mostly business area of town. Most of the time there were only people around during the day and most times during the day he was gone and it wasn't too bad. However as the days passed it seemed that his powers where getting well out of hand reaching further and further out looking for people.
Turning on his iPod loud enough to drown out the passing people's thoughts. This was the hardest part of his day, setting up shield for the day. Every night when he went to sleep no matter what he did his shield always disintegrated leaving him wide open and he was incapable of building shield unless there were actually people around for him to block out. Walking to work while setting up his shield was a habit that he'd gotten into a very long time ago, starting from walking to school doing the same thing. It was a good way to never be around the same person too long as well as have a constant flow of thought around him that wasn't so harsh he couldn't function. Three blocks from his job Adam finished setting up his shields were only small hints of people thoughts bothered him. Set for the day Adam stepped into the building.
Stepping in the elevator Adam fortified his shields again prepping for the sudden bombardment of thoughts of being in an office. As much as Adam loved his job it was such a hardship having to be around so many people all the time. He was hoping that in a few years if he managed his time right he'd be able to work freelance from home and not have to come in so much. It was a nice thought and it was because of these thoughts that had Adam coming in on his days off trying to work harder and better than any of the other interns.
“You're late,” Adam's boss snapped at him the second he stepped off the elevator.
Glancing at his watch he frowned no he wasn't in fact he was early by a whole day, opening his mouth to tell her that it was his day off Adam was silence with the wave of a hand.
“This is the third time in two weeks you've been late, if you don't start taking his job seriously you can stop bothering to show up,” and she was off lecturing waving her hands at him making the whole floor stop and watch.
This was not the first time his boss had lectured him in front of the office for his perceived wrongs but for the first time Adam really didn't feel like dealing with her, the office, or really anyone.
“You know there are plenty of kids that would kill for this position and here you are squandering it, dallying around when you should be busting your ass asking 'what can I do for you Mrs. Mayfield'.”
He tuned her out, knowing that nothing he could say would make her stop. In fact it would only invite her to continue on longer and in greater detail.
Ha look at the kid getting creamed, he's such a push over.
Adam's head snapped up at the sudden voice in his head. Looking around to find the person who'd said that he saw one of the other interns standing around looking at him. Giving them a half hearted glare.
“And wipe that look off your face,” his boss snapped and him snapping her fingers in front of his face making him turn and look back at her.
She was glaring at him gearing up more of a lecture. It was really tiring having to always deal with this. If he didn't love his job as much as he did and if he didn't dream of working freelance in a couple of years he would have long since quit. He knew of the office wide bet of when he was finally going to snap and quit but he was determined to make it through this full eighteen months then have great joy in never having to see any of them again.
Go the fuck away he thought at the interns lurking around. Pushing harder than he'd ever done with the thought of getting them to stop standing around and staring at him. Had he not been looking there way he would have never noticed the glazed look that came over their faces as they all turned and dispersed from around the water cooler.
Blinking in shock Adam quickly masked his shock so his boss wouldn't see it. Licking his suddenly dry lips Adam has a thought, one that now that it had been thought he was surprised he'd never had before now.
Peaking discreetly at his boss from beneath his bangs he gently thought Go find someone else to lecture. At first it didn't seem as if anything had happened and Adam signed mentally resigning himself to the rest of the lecture. However just as he'd resigned himself to the lecture his boss suddenly blinked and looked around confused.
“Go away, I don't know why I bother,” she continued to mutter to herself about stupid newbie's and simply walked off.
Blinking in shock and awe Adam smirked to himself. This was a new development and unlike the last new development with his powers this could be useful. Really now that he thought about it he didn't know why he didn't think this was coming before. He'd seen all the silly sci-fi movies about psychics and read all the books and comics. Mind control was always the next step.
Humming to himself at this new event Adam turned on his heels to leave. He was eager to test this new ability. Walking out of the office and back to the elevator he thought of the best place to be for this.
He was so busy thinking he didn't realize until it was too late that the careful shields that he'd built had fallen. Stepping out onto the public sidewalk was like walking into a concert and he was standing right next to the main speaker. Everything was twice as loud and it was as if everyone on the whole block was yelling for his attention.
I hope I have enough for dinner tonight.
Damnit I forgot about that stupid rental, great now I have to go back
Fuck where are the rest of that girl's clothes.
Perv staring at me like that he's so creepy
I can't believe I have to come in to work, its going to be such a boring night
Adam clutched at his head falling to side leaning against the building. He desperately tried to pull up shields but couldn't everything was too loud and too much. Back peddling Adam bumped into someone leaving the building as he tried to get back inside.
Stupid drunkard, “Watch were you're going stupid,” the man snapped at Adam glaring at him.
Adam gave him a dazed look as he met the man's eyes and was suddenly sucked into his mind. The man stood naked in what looked like the master suite of a house with women laying on the bed naked as well. The man leaned over the women and kissed her and climbed into bed with her.
No, no, no, no, Adam thought pulling himself out of the man's mind before he got wrapped up in the man's dream/memory.
Stumbling into the building Adam headed for the elevator.
Lunch break yes.
This was such a long ass day and nothing interested even happened
Goddamit this is such a slow elevator,
It smells so bad in here, ahhh fresh air.
It's Friday night and I just got paid, Party hunting body shaking
Once again bombarded with other peoples thoughts Adam cringed, curling into himself.
“Adam?” a concerned female voice called stopping him.
Turning and opening his eye Adam saw one of his coworkers striding towards him.
“Sheri,” he said blinking at her.
What the hell? Adam heard Sheri think.
“Are you okay?” she asked, Did he show up to work drunk? Stupid interns.
“I'm fine, just a headache,” he told her stepping away from her.
“Do you need some help,” Sheri asked reaching for him.
“No, no I'm good,” he said sidestepping her hand afraid he'd see something in her mind that he didn't need to know about his coworker.
What the hell, he doesn't smell like alcohol, “Do you need some Tylenol I have some,” she said reaching into her purse.
“No, no really I'm fine just gonna get some air,” he told her holding up a hand in protest.
“The door's that way,” Sheri said motioning behind her What the heck is this kid on..
“I know I know I'm just gonna, I'm just heading up to the roof, less people up there you know, not as loud,” Adam explained.
“Well the elevator just left,” she told him once again reaching for him.
Adam again sidestepped her hand, “It's okay I'll take the stairs,
“Adam it's fifteen floors up?”
Goddamnit would she just go away Adam thought angrily gritting his teeth.
Sheri suddenly got a dazed look on her face before blinking it away.
“Well I'll see you at work,” she suddenly said before turning and walking out the building.
Sighing Adam turned and headed back to the stairwell. Stepping into the blessed physical and mental silence of the stairwell Adam caught his breath and closed his eyes. Basking in the silence for a moment before preparing for his flight up the stairs was a good break. Pulling what was left of his mental defenses and wrapping them around himself he began the climb to the roof.
Stepping onto the roof took Adams breath away. It was a lot colder on the roof than it was in the building or even on the street level. Looking around and finding it empty was nice, sometime people came up there to smoke during lunch breaks.
Tentatively Adam lowered his shields to see what would happen. Once his shields were fully down and nothing happened but a low level buzz of people being far away Adam sighed in pleasure. Sitting there for a moment Adam started on reworking his shields. Even though he wasn't directly near anyone he could still feel the low level hum of the people below him on the street as well as in the building. Instead of concentrating on blocking actual thoughts he was blocking out the implied thoughts. These wouldn't be the best shields that he'd done but they would be good enough to get him out of the building and home to his nice empty block.
Putting the finishing touches on his shield Adam sighed. Looking over the edge Adam decided to try to test his shields out. He was close enough that he could and far enough away that he would have better control over how far he exerted himself.
As soon as he touched the persons mind he knew it was a mistake. Instead of touching one person's mind he was sucked into everyone's mind. Not just the people on the sidewalk below him but the ones around him and as the seconds went by the net was expanded farther and farther. It got so loud so fast Adam stumbled falling to his knees and vomited. The noise was so loud and intense he could see stars exploding behind his closed eyelids.
Clutching his head in pain Adam doubled over in pain gripping his head. This was worse than anything he'd ever felt before. It was as if ever person in the city was yelling at him and getting louder and louder the harder he tried to block them out. Scrambling mentally for his shields but failing Adam curled into himself. If he could just get a moment, a second of silence he'd be able to raise some sort of defense but there was no break in the noise.
Shut up, shut up, shut UP, Adam thought desperately shoving as hard as he could mentally against the assault.
As suddenly as the assault started it was suddenly silent. Not just silent but still as well. There was no invading thought, no vague notion of thoughts, no hum or buzz of implied thoughts, nothing at all. Hesitantly Adam opened his eyes and looked around trying to figure out what happened. Rolling to his knees he looked around and saw nothing out of the ordinary. Pushing to his feet and taking a cautious step forward followed by another till he was standing by the ledge of the building looking down.
Dropping to his knees Adam curled up in a ball face pressed to his jeans. He had no idea what he'd done but the silence was a blessed relief. Suddenly unable to stop himself he started giggling if whatever he'd done was permanent he'd never have to worry about losing himself in someone else's mind again. He'd never have to worry about anyone else's mind but his own.
He was so caught up in the lack of noise that he did not even see her coming until it was too late. A hand grabbed him by the back of his neck breaking him out of the haze he'd been in. Pulling him around to look into the brightest pair of blue eyes he'd ever seen. Trying to gasp in a breath he shoved both physically and mentally at the person holding him to no avail.
What the, he said though his mouth did not move.
“You will stop this right now, you stupid boy.”
Adam jerks trying to pull away but can't, her hold uncompromising against his neck.
“Let them go,” she orders.
He chokes slightly at the force of both the words and the hold on his neck. He blinks at her confused, hearing the words she spoke, feeling the power behind them but not understanding. He is not holding them, they are holding him, she is holding him, he can't let them go, and they wouldn't let him go. Panicked and unable to breathe he tries again to shove her away but again nothing happens. Failing and panicking Adam reached out with his mind with the intents of seeing her mind - something he never would normally do - and tried again to get her to let him go.
Get out of my mind you stupid child, the blond thought shoving him out hard enough that the little air he'd taken in was forced out.
He tried to tell her that but his mouth would not work, I'm not doing anything, they did this, all I want is silence.
The blond looked at him with a look of contempt and dropped him onto the ground.
“Let them go,” she said pushing at his mind.
Adam shook his head refusing and scuttled backwards away from her.
“You will do as I say,” she threatened advancing on him eyes dark in fury.
Adam still scuttled backward shaking his head at her, No, no, no, no its so quiet now don't want them back, he thought desperately.
“You foolish boy if you don't do as I say the noise shall be the least of your problems,” the blond threatened.
Still Adam shook his head ignoring her so far gone nothing she could threaten him with mattered. The blond looked at him for a moment before shaking her head at him. Grabbing him by his arm she hauled him to his feet and pulled him away from the roof edge wall that he'd backed into and back to the center of the roof.
No, no, no, no, let me go Adam thought desperately.
He had a momentary flash of pleasure as she stumbled. However the joy was short lived when her grip on his arm did not falter at all but tightened. Instead she turned around and glared at him.
“Stay the hell out of my head,” she snapped glaring hard at him gripping his arm hard enough that he could feel her nails digging into his arm.
Suddenly he realized something. She was still around and thinking and though she was mentally silent he knew that it had nothing to do with him and everything to do with her.
How are you still around? Why is everything silent?
“I'm better than you and because you are a stupid child that is in over your head” she said in a matter of fact manner.
Better than me? Adam thought confused.
She sighed and rolled her eyes.
“What is it going to take for you to come with me in peace?” she asked in an exasperated manner.
Who are you? Adam asked confused.
“This is not the place or time to discuss this,” she said pursing her lips.
Adam licked his lips and stared at her. Finally she sighed and let go of his arm. Quickly Adam took a step back from her but that did not stop her from grabbing his hand and pulling him back towards her. Adam flinched waiting for the mental burn and loud pounding of her thoughts/dreams/memories being poured into his mind.
However he was surprised when nothing happened. Unclenching his hand and opening his eyes he looked at her confused.
What?
However she ignored him her eyes closed in concentration. Confused at what she was doing Adam watched her.
Let them GO! she commanded pushing her will at him.
Surprised by the force behind the command Adam let go of the sub-conscious net he'd placed over everyone. As soon as he did the noise was back twice as loud and he fell to the ground clutching his head. Rolling onto his side he closed his eyes and wished for the silence again. However he could not focus long enough as everything was twice as loud and he couldn't even start to shield them out.
The blond looked down at him and shook her head before kneeling next to him. One hand on his shoulder and the other on his stomach she forced him to stretch out and straddled him. Holding his head steady she glared at his closed eyes.
Open your eyes she commanded her voice louder and clearer than any of the other voices in his mind.
Shaking his head refusing to do as she said she glared. Placing one arm under his chin and pressing against his neck till he was choking and had opened his eyes.
Look at me, she ordered and Adam did at once.
Bending over him she pressed her mouth to his. The second she did the clatter vanished into a vacuum of nothing. Adam gasped In shock opening his mouth up for her tongue to invade.
Good boy came the thought brushing against him mind.
Gently she pulled away and took her arm off his throat so he could breathe. In between a breath in and out Adam surges towards her mouth presses to hers kissing her franticly. It is as if he is afraid she'll vanish if he lets go or stops touching her. The world has never been this quiet and she is the cause and he could love her for that alone if nothing else.
She rolls them over mouth never leaving his and thinks Stay and he is pinned under her unable to move. She pulls away as he keens low in his throat trying to get to her. No, no, please, need you please he begs just seconds from being incoherent.
“Be still,”she told him and everything stopped.
Standing up and looking down at him the blond frowned as if she were confused by what she was seeing.
“I am called Ceres,” she told him smoothing her hand down her dress.
“I was sent to handle you but you are not what I thought you'd be,” holding out her hand he could suddenly move again.
I'm Adam, who, who sent you? he thought pushing gently at her mind.
“Speak out loud or I shall ignore you,” she told him glaring at him.
Adam frowned working his mouth to speak but nothing came out.
I can't, he thought at her frowning at her frown.
“Follow me,” she said turning and walking away.
Adam stood there looking at her confused. However soon he was back on his knees the world suddenly loud, louder than it'd ever been. Groping blindly for Ceres but unable to find her he pushed as he'd done earlier trying to get the silence back. Just as before the silence came immediately and was a blessed relief. Collapsing backward and staring at the sky above him Adam tried to catch his breath and fight the headache that was pounding behind his eyes and ringing in his ears.
After what seemed like an eternity Adam finally had the strength to turn onto his side. Standing in the stairway was Ceres looking at him in the same manner she'd been looking t him when she had her hand wrapped around his neck. Pushing himself up onto his elbows
“You're a fucking fool, if you'd paused the people in planes do you know how fucking screwed over we'd be right now?” Ceres asked pointing at the sky.
“You can't just stop people because you can't fucking shield,” she continued glaring at him.
But I can shield, this, this is all new Adam thought at her waving his arms around to emphasize his point.
In a blur she was in front of him her hand making a cracking sound as it went across his cheek.
“Say it out loud or don't say anything at all, do you understand me?” she asked gripping his cheeks making him look at her.
Given his limited mobility all Adam could do was nod.
“Good, now get up and follow me or else.”
Ceres gave him one last glare before pushing him away and turning on her heels and walking away.
Adam sat there dazed looking at her going. Pushing himself up onto his elbows he sighed and wished this was all just a bad dream. Maybe he'd never woken up and this was all just someone else really fucked up dream. After what seemed like an eternity Adam sat fully up and looked at Ceres. She was a little taller than him which didn't say much blond and didn't dress like anyone Adam had ever seen. As he looked at her he realized that she didn't have shoes on and was really only wearing a white sundress despite the fact that it was mid October.
“Follow me now” Ceres demanded glaring at Adam.
The force behind her command made Adam's elbows collapse from under him. Seeing her glare however motivated him to push himself back up and then slowly to his knees then to his feet. Stumbling the first few steps in her direction he stood in front of her unsure of what to do. Taking the offered hand he felt her gently untangle the world from his mind. He was still holding them all forcing his silence onto them and even though he could feel the low level buzz of them in the background of his mind when Ceres started doing whatever she was doing the hum went away giving him true silence.
“Now follow me,” she said tugging him after her.
Having no choice but to follow her Adam did, unsure of what was to come.
Part 2
Author: firefox1490
Fandom: Original
Pairing/character: Adam/Ceres
Rating: NC-17 (though some may take it as a hard R)
Word Count: 13,634 total
Kink: foreign object penetration, blow jobs, telepathic bonds and power play
Notes/Warnings:No warnings that I can think of, unless you count some toys and het sex :D Some of the lines make me cringe in “Oh my god I can't believe I actually wrote that” manner but I can't complain. I laugh because mentally I categorize this as pointless porn for the fun of porn but that's okay with me. Million thanks to Rebecca who held my hand through this whole thing and beta'd this at least 8 different times. And a huge apology to Mrs. B my High School History teacher who I accidently traumatized by sending this too her by mistake.
Summary: Adam is losing control of his telepathic and gaining other powers and Ceres is charged with bringing him to heel. He was given universe and all he wanted was silence.
Artist: Zabby
Please no stop, please I'll give you everything, I swear I won't tell anyone…no please don't please. No no no no no no no please no stop please stop. Oh god what did I do. Please I don't want to die like this oh god.
Adam woke with a gasp, struggling to breathe and fight back the panic and fear that was choking him. Scrambling out of his bed he made a mad dash for the bathroom but it was too late and he retched and vomited the content of his stomach. No, no, no, no, no his mind screamed, the panic over taking him causing his vision to grey around the edges and hands to shake so hard he could barely hold himself from falling face first into the watery yellow mess that he'd spit up. Breathe goddamnit breathe, he mentally commanded himself forcing himself to take deliberate breaths In, out, in, out, in, out you can do this damnit do this. Finally after what seemed like forever the panic and fear faded out and he could breathe properly.
Orienting himself he realized he had vomited in the doorway of his bathroom and his hand was in the vomit while his other hands nails where digging so hard into his hand that it was bleeding. Unclenching his fist and flexing his hand he wiped the vomit and blood off into his sweaty boxers.
Looking over his shoulder he realized it was earlier in the morning than he'd dreamed it was. Or maybe it was later in the morning, he wasn't fully sure. He knew that what he'd dreamed/seen happened already and that the woman in his mind needed his help. It was the least he could do after eavesdropping on what could be the most humiliating moment in her whole life. Adam took a few moments to collect himself before attempting to call for help. Closing his eyes and focusing on his breathing counting each inhale and exhale. Keeping count until he felt his arms stop shaking, he opened his eyes.
Pushing himself up and using the wall for support his wobbled over to the phone and punched in the numbers for emergency services. Two rings later the operator picked up.
“Hello 911 how may I help you,” the female voice on the other side asked.
“I'd like to report a break in,” he managed to get out clearing his throat twice before it was understandable.
“Is there anyone hurt sir?” the operator asked.
He could hear her typing away over the phone.
“Yes, yes, there's a lady she's really hurt you have to hurry,” he said the panic creeping back.
“Okay sir, may have the address?” the operator asked, her calm permeating over the phone helping Adam calm as well.
“I don't, I don't know the exact address, I'm sorry,” he told her.
“That's okay sir can you tell me where you are?” she asked him still typing in the background.
“No, no look it's on” Adam forced his mind out trying to find the women from before getting swept back into her fear and terror causing him to start
“Sir, sir?” the operator called over the phone.
“Its 809 west 4th street on the corner of Lincoln,” Adam finally said after he'd managed to steady his breathing again. Absently he realized his hand was bleeding again.
“May I have your….” the operator said
“Look there a lady inside, she's hurt real bad you have to hurry,” Adam said cutting the operator off.
“An ambulance is on the…” Adam hung up mid statement not caring to hear anymore.
This was the fifth time that month that he'd woken up trapped in someone else's mind, consumed by their thoughts and feelings. He knew that it was getting progressively worse and in the back of his mind wondered what would happen when he was unable to pull himself out of it.
Each time it seemed to be getting progressively worse and nothing he could do seemed to be helping. It was times like this that he wished that there were others out there like him, someone who could tell him, show him how to control his ability. He had long since come to the conclusion that he was alone in his struggles. Either that or the people like him were so well hidden that he would never find them unless he did something drastic.
Pushing himself up in an attempt to get to his feet caused the world to spin and had him back pressed to the floor trying to control the nausea. Really wishing this didn't happen to him again he fought past the nausea and opened his eyes again. Please let this be the last night, please all I want is peace and quiet. Don't let me get lost in someone else. Don't let me lose myself.
Swallowing his worry he pulled himself up and started moving around his room. It was really too early to be up but there was no chance of getting any more sleep. Grabbing a clean towel and some vaguely clean shorts he made his way to the bathroom to shower. He really didn't have anything to do today beside class at five but he needed to get out of his apartment.
Walking into his bathroom his started his normal morning absolutions. Turning the shower on as hot as it would good he dropped the boxers that he'd slept in and stepped into the scolding water. Flinching at the shock he gritted his teeth and counted the seconds as the water beat down on him. It would take about 15 minutes at the current temperature for him to get second degree burned which was just under what his was aiming for, painful enough to distract him but unnoticeable enough that there would be no awkward questions.
Reaching the required time Adam swiftly shifted the shower temperature down as cold as it would go quickly washing himself in the freezing water. Stepping out of the shower and giving himself a shake he felt the burns on his back crack and break and the sting of the blood dripping slowly down his back. With a wince he turned to examine his back in the mirror, it was not the worst he'd done to himself over the years but he'd be in a constant level of pain for most of the day. Not that that was a bad thing, he'd learned at an early age that pain helped him focus, helped him shield, helped him not hear everyone around him. Recently though the pain was not helping as much as it used to and part of him - a rather large part of him - was worried that soon it would be useless in combating the constant bombardment of thoughts. One of Adam's greatness fears was losing himself completely and utterly in the world.
Shaking himself out of the depressing thought Adam opened his medicine cabinet and frowned at it, all that was inside was some tooth paste, some bandages with tape and some aspirins that he was pretty sure were expired. Sighing in annoyance he shifted his back trying to see just how bad it was. Deciding that it wasn't too bad Adam grabbed a clean wash rag and wet it with cool water and started gently wiping the bleeding wound. Once it was all cleaned he grabbed the bandages and wrapped and taped them up them up to the best of his ability which was almost as good as a hospital nurse he had so much practice.
Once his wounds were tended to he quickly dressed to go out. There wasn't much that he had to do so he figured he'd put in some over time at his internship. It probably wasn't the brightest idea he'd ever had going into the city after having a night like he had but it was better than sitting in his apartment till he had to go to class. At least this way he could build up his shield and maybe he wouldn't sleep that night and keep them for a few days at best.
Grabbing his keys with his mind made up he headed out laying on layer after layer of protection the farther he got away from his apartment. He had been lucky having gotten an apartment in a mostly business area of town. Most of the time there were only people around during the day and most times during the day he was gone and it wasn't too bad. However as the days passed it seemed that his powers where getting well out of hand reaching further and further out looking for people.
Turning on his iPod loud enough to drown out the passing people's thoughts. This was the hardest part of his day, setting up shield for the day. Every night when he went to sleep no matter what he did his shield always disintegrated leaving him wide open and he was incapable of building shield unless there were actually people around for him to block out. Walking to work while setting up his shield was a habit that he'd gotten into a very long time ago, starting from walking to school doing the same thing. It was a good way to never be around the same person too long as well as have a constant flow of thought around him that wasn't so harsh he couldn't function. Three blocks from his job Adam finished setting up his shields were only small hints of people thoughts bothered him. Set for the day Adam stepped into the building.
Stepping in the elevator Adam fortified his shields again prepping for the sudden bombardment of thoughts of being in an office. As much as Adam loved his job it was such a hardship having to be around so many people all the time. He was hoping that in a few years if he managed his time right he'd be able to work freelance from home and not have to come in so much. It was a nice thought and it was because of these thoughts that had Adam coming in on his days off trying to work harder and better than any of the other interns.
“You're late,” Adam's boss snapped at him the second he stepped off the elevator.
Glancing at his watch he frowned no he wasn't in fact he was early by a whole day, opening his mouth to tell her that it was his day off Adam was silence with the wave of a hand.
“This is the third time in two weeks you've been late, if you don't start taking his job seriously you can stop bothering to show up,” and she was off lecturing waving her hands at him making the whole floor stop and watch.
This was not the first time his boss had lectured him in front of the office for his perceived wrongs but for the first time Adam really didn't feel like dealing with her, the office, or really anyone.
“You know there are plenty of kids that would kill for this position and here you are squandering it, dallying around when you should be busting your ass asking 'what can I do for you Mrs. Mayfield'.”
He tuned her out, knowing that nothing he could say would make her stop. In fact it would only invite her to continue on longer and in greater detail.
Ha look at the kid getting creamed, he's such a push over.
Adam's head snapped up at the sudden voice in his head. Looking around to find the person who'd said that he saw one of the other interns standing around looking at him. Giving them a half hearted glare.
“And wipe that look off your face,” his boss snapped and him snapping her fingers in front of his face making him turn and look back at her.
She was glaring at him gearing up more of a lecture. It was really tiring having to always deal with this. If he didn't love his job as much as he did and if he didn't dream of working freelance in a couple of years he would have long since quit. He knew of the office wide bet of when he was finally going to snap and quit but he was determined to make it through this full eighteen months then have great joy in never having to see any of them again.
Go the fuck away he thought at the interns lurking around. Pushing harder than he'd ever done with the thought of getting them to stop standing around and staring at him. Had he not been looking there way he would have never noticed the glazed look that came over their faces as they all turned and dispersed from around the water cooler.
Blinking in shock Adam quickly masked his shock so his boss wouldn't see it. Licking his suddenly dry lips Adam has a thought, one that now that it had been thought he was surprised he'd never had before now.
Peaking discreetly at his boss from beneath his bangs he gently thought Go find someone else to lecture. At first it didn't seem as if anything had happened and Adam signed mentally resigning himself to the rest of the lecture. However just as he'd resigned himself to the lecture his boss suddenly blinked and looked around confused.
“Go away, I don't know why I bother,” she continued to mutter to herself about stupid newbie's and simply walked off.
Blinking in shock and awe Adam smirked to himself. This was a new development and unlike the last new development with his powers this could be useful. Really now that he thought about it he didn't know why he didn't think this was coming before. He'd seen all the silly sci-fi movies about psychics and read all the books and comics. Mind control was always the next step.
Humming to himself at this new event Adam turned on his heels to leave. He was eager to test this new ability. Walking out of the office and back to the elevator he thought of the best place to be for this.
He was so busy thinking he didn't realize until it was too late that the careful shields that he'd built had fallen. Stepping out onto the public sidewalk was like walking into a concert and he was standing right next to the main speaker. Everything was twice as loud and it was as if everyone on the whole block was yelling for his attention.
I hope I have enough for dinner tonight.
Damnit I forgot about that stupid rental, great now I have to go back
Fuck where are the rest of that girl's clothes.
Perv staring at me like that he's so creepy
I can't believe I have to come in to work, its going to be such a boring night
Adam clutched at his head falling to side leaning against the building. He desperately tried to pull up shields but couldn't everything was too loud and too much. Back peddling Adam bumped into someone leaving the building as he tried to get back inside.
Stupid drunkard, “Watch were you're going stupid,” the man snapped at Adam glaring at him.
Adam gave him a dazed look as he met the man's eyes and was suddenly sucked into his mind. The man stood naked in what looked like the master suite of a house with women laying on the bed naked as well. The man leaned over the women and kissed her and climbed into bed with her.
No, no, no, no, Adam thought pulling himself out of the man's mind before he got wrapped up in the man's dream/memory.
Stumbling into the building Adam headed for the elevator.
Lunch break yes.
This was such a long ass day and nothing interested even happened
Goddamit this is such a slow elevator,
It smells so bad in here, ahhh fresh air.
It's Friday night and I just got paid, Party hunting body shaking
Once again bombarded with other peoples thoughts Adam cringed, curling into himself.
“Adam?” a concerned female voice called stopping him.
Turning and opening his eye Adam saw one of his coworkers striding towards him.
“Sheri,” he said blinking at her.
What the hell? Adam heard Sheri think.
“Are you okay?” she asked, Did he show up to work drunk? Stupid interns.
“I'm fine, just a headache,” he told her stepping away from her.
“Do you need some help,” Sheri asked reaching for him.
“No, no I'm good,” he said sidestepping her hand afraid he'd see something in her mind that he didn't need to know about his coworker.
What the hell, he doesn't smell like alcohol, “Do you need some Tylenol I have some,” she said reaching into her purse.
“No, no really I'm fine just gonna get some air,” he told her holding up a hand in protest.
“The door's that way,” Sheri said motioning behind her What the heck is this kid on..
“I know I know I'm just gonna, I'm just heading up to the roof, less people up there you know, not as loud,” Adam explained.
“Well the elevator just left,” she told him once again reaching for him.
Adam again sidestepped her hand, “It's okay I'll take the stairs,
“Adam it's fifteen floors up?”
Goddamnit would she just go away Adam thought angrily gritting his teeth.
Sheri suddenly got a dazed look on her face before blinking it away.
“Well I'll see you at work,” she suddenly said before turning and walking out the building.
Sighing Adam turned and headed back to the stairwell. Stepping into the blessed physical and mental silence of the stairwell Adam caught his breath and closed his eyes. Basking in the silence for a moment before preparing for his flight up the stairs was a good break. Pulling what was left of his mental defenses and wrapping them around himself he began the climb to the roof.
Stepping onto the roof took Adams breath away. It was a lot colder on the roof than it was in the building or even on the street level. Looking around and finding it empty was nice, sometime people came up there to smoke during lunch breaks.
Tentatively Adam lowered his shields to see what would happen. Once his shields were fully down and nothing happened but a low level buzz of people being far away Adam sighed in pleasure. Sitting there for a moment Adam started on reworking his shields. Even though he wasn't directly near anyone he could still feel the low level hum of the people below him on the street as well as in the building. Instead of concentrating on blocking actual thoughts he was blocking out the implied thoughts. These wouldn't be the best shields that he'd done but they would be good enough to get him out of the building and home to his nice empty block.
Putting the finishing touches on his shield Adam sighed. Looking over the edge Adam decided to try to test his shields out. He was close enough that he could and far enough away that he would have better control over how far he exerted himself.
As soon as he touched the persons mind he knew it was a mistake. Instead of touching one person's mind he was sucked into everyone's mind. Not just the people on the sidewalk below him but the ones around him and as the seconds went by the net was expanded farther and farther. It got so loud so fast Adam stumbled falling to his knees and vomited. The noise was so loud and intense he could see stars exploding behind his closed eyelids.
Clutching his head in pain Adam doubled over in pain gripping his head. This was worse than anything he'd ever felt before. It was as if ever person in the city was yelling at him and getting louder and louder the harder he tried to block them out. Scrambling mentally for his shields but failing Adam curled into himself. If he could just get a moment, a second of silence he'd be able to raise some sort of defense but there was no break in the noise.
Shut up, shut up, shut UP, Adam thought desperately shoving as hard as he could mentally against the assault.
As suddenly as the assault started it was suddenly silent. Not just silent but still as well. There was no invading thought, no vague notion of thoughts, no hum or buzz of implied thoughts, nothing at all. Hesitantly Adam opened his eyes and looked around trying to figure out what happened. Rolling to his knees he looked around and saw nothing out of the ordinary. Pushing to his feet and taking a cautious step forward followed by another till he was standing by the ledge of the building looking down.
Dropping to his knees Adam curled up in a ball face pressed to his jeans. He had no idea what he'd done but the silence was a blessed relief. Suddenly unable to stop himself he started giggling if whatever he'd done was permanent he'd never have to worry about losing himself in someone else's mind again. He'd never have to worry about anyone else's mind but his own.
He was so caught up in the lack of noise that he did not even see her coming until it was too late. A hand grabbed him by the back of his neck breaking him out of the haze he'd been in. Pulling him around to look into the brightest pair of blue eyes he'd ever seen. Trying to gasp in a breath he shoved both physically and mentally at the person holding him to no avail.
What the, he said though his mouth did not move.
“You will stop this right now, you stupid boy.”
Adam jerks trying to pull away but can't, her hold uncompromising against his neck.
“Let them go,” she orders.
He chokes slightly at the force of both the words and the hold on his neck. He blinks at her confused, hearing the words she spoke, feeling the power behind them but not understanding. He is not holding them, they are holding him, she is holding him, he can't let them go, and they wouldn't let him go. Panicked and unable to breathe he tries again to shove her away but again nothing happens. Failing and panicking Adam reached out with his mind with the intents of seeing her mind - something he never would normally do - and tried again to get her to let him go.
Get out of my mind you stupid child, the blond thought shoving him out hard enough that the little air he'd taken in was forced out.
He tried to tell her that but his mouth would not work, I'm not doing anything, they did this, all I want is silence.
The blond looked at him with a look of contempt and dropped him onto the ground.
“Let them go,” she said pushing at his mind.
Adam shook his head refusing and scuttled backwards away from her.
“You will do as I say,” she threatened advancing on him eyes dark in fury.
Adam still scuttled backward shaking his head at her, No, no, no, no its so quiet now don't want them back, he thought desperately.
“You foolish boy if you don't do as I say the noise shall be the least of your problems,” the blond threatened.
Still Adam shook his head ignoring her so far gone nothing she could threaten him with mattered. The blond looked at him for a moment before shaking her head at him. Grabbing him by his arm she hauled him to his feet and pulled him away from the roof edge wall that he'd backed into and back to the center of the roof.
No, no, no, no, let me go Adam thought desperately.
He had a momentary flash of pleasure as she stumbled. However the joy was short lived when her grip on his arm did not falter at all but tightened. Instead she turned around and glared at him.
“Stay the hell out of my head,” she snapped glaring hard at him gripping his arm hard enough that he could feel her nails digging into his arm.
Suddenly he realized something. She was still around and thinking and though she was mentally silent he knew that it had nothing to do with him and everything to do with her.
How are you still around? Why is everything silent?
“I'm better than you and because you are a stupid child that is in over your head” she said in a matter of fact manner.
Better than me? Adam thought confused.
She sighed and rolled her eyes.
“What is it going to take for you to come with me in peace?” she asked in an exasperated manner.
Who are you? Adam asked confused.
“This is not the place or time to discuss this,” she said pursing her lips.
Adam licked his lips and stared at her. Finally she sighed and let go of his arm. Quickly Adam took a step back from her but that did not stop her from grabbing his hand and pulling him back towards her. Adam flinched waiting for the mental burn and loud pounding of her thoughts/dreams/memories being poured into his mind.
However he was surprised when nothing happened. Unclenching his hand and opening his eyes he looked at her confused.
What?
However she ignored him her eyes closed in concentration. Confused at what she was doing Adam watched her.
Let them GO! she commanded pushing her will at him.
Surprised by the force behind the command Adam let go of the sub-conscious net he'd placed over everyone. As soon as he did the noise was back twice as loud and he fell to the ground clutching his head. Rolling onto his side he closed his eyes and wished for the silence again. However he could not focus long enough as everything was twice as loud and he couldn't even start to shield them out.
The blond looked down at him and shook her head before kneeling next to him. One hand on his shoulder and the other on his stomach she forced him to stretch out and straddled him. Holding his head steady she glared at his closed eyes.
Open your eyes she commanded her voice louder and clearer than any of the other voices in his mind.
Shaking his head refusing to do as she said she glared. Placing one arm under his chin and pressing against his neck till he was choking and had opened his eyes.
Look at me, she ordered and Adam did at once.
Bending over him she pressed her mouth to his. The second she did the clatter vanished into a vacuum of nothing. Adam gasped In shock opening his mouth up for her tongue to invade.
Good boy came the thought brushing against him mind.
Gently she pulled away and took her arm off his throat so he could breathe. In between a breath in and out Adam surges towards her mouth presses to hers kissing her franticly. It is as if he is afraid she'll vanish if he lets go or stops touching her. The world has never been this quiet and she is the cause and he could love her for that alone if nothing else.
She rolls them over mouth never leaving his and thinks Stay and he is pinned under her unable to move. She pulls away as he keens low in his throat trying to get to her. No, no, please, need you please he begs just seconds from being incoherent.
“Be still,”she told him and everything stopped.
Standing up and looking down at him the blond frowned as if she were confused by what she was seeing.
“I am called Ceres,” she told him smoothing her hand down her dress.
“I was sent to handle you but you are not what I thought you'd be,” holding out her hand he could suddenly move again.
I'm Adam, who, who sent you? he thought pushing gently at her mind.
“Speak out loud or I shall ignore you,” she told him glaring at him.
Adam frowned working his mouth to speak but nothing came out.
I can't, he thought at her frowning at her frown.
“Follow me,” she said turning and walking away.
Adam stood there looking at her confused. However soon he was back on his knees the world suddenly loud, louder than it'd ever been. Groping blindly for Ceres but unable to find her he pushed as he'd done earlier trying to get the silence back. Just as before the silence came immediately and was a blessed relief. Collapsing backward and staring at the sky above him Adam tried to catch his breath and fight the headache that was pounding behind his eyes and ringing in his ears.
After what seemed like an eternity Adam finally had the strength to turn onto his side. Standing in the stairway was Ceres looking at him in the same manner she'd been looking t him when she had her hand wrapped around his neck. Pushing himself up onto his elbows
“You're a fucking fool, if you'd paused the people in planes do you know how fucking screwed over we'd be right now?” Ceres asked pointing at the sky.
“You can't just stop people because you can't fucking shield,” she continued glaring at him.
But I can shield, this, this is all new Adam thought at her waving his arms around to emphasize his point.
In a blur she was in front of him her hand making a cracking sound as it went across his cheek.
“Say it out loud or don't say anything at all, do you understand me?” she asked gripping his cheeks making him look at her.
Given his limited mobility all Adam could do was nod.
“Good, now get up and follow me or else.”
Ceres gave him one last glare before pushing him away and turning on her heels and walking away.
Adam sat there dazed looking at her going. Pushing himself up onto his elbows he sighed and wished this was all just a bad dream. Maybe he'd never woken up and this was all just someone else really fucked up dream. After what seemed like an eternity Adam sat fully up and looked at Ceres. She was a little taller than him which didn't say much blond and didn't dress like anyone Adam had ever seen. As he looked at her he realized that she didn't have shoes on and was really only wearing a white sundress despite the fact that it was mid October.
“Follow me now” Ceres demanded glaring at Adam.
The force behind her command made Adam's elbows collapse from under him. Seeing her glare however motivated him to push himself back up and then slowly to his knees then to his feet. Stumbling the first few steps in her direction he stood in front of her unsure of what to do. Taking the offered hand he felt her gently untangle the world from his mind. He was still holding them all forcing his silence onto them and even though he could feel the low level buzz of them in the background of his mind when Ceres started doing whatever she was doing the hum went away giving him true silence.
“Now follow me,” she said tugging him after her.
Having no choice but to follow her Adam did, unsure of what was to come.
Part 2