Everyday I wake up, to the same cup of tea, the same breakfast... same everything. Ever since I could remember I never had a way with people. And it doesn't help that I have mind control and can paralyze anyone and many other things..... naturally I got noted for my abilities, after working for both side of the lines, I find myself these days lacking a sense of life, to put it into better terms. I can't find a meaning to my world, but for what it's worth my job does pay me well. And now I have to get to work.

**a couple hours later around noon

in a diner somewhere around NY**

ugh... sometimes I really can't understand how I'm still alive, technically speaking my job has a high rate of getting murder and yet I'm still fine. sigh..... who knew living would be a pain in the ***, oh wait. Me.

diner waitress" alright, here's your eggs n bacon with a side of hasbrown. and your coffee."

thanks.

somehow food is still one of those few things that isn't dull and meaningless to me. even as I eat my way through my food, I always catch myself daydreaming. Wondering... if I can ever find a purpose, or will I just go by like a ghost tied here. finishing my cup of coffee I get up leaving a twenty on the table, making my way to the cashier I wait as the waitress gets my bill...

waitress" that'll be twenty."

here you go. thanks.

walking to the door I'm about to step out until the familiar sound of two drunk guys come from a booth not to far from where I was sitting. I hear them talking to the waitress at first I thought not much of it until I hear a scream followed by yelling... ugh. This is a real pain, stepping back in I approach the two at their booth. looking up one of them tries to look intimidating, puffing their chest and clenching their fists. the other reaches for a knife on the table next to his fork, using my ability both of them goes into the same reaction and they'll stay that way for the next couple hours...

**later at my townhouse around 10.pm**

after watching one whole season on Nflix I walk to my bathroom, turning on the hot water letting it fill the tub. taking my clothes off I get into the tub, letting the warm water take the tension away from my body... this is nice. it's peaceful, looking up I stare into the vastness of my mind. closing my eyes I hoped that I could see anything else from my sins but I don't..... a knock on my door stops me Midway in my mind. getting out I wrap a towel around myself, walking to the door I look through the peephole to see a girl. with a luggage..... I think she got the wrong address but then how the heck does she have a pin that indicates she's from the company I'm hired by...

**opening bolt sound,

door opens slowly**

hi, you are?

mystery girl" hi, I'm Chase. and I'm going to be your roommate."

how come A.D.O.A didn't told me about you.

Chase" they said you would say no, so they didn't."

Fine, come in and take a seat on the couch.

walking back to the bathroom I grab my phone along the way calling to my handler in A.D.O.A asking if it's true to my expectations it is. sighing I hop back in to the tub, as I sink in it's warmth.

**a few minutes later after my bath**

Chase" so I see you live all by yourself. don't you get lonely?"

I ask myself that everyday. clearly not enough, so tell me what's a girl like you doing in A.D.O.A?

Chase" well I heard it pays well plus there's almost zero discrimination. and I get to do interesting things and meet interesting people."

alright then, why me? Why out of everyone did I get chosed.

you know what don't answer it, hey do you want some Hot Cocoa? and would you mind sharing the bed?

Chase" yes and yes. thanks."

who knew that I'd be ending my night making Hot Cocoa for a girl, and sharing a bed with her.

**the next day

the sound of cars driving by**

ugh... oh, right. I got a roommate now, I guess she's a morning person. Getting out of bed I stretch groaning beneath my breath as I feel my body stretch away whatever sleep it had left. Walking to my bathroom the smell of French toast fills my nose... well at least she knows how to cook. After my morning routine I head into the kitchen to make the same tea and breakfast, only to find that there's already a plate of French toast waiting for me.

Chase" morning, I kinda made you breakfast. I hope you don't mind."

thanks, it smells delicious.

eating our breakfast I find myself staring to my company, now that I'm actually looking at her she's actually rather gorgeous. But I can't find anything that could get her discriminated.

Catching myself before she notice I gulp down a piece of French toast with the help of some tea...

**a short while later at A.D.O.A hq**

so what's the deal with the girl?

Shirley" A.D.O.A thought you could use a partner so."

even if I do, are you sure that person should be a girl.

Shirley" hey it's not my choice to make. plus it doesn't help that almost everyone here thinks you need help."

help?! I dont need help! I'm perfectly capable of doing my tasks solo.

Shirley" I could take her away. But then she will lose her spot."

..... fine, next time you guys better tell me.

Shirley" alright truly noted."

as me & Chase get our task done for the day I take her to my regular diner ordering my usual Chase orders bacon & waffles. as we sip our drinks I usually like silence but this, is getting unbearable... and it's broken by the waitress bringing our orders. as we eat through our food I steal some looks, and everytime that I do there's a glint of something in her eyes.....

insisting to pay for the bill I decide to let her, not wanting to argue. as we walk out of the diner and back to my house Chase's hands trembles to the cold night breeze. taking off my gloves I put them on her hands, managing with a small smile.

Chase" thanks."

**a few minutes later

at my house**

do you want some Hot Cocoa?

Chase" sure. they taste great, hey is it okay if I go take a quick dip? I'm a bit cold."

go ahead, would you like some towels?

Chase" it's alright. I brought my own, but thanks for offering."

tending to the Hot Cocoa, the noise of the tub filling with water slowly drains out from my hearing until I hear Chase's humming... it's soft like a lullaby. Together with the Cocoa it's pretty soothing. After about twenty minutes, I hear the bathroom door open. and out comes Chase. Stealing a quick look, her hair's still wet though not dripping. Taking a pretty sizeable gulp of Cocoa it conceals my red cheeks.

Chase" so Leonardo, do you enjoy working for A.D.O.A?"

they pay well, and their shit isn't to crazy so... yeah.

Chase" oooh, Nflix. Nice! So what kinda movies do you watch?"

I'm currently watching my way through this series.

Chase" 'Chasing you' well then, what season are you on?"

I'm on season 3.

Chase" so fill me in?"

it's about a guy who's chasing a guy who's his friend and a girl who used to be his crush.

Chase" cool. So what's in Season 3?"

Now he's lost both of them. But I think he'll end up with the guy.

Chase" well then, let's start."

three episodes in and she's already asleep... turning off the TV, I carfully lie her down on the couch putting a blanket on top. Looking at the time it is late. I head to bed as well, sleep is practically screaming into my ears.

waking up I recount what happened last night. After I do, I get out of bed stretching out any sleep that's in my body. Looking at my watch it's about 8:35am, wearing my watch I turn walking to the bathroom, after getting my morning routine done. I head into the kitchen, finding Chase cooking some french toast. It smells great... handing me a plate we start to eat our way through breakfast.

**a short while later at A.D.O.A hq**

I gotta admit, it's kind of strange to hear that there's a whole meeting being made for just one task. Although from what Shirley said on the phone, this guy is a real problem.

Gardner" thank you for coming, now we're here to discuss the Midnight Stalker. He's a nutcase who enjoys torturing people."

Gardner" Now, if any of you meet him on the street. Be ready to use lethal force, everyone understands?"

Gardner" good! Secondly, if I see anyone of you trying to play hero and do this on your own you'll leave. I want you to wait for backup, if everyone got that then you're all free to resume."

Chase" so who's this Midnight Stalker? How come he's such a big deal."

from what I heard, it's because the things he did and does. Chase for now, let's stick together.

Chase" if you say so. C'mon we still have our tasks to do."

working our way through the day, I can't help but feel on edge. Always watching around us, just waiting to react... but nothing comes, we finished our tasks without a hitch. Heading to the diner I ordered my usual, Chase orders a muffin with gravy. Today we manage to find some conversation, after our orders arrived we start to Chow down..... unwinding slightly I look out the window seeing people and cars pass by, but I can still feel remnants of that edge in my mind... after a couple minutes I noticed we both finished our meals, getting up I payed our bill. Walking back to my house I'm still on edge, it must be obvious because Chase taps my shoulder giving a warm smile.

thanks. I'm just a little on edge.

Chase" happens to the best of us. C'mon let's go."

**a few minutes later at my house**

I see you aren't shivering anymore.

Chase" I guess I just needed to get used to the cold breeze here. So wanna continue watching 'Chasing you'?"

yeah, just give me a sec.

as I wash my hands that edge comes back again. This time like freight train, turning the sink off I stealthily make my way to the living room only to find Chase looking at me with curiosity. I signal her to get up and come over to me, without hesitation she does so... pulling out my gun I signal her to be ready to call reinforcement. Cautiously I check around making sure that every room is safe, all that's left is the roof. As we make our way to the roof the Midnight Stalker is definitely near, probably on another rooftop. Noticing a DVD with a paper tied to it that writes 'play me' I signal Chase to call hq. And I try to see if I could find any threads to lead me to him but he's smart there's nothing.

Chase" so what do we do now?"

we wait.

**a short while later at A.D.O.A hq**

Shirley" sorry we got to pull you two in this late, but it's imperative that we go through every detail."

there's not much to go over. So did the boys and girls from the lab found anything yet?

Shirley" they said it's gonna take awhile, so on another note. How are you two doing, getting along well I hope."

Chase" yes. Yes we're, hey Leonardo is it alright if we stay here?"

.... Yeah alright, I guess it's better then staying back at my place.

Shirley" great then! Rooms #78-#81are free. I'll call you two if there's any updates."

thanks, c'mon.

after some walking we finally arrived at the room. Luckily for us they always come standard with two beds, not that I mind sharing a bed with Chase. Slowly I close my eyes and let sleep take me away.

**the next morning

sounds of shoes hitting the floor**

huh, maybe I should ask what kind of mattress they're using because it's better than the one I have. Sitting up I yawn and stretch my arms up high, I get up walking to the door just as I open it, Chase is there with two cups in her hands. We almost crashed, thank God we didn't, taking the cup she's offering I take a slow sip. It's coffee and it taste pretty good.

morning.

Chase" good morning. So I'm guessing you slept well."

I did. And you?

Chase" same. C'mon we got to see Shirley he said the lab got something."

let's go.

after a few minutes of walking through a few floors we finally arrived at Shirley's office.

Shirley" alright, our guys & gals in the lab got this out of the disk. It's a code but they're still trying to figure it out, and they also got a that strand of micro fiber still trying to see where it's origins is. So far that's all."

......... go back to the picture of the disk, please.

Shirley" sure."

there. Those numbers could they be longitude & latitude.

Shirley"....... oh my gosh! I'll call the lab, good job Leo."

Chase" do I get to call you Leo too?"

maybe after some time.

after that the day went on like usual, we did our tasks, and we went to the diner. I ate what I always order and Chase tries something else, it's kind of surreal to have my life feel this way. I feel like now my world isn't as meaningless, dull, lifeless or gray as before. Now it's a bit brighter, better. I hope this continues, I like having these kind of feelings.

**later at A.D.O.A hq at room \#78**

so, what did you meant when you said that there's almost zero discrimination?

Chase" oh, well everyone here seems to be different, and being around people that are different they discriminate less."

I get that, but what makes you a target for discrimination.

Chase" well let's just say this isn't my natural form."

would it be okay if I see your natural form?

Chase"....... but you'll judge me, just like everyone else."

Chase, I won't judge you. I'm guessing you've seen my file, if so then you know the things I did and yet you still treat me like a normal being.

how do you know I can't do the same?

Chase".................{blush}fine. But don't say I didn't warn you."

getting up Chase takes a deep breath and I could feel immense power slowly flowing out, as Chase exhales her face starts to change. Horns appear on her head, turning her back towards me Chase takes off her shirt and wings appear on her back. Right beside her shoulder blades, they're a dark velvet red.

woah... Chase you look.....

Chase" I look?"

amazing!

Chase" you're just saying that."

no I'm serious.{blush}you look good.

Chase"{blush}..... thanks."

upon that sentence Chase changes back to her look before. And puts on her shirt before turning to face me. We both blush as we think of what just happened but after awhile sleep finally beats me and I let it take me away.

**the next day at A.D.O.A meeting hall**

Gardner" thank you for coming, now thanks to Leonardo and Chase we've managed to locate the Midnight Stalker location. That said, today we'll head to that location to apprehend him."

Gardner" and remember, stay on alert I want no casualties. That's all, now get back to work."

not long after that, we were told to hear up and get ready. Because it's go time, one drive later and we're standing at his door, everyone with their abilities and weapons ready... as I walk up the steps my heart jumps to my throat but regardless I burst the door open, to see that on the wall, is written Ka-Boom. With a arrow pointing to the floor and the roof.

Everyone get out!!!!

Boom Boom Boom

Fwoosh Swoosh

what the hell?!

Midnight Stalker" not bad for your first try, let's see if you'll escape my next trap."

after heading back to A.D.O.A hq I still can't shake off the edge that's draping my heart, deciding to call it in. I hop beneath the sheets and try to sleep.

**the next morning** **at A.D.O.A hq**

somehow I managed to get some sleep, but I'm looking around with my eyes half open so there's that. Getting out I do my regular stretches, knowing that this crazy lunatic is out there somewhere I definitely don't want to die due to a cramp... walking out of the room I look around, while walking to the break room. As I idly scroll through some apps, after a few minutes I arrive at the break room and put my phone away. Making myself some tea I hear some footsteps coming here, so I turn around to see Chase by the door frame... holding a paper bag in one hand.

morning. So what's in the bag?

Chase" a Muffin, for you. So last night kinda got a little crazy."

thanks, and sure you could put it that way.

pouring my cup of tea I take slow sip before taking a bite out of the muffin, it's quite good.

At least now the edge I felt is gone, though I can't tell wether that's good or bad.... maybe it's both, finishing the muffin I take one last sip of tea before we head out and head over to Shirley's office.

Shirley" both of you shut the door quickly!"

alright... jeez, what's the problem?

Shirley" Leo, I've just been told that there's a mole in A.D.O.A so stay frosty."

do they have any suggestions to whom this mole can be?

Shirley" for now all they can get is that he's here, right now."

Chase" wait how do we know who to talk to?"

Shirley" for now you can't talk to anyone, just go about your day as usual do not raise suspicion to yourselves."

Chase" alright, will do."

as we go about like usual, every personnel we meet through out the day reminds me of what Shirley said. 'for now you cant talk to anyone, just go about your day as usual do not raise suspicion.' huff..... surprising today's rather slow, with the Midnight Stalker and the mole I was sure that we would see some action... I guess I was wrong, heading to the diner, we walked with our guards up, once we step inside. We settle at our usual booth, I order my usual and Chase orders what she had last time. Somehow I find having a conversation with Chase easy. I typically can hold one but not for as long as I do with Chase, after a few minutes the waitress sets our orders on the table... after a couple minutes of chowing down on our foods we paid the bill and walked back to my place. Even though we're probably breaking that horror movie cliche rule I don't care, at least not enough to make me sleep somewhere else three days in a row.

**Lock clicking open

Door creeks slightly**

after we head inside I make sure to double check everything all the locks, windows, vents, corners, closet, drawers. Everything. And I'm glad to see everything's just how it was, maybe with a bit of dust... melting into the couch Chase puts her feet up closing her eyes, seeing her like this it's kind of cute... and now I'm also getting in the mood for a nap. Laying next to Chase I do the same, while I shut my eyes my mind can't help go through all the events of the last couple of days, trying to find any connections that may be hidden.

**A couple hours later**

waking up I see Chase already got up awhile ago. Shaking my head I walk over to the kitchen to pour myself a glass of water, after I'm no longer nap drunk. I realize Chase's voice from the bathroom, humming. After a few minutes of her humming and the sound of the shower, I hear the door open. What I didn't see coming was her popping out with only a towel.

Chase" hey, uhm... would it be okay if I borrow one of your towels?{blush}"

....{blush}yeah sure. Give me a sec.

sliding past her the smell of soap and Hyacinth. Focusing back to the towel I rush to my closet and grab one of my towels, though

they may be a bit too big. But at least it'll keep Chase warm, handing her the towel she takes it with a warm, genuine smile. walking back in to the bathroom, whoo... for a second my heart started racing. After a few minutes I hear the door unlock and out steps Chase, her hair's dry this time. After watching a bunch of Chasing you episodes it's about time we had dinner, even though the prospect of having sweet snacks sounds amazing, it's not so healthy so I start whipping up something, I guess it smells good cause I hear Chase sitting at the counter already... huh, I guess my skills aren't that rusty, after a few minutes I cut the stove and split the spaghetti onto two plates. Immediately digging in it doesn't take long to finish, while washing the dishes I catch myself drifting off until I feel a squeeze on my shoulder which brings me back.

Chase" hey, you okay?"

yeah... just spaced out, that's all.

after drying the plates, I decide to catch up on some reading. It's been awhile since I had my head in a good book, any book actually. Heh, I wonder how they're doing? I hope they're all happy... looking down on my watch it's getting late, too late to call. Putting the book back I rub the bridge of my nose as I duck into the kitchen and pour myself a glass of wine.

do you want some?

Chase" do you have any Rosé?"

yeah, I think there's still a bottle here..... got it!

Chase" thanks! So what's on your mind? It seemed like you were thinking of something."

oh, I just remembered a couple of friends..... hey, how old are you?

Chase" I'm nineteen, but they say I look younger."

they're right.

as we sip our wine, I enjoy the peace in the air. The subtle tension on my shoulder slowly washes away with every sip. Looking out the window tonight's a Full Moon, on second thought maybe it's not to late. Taking out my phone I speed dial her number... a mix of all my emotions flashes through me as I hear the phone ring.....

Charlie" Leo? It's been quite awhile since you called how have you been?"

....................

Chase" say something."

Charlie" Leo? You there?"

... yeah, I'm here. It's good to hear your voice again, so how's Rogue and the kids?

Charlie" they're alright, hold on. Rogue's at the door."

**unlocking door sound

shuffling noise**

Rogue" Leo, I can't believe it's you. It's been awhile since we last talked."

I know... I'm sorry, I saw that tonight's a Full Moon so I thought I'd call you two see how you're doing.

Rogue" thanks. So are you coming any time soon?"

I don't know, I hope so...

Charlie" you know it's rude not to introduce your girlfriend to us."

{blush}... Charlie-

Rogue" Leonardo, you have a girlfriend?!"

gals, Chase is my roommate.

Charlie & Rogue" hi Chase."

Chase" hi, so I take it you three go way back?"

Rogue" yeah you could say that."

Charlie" oh, do you want to talk to the kids?"

I'd love to. But don't you all have a run to get too.

Charlie" alright, fair enough. Can we continue this conversation later?"

counting on it. take care.

Charlie & Rogue" take care. Bye."

phone call ends

Chase" something tells me there's a pretty good story to why they aren't in your record of associates?"

there is, but it's not my place to say.

As we share a laugh, I stop nearly choking. When I see a man on the roof of the house facing mine. I don't even need to use my ability to know who he is. Picking up on my sudden silence, Chase whips her head too. He signals to us to go to our roof. As we run up to the roof I nearly send the door flying off it's hinges as I burst through to see a burner phone already on the line with him. I pick up the phone.....

what?!

Midnight Stalker" where's your manner, Leo?"

....... fine. What do you want?

Midnight Stalker" that's it. It's not what I want but what I'm going to do. That's what you should be asking."

word is you haven't changed, so who's next?

Midnight Stalker" now now, patience my fellow. Here's what's going to happen, in three weeks there will be a bombing."

Midnight Stalker" from a rather notorious group."

let me guess, you want A.D.O.A to take em out yeah?

Midnight Stalker" look at you. Still sharp I see, yes them and others."

all of them are competition, right.

Midnight Stalker" heavens no... they're pests, I could do it myself but why when there's a pawn at my disposal."

Midnight Stalker" no, the real competition has yet to come. This is merely me priming the condition to draw them out."

yeah, and a perfect way to chip away at A.D.O.A numbers.

Midnight Stalker" my fellow you're sharp but not as much as me. See you soon."

...... you basatrd!!! C'mon we have to go.

dropping the phone I take Chase's hand and lead her down and across the street, after a few minutes I got why he talked to us. He planted a couple of explosives in that house. As me & Chase work to evacuate everyone inside. Just as it seem like it's gonna be okay a Boom comes from the top floor followed by fire exploding out the window.

Frantic Mother" help, my daughter's inside. Please!! Help me bring her back! Her name's Aiden."

ma'am stay with my friend.

jumping through the window I rush up on what's left of the stairs, screaming her name I use my ability to reach out her... after a couple of minutes I got her! She's on the third floor, bursting through the door I run straight to a kid's room. In the closet! I beeline to the closet opening to find Aiden and a little boy.

hey! Aiden your momma's outside she sent me here to get you, take my hand. You too kid.

Aiden" but... Ah!!! it's scary!!!!"

Aiden, kid, I promise you'll see your momma without a scratch. Now take my hands!

trembling they do as I say, and I lead them through the burning floor and furniture. After we reach the second floor a second explosion nearly sends us flying out the window, being quick on my feet I take both of them to another person's room... after we're inside there's only one way out, grabbing both of them in my arms I jump out the window. Landing on the grass with a thump! But I took most of the impact letting go. Aiden and the kid both run to her mom, looking up Chase helps me up to my feet.... Damn! That fall took more that I expected, a couple minutes later firefighters appear. After everything me & Chase head to Shirley's office at A.D.O.A hq.

Shirley" this is good, and bad... Hey I'll be back, you two mind staying here for a while?"

it's alright do what you need to do.

nodding Shirley heads out of the room beelining for the private elevator. huffing I take my phone out to see the time, and it's way too late. To be calling Charlie and Rogue, I'll call them tomorrow. I probably shouldn't tell them about this, feeling a warm hand squeeze my shoulder I look to see Chase with a worried look. I guess I should be more aware of my emotions.

thanks, I'm just sore that's all...

Chase" alright, but if you need to, the Medic Bay's right around the corner."

I'll keep that in mind.

after a few minutes Shirley comes back into the room with Garner. My eyes go wide. The Chief of A.D.O.A is here, although it seems like this conversation will take some time.

**half an hour later**

Garner" Damn! This is getting crazy... did he say anything else?"

no, that's all he said and I tried using my ability didn't stick.

Garner" alright, well no sense in having you two stay here. Go home try and sleep."

Chase" thanks Chief, c'mon."

after that the both of us left, and shortly we arrived back at my place. And somehow we managed to fall asleep.