average human’s Reviews > Flourishing Heart > Status Update

“I hope you’re not sniffing my hair.” I muttered as I rushed writing.
“I have a problem. What can I say? You smell good.” I heard the humor in his tone as playfulness washed through me. I didn’t want to turn around and face him. I just knew others in the room were watching us.
“You could say you wouldn’t do it.” I complained, I only wanted normal, and he wasn’t helping with that, and he knew it too. His amusement was bubbling. He was pushing me, not caring if I shattered because he felt he would be there to pick up the pieces.
“I missed you.” He hummed, stepping closer. My back pressed against his chest, his hands on my hips, turning me with a sway, forcing me to look at him. His blue eyes were solely on me. I could drown in them if I didn’t keep myself in check.
How was he so at ease with these new emotions? He was riding the waves while I was drowning in mine and his sensations.
“How do you do it?” I asked breathlessly. My face felt hot as I tried to get myself under control.
Apollo cocked his head as his emotions dulled, close to the point of being sealed off from inside me. “My dads told me about the bond before, on how it works.” He shrugged like it wasn’t a big deal. “I’ll tone it down till you get used to it.”
“You’re used to it already?” I felt astounded at how quickly he was taking all of this in stride. Was I broken on the inside? It felt like I would forever be super sensitive to him.
Apollo frowned as he looked off down the hall in thought, “It’s addictive, but everyone is different, Grace. You don’t have to be panicked about it. Give it time.” He was right about it being addictive. I was already craving his emotions again since he pulled back.
Turning back, I did a quick signature before Apollo grabbed my sheet and handed it to the receptionist.
“We got to announce our shit.” He said suddenly as he pulled me towards the cafeteria.
Apollo was on one of the round tables in the center in a blink of an eye as he gave a loud piercing whistle making the whole room quiet as they watched him.
“Listen up! Grace is part of my circle.” A few people applauded at his announcement. Others shouted congratulations our way. Leaving me agape at his dramatic announcement, “So if you have touched me, you don’t touch her- she hates that shit. Not me, though. I’m a lucky bastard that gets to touch this rare beauty!” He gestured at me as a few people wolf-whistled at us. Embarrassment smothered me as I tried not to hide my face as people watched and hollered.
“Stop,” I tugged Apollo’s bracelet-covered wrist, hoping he would come down. “If Vincent catches you, he will throw you on the floor again.” I said cheekily, hoping to play off the panic that he indeed felt, but my mocking seemed to hit a nerve at the mention of Vincent.
First, his face darkened as his fists clenched with a vibration. Then, with annoyance, he turned to address the room again as he ridiculed the guy who wasn’t here.
“I would also like to announce that Vincent has his ass stuffed by Mrs. Mason’s hand, and she is up so far that she can move his arms with her fingers.” A few people yelled with a roar at Apollo’s joke.
“I’m so happy you’ve been watching my ass, Apollo.” Vincent’s calm voice held a sarcastic tone as shockwaves went between Apollo and me. Vincent had a knack for showing up at random times.
“Can’t really miss it.” Apollo mumbled as he was still standing on the table.
“Get down,” Vincent demanded, his arms crossed as he waited for Apollo to obey.
“Sorry, but I’m no one’s bitch- unlike you.” Apollo hissed as his anger blazed into me. Apollo fury was absolute, and it was all aimed at Vincent.
When did their hatred even start?
“Maybe you didn’t hear me,” Vincent stepped forward. An icy seething came from his clenched bared teeth. “Get the fuck down,” he growled as both of them held a stare-off.
Apollo crouched low on the table but still towered over the tall guy. “Make me, bitch”, He fumed back with his own teeth bare. They were like animals, and I wasn’t even surprised as Vincent grabbed Apollo’s collar and pulled him to the ground.
Apollo stumbled as he tried to right himself upwards, only causing him to push Vincent away, grumbling some curses as he pulled his loose shirt down.
“Now that your immature ass has had its fun,” Vincent said, straightening his shirt. He didn’t even look ruffled at all, “I Just wanted to say congratulations on finding one part of your circle.” He spoke, his steel eyes turned solely on me, unblinking and unreadable.
“Don’t you have somewhere to be Vincent? Surely you have other jobs to do than interrupting our announcement.” Apollo spat, pulling me close to his side, bringing a grunt softly from the impact. “Because my girl and I only have time for each other. You know, that’s what circles do and shit.” The bond between us turned sour, and it was tough to swallow before Apollo shut off the bond between us.
“I was only congratulating you both.” Vincent spat in return, his steel eyes openly glaring at Apollo.
“We don’t need it.” Apollo snapped, walking off, pulling me with him. His frustration was irritating me as I didn’t know why.
“Why are you two like that?” I asked, breathing in. I swear I could smell smoke pouring off him at this point.
“Always been like it. We don’t get on.” Apollo spoke rapidly as the thunder of the cloud in the back of his mind tumbled forward. There was a history between them that was broken and painful.
Apollo sighed as he pushed forward his mask, bringing a smirk on his face that I felt was hollow. “I can’t wait for counseling!”
I inhaled sharply at the reminder.
This wasn’t going to go well.