You Again

Ch. 28

The next morning, I stood in front of Gabriel and Luke's apartment. The apartment complex was large. There two separate buildings that had ten floors. The two buildings were owned by Academy partners since St. Jasper was condemned, and they had dedicated this building for Academy only.

Last night after sending everyone home with an appointment this a doctor this weekend, I decided to go to the two boys who were hurting the most. That's why I was in front of their doors at eight o'clock in the morning. Taking a breath, I tried to calm my nerves. I mean, I've taken down countless gangs, fought with life-taking weapons, and had to seduce so many creepy me. Talking to two boys shouldn't be that hard.

Gathering my courage, I raised my fist and knocked on wood. Ten seconds passed. Then thirty. I raised my fist to knock again. As I threw my fist forward, the door opened. Tired brown eyes stared at me in confusion before blinking. In a hoarse voice, my prankster spoke, "Sang?"

I looked over him. His hair was tangled in knots, and dark bags had formed underneath his eyes. His skin was pale and sweaty, and his breath was heavy. He wore a white tank top that showed me his muscles, and his shorts hung low on his hips.

I forced a smile on my face. "Hi, Luke. Can I come in?"

He nodded, still stunned at the sight of me. Before he could move, a voice rang out. "Luke, who's at the door?"

I watched as a girl stepped into view. My breath was caught at the beauty. I've never seen her before but she looked familiar. Her hair was a chocolate brown that waved down to her waist. Her skin was tanned, and her body was dressed in a blue dress. She held black high heels in her left hand, and was rubbing her eyes with her right hand. As her eyes met mine, my jaw dropped. Those eyes.

Those crystal blue eyes.

I blinked. "Gabe?"

He blushed. "What are you doing here, Trouble?"

I smiled, ignoring the question that I really wanted to ask. "I came to talk to you and Luke. Our time last night was interrupted and I'd still like to know more about you guys."

Gabriel nodded, reaching up to take off the brown wig. "I can see the question in you face, Trouble. I just came back from a mission with the Wayland team. Come in."

I stepped inside, noticing that their apartment was a perfect blend of the two. Their living room was decorated very well with splashes of orange and blue throughout the room. Luke led me o the kitchen where he opened the fridge. "I was about to make breakfast. Do you want something to eat?"

I nodded. "I'll help."

Almost like old times, we managed to move around each other without bumping into each other. Luke prepared some French Toast while I started to make eggs and bacon. A few minutes, Gabriel reappeared. His hair was still wet from his shower, and his face was clear of any makeup. He started to cut some fruit. We were silent as we cooked. Suddenly Gabriel slammed his knife down. "Okay, dammit, I can't take anymore of this awkward silence. I'm putting some music on!"

He spoke to the Echo device. "Alexa, play my Fucking Dead playlist in Spotify!"

The sound of guitar started and the song rang throughout the kitchen. I sent Gabriel a look which he just shrugged before starting to chop fruit again. I turned back to scrambling the eggs but the sound of the beat made me to sway my hips. Suddenly I started to sing to this song that was quite difficult because of the odd beat.

Will you make it sound so pretty even when it's not?
Didn't choose but it's the only one we've got
And sometimes I get so tired
Of getting tied up in my thoughts
You're the only one that often makes it stop

God, it hurts to be human
Without you I'd be losing
And someday we'll face the music
God, it hurts to be human

But I've got you, you, you, you, you, you, hey
And you've got me, me, me, me, too

I looked at Gabriel to sing but he shook his head. I stopped and stared at him. What happened to him to stop singing?

Like we're buckled and preparing before the crash
Like we're walking down a road of broken glass
Now if we defeat all odds
And it was us against the world
I turned off the stove and stepped towards Luke and Gabriel who looked at me with wide eyes. I started to sing. I was sending them a message that I hope they could understand.

You can count on me
You know I'd have your back

God, it hurts to be human
Without you I'd be losing
And someday we'll face the music
God, it hurts to be human

But I've got you, you, you, you, you, you (Hey)
And you've got me, me, me, me, too
But I've got you, you, you, you, you, you (Hey)
And you've got me, me, me, me, too

Gabriel started to sing. Luke's brown eyes went wide at the sound of Gabriel's voice. With his deep voice and my voice, our voices blended.

Hope flows away
If you could spend a day in my shoes
Your mind would change
If you'd known what I've gone through
We want the same (Yeah, we do)
Maybe then you'll understand
How it hurts to be human

I stepped up to both of them, holding out both of my hands. With hesitant movements, they gripped mine tightly with tears in their eyes.

God, it hurts to be human
Without you (without you) I'd be losing (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
And someday we'll face the music
God, it hurts to be human

But I've got you, you, you, you, you, you, hey
And you've got me, me, me, me, too
But I've got you, you, you, you, you, you, hey
And you've got me, me, me, me, too

Oh God, it hurts to be human