Paper Faces - 8. Light

Darkness wraps around him like a cloak, making angular cheekbones cast deep shadows. I imagine him in the light, see his face round with youth and inexperience. My mind replaces the steel in his eyes with curiosity.

I have it.

"Edward?" I see the slight twitch of his Adam's apple as he fights not to swallow. It is the only tell. "Edward Cullen."

He hears the finality in my voice but does not speak.

Memories cascade in waves with my sister's voice. The boy who came out. Beaten up. Tormented.

"I never knew you," I murmur.

"You made that clear."

Paper Faces - 7. Change

A silent moment stretches, looming ominously. I feel his fingers twitch, sense the shift in his mood as the fight leaves him.

Muscles slacken, his hand falls, and he steps back, but I can still sense him, mere feet away. "Who are you?" I whisper. The hush fights back, swallowing my words greedily so my voice is a hollow echo of itself.

"Nobody," he answers.

Inch by inch, I turn and lean against the railing, my hands grasping the bar beside my hips. I study him, my head tilting as I begin to piece together planes and curves into memories.

Paper Faces - 6. Salacious

Solid weight presses into my back as a hand snakes around my hip, cupping my cock. I can smell him, impossibility mixed with musk and citrus, and my mind recoils from the violation even as my body betrays me, seeking his warmth.

I wonder again what about him has me so transfixed, but the thought flees as I hear his gruff voice for only the second time. "Still staring like I'm some freak? Bad form, Hale, especially considering that you're just like me."

The sneer is still there in his voice, but now I hear ancient hurt hiding behind it.

Paper Faces - 5. Eve

I return to the balcony, my haven, escaping the stifling laughter and music, the hideous soundtrack of my hell. My fingers itch to remove my mask, but they are frozen, grasping the railing as I stare down.

The buildings and traffic swim, a blurring of light and movement and sound that nearly obscures the click of the door closing behind me.

I am instantly tense, my spine fused with indignation and fear, and I know it's him.

The air is oppressive with expectation and possibility weighted down with animosity.

I just wish I knew why.

Deliberate, heavy footsteps draw closer.

Paper Faces - 4. Stealth

My eyes never settle on him, but I've not missed a single lick of his lips or brush of his fingertips against bare skin. I'm obsessed, fixated on this enigma who knows my name and hates me to the core.

I don't know him. I don't.

My jaw clenches in frustration as I order another drink, my attention focused on him through the mirror above the bar as if the simple piece of silvered glass holds the answers to my existence.

His partner, I know. As Garrett's lips tease his neck, I feel the burn of tequila in my chest.

Paper Faces - 3. Rancor

"Hey." He spins as if my hand on his shoulder burns him. All I can see through his mask are eyes glaring at my fingertips and flawless lips pressed into a thin line.

My uncertainty and intrigue softens my voice when I speak again. "What's your name?"

Those lips curve into a smirk. "Not surprised you don't know it, Hale."

The fuck you is implied as he shrugs my hand away and pushes the door open. I watch as he disappears inside – auburn hair, wide shoulders, tapered waist.

A memory tickles, is lost in the baffled haze of my mind.

Happy Birthday, CaptainJezebel!

A/N: Happy birthday to one of the sweetest people I know! I wanted to do a little something for you, and with the "captain" name, I just kept thinking of pirates...and then Pirates...and, well, this is what I came up with. I hope you enjoy it and have a fantastic day!

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EPOV

Sweltering

Licking my lips, I taste my own sweat as I take a break, leaning against the turnstile. I run my fingers through my damp hair, doing my best not to look at him again.

It's no use.

My eyes are drawn to the new guy. Jasper.

He just started today, but he's a natural. He teases the kids, charms the old ladies… flirts with the women.

It's the last bit that has me clenching my jaw, reminding myself that he's impossible. Even if he was gay, he wouldn't want me anyway.

I'm awkward in every way, especially compared to him.