Not For a Second

“I don’t trust them,” Aaron spoke up as the trio headed home.

“You said that rather quickly,” Campbell responded.

“It’s true. I don’t trust anyone I can’t read.”

“You can’t read me.” Campbell offered.

“No, I choose not to read you. Major difference,” Aaron frowned.

“Have you never experienced this before?” Miche asked.

“Never. I’m sure there are people with natural mental blocks, but that’s not what was going on with either of them,” Aaron asked.

“What do you think is going on then?” asked Campbell.

“I think I’m actually being shut out…” Aaron lowered his head. They were all quiet until they left to go to their own homes.

For a couple of days, there was no sight of the twins. Aaron, Miche, and Campbell could not figure out how they showed up or where they came from. Aaron knew that he and Miche weren’t the only metahumans in their vicinity, but it still struck him that not only would two people show up to help them, but that he could not read either of their minds. His mind was heavy for a couple of days, in which he did not speak unless he absolutely had to. By the third day, he was finally coming out of his funk.

“So what do we do about them?” he asked Campbell as they sat on the couch together.

“About--- Oh.” Campbell realized who Aaron was talking about. Aaron slowly nodded his head to confirm. “Have they been the only things you’ve thought about lately?”

“Well, I thought about you long enough to come over here,” Aaron shrugged.

“And eat my food…” Campbell said under his breath.

“One, you invited me,” Aaron raised his nose, “But, two… Campbell, I don’t know what to do…”

Campbell pulled him close. “It’s okay. A lot of this stuff is new for all of us. Think of me, powerless while you and Miche fight people trying to kill you.”

“Future Blink isn’t.”

“That’s a very good point. Do we know why yet?”

“Well, if time is linear and directly affected by the past, he’s probably thankful we saved his life.”

“I think it’s more than that.”

Aaron had to sit and think for a moment. Campbell was right: Future Blink had shown up numerous times from the future and had done nothing but mutter a couple of sentences to him. Maybe there was a bigger picture.

“Maybe it has something to do with Captain,” Aaron offered.

“I never thought of that…” Campbell sat back. “Breaker did seem pretty hesitant to fight you.”

“Rouge, the Smirker, and Golem did not though.”

“And Future Blink has shown up to spirit them away each time.”

“Think he could be working with all of them?”

“I’m not sure. He is in some capacity, yes, but he has some kind of control over time. There’s a reason he isn’t doing anything to you. Powers on that scale could do some damage.”

“Really happy he’s on our side.”

“Me, too,” Campbell leaned down to kiss Aaron. “Not a fan of time displaced boyfriends.”

Aaron smiled, happy to have Campbell’s support and love.

“Aaron.”

“Did you hear that?” he turned to Campbell.

“What?”

“Aaron, it’s me!” Miche’s voice sounded in his head.

“What the crap?! Do you have telepathy now, too?!” Aaron yelled.

“A bit loud…” Campbell raised an eyebrow.

“Whatever.” Aaron winked.

“I really was just thinking to you. Apparently we’re connected.” Miche said.
“Really now?” Aaron asked. “Maybe we’ve been doing this a lot.” He looked to Campbell, unsure as to why they were unable to communicate like that.

“Maybe. Anyway, I’ve been thinking about what you said.” Miche began.

“Yeah?” Aaron waited.

“I think we should trust the twins.” She responded.

“ABSOLUTELY NOT!” Aaron thought to her. His face was twisted in a stern expression of anger.

“Aaron…?” Campbell moved back.

“She wants us to trust the twins,” Aaron said, his voice stern.

“I actually think we should, too,” Campbell shrugged.

“Not even cool…” Aaron brought Campbell into the telepathic conversation.

“They saved our lives,” Miche said.

“Their powers are very useful, especially considering it’s just been you and Miche thus far,” Campbell added.

“I don’t trust anyone I can’t read,” Aaron replied.

“But this has never happened before, right?” Miche asked.

“Yeah, but…” Aaron had to agree.

“Maybe it’s worth a try,” Campbell said.

“You guys didn’t feel that energy. Something about the twins, especially James, isn’t right.” Aaron pleaded his case.

“I understand that—“ Miche started.

“No, you don’t. These abilities come with added stuff. Stuff I can’t explain.” Aaron shook his head.

“Aaron, they may be able to help us. Help you,” Campbell took Aaron’s hand. Aaron tried to hold back his tears. He felt betrayed and cornered, all at once.

“I’m scared…” Aaron said out loud. He looked into Campbell’s eyes. He still refused to read his mind, but he could still see everything he needed to.

“It’s good to know that you’re scared. I was worried,” Campbell gave a small laugh. “But they may be able to keep you safe and keep you from using so much energy to fight people.”

“What exactly are you guys talking about?” Miche asked.

“It’s nothing,” Aaron gave a slight smile to Campbell.

“Doesn’t feel like nothing…” Miche said.

“That is exactly what I’m talking about, the added stuff. Just imagine actually having these abilities.” Aaron responded.

“Point taken, but mine stands.” Miche said, resolute.

“Mine, too,” Campbell added. “I want to keep you safe.”

Aaron sighed. “Okay. But I don’t need a protector.” He began to smile.

“We know that…” Miche and Campbell thought simultaneously.

“Still, I like you, so I want to make sure you’re as safe as possible. We’re dealing with dangerous people.” Miche said.

“Then I’ll go along with it. But, just trust me on this, okay?”

“Okay,” Miche replied. Campbell nodded. “I’ll see you both later,” Miche said before she cut off communication.

Aaron and Campbell sat in silence for a moment, before Aaron broke the silence with, “I love you.”

“I love you, too,” Campbell smiled and kissed him again. “I’ll protect you…” he thought to himself, hoping Aaron didn’t hear.

Yet, he did; he just pretended he hadn’t heard it and gave Campbell a smile.