A light rain had started to fall as Haze made her way to Blur’s last known address. She had left the others to decide where they were going, Blur was not seen as a threat she couldn’t handle. As she reached the narrow apartment building she was glad to find an awning to stand under. She looked at the door and realised she was going to have to buzz in.
Haze found the button for number 6 and pushed it. There was silence for a moment then a static crackle. “Yeah,†was all that the male voice said.
Haze pushed the button to speak, “Hi I’m looking for Alex.â€Â
“And who are you?†Came the response.
“I’m Kaylene West, I went to…†she started to say but the door suddenly opened. Taking her finger off the button Haze quickly went inside. “That was rather easy,†she commented to herself.
After checking the apartment numbers Haze made her way upstairs as she reached the second floor she saw Alex, also know as Blur, standing in his own doorway waiting for her. “Long time no see,†he said as he looked her up and down.
“That’s for sure,†Haze replied as she made her way towards him.
“So to what do I owe the honour?†Alex said with a puzzling smile.
Haze raised a brow then chuckled, “Don’t worry I haven’t come here to hit you again.â€Â
“Oh that, I must have done something to deserve that.†Alex said with a touch of annoyance in his tone.
“You weren’t serious, it had to have been a dare.†Haze said in response as she adjusted her scarf.
“Really? You think so?†He asked and a most interesting look passed over his face. Haze suddenly wished that Vandal had come with her. She could have told her what he was thinking.
“Can I come in?†Haze asked feeling a little exposed in the corridor.
Alex looked a little agitated, “Oh sorry, yes please come in.†He stood back so Haze could walk into his apartment.
Haze moved forward and was greeted with a warm room. She immediately loosened her scarf and felt Alex’s hands on her shoulders.
“May I take your coat?†he asked sounding rather gruff.
“Sure,†Haze replied as she shifted to ease the coat off.
She wore a dark purple knitted top and a pair of black jeans with her favourite ankle-high boots. The woollen scarf around her neck was sky blue, she unlooped it so it hung down to her knees, detracting from the silver belt at her waist.
“Please take a seat,†Alex said as he indicated to the sofa.
Haze sat down on the two-seater and looked around the room. It was fairly plain and Haze suspected that Alex lived alone.
“Would you like something to drink? Tea or Coffee?†He asked looking somewhat nervous.
“A coffee would be great,†Haze said as she leant back into the sofa.
“Still white with one sugar?†Alex asked as he moved towards the back of the room.
“Yeah,†Haze said feeling rather surprised that he remembered. It had to have been over ten years since she’d seen him, let alone had coffee with him. “I’m surprised you remembered.â€Â
Alex didn’t answer until he came back with two mugs of coffee. “I ah, I remember because you take your coffee the same as my sister.â€Â
Haze nodded as she took the mug from him. His explanation was believable however the way he said it was not so convincing. She shook her head as if to clear her thoughts. “I guess you’re wondering why I am here.â€Â
“The thought had crossed my mind,†Alex replied as he took a sip from his mug.
“You’ve probably noticed that I’m in league with other supers now. I finally chose a side,†she started.
“Yeah I hear you’ve taken the name of Haze,†Alex said as he watched her over the rim of his coffee mug. “You’re also dating the metal man.â€Â
Haze nodded but felt uncomfortable under Alex’s scrutinising eyes, “Yes I am seeing Chromium. But that’s not what I’m here to talk about. Have you seen the news lately about national monuments being destroyed?â€Â
Alex raised a brow, “I have. I have also noticed that a lightening wielding super villain has been responsible for it. Is that why you’re here?â€Â
Haze could see he was growing angry, but he deserved the truth. “Yes I thought you might be able to give me some leads.â€Â
“No you’ve come here to see if I did it,†Alex said as he placed his coffee mug down.
Alex was on his feet. Haze mimicked his motion and also stood. “You think so little of me?†Alex said as he made his way towards her.
Haze took a step backward but Alex moved in on her. “That’s not true, you were one of three likely suspects. I wanted to make sure you weren’t the culprit.â€Â
Alex continued stalking towards her until she was backed up against a wall. “You always thought the worst of me, Kaylene.â€Â
“That’s not true,†Haze replied as she realised she had no more space to move.
Alex placed his hands on the wall on either side of Haze’s head and moved closer. “It is the truth. You said it yourself. You thought that when I asked you out I’d only do it on a dare. You were wrong, very wrong, just as you are now. I did not have anything to do with the destruction of those monuments.â€Â
Haze blinked as she watched him, his face was very close to hers and she could see that he was telling the truth. “Okay I believe you,†she said quietly.
Alex’s hands dropped back to his sides and he moved away slightly but not enough for Haze to feel comfortable. “So what do we do now?†Alex asked as he watched her with an unreadable look on his face.
“I guess I need to move on to the next suspect,†Haze said feeling a little rattled.
“So you’re out of the door and out of my life again without a backward glance,†Alex said as he ran a frustrated hand through his dark hair.
“You make it sound like we were more than just acquaintances,†Haze said in her defence.
“You were more than an acquaintance to me,†Alex said looking at her meaningfully.
Haze swallowed, this was getting complicated way too fast. “I already have someone special in my life,†Haze told as she thought of Chromium.
Alex lifted her left hand, “You’re not married though.â€Â
“No but that doesn’t mean our relationship isn’t serious,†Haze said in response. Her hackles were rising.
“Perhaps, but it also means that I still have a chance,†Alex said as he moved back so Haze could reach her coat.
“A chance at what?†Haze said growing increasingly annoyed. “I am committed to Chromium. I’m not about to leave him.â€Â
Alex shrugged as he put his own jacket on, “We’ll see. In the meantime I intend to prove my innocence and if that means following you around, then so be it.â€Â
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It was like thousands of voices cried out for a sequel and were suddenly silenced...