Elisabeth Fiorelli had bonded with Wo-Chein, a harbinger of Hoenn's impending ruination.

That was the singular thought that had consumed Felix's week. That was the fact that ran his mind numb with poisonous thoughts that left the body aching. That was the very reality that pulsated this grand sweeping heat both up and down his spine, filling his head with hot air.

So, when he came pounding on Illeana's door, it was not to bare flowers or gifts or sweet niceties. It was to distract himself and his unraveling mind; to focus on someone, something far removed from this primordial fear that hell was starting to rise from the graves of Petalburg City's Cemetery.

"Hey," he greeted with a simple hand wave before clicking the door close behind him. Heavy footsteps carried the SPECTRA agent down the small apartment, where he would swoop in and press a kiss on the top of his girlfriend's hair. "I've missed you."

illeana reyes

"Good, yeah."

It wasn't. From the way he immediately pulled away to the way his eyes averted from hers, it was obvious afflictions were pulling his mind apart.

To someone who'd based their entirety on projection, the crippling realization of loss was not one to overcome in a night. Or even two.

Still, he tried his best here. If anyone could distract him, it would be illeana reyes.

"And you?"

illeana reyes

Preoccupied was the understatement of the century.

He was tired, overworked, and now dying from anxiety. But he'd never admit as much.

Rather, a shot of frustration flared deep inside himself - he came to see Illeana to avoid talks of work, not to revel in it. All he wanted was to lay at her side, bury his head in her lap, and feel the soft graze of her fingers stroking every curl on his head. Or to watch another stupid movie together, where her soft chuckles would bounce off his chest, and he could just stare at her reactions, watching every rise and fall without interruptions.

But, instead, he got this.

"I'm not."

Rough edges studded his tone. Crossed arms and avoidant eyes painted the rest of the picture.

illeana reyes

Why was she being like this?

Why was she always like this?

Exasperation is subtle in the way it crossed his expression, finding a home in the shadows of his eyes, the line of his jaw. He was like the rising sun breaking through the clouds of yesterday; she'd see more when she didn't look directly

"I'm not avoiding you, illie."

His voice neared a low growl. Frustrations are reaching a boiling point.

"Why would I even avoid you?

illeana reyes

"I've been busy."

Distant was a word used to disparage. To say effort wasn't being placed into something of importance.

A rough statement to make when all his life was dedicated to someone, something of importance.

Whether it be her, rocket, SPECTRA, August Gallagher, Elisabeth Fiorelli - his worth only amounted to the work he provided. To the efforts he placed in fulfilling his roles to each title that struck his name.

"Is that so wrong? Can I not be busy?"

illeana reyes

"Of course I've missed you!"

There it was. The explosion.

Heat trickled off from the shoulder, pooling down below. It was frightening how quickly he was gobbled up by himself. How fast a spark bleeds into an inferno.

"Do you think I'm lying when I say it?"

Did you not trust me, his lips wanted to scream.

Because Elisabeth Fiorelli didn't trust him. She didn't trust him, or rocket, or any of those kept around her, and now look at where she is. Swallowed up and forced into the role of a puppet.-top:1px solid #232323;padding-left:20px;padding-top:20px;text-align:justify;"]

illeana reyes

"Because I have work, Illie?"

Incredulity tore at his features, ripping apart what was previously held together by mere threads. Reality had worn at him these past couple of weeks, and it was in this moment of peace he'd sought comfort, not conflict.

But there was no escaping conflict. It followed him like a shadow, always one step behind, creeping over his shoulders.

"What do you want me to do? Quit? Would that make you happy?"

illeana reyes