microwavelength | (no subject)

(no subject)

Luke Campbell did not do friends. He did not do family. He did not do people. He'd learned some very hard lessons when he was seventeen and then nineteen years old that you couldn't trust anyone but yourself. He hated himself too but at least he had a good reason for that. And between bouts of loathing, he also had enough fun to ride him through depressions.

He'd met Axel not too long ago. It had been an accidental run in during a robbery gone south for each of them. Luke shut off the CCTV right before Axel finished with his whole I'm An Awesome And Scary Bomber guy and unfortunately for them both, that made the whole array go off.

Microwave manipulation wasn't perfect. That much was obvious when he found himself in the basement with part of s building covering him. He didn't know why he didn't just boil Axel's blood then and there.

Or why he started following him around. Or why he showed up at his next gig. Luke cleared his throat, slipping his cell phone into his back pocket. Having control of every security camera in the city had its perks and make stalking so much easier. His smile was not kind. "We have to stop meeting like this."

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Had he gone too far? Luke frowned at the texts, still at the bar after pretty much everyone had left. He didn't have anything with him, no drink, and he wasn't really dressed for going out. He just leaned forward, scrolling through his phone and staring at it impassively.

The music came to a halt and it was quiet. Very quiet, minus a few sobs and shouts from staff trying to help the people trapped. One of the guys was definitely dead but Luke didn't really care about that.

Not his concern.

He finally did look up after rereading the same text four times. He slipped his phone back into his pocket and gazed dispassionately at Axel. The lights were up.

"I thought you liked psycho."

Axel backed up immediately, eyes set on Luke with mistrust and uncertainty. He gripped the best weapon he had, just in case this guy came at him. He knew how dangerous he could be, he'd seen it up close and personal. He had to be smart and careful if he wanted to escape this. He'd just go back to Central, hide behind the rogues and hope Mick Rory roasted him or something.

"I asked you to do one fucking thing and you couldn't even do that! You didn't even give me a fucking chance to make the decision, you jus-- you fucking killed him because of what? I didn't answer my phone fast enough? What the fuck is wrong with you?"

Well, that was a stupid question.

"Nevermind, I don't have all night. Back off, Sylar. I don't want to do this any more." Because every time they did, someone died horribly. And it was easy to get by with cops and dicks threatening him but this was nothing but jealousy.

Edited 2017-01-23 17:08 (UTC)

Axel’s speech was met with more dead eyed looks from Luke. “Why does it have to be what you want?” He didn’t think that was fair. “I’ve been doing what other people want for way too long so I’m finally doing what I want,” he frowned, pushing away from the bar. “You’re-- So I think you’re gonna stay. And we’re gonna try this out. If it doesn’t work out… Okay.”

But obviously he was going to be the deciding factor on what did and did not work, naturally.

“I’m willing to try it out though.” Luke didn’t get it. He really didn’t. “You don’t have anything to worry about. I wouldn’t hurt you.” He was pretty sure about that. He never hurt Sylar or Samuel. Or his mom. He just didn’t hurt people he cared about. Not even when they left him.

"Because what I want doesn't lead to everyone you like dying. Admittedly, smaller list but come on." He gestured around them at the absolute chaos and gave Luke a very pointed look. "This is what you want. It's always what you want, you're just unable to see an objection as anything not selfish. We go to eat where you want, you kill people want you, I don't get a say. Even now. You never gave me a chance to respond."

And now he had just lost his lay for the night, all interest in that was gone and he was feeling particularly off put by Luke. It was hard to like someone who spied on him and then followed him around and--

Oh. Okay. There was a health dose of reality given that was what Axel often did. He pulled a face and felt his stomach sink a little. Man. It really did suck to have someone in your life like that. He was so going to say sorry to his ex tonight.

"What makes you think I'm going to stay and try this? What even is this?"

Huh. Compromise. That was... A weird concept. "So. Uh we just go somewhere you want next. For dinner. Or whatever." He'd been watching those YouTube videos over the last few days. Compromise had actually come up a few times and now Luke could put it into practice. "And I won't--- I won't hurt or kill anyone." Not in front of Axel at least. He looked somewhat embarrassed. The kid had been stunted growing up evidently and had no idea how to go about dating someone.

And wasn't it still endearing? Maybe?

"I won't hurt anyone unless they try to hurt you. Is that fair?" Axel should still turn around and leave. Immediately. It might be his only chance. "We can even start over. Uh. My name is Luke. Campbell. Not Sylar. Sylar was this prick I knew. He's gone now. Alive-- just gone."

He lied about his name? So the one detail he had about this kid, besides the nuking, was a lie? Reassuring. Axel knew he should run, he didn't feel too at ease right now and he definitely wasn't appeased, he felt the desire to run and whenever he felt it ebb, he turned his head and looked at the mess to the side of him. That kid died and all because Luke was a jealous asshole? Dick move. The kind of move that he was pretty sure his dad would have pulled...

And Axel would have laughed then, Hell, he couldn't deny he'd needlessly hurt people himself. He didn't have a body count yet but he's hurt a lot of people and seen a lot of people die by now. It just didn't make this whole thing any easier.

"Luke." Huh. Seemed almost too normal for him. "You won't kill anyone else unless they try to hurt me?" He looked up and met the others eyes, trying to judge if he was bullshitting or not. "Dude, you're still fucking nuts. You still kind of killed my date. It's not this simple, you just-- you've got to ..."

What? What could he even say to explain it to him? He frowned and rubbed the back of his neck, feeling awkward. It was hard to judge when he saw a harsh reflection of his own previous behaviour being shined back in his face. "Why do you even want this? Tell me why you want to be friends and maybe I'll stick around."

Axel wasn't saying no. If he said no, Luke would probably try to get him to say yes a few more times but would have ultimately left him alone. Now, of course, there was no way Axel could know that. The only insight he had really given of his character was his quick draw on the trigger and a jealousy issue. He had more issues than that, of course, why wouldn't he, but Axel might not do much better.

Who in his life had ever told him that he would kill to protect him? Who obviously meant it? No one.

"I'm tired of being alone. I thought you might understand what that's like." It wasn't a remark meant to disparage but, yeah, it came off as a little snippy. Even if Luke's expression was fairly even. "Jesus fucking Christ dude. I don't even know, okay? I like you I guess."

It was like an extreme and painful reflection of himself, like an extreme version of him. Just as alone but not quite as bad with people. Axel always actively chased everyone he loved away getting too intense, he never understood boundaries and got too carried away. He knew he was just as bad but standing next to Luke, he looked better. Who wouldn't?

"Okay." Axel nodded his head a little and eyed the people trying to sort out the mess to the side of them, it was truly a morbid sight and he really didn't want to look at it. Every time he did, he felt sick. He knew he shouldn't even consider forgiving him. And yet.

"I don't like being alone ether. And I get it, I do." He bit his lower lip and forced himself to think about this but he just didn't seem able to. It was so much on the spot and of course, as always, he made the wrong decision. "I don't want to see you right now. Maybe tomorrow. Pizza hut, maybe."

All of these maybes did not a happy himan microwave conduit make. He scowled just a little at Axel and pulled out his phone to find the nearest Pizza Hut to the club. So far, no one was even paying attention to the two mismatched young men talking about murder. It wasn't an issue. Obviously whatever happened was an accident and even if two people were dead, half a dozen were still alive. And would be getting pretty big settlements.

Luke watched the scene for a moment and then nodded.

"Okay. Yeah. Pizza Hut. After dark. Like. Seven." He didn't tell Axel he had to show up. He just kind of hoped he did.

The day before the 'date', Luke stole some new clothes and killed an old lady with too many cats (all of which were stuck out into the hallway) so he could use her shower and her wifi. He wasn't sure why he was getting spiffed up, but he did put some thought and product into his hair before he went out to sit at the Pizza Hut and tapped into the traffic and security cams to see if Axel was on his way or not.

Axel wasn't going to show up originally, he debated leaving town but he pissed away a lot of his money on booze and a last minute ticket wasn't cheap so he had no idea how to flee the city without getting nuked. Promised or not, he didn't buy it. He argued with himself over going, he paced around the room, had one minor panic attack, what was left of his whiskey and finally, he left his apartment and went.

He was about ten minutes late but at least he showed.

Dropping into the seat opposite Luke, he looked at him and paused, slowly raising his eyebrow. "Hey." He looked nice. Fancier. His clothes were a little nicer and his hair was more textured around, as if he'd put more effort into it. It was oddly endearing. He hated that it was too, he was a dumb sucker. "Sorry I'm late."

Luke gave a shrug as if there was nothing wrong with being late. He had t been angry. Or sad. He might have been a little disappointed and he was thinking that he might go back to tagging along on mischief nights with Axel in a week or two if he didn't come, but he had t even started in on the pizza that just arrived to sit between two tall red plastic cups and shakers of red pepper flakes and parm cheese.

"Didn't know what you like so I got everything." Including anchioves. "I'll pick off whatever is gross."

He'd eat anything honestly. Anythibg at all. His chin rested in his palm as he watched Axel for a minute or two. What had the video told him to do? Oh. Compliment. "You look okay. Uh. Nice. I guess."

"I do?" He didn't feel he did. He was kind of hung over, he didn't sleep and all he'd done today was shower and throw on some clothes. He was wearing yesterday's jeans and a ripped shirt, something he claimed was punk but was mostly because he usually wore clothes until they fell apart to save money. Shopping was a lot of effort when you were technically a wanted man. "Thanks? You look pretty smart yourself. Nice hair."

He smirked a little and reached out, grabbing his soda as he eyed the toppings with curiosity. He was apparently looking to share. Cute. He liked it. He seemed to really be trying? Maybe this would work out. Or end with him dying horribly... he hoped not that but it was hard to tell.

"I can eat anything. I spend most of my youth doing pretty much that." Crashing at people's places and eating whatever they'd give him. "Thanks though. For ordering."

Emulating people who actually possessed feelings was a little weird. He'd been watching this teenage couple at the table towards the front for awhile now. She was flirty and he was stand offish but he did pick off the green peppers for her when she said they were gross. And he said her top was nice. So Luke was going with that. They were sort of play fighting now about something at school... He tried to ignore them. They were no longer of use to him. Normally he would make the pizza grease explode in their faces for fun but he was trying something else out.

He shrugged at Axel's comment and then tried nodded. "I mean you always look pretty good... Uh and I used this hair wax stuff. I don't know." He ran his hand through his hair and it made it look more wild. That suited him even better. He decided not to inform Axel how he had gotten the money for their dinner, though. He just tried to keep it as cool as possible right now.

And that was difficult.

"Shit I don't know how to small talk, man. Like asking how your day was? Do you care how mine was? And I suppose to care what you did today? Like when we aren't together what does it matter?"

Axel had to laugh, he couldn't help it. This was pretty fucking entertaining and given all the shit that Luke had put him through in this past twenty four hours? He fucking earned this moment. "You're cute." He offered, unable to help himself as he sat back and appreciated his disarrayed hair and social panic. Crossing his arms, he sprawled out a little, feeling considerably less freaked.

How could he be freaked by this?

"Dude, I never asked for small talk. I asked for you to not kill my dates. And to respect me when I tell you fucking no. And I told you no and you did it anyway. It pissed me off. That was it." He held up his hands, knowing he has to clarify here before his 'friend' had a mental break down. "Luke, man, relax. Be you. Don't be them. I like you plenty fine as you are, this is just weird. It's nice you give a shit every now and again but don't change or force small talk. No one likes small talk."

He shrugged his shoulders and slid the shaker with red pepper flakes in it over to Luke. "I don't like red pepper flakes. Melt it. Or whatever. Nuke it. Save me from the gross food."

Huh. Do him. Luke wasn't sure what he was or who he was. He'd been trying to be other people for awhile now, long enough at least to know better. He was a little put off, like he was being s bad date, but then Axel offered him an olive branch.

"Glass melts," he grinned. Yep. Full teeth and everything. He set the shaker down and held his hand over it. It wasn't something he had to do, he'd gotten very good at directing his ability, but it made a little show as the glass turned to goo and sopped up the flakes.

His eyes actually dazzled. He did love his powers.

It was unsettling to a degree but Axel was pretty used to that kind of crazy so instead of finding it too weird, he found himself laughing himself. When people weren't graphically dying in front of him, it was a lot more fun. Bouncing a little, he leaned forward and watched the way it kind of spread out slowly around the table. It was kind of cool.

"We should melt and/or nuke more things I hate."

He liked that. Romantic. He snorted in amusement and sat back, taking a slice of pizza and taking a bit out of it. "So how lightly can you use your powers? Like how gentle can you burn or is it all like full force face melty horror?"

"Still got that burn?" Because that should tell Axel how precise he could be. "I can do individual popcorn kernels too," he replied. He never got to talk about what he could do these days. People were always out looking for him, he was in too many lists. It was why he lived like a transient in the homes of other people. Why he didn't bother with a job. Why he was so lonely really.

He didn't want to get cut open. That would ruin his day.

"I use to kinda do this act at a carnival. Like kids would buy magic bags of kernels and i would say some magic words and make them shake the bag." He might have been a better person if he stayed there longer. He might have gotten over his love of killing if he had fell in love with making kids happy.

He didn't now though.

"But fuck yeah. What else do you hate?"

"Oh yeah." He pulled his shirt up to show his burn, still very much there. "I like it, it works for me. Even if it was a dick move, I don't know. Kinda hot." He winked and dropped the shirt, leaning forward again as he ate his pizza. He was considering what he hated that much that he could burn it. Sometimes it took thought when you had such a broad spectrum. It was complicated. "Give me time to think about it."

If all this guy needed was to nuke stuff and have a little company then Axel could do that. Maybe he could reign in this crazy a little. Worth a shot, right?

"You used to work at the carnival? Badass! I did a summer job at the one in Central for ages, I did the pyrotechnics with another guy. Fireworks and everything. I fucking love fireworks." Of course he did, they just big explosions. And anything that blew up was pretty to Axel. "I'm also a balloon artist."

He paused, frowning a little. "What happens if you nuke a balloon?"

Maybe someone else without carnival or circus experience would look down on a little balloon art, and maybe, normally, Luke would too, but this was all for trying to be less of a murderous asshole and more accommodating. He finally had a slice of pizza, sort of lamenting the red pepper flakes for a moment before he just doubled the parm cheese and had at his snowy winter pizza. Anchovies and all. Not that you could tell what was on there.

"Never nuked a balloon. If it's like a marshmallow, maybe it expands and then bursts? Dunno." He sort of liked that they had a little bit of the same background though. It made him feel more together. Like there was a connection.

It was important to him to do this right. Any more time alone and he'd start talking to himself. Or starting a blog.

Or just sit on a roof and murder everyone that passed by.

"We'll find some cool things to nuke. That way you won't have to make boring small talk with me. Or kill my sure things."

He took a drink from his pepsi and pulled back, looking at Luke curiously because he had so many questions and while he didn't usually like to provoke, he kind of felt like he had to. Given this kept happening and he needed to understand it. "So the guy you killed yesterday? The one I planned to hook up with? Were you watching me the whole time... why didn't you just let me get rid of him?"

He wasn't getting angry or anything, he was trying to keep it easy. He was naturally wondering.

"I just want to prevent future incidents. Cause you know I do that a lot, right? I hook up with dudes. It's not like I'm going to call them again or fall in love. I don't do that. I just like to fuck."

"I wasn't aiming to kill anyone." There. Luke Campbell just told the truth. The guy was pretty much guaranteed to never tell the truth unless it was about his abilities and that was way more like bragging anyway. Actual truth, first about his name and then about this, was sort of one of those really amazing things. "If I was, I would have done it my way. I like my way. I was just trying to keep him from going home with you."

Luke finished his pizza as if that was a normal thing to say. As if he could get away with jealousy murder any night of the week. Was that still endearing, Axel?

"I don't want you having sex with the dirty ones. You can do better."

"... Dude, no, that's not cool! I can go home with whoever I want to. You can't come along like some jealous asshole and kill my flings. That's a dick move." Axel tried to clarify because jealous murdering of his fuck buddies? That's going to be a problem. Axel was a horny little fucker and he liked sex. A lot. He wasn't about t cut back or stop. He ran his fingers through his hair and groaned a little. No, it wasn't overly endearing.

"He wasn't dirty, I'm pretty sure he's a closet case, probably his first time with a guy. Seems all strong and powerful. I like that. He said some beautifully dirty things in my ear, that could have gone so well." He smirked to himself a little, getting kind of derailed in his moment of appreciation.

Still, he refocused. "I can do better. And I will. A lot. So don't play the jealous act again or we're over."

"We aren't a we. If we were a we, you wouldn't want to fuck every single damned guy you see!" Despite all of his crazy, Luke had been raised Catholic by a mother that had put up with all sorts of terribly things from his father. Was Luke monogamous? Probably. He'd never actually had sex with anyone so he wouldn't know. He came close to it once after getting really drunk, but it turned out that the girl didn't really like being burned. She'd sctuslly been screaming-- That was no good.

It still really annoyed him, to even think about Axel splitting time with someone else. Bulky, meatheaded idiots shouldn't get to touch him. Pansy ass shot boys shouldn't get to touch him either.

But he was compromising. Or trying to. Luke was still a selfish prick.

"Just-- Dude. Whatever. Just don't talk about it."

"I mean we as friends. Relax, I'm not implying anything. I'm not hitting on you." Axel clarified because honestly, he had no idea what was going on with Luke. Was he gay? No idea. Maybe. He seemed a little too into him sometimes. It was unique. Axel didn't want to push too much on anything though so it was best to be clear there. "I'm just saying, I don't really date but I do like to sleep around. It's not like I'm going to run away with one of those guys and ditch you. I don't do that. Dating. I'm really bad at it."

Which was an understatement. Axel had once burnt his own name in a boyfriends carpet as a romantic gesture. He was always up and down mood wise and whenever he hit manic peaks, he did some really dumb stuff.

"I get obsessive. And weird. And try to plant bombs in their new best friends apartments because suddenly they're all about them and they fucking forgot about me like I'm fucking nothing or somethig." Axel ranted, clearly talking about someone else as his fist slammed down into the table in a sudden burst of anger. He caught himself though, easing up a little.

Compared to Luke, he handled himself better but among normals? He was just as fucked. "Yeah, sorry. We won't talk about it. Just -- don't kill people I'm around any more."

"So this isn't a date." He had gone blank and emotionless again. That smile he'd had talking about himself seemed to have passed away into the wind of nothingness.

He half chewed, half pushed down another slice of pizza before he drained his drink and poured himself another from the plastic pitcher on the end of the table.

He'd told Axel he didn't do dates. And he didn't do friends. And now he was getting one of those things confirmed and it was just ruining his night.

"I don't have a carpet for you to burn your name into," Luke offered, as if suddenly that made him boyfriend material.