I guess this is the best place to put this. Thought I would put this up over here since I had all my other stuff here. Here's a little back story, not that you really need it, but still... Ok, this fic was inspired by Dominic Monaghan's character in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. His character is Bradley/Bolt and he can control electricity. The main character in my fic is Cassie, a character I created myself. Hope you enjoy! Oh, the title for the fic comes from "Somewhere Only We Know" by Keane.
Chapter One: Carnival Mystery
Cassie was driving in to work early on a Thursday morning. She felt a shiver run down her spine as she pulled to a stop at the light and sipped her coffee. A couple of large vehicles rolled by in front of her. She hardly paid attention until she felt that shiver. Looking up, Cassie saw a line of large, old trucks push through the thick early morning fog. The paint on the side of them was chipped and worn, but from what she could tell, they were carnival trucks.
She watched them rumble by, falling into a bit of a trance as she wondered where they were headed to. The light turned, but Cassie was still lost in her trance. The car behind her blew its horn and she jumped, pressing on the gas and quickly driving away. She shook her head, wondering what in the world had drawn her into that trance. The rest of the day at work she kept thinking about those trucks and the fog that seemed to float around them.
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Cassie had had a rough week at work. She was riding down in the elevator, a frown firmly planted on her face until it jerked to a stop two floors from her destination. She grumbled to herself thinking she was almost out of here, ready to start her weekend, when the doors slid open and her best friend popped in with a grin.
"Hey Cassie," her friend chirped, in an exceptionally good mood as the doors closed behind her.
"Hey Meghan," Cassie said, managing a small smile for her friend. "What's got you in such a good mood?" But before Meghan could answer, the elevator door slid open and their friend Krystal popped in.
Hey guys, Krystal said, sounding even worse off than Cassie.
Hey, Meghan and Cassie replied in unison. So Meghan said grinning. To answer your question Cassie, what has me in such a good mood is its Friday and the carnival is in town. She grinned like the cat that ate the canary, leaving Krystal and Cassie confused.
Isnt that for kids? Krystal asked, sounding more like their mother than their friend per usual.
Ohthe carnival. Well, I really do like carnivals, Cassie said thinking back on how drawn she had felt to the carnival trucks just a few days ago.
Meghans eyes twinkled. Carnival it is then! An hour from now we meet at Cassies house.
My house? Why my house? Cassie asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Because you're closest," Meghan replied simply.
"Ok, fine, whatever," Cassie said, still thinking on her reaction to those trucks. "My house in an hour," she said as the door to the elevator opened again and they all got off.
After a short drive home and a quick shower, Cassie slipped into a pair of jeans and red short sleeve shirt along with her comfy pair of Vans. She knew she would get fed shit for wearing them later, but they were so comfortable that she didnt care. She finished drying her hair and slipped on her usual assortment of bracelets and rings along with her favorite silver watch and earrings. Cassie settled on the couch to watch some TV while she waited for the other two to arrive. Flipping through the channels, something caught her eye. It was an advertisement for the carnival.
She was so drawn in by the commercial that she didnt hear her Meghan come in the door.
Hey girlwhatcha watching? Meghan said walking up behind the couch.
Cassie jumped and turned around. Good grief woman, you scared me to death.
Yeah well, if you hadnt had your nose stuck in the TV screen, you might have heard me come in, Meghan smirked. She was just about to ask what Cassie had been watching when Krystal walked through the door.
Okay guys, are we going or not? Krystal asked, looking a bit uncomfortable still at the whole idea.
Yeahsurelet me get my jacket, Cassie said giving the TV one last glance. She couldnt figure out what it was about the carnival that kept pulling her in, but she was even more interested to go now and figure out what it was.
The girls all piled into Meghans car and drove to the carnival. The mood in the car was one of silliness and fun and Krystal had finally decided to let go and have fun. Cassie was happy to be able to relax with her best friends after a long hard week at work. Before long, they had parked and were making their way onto the carnival grounds. Cassie felt a buzz in the air, but couldnt put her finger on just what it was.
They stopped at the ticket booth, buying plenty of tickets before walking over to a food booth. Im starving, Cassie said looking over the selection of carnival foods. She frowned a bit then chose a hotdog and Coke.
Meghan and Krystal both got corndogs and the trio headed for an open picnic table. "Well ladies, what to first?" Cassie asked, looking around them. "How about the carousel or ferris wheel?"
Meghan shrugged. "Either's fine with me so long as we do it all. I'm here to have a good time and that's what we're going to do," she said finishing off her corndog.
Krystal still looked a bit unsure as she checked out the scene around her. Cassie finished up her hotdog then stood up and nudged her toward the carousel. "Come on, loosen up. Let's have some fun."
The girls rode the carousel at least a half a dozen times along with the ferris wheel just as many times. And after various games and such they headed for the Fun House which gave them all quite the scare. After leaving there in a slightly scared, giggly bunch they spilled out into the game area.
A flash of light caught Cassie's eye and she stopped, turning around to see what it was as that tingly feeling grew inside of her again. There sat a man, looked to be about her age, looking bored and lonely too. He was flipping a light on and off lazily, almost without paying attention. She moved closer, a curious expression on her face. He seemed lost in a trance, not even noticing her.
It gave her a moment to fully take in his appearance. He wore a brightly colored plaid jacket with a printed shirt and t-shirt underneath. His hair was buzzed really short and his eyes were wide and a dark, lovely blue.
Meghan realized Cassie wasnt with them and turned around seeing her and walking over toward her. She looked at the guy and asked him, seeing his sign that said 3 tries for $1, So what am I trying to do?
Hello, he said snapped out of his almost trance. Try to turn the light off, he said, taking his hand off the switch.
Cassie smiled at him as she stepped forward. There was something about him that put her at ease, something about his voice. Ill give it a try, she said, stepping in front of him and handing him a dollar.
He looked up at her and smiled, his blue eyes sparkling. Go ahead, he said nodding at her. Their fingers brushed slightly as he took the money. Cassie could have sworn she felt the tingles rush through her fingers as they brushed together.
Cassie flipped the switch and nothing happened. She tilted her head and looked at him again, trying to figure out how the light was working.
I can do it, Meghan said, reaching over and unplugging the light. But still nothing happened.
He grinned at them cheekily. Thats two tries ladies.
Oh good grief, Krystal said, annoyed. Here, Ill do it. She leaned over and unscrewed the light, taking it out of the socket. But still it stayed lit. Krystal jumped and dropped the light, causing it to shatter. Howwhat kind of trick was that?
Its not a trick, mate, he said with a smirk.
Cassies jaw had dropped as the unattached light had stayed lit. He couldnt be, could he? She thought to herself. Cassie stuck her hand out. Impressive, she said, reaching for his hand to shake it. My name is Cassie Walker. Whats yours?
Bradley, he said, shaking her hand with a smile. Chris Bradley.
As their hands touched, she felt the tingles intensify and multiply like wildfire. She knew with 100% certainty now. He was a mutant just like her.
The next couple of weeks went by in a blur. Cassie found herself going to the carnival over and over again sometimes with her friends and sometimes by herself. She would show up and wander around for a bit before making her way to the back of the game area where Bradley was. They would chat and tease each other, but she never told him she was a mutant. She didnt like talking about it honestly, neither of her close friends knew and it was something she would rather stay hidden even though she found comfort in the fact that Bradley was one as well. Maybe at some point shed be able to confide in him.
She realized now that the tingles and shivers she got from the carnival were because of Bradley. It had been her mutant sensing power kicking in. It wasnt something she felt very often, usually she had to be close to or touching someone to feel it. But she now knew thats what it was. Bradley didnt talk about being a mutant either giving her the feeling he was in hiding, so she didnt let on that she knew. He was a really sweet guy with quite the sense of humor and she had developed quite the crush on him. She knew when the carnival left town, he would too, but she was enjoying his company in the meantime.
It was late and Cassie knew she had to head home. The carnival was closing down for the night. She said goodbye to Bradley reluctantly and watched him head toward his trailer. Once she saw him slip inside, she turned and headed toward her car. Lightning streaked across the sky and the thunder rolled loudly. She felt a tingle spread through her body, but this was different than she had felt with Bradley. This quite honestly, scared her. Cassie could feel the hairs standing up on the back of her neck. She looked around her quickly, but didnt see anything until she turned back around and looked at her car. A large, dark figure was standing in the shadows.
Mymywhat do we have here? the figure asked, slowly gliding into the light. He was huge, dressed all in black with a flowing black coat, with heavy sideburns and long pointed fingernails.
Cassie took a stumbling step back towards her car. She gasped as he smirked at her, revealing his pointed fangs. Her brain was screaming at her to run away, but her legs wouldnt move. He took another step towards her, growling low and backing her against the car. She knew there was only one way out of this and as much as she hated to do it, she closed her eyes, bit her lip, and used her other mutant power.
In a flash, her human form was gone and in her place sat a small scared black cat sitting in the middle of the clothes she had been wearing. Her attacker growled louder and lunged at her. A heavy rain started to pour down from the sky. Cassie took off, running faster than she ever had in her entire life, slipping and sliding through the rain. He was hot on her heels and so close to overtaking her. Her heart was pounding like mad in her chest. The rain was so heavy she could barely see.
Finally she saw her escape. She slipped under a patch of brambles, the thorns tearing at her flesh and fur, running until she couldnt go any further into the brambles. Cassie heard a loud roar of frustration and then watched through the brambles as the mutant who had been chasing her began tearing and beating at her car, leaving it a pile of wreckage. He glared at the brambles one last time and took off back into the shadows.
Cassie sat, cold, wet, and still in the form of a cat, shivering in the brambles. She had to do somethinghad to get out of the rain and into somewhere safe. But her car was demolished and it was too far to walk home, even in feline form. Then she remembered seeing Bradley go into his trailer. She was pretty sure she could find it quickly. At least she would be warm, dry, and safe in there. She took a deep breath and darted back through the brambles, whimpering as they tore at her flesh and fur all over again. Quickly finding Bradleys trailer, it was hard to mistake with all the glowing light bulbs hanging outside of it, she stood on her haunches and began beating at the door with her tiny paws.
Bradley had poured himself a drink and sunk onto the couch, relaxing after another long day at the carnival. His trailer was full of tiny mechanical toys with many light bulbs hanging from the ceiling. He amused himself by waving his hand and setting them into motion, grinning at the display of movement and lights. He heard the storm begin outside and thought of Cassie, hoping she would make it home before it got bad. He smiled at the thought of Cassie. That was one bird that had definitely turned his head. He really liked her, but didnt push things knowing before long he would have to move along to another city with the carnival. Bradley jumped at what he thought was a horrid crash of thunder as the rain began to pour down harder.
He got up and walked back over to the counter to refill his drink. As he was headed back to the couch, he heard something beating against his door. Bollocks! What the.? he muttered to himself as he opened the door jumping back as a streak of black fur ran past him into the middle of the room. Bradley shut the door and turned around confused as to what had just happened. Oh no you dont you little bugger, he said shaking his head as he stepped forward to pick up the cat. He paused for the briefest moment noting the odd deep blue eyes peering up at him, they almost seemed human.
His momentary pause gave Cassie the break she needed in order to not get thrown out on her wet, pointed ear. She took off down the small hallway and quickly, finding his bedroom, jumped up onto the bed, immediately retreating beneath the covers. Bradley was right behind her, cursing under his breath at the thought of a wet stray cat crawling beneath his sheets. But before he could reach for the small lump under the sheets that lump quickly became large and human shaped. Cassie pulled the covers up around her tightly, covering her now naked body and peered out over the edge of them at Bradley.
Bloody hell! he exclaimed, taking a staggering step backwards.
Ummmhey, Cassie said, her face turning a deep shade of pink.
I've written a little on Chapter 3 of Somewhere to Begin, but it's coming slowly, so I decided to work on something to go along with the fic in hopes of feeding my writing muse. I found another screen cap of Bradley from the movie and found a picture of "my" Cassie. When I wrote Cassie as turning into a black cat, I knew she had to have dark black hair as well. I also wanted her to have bold blue eyes in cat form so she would be visibly different from other cats...more humanlike. The idea of her with blue eyes and dark black hair immediately made me think of flashblack Claire. And since I wanted her to be petite and quite tiny as well, Emilie's frame works perfectly. So, I played around with a couple of pictures and without further ado....I give you Cassie and Bradley. Hope you like. :)
I love the character Cassie. I would love to know more about her backstory and of course Bradleys! He is so mysterious and I can just imagine him standing in the shadows all handsome playing with the light. I loved how you turned the end of chapter one. I so wasn't expecting to hear she's a mutant too! And what an interesting power. I can't wait to see it in more action. And what's with the evil guy? I must know more! I got so into it! Can't wait for the next installment!
Bradley's eyes just about popped out of his head. "Oi!...Hey yourself." He shook his head thinking maybe he was hallucinating. The woman he had been developing feelings for had suddenly appeared naked in his bed and not only that but she was evidently a mutant like him.
"Ok...first things first," he said, a confused look on his face, trying to ignore the fact that she was naked and keep his mind on the question at hand.
Cassie looked at him, pulling the covers up tightly around her, feeling very naked, both emotionally and physically. She waited for the question that she knew was coming.
"So, you're a mutant then?" he asked.
"Yeah," she said nodding. "Guess that's kind of obvious now." While she was being honest, she decided to go ahead and fess up about her other power. "I know you're a mutant too," she said, her eyes open and honest.
"What makes you say that?" Bradley asked cautiously.
"I can sense other mutants," she said, cringing a little at his reaction.
That kind of hurt Bradley, that she had known all this time and not at least said anything. "And were you planning on bloody keeping that to yourself?"
"Well it's not like either of us were offering up that information, were we?" she asked with a shrug, the blanket slipping down a little and revealing the swells of her breasts, unbeknownst to her.
Bradley tried really hard not to stare, but it was proving impossible. He swore his mouth started watering and had to quickly turn away. "How about I find you some clothes luv? At least something to get you by for now."
Cassie suddenly realized why Bradley had been staring, jerking the blanket back up to her neck. "Thanks....I'd appreciate that," she said blushing.
Bradley walked over to his dresser and pulled out a black tshirt that was a little big on him and a pair of black boxers that were a bit small for him, hoping they would fit her. He was a bit on the shorter side himself so he hoped his things would fit her. He brought them over to her. "Here you go," But as he leaned forward to hand her the clothes, he noticed all the cuts and bruises she had on her arms and neck and especially the large one on her forehead. His hand brushed gently against the cut on her forehead, warming her cold skin with his touch. He lay the clothes down and then turned his back. "Now, want to tell me what happened?"
The rain was still coming down hard and steady outside, punctuated by the occasional flash of lightening and clap of thunder. Cassie looked to make sure he still had his back turned then slid out from under the covers and slipped the tshirt and boxers on. The tshirt was big on her and covered her pretty well with the boxers helping to cover anything left bare. The boxers were a bit big, but she knew they would have to do. She took a moment to take in the room around her. There were many bright lightbulbs hanging from the ceiling as well as various electric and wind up toys on the shelves. She smiled a little, knowing his power was what was more than likely keeping the lightbulbs lit.
"You can turn around now," she said softly, thankful for his being a gentleman, as she sat back down on the edge of his bed. She watched him turn around and let out a long sigh. "Some...mutant... is what happened to me.
Mutant? Bradley questioned, sitting down next to her. His long fingers brushed softly against the cut on her forehead, sending a pleasant shiver down her spine. We need to get you cleaned up. Those are some bloody nasty cuts, he said touching her arm. Hang on. Ill grab a washcloth and I think I might have some rubbing alcohol and bandages.
In a moment, he was back with a washcloth as well as rubbing alcohol and bandages. So, what did this git look like? he asked as he poured some alcohol on the cloth and gently dabbed at the cut on her forehead. He knew there were another mutant or two that worked for the carnival and wondered if one of them had attacked her.
Cassie hissed slightly as the alcohol stung her skin. He was talland bigmuscularhe had black hair, fangs, and long nailsreally creepy guy. I knew the moment I saw him that he was bad news.
The description didnt ring any bells for Bradley, so as he placed a bandage on her forehead, he asked her, Well, what exactly happened?
Thanks, Cassie said, motioning to the bandage as he began cleaning the cuts on her arms. I was walking to the car and this guy came out of no where. He taunted me and backed me up against the car. I knew the only way I was getting out of there was to transform, so I did and I took off running as fast as I could, but he was right on my heels. Her voice shook as she recalled her fear in the moment.
Bradley felt so bad for her, wanting to rip into whoever had done this to her. He barely knew her, but the thought of someone attacking her, made his blood boil. She shivered again and he knew it was more than the bad memories making her shiver. She was still wet to the bone and had to be chilly in just his tshirt and boxers. He grabbed the blanket that was bunched up at the foot of his bed and wrapped it around her shoulders, trying to help warm her up. Whered the cuts come from? he asked, putting the alcohol and supplies on the bedside table, having finished cleaning her wounds.
She felt herself swoon a bit. His voice was so deep and just the tiniest bit growly. Dammit if he didnt have a sexy voice and a heart of gold too, she thought to herself looking down at the bandage on her arm. His words broke through her thoughts and she turned to answer. I ran into the brambles to get away from him, hit a patch of thorns and thats where the cuts came from. I have a feeling that my car is totaled as well.
Your car? Bradley asked, a bit confused, trying to put the pieces together.
Yeah, I heard what sounded like him smashing it to bits right before I took off for your trailer. She sighed a little and then remembered something else. It was really bizarre. He wasnt a shapshifter, but he moved like an animal..like a tiger or something. He had a black flowing coat and ran on all fours like an animal, but other than his fangs and nails, he was human looking.
It was like a switch flipped in the back of Bradleys brain. That description brought a rush of memories back to him. Fuck..fuckbloody fuck he cursed under his breath, his eyes turning dark.
What? Whats wrong? Cassie asked, her head snapping up to look at him.
He hurt you because he was after me, Bradley said, all the light gone from his eyes.
She looked at him confused, wondering what he meant by after him. Why would someone be after Bradley, he wouldnt hurt anyone?
He sighed inwardly and looked back at her confused and still frightened face. He hadn't told this to anyone ever, had tried not to think about it all these years, but something told him he could trust her with anything and everything. "I was part of a special bloody ops program for the US Army. It was mutants doing things only mutants can do. But after a while it got to be too much for me. They were doing things...bad things...and I didn't want to be a part of it any more."
Cassie watched him, the pain and sadness evident on his face. Her slender hand wrapped around his arm, holding it gently, trying to provide some kind of comfort.
Bradley looked down at her hand, then back up at her. "I knew they wouldn't let us just walk away like that. We were in too deep. I knew some day they would come after us. But I always thought it would be Wade, not Victor."
"Victor?" Cassie asked curiously, guessing that must be the name of her attacker.
"Yeah, his name's Victor Creed...the mutant that was chasing you. He must have finally found me." Defeat and pain were evident in Bradley's eyes.
It made Cassie's heart ache to see his normally smiling face so sad. Her hand gently touched his face, caressing his cheek with her thumb.
"It's not safe for you here," he said, taking her hand away from his face and holding it.
"Well, I'm not going out there without a car," she said, motioning toward the window where they could both see the storm raging outside. The idea of this mutant coming back, scared the living daylights out of her.
"No, I guess not," he said looking down. "You can stay here for tonight. Tomorrow we'll find you a way home. You can sleep here," he said motioning toward the bed. "I'll go sleep on the couch in the other room," he said, starting to stand up and leave the room.
"Bradley, no!" she said grabbing his wrist as he stood up. "Don't leave me alone." Her grasp caught him off guard and he fell back down on the bed with a thud.
Their faces were inches apart, staring deep into each other's eyes. Im afraid to be alone, she said softly, her voice full of fear. Pleasejust stay here.
It absolutely broke his heart to see her like this. Ok, I wont go, he said wrapping his arms around her and holding her shivering frame closer, rubbing her back softly. Bradley could feel her heart beating wildly against his chest from fear and maybe something else as well. He could feel her warm breath against his ear, suddenly becoming aware of how soft she was and how sweet she smelled, almost like honeysuckle.
Cassie pressed her cheek against his, letting him hold her tight and comfort her. She was scaredscared to death that Victor might come back, scared of what he might do to either of them. Her heart raced both from fear and also excitement as she realized how good it felt to have Bradleys arms around her. Breathing in his scent, she smiled when she realized that in addition to his own natural masculine scent, she detected a hint of something sweetfunnel cake.
Being this close to him, able to touch him and smell him was making her realize how badly she had it for him and the same was true for him as well. Her brain was screaming for him to kiss her. She pulled away just slightly so she could look at him, their noses nearly touching. Neither one said a word as the gap between them slowly closed. Their lips touched softly at first, but slowly the kiss deepened as her head tilted to one side and his hand moved to cup her face.
A soft moan escaped her lips as she felt his tongue slide into her mouth. Cassies fingers moved to the back of his neck, massaging as their tongues slid against each other.
Bradley groaned, feeling himself grow hard, knowing how bad he wanted her. But he had to make sure that this is what she wantedthat he wasnt taking advantage of the situation. He pulled away just slightly, closing his eyes and letting his forehead rest against hers.
Cassies breath was shallow a soft whimper of protest rising from her throat as he pulled away.
I dont want to take advantage of you. But I cant deny how I feel about you either. I need to know if this is really what you want, he said, his dark blue/grey eyes wide, searching for an answer.
Her hand brushed over his face, a smile growing on her own. "I want this...I want you."
That was all the confirmation Bradley needed as he put his hand behind her head, gently laying her down on the bed. He waved his hand in the air, dimming the lights, confirming her guess that he was controlling the lights in the room with his mutant power.
She smiled as his lips brushed against hers, teasing her before going back in for a kiss. His hand slipped under the tshirt she was wearing,caressing her warm, soft skin, pushing it up as he went, slowly across her stomach and ribs before cupping a breast, his thumb running over her nipple.
Cassie sighed shakily, kissing him harder as her body arched beneath his, pushing her breast against his hand, causing him to smile against her lips, pleased with her reaction.
Bradley pulled away from the kiss, smirking at her as he pulled her shirt over her head and tossed it to the floor. She watched as he lowered his head, taking a nipple into his mouth. He sucked on one breast as his hand cupped the other, fingers playing with her nipple.
Cassie's hands moved over his body, memorizing every inch. "Bradley..." she sighed, loving the feel of his mouth on her skin.
His hand left her breast and moved slowly downward, exploring her body and slipping into the boxers she wore until he reached her soft curls, stroking her gently then parting her and sliding his finger in and out of her body. She was already so wet, making him ache to be inside of her.
Her head fell back against the pillows as her eyes rolled back in her head. She tore at his tshirt, pulling it over his head quickly, loving the feel of his skin pressed against hers.
"Cass..." he groaned gripping the boxers and slipping them of her, raising himself up so she could get rid of his jeans and boxers as well. Once they were off, he settled his body in between her legs, still stroking her, bringing her so close to the edge.
She writhed beneath him, soft moans and whimpers filling the air. "Please..." she whimpered, rubbing herself against him.
"Anything you want luv," he whispered in a deep growl as he pushed into her body, groaning as her heat and wetness surrounded him.
Her tight sheath stretched around him, letting him fill her body. Her hips thrust against his body, feeling him pull almost all the way out and then fill her over and over again. Her fingers tightened around his shoulders, trying to hold onto that little bit of control she had left.
"You feel so good..." he whispered his eyes rolling back in his head as Bradley began moving, faster and harder inside of her. Their bodies rocked together, their hands exploring and memorizing each other's bodies.
"You make me feel...so good..." she panted as she felt her orgasm building and building until finally she fell over the edge into a blissful state, her body squeezing him tight as her lips crashed against his for a passionate kiss.
"Oh God Cassie..." he groaned as he let go now that she had found her sweet release, exploding deep inside of her. The lights above them began to flicker and dance, blinking and blinking almost as if they were short circuiting. Just as Bradley collapsed against her, the lights went out, plunging them into darkness.
He wrapped his arms around her and rolled to his side, pulling her against him. The lightning flashes outside occasionally lit up his face enough so Cassie could see him. "Sorry," he said raising his hand to his temple and closing his eyes, concentrating until the lights came back on. "Guess I lost control," he chuckled before leaning in for a kiss.
"I think I can forgive you," she chuckled, curling against him. "It felt too good not to," she said with a wink, kissing his lips again.
wow that was hot!!! the initial kiss reminded me of the kiss from twilight...hottt! and I imagined a lightbulb or two broke during their whoopie. that evil guy Victor sounds so creepy! Can't wait to see what happens next. that was really good girl, keep it up!
