As Reckless as a Hero....(Rayne and Others)

[Cole Kessler]

(OOC: This thread is a continuance of Music is Art)

Cole's vision blurred in and out of focus, and a light shade of red, as the ambulance sped toward the hospital. A long but shallow gash from the bridge of his nose to his left ear and a busted blood vessel in his right eye were miniscule injuries on the list of those sustained by the electrokinetic's heroism. He had saved Rayne's life, pushing her from the path of an out of control car and taking the hit himself.

The ambulance stopped at the emergency room entrance and Cole was rushed inside. His mind blacked-out as his body beckoned for rest, enhausted with no adrenaline left. The quickly pushed Cole into an operation room to examine his left leg.

It wasn't an hour later that he was wheeled out, his left leg wrapped in a cast and boot and his right wrist heavily wrapped as well. The doctors left the sleeping young man to rest, leaving his paperwork and a list of his injuries on a table. The list itself was quite small for someone who'd been hit fullforce by a car, Cole had indeed gotten lucky. A broken left leg, some torn and strained ligaments in his right wrist, bruised ribs, a broken nose, and some cuts and bruises, none of it life-threatening. Indeed a higher power had smiled down and did what it could to protect Cole in his self-less act.

It wasn't until he woke up that he found out Rayne had come with him, "How long was I out?" He said weakly, his body's exhaustion evident in his voice.

[Rayne DiSalvo]

Rayne had gone to the hospital with Cole. Everything was just moving so fast and she couldn't really focus on much. It reminded her vaguely of when she had been with her biological parents and her mother had gone to the hospital from alcohol poisoning. Not so much Rayne's fault, but it still was scary. This though...this had been Rayne's fault. If she'd been paying any attention, she wouldn't have almost gotten hit, and Cole wouldn't have pushed her out of the way.

They got to the hospital and Cole was rushed out to the emergency room, unconscious. Rayne was to wait in the waiting room, left there to hope he'd be okay.

She'd been pacing back and forth anxiously waiting for a doctor to come out and tell her something. Anything. No one else that knew Cole had come yet, though the hospital said they were trying to contact people. She wouldn't know them anyway, but it'd be nice not waiting alone. It was scary.

An hour went by and finally a doctor called her name. She looked up and walked over to the doctor. The news was, his leg was broken, his wrist had torn ligaments, bruised ribs, broken nose and some pretty bad cuts and bruises, but nothing he wouldn't recover from. Rayne was more than relieved and the doctor allowed her in to go see him.

When she walked into his room, she saw him sleeping and she sat in the chair beside his bed. How had she managed to get someone, who barely knew her, to jump out in front of a damn car? She knew it was his own mind that made him do it, but it was still partially her fault. She'd always think that. But she was grateful that he'd actually saved her. She was looking down and lost in thought when he woke up.

The sound of his voice made her jump, mostly because she was on edge and didn't expect it. She looked up at him, a frown on her face, her eyes full of self blame. "An hour or so. Not too long..." She said softly, looking away. Would the guilt ever subside? She knew he was okay and that he'd recover, but it was still nagging at the back of her mind.

[Cole Kessler]

Cole looked around the room as she responded to him. He hadn't been out very long, but hell, Cole felt like he'd been unconscious for a few days. He winced as a bit of pain shot through his leg, but he didn't complain. He was injured, beaten, and still slightly bleeding, but he had never felt better. He'd made the biggest sacrifice of his life and still come out alive.

He looked at Rayne, her cheeks still glistening from the streams of tears she'd shed. Their eyes met again, just as they had before and Cole could see it. The guilt that she'd racked herself with because he'd pushed her out of the way. He could tell she felt the whole accident was her fault. Cole couldn't let her feel that way. There was no way she could've known that a truck would've lost control as it neared the intersection, or that she could've known it would happen at that exact moment.

"Rayne, don't blame yourself for this." Cole said sternly as he gripped the hand she'd laid on the bed. He looked up to see his parents walk into the room then back to Rayne, "You've got no reason to." Cole looked up to his parents as they stood at the foot of his bed. They exchanged some small talk for a while before the doctors came in again.

Once they left, Cole's dad walked up to the bed, "Alright, Cole. Your mom's gonna stay here and keep you company while I run your little lady friend home."

"Actually, dad...." Cole muttered as he adjusted his body in the bed, "I'd like Rayne to stay if she wants to. Wouldn't feel right sending her home like that, ya'know?"

"Yes, Cole. I understand." His dad said as he stepped outside the room.

Cole looked back to Rayne, "It's your choice if you want to stay. I would like it if you did. Dad can take you to get you some clothes if you want to shower or if you need anything." He explained, "But it's totally up to you."

[Rayne DiSalvo]

Rayne saw him wince and she frowned deeper. It was her fault he was hurt and she couldn't keep from blaming herself. This was what happened when someone got hurt around her. No matter what she would always feel guilty, as if she could do something to keep it from happening.

She locked eyes with him again and tears streamed down her cheeks. When he took her hand, her heart jumped and she cursed herself internally. Not such a good start to the day. She didn't need this to happen to her. Not now. His parents walked in and her cheeks burned with embarrassment, but he didn't seem to react.

Rayne was lost in her own little world of guilt and thinking while he talked with his parents. His real parents no doubt, she could tell by looking at them. She saw the resemblance they had with Cole. Her heart ached at the sight of two loving parents. Sure, she had Monica and Trey...but she would never have her real parents. She looked so different from her adoptive parents that everyone knew she wasn't theirs. It was rough to say the least, but at least they wanted her.

Rayne heard his father offer to take her home and her eyes widened. Just as she was about to object she heard Cole talk. She sighed in relief with the reassurance of him wanting her to stay. She didn't want to leave, not when he was still hurt like this.

Once his father left, she felt a bit more comfortable. He turned to her and she looked up at him. "I want to, it wouldn't feel right if I didn't. Considering I'm the reason you're even in the hospital." She whispered the last part and looked down with a sad expression on her face. It'd take a lot to make her feel less guilty about the whole situation.

[Cole Kessler]

Cole coughed lightly as he relaxed in bed again. He could see she didn't want to leave his side and that, even moreso than his parents' presence, comforted him. When he heard her whisper he tried to focus his hearing. His body was still sore as all get out, but he could hear just fine, "No, I'm the reason I'm in the hospital. I made the decision, and I didn't care if I lived or died. I wouldn't do a damn thing different." Cole said as his dad walked back into the room.

"I sure as hell would, Cole." His dad laughed. "You could've died out there today son. I'm proud that you did what you did, you're a goddamn hero in my eyes." His father explained, "But please, just don't do it again." He said with a small smile.

"C'mon, pop.... It'll take more than a car crash to get me. That's been proven." Cole said, referring to the accident that robbed his life of his biological mother. "Whether I'm in or out of the car." Cole surprised everyone: His parents, the doctors, everyone with his ability to laugh at him nearly being killed. What else could Cole do though? Cry? Whine? Bitch about the small things in life that make no sense? That isn't very Cole-like. Should he have been praying? Reflecting on his life and the mistakes he'd made? Perhaps even thinking about what he could do now? No. Cole was hurt..... Not dead.

"Dad, give us a minute?" Cole asked, locking eyes with his father. James didn't speak, he merely nodded and walked out of the room. Cole looked to Rayne, her eyes locking with his, "So, how was that for a first semi-date?" He smiled.

(OOC: Ugh... so crappy.... I'm sorry, Trixie.... had a rough day today. Feel free to have Rayne go get some clothes and stuff in your post.)

[Rayne DiSalvo]

Rayne looked at him and rolled her eyes slightly. Always a hero. Well she still believed he shouldn't have pushed her out of the way. She probably would have gotten a lot more damage done, or possibly death. In her eyes though, she thought that maybe something like that would actually make her biological parents care and maybe they'd even show up to her funeral. The more she thought about it, the more unlikely it seemed.

Gabriel would be glad she was gone. One less mistake he'd have to deal with. Caterina would be devastated, no doubt. Then she'd drink more and more until she finally drank all of the pain away. That was her solution to every problem they'd faced when Rayne had been with them. Then Rayne started thinking about her real parents.

Monica and Trey. The only two people who'd loved her as much as she deserved. It would hurt them most to lose their child and for that Rayne was thankful that Cole had saved her. They didn't deserve to be put through that. She was glad someone cared.

Rayne was surprised when Cole sent his dad out of the room. She looked back at him and couldn't help but smile back. "Date huh? Well it was pretty good, besides the whole car thing." She laughed once and she laced her fingers through his, carefully so she didn't mess up the wiring. Her phone buzzed once and she looked at it with her free hand, flipping open the phone to see a message from her mother. Clothes were on their way to the hospital for her and she wouldn't have to leave until Cole got sick of her.

"Looks like you might be meeting my mom, pretty serious stuff on the first date if you ask me." Rayne smirked at first, but it slowly eased into a relieved smile, "I'm really glad you're okay."

[Cole Kessler]

Cole smiled, "Pretty serious stuff indeed, sweetheart. You've semi-met my parents, and now I'm gonna meet your mom? Sounds like we're gonna knock out the first few dates in one." He chuckled. His eyes moved around the room trying to think of something to say, anything to keep away from an awkward silence. As his vibrant green eyes looked throughout, the drifted to their hands. Their fingers laced together in a way that reminded Cole of how strong you can be when you hve someone to help you. If it had been any tighter they would've cut off each other's circulation.

"Wait!" Cole exclaimed, feigning panic, "I can't meet your mom like this! I look like hell. And I haven't had a cigarette..." Cole paused, obviously playing around just making more comical complaints before finally ending it with: "And I could continue to complain, but I really don't care."

When she told him how happy she was that he was okay, he smiled, "I'm just glad you're okay. This is just more proof that I'm too awesome to get killed by a car." He laughed, "But for real, I just got lucky." This was about the time Cole would have kissed her if the situation was any different, but he held back, wondering if she was thinking of doing the same thing.

[Rayne DiSalvo]

Rayne rolled her eyes and smiled back, "Looks like it. Are you ready for this kind of commitment?" She asked with a smirk. She was joking of course, she wasn't even ready for a commitment. Not yet at least. She wanted to have fun, not be bound to someone for the rest of her life when she was just barely out of school. Nope, commitment wouldn't be happening right away. It'd be casual, fun. Not serious...or so she thought.

She saw his eyes move to their hands and she smiled wider. It was comforting to say the least. Something she wasn't necessarily used to. One night stands didn't usually lead to hand holding. And that's all she'd ever had. Never once had she been in an actual relationship. One night of fun and then she forgot everything. This was somehow different. She wanted more to come from this and already she'd gotten more than she expected. Meeting his parents, him meeting her mom, and holding hands. Those were all pretty new to her.

His exclamation made her jump and she laughed when she realized he was messing around. She laughed and smacked his arm extremely lightly and rolled her eyes, "First of all, my mom won't know what to expect. She doesn't even know you're a guy, let alone that we're 'dating,'" She used the term loosely, just so she didn't freak him out, or herself for that matter.

Rayne chewed on her lower lip when his tone changed again. She laughed, "Yeah, awesome, right. If anything, I got lucky. Having you there was pure luck, and the fact that you survived, well that's karma. Do a good deed and you get to live to tell the tale." She smiled and looked into his eyes again. Something about him was drawing her in and it frightened her to an extent, but thrilled her at the same time.

She leaned in and kissed his lips gently, "That's for saving me." She said with a smile as she sat back in the chair beside his bed.

Minutes, if not seconds later, her mother came in. Bag of clothes in her hand, toiletries and all, with a confused expression on her face. "Rayne, who is that and what happened? You can't just call me and say you're at the hospital and you need clothes. That tends to worry some people." The woman was about Rayne's height, but that was all they shared in appearance.

[Jalen August]

Jalen had been informed by Cole's parents on what happened. She skipped a couple of her classes to drive to the hospital and check up on him, meeting James in the hallway. "How's he doing?" She asked, pulling the sweater around her body closer. It was almost freezing outside, and while the blonde wasn't happy to be in a hospital period, she was happy to at least be warm. "He's alright, in there with a girl," Cole's dad grinned. Jalen pushed some stray hair away from her face with a smile. Obviously whatever had happened, he was going to be okay. Another woman walked into the room and Jalen raised an eyebrow at James, who simply shrugged.

It was weird, walking in on Cole and the girl talking and shmoozing like this whole thing had been planned. A crooked smile was on her face and she hoped she wasn't interrupting, Cole wasn’t the type to meet anyone’s mother. Perhaps that would eliminate him off of her list, right? "Glad to see you're not dead," she said bluntly, walking into the room and standing on the other side of Cole. She wasn't going to stay long, the hands in her pockets said so.

Jalen had even gone so far as to bring with her the brand of cigarettes Cole smoked, sneaking them past everyone. She put the pack on his abdomen, before locking eyes with Rayne, a soft smile on her face. "Looks like you're in good hands, I just wanted to make sure you were alright," she said, smiling from the girl to the older woman, to Cole, her hands going back to her pocket where a second gift, a sentimental card filled with pretty words, remained. It just didn't seem right to give it to him, not now. They were probably wondering who the blonde chick was, but she didn’t really care that much, it looked like they were getting ready for a sleepover anyways.

(OOC: Totally crashing this party!)

[Cole Kessler]

When there lips met, Cole felt the feelings sweel inside him. It was gentle, but just what Cole wanted. Had he had his way about it, he would've held it longer and perhaps even deepened it. However, the gentle, tender, short kiss was enough to satisfy him. As her mom walked in, Cole couldn't help but smile at the woman's words, "Sorry, ma'am. Didn't mean to cause such a ruckus." He said lightly.

It was then he caught the sight of his favorite blonde meta, one he had grown a close friendship with, "I bet it is, Jay. I couldn't die out there. Who'd keep you from killing Ru-Ru?" Cole laughed hard, then grabbed at his ribs with a groan, "Ow... I hate having rib injuries." He said with a smile, "I can't laugh very good when I have them." Cole said as Jalen laid a pack of Marlboros on his stomach, "What I wouldn't give for one right now." He smiled, "Thanks, Jay. I appreciate it."

Cole turned his attention back to Rayne's mother who stood with a slightly bewildered look evident, "I'm Cole. Cole Kessler." He said as he scooted up on the bed, bringing him into a sitting position, "And, again, I'm sorry we scared you. If you'll allow me to explain: Rayne and I met in a music shop at the mall. After introductions and a bit of small talk, I invited her to lunch. I was in the process of lighting a cigarette when she began crossing the road and I looked up to see an oncoming truck lose control. I rushed forward and pushed Rayne from the truck's path, taking the hit myself. And that's how we ended up here." Cole finsihed his explanation and waited for Rayne's mother to respond.

[Rayne DiSalvo]

Rayne was surprised when her mom walked in and she backed away from Cole a little. No need for her mom to have a conniption fit. She still had a hold of Cole's hand though which was enough contact for her. The kiss was nice, sweet and to the point. Though, it wouldn't have been horrible if they'd gotten a little more into it, but that was for any other time that her mother was not in the room. Along with another girl who she didn't really know.

Of course she didn't expect there to be no visitors for Cole, he had to have friends and she wasn't one to get jealous, especially over a guy she'd just started talking to and maybe kissed. Though the blond was very pretty and she seemed to know Cole fairly well, Rayne wasn't worried. She smiled at her and then down at him. Good hands? Rayne wouldn't agree with that, but she didn't say anything. She'd continue that argument with him later. Guilt was still heavy on her shoulders.

Monica stood there, arms folded across her chest, looking back and forth between Rayne and Cole. She noticed the hand holding and she noticed the look on Rayne's face, but she had no idea what the story was. "Wait, you jumped into a truck's path for my daughter that you just met? Who are you, superman?" She asked with a small smirk. "I'm glad you're both okay and I'm very happy you saved my daughter's life. I'm sure she'll repay you enough for the both of us." Monica winked at Rayne and dropped the bag off by the door, "Call me when you're coming home Ray. Though I don't expect that to be anytime soon."

Rayne's face turned bright red and she laughed once, "Thanks mom. See ya."

[Jalen August]

Jalen smiled softly, "No problem, I'm glad you're doing alright, your dad gave me a bit of a scare saying you were in the hospital and everything." The blonde stood still through the introductions, and as Rayne's mom left, she grabbed Cole's hand for a second and gave it a squeeze. "I'm glad you're alright, text me if you're bored," she glanced at Rayne, "and behave."

The girl put her hands in her pockets again, and made to leave. That whole thing with the mom had been awkward enough, never mind that the two they were holding hands. The older woman might as well have handed them a condom and said 'have fun kids'! And no, she wouldn't put it past Cole to sleep with Rayne, even while in the hospital. Actually, it was probably a secret fantasy of his.

Jalen stopped to talk with James some more, who thanked her for coming, and asked if his son needed anything. The blonde chuckled and shook her head no. "I think he'll be fine," she said, giving the older man a hug before leaving the hospital completely. Cole, was once again off limits, not that he had ever been interested in her before anyways. Maybe they were simply destined to flirt back and forth until they parted ways. She got into her car and drove back to the school, eager to tell everyone he was okay.

[Cole Kessler]

"No, ma'am. I'm just a guy with a severely overwhelming hero complex." Cole said with a smile. His eyes followed as Jalen and Rayne's mom both left the room, leaving Cole and Rayne alone again. Once the door shut, his eyes traveled back to Rayne who had moved closer to him again. He understood why she'd almost leapt across the room. Surely her mom would've thrown a fit if coming in to see them that close, or even sooner and saw them kiss. Cole smiled at the thought. "Your mom seems nice."

His eyes trailed back to the cello-wrapped pack of cigarettes Jalen had brought him. His lips begged for one to hold, his craving for nicotine surging forward and pulsing through his brain. His mouth watering at the thoughts of how good a cigarette would taste at this point. "Do me a favor? Move those out of my sight? I can't handle the craving while I'm like thi--" Cole stopped as their eyes met once again. Just like that, his hunger for a cigarette was gone.

Cole's fiery attitude checked off and he merely sat there. His eyes bloodshot, burning, tired even, but they didn't close; didn't lie. He could feel himself falling for the woman he'd saved. He tried to fight it, but to no avail. His willpower was sapped away after the long day it had turned into, "Let's get some rest. It's been a long day." He smiled as he pressed the button and the bed began laying down, "And to think I was just going to pick up some new guitar strings today." He said he closed his eyes. He could've ended with that, but no. To end the day with that line wouldn't be very Cole-like. So he spoke again, this time asking a simple, flirtacious question, "Wanna sleep in the chair or up here next to me?"

[Rayne DiSalvo]

Rayne was more than just a little embarrassed by her mom. Monica had made it seem as if Rayne was a total skank. Sure, she'd had her fair share of one night stands, she couldn't deny that, but she wasn't a whore. She just hadn't found anyone she wanted to get serious with. It was as simple as that. She smiled apologetically at the blond girl, who seemed to know just what was being implied. How embarrassing!

Rayne put her hand to her face, trying desperately to hide. She felt so weird actually caring what people thought about her. It was bad enough that she had been called a slut a few times in high school, but this was a friend of his and his parents that she was trying to impress. She didn't usually have to impress people. But this was different, it was more important in a way.

Though her mom had cracked a joke about it, Rayne knew Monica would have freaked out had she seen them kissing. Hence the reason why she'd backed up away from Cole. She got closer and looked down at him. She moved the cigarette pack and sat on the edge of his bed. She saw it in his eyes that he was falling for her and she smiled slightly. She could also see just how exhausted he was.

Rayne's free hand stroked his face gently and she listened to him talk. Long day was a bit of an understatement. She laughed once, "And I was just looking at detailing. Who'd have thought all this would happen?" She said softly.

The question was an open invite and she was tempted to take it, but she didn't want to risk him not sleeping because she was keeping him up. Rayne smirked and she rolled her eyes slightly, "I wouldn't want to keep you up all night, so I'll take my chances in the chair. Maybe when you're better I'll take you up on your offer." She stood up and stretched, her shirt lifting up to expose her pierced belly button. Then she leaned down and kissed him, more than before, but not pushing her own limits.

If this was going to be more than just a one night thing, she needed to pace herself. "Get some sleep. It'll help you heal faster." She said quietly against his lips before she pulled back and sat down in the chair, curling up in a ball.


((OOC: Sorry it's kind of crappy, I'm drawing a muse blank))

[Cole Kessler]

A sharp pain stirred Cole from his sleep. He'd slept on his bruised and cracked ribs, big mistake. He reached and grabbed his phone, perhaps out of habit, to check the time: 6 AM. He scoffed and rolled onto his opposite side to face the window. Cole's mind raced as the sun broke the horizon. His adrenalineless body feeling the full force of his injuries. His hand came up to rub the scabbed cut across his face. It hurt for more than anything else at this point. It was the one thing pain meds weren't any good for and one of the more defenseless injuries to his body.

He reached for the bedside remote to check the highlights from the day before's collegiate football games. It was bad enough they wouldn't discharge him from the hospital yet. He wwould not be kept starved of one of his favorite sports. He even had to wonder just what would happen in the day's NASCAR race. As the TV finally came on, he quickly flipped it to ESPN to enjoy his favorite passtimes. He laid back in the bed and allowed himself to relax as much as he could, though his body was fighting him every moment of it.

A few hours went by and it didn't seem like it had been that long since he'd woke up. The longest part of his day, so far, was when his father had come in and helped him get a shower. That and the wait for his mother to get back witht he pizza she'd promised so that none of them would have to eat the less than desireable hospital cafeteria food. He saw Rayne begin to stir from the fold out couch-bed that the nurses had shown her. As she sat up Cole looked over, "Good morning beautiful, how'd you sleep?"