Adult-FanFiction.org : Movies

Your Hollow Heart	By : KyuKitsune Category: G through L > Hollow Man Views: 3724 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Hollow Man, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 5
- 6
- 7
~oooOYOHOHOooo~

Chapter 06

The reservation was set for nine that evening and Sebastian sought to reserve at only the finest restaurant within the D.C. area. He didn't mind that the place was well expensive but after everything they been through, they deserve to go all out for all the hard work they had put in to get to where they were.

All that time and endless effort and now seeing it come to full fruition before their eyes, who wouldn't want to go and throw a party.

Tonight was all about them celebrating to a wonderful success from years of endless research and all their experimentation until they finally got it right, after so many trials and errors and now at long last they done it.

Yes, Sebastian mused as he looked to those that were here while they were still missing a couple people from their group yet didn't mind if they were coming in fashionable late. Everything was coming up rose and sure the officials would be pleased with all that they accomplished.

The Lafayette was a well refined and lavished establishment with it's French-American cuisines to where one could see some of the national monuments out on the open veranda. Everyone had dressed for the occasion and even Carter who had managed to find something that didn't make him stand out like a sore had seen him enter the restaurant looking pretty decent for once and was heading towards their table with Joey in toll.

He noticed he wasn't the only guy there looking in their direction though it may be because they were staring at her more likely as he himself couldn't take his eyes off her the moment he saw her walk into the room.

One thing for sure, she certainly knew how to draw people's attention as Joey look absolutely fetching in that little black number she was wearing for the occasion.

It was a high-low A-line dress that end above her knees with a sequin waistband that hugged her curves perfectly and the material itself seem to be mold onto her body. Very classy and sophisticated and seeing she had brought along a black shawl to cover her bare shoulder and was walking in with such grace like an elegant dancer.

She didn't seem to use all that much makeup on other than some light eye shade and mascara which made her eyes stand out more and also add a little gloss to give her lips that lush rosy look to them. She had her hair cascading down her shoulders in soft waves and seem to flow naturally as it fell around her face and shining with a fine glossy sheen in the faint lighting.

She had decided to forgo her necklace for a simple silver chain with a small set of diamonds link together along with a matching pair of teardrop earrings that seem to have given her a brilliant vivacity.

Carter had pulled the chair out for her before taking the empty seat on her right while she sat next to Janice beside her and across from Frank. She had glance over at Sebastian and smiled his way before turning to greet the others.

He couldn't help thinking that she was definitely looking exquisite this evening though watching her around the others, especially Carter who started openly flirting with her and she seem to respond as she threw a couple of her own back at him.

It might have them just being friendly though it didn't seem that way and not sure why he kept feeling the urge to glower at Carter every time he made Joey laugh over something that wasn't even remotely funny at all. He decided to turn his gaze over to Linda who was having a conversation with Matt and Sarah about a topic they've been discussing for a while.

She was in a yellow flowing sequin dress and while he thought it looked terrific on her but when he saw Joey tonight, being so alluring and finding Linda couldn't hold a candle to that radiance she had going for her.

Wait why did he think that, just what was going on with him, why all of a sudden did he thought of Joey like that to Linda? He tried to shake those thoughts away and again wondering why he kept having them in the first place. Damn he really needed to stay focus here.

It wasn't long before the waiter return with the bottle of champagne he ordered earlier and watching them fill each glass before he took to stand with his and looking at everyone there.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, a moment of your time, please." Everyone stopped their chattering and turning their attention on Sebastian. "To the finest research team I've ever known. For the many months of much trial and error and now onto success."

There was a round of 'Hear, hear' and the sound of clinking glasses before they took their first sip and having the taste of success on their lips.

~oooOYOHOHOooo~

The party of eight that consist of Sebastian and his crew were certainly enjoying themselves once they finished with their entrees and were ordering another round of drinks to their table. Joey was having a good time herself as she along with the others were listening to Frank as he told them about what happened with his science fair class project.

Apparently he had been sure he'd win first prize for sure as his stood out among others and using certain chemicals to basically explain what he was doing. Though he had been waiting to impress the judges as well as this one girl from his class, Susie Quentin that was there.

He wanted to make it a huge impression on everyone there and added too much of one component which cause the substance to be completely unstable and started to bubble rapidly. The results were volatile and had made such a mess in the gymnasium where the fair was held.

"…There was a big explosion, and afterward she said: If you're so smart, how come you're still in the second grade?"

"Did your teacher grew her eyebrows back?" Frank nodded and said it took at least a month for Ms. Hopper's to get them back and that was how long he had been suspended for.

This got a laugh out of all of them and Joey couldn't help thinking that Frank got off lucky for it since how could he go and confused two chemicals even if they did sound almost the same thing.

She supposed it could've be worse and had been fortunate that he hadn't burn the school down with that stunt of his. But still the story had been amusing in itself and got a few chuckles out of her.

Joey didn't know whether it was the champagne or just being in the presence of such good friends but she was practically floating on cloud nine. The night had been by far pleasant and thinking that it was well deserved for all their efforts they put into this assignment and finally had something worth showing to the board.

To think, she had been only on this project for almost a year and yet here they were having done the impossible at long last. It was certainly something she would always look back on as being the greatest accomplishment of their lives and would treasure this moment forever.

She turn her head towards the end of the table and noticed the way Sebastian was right then. He looked pensive with those piercing blue orbs that sometimes remind Joey of the clear skies before the incoming storm that usually came about. He seem to be in deep thought over something but then saw his gaze move and finding him lock eyes with hers from across the table.

Joey's heart was beating rather suddenly for no reason and could feel the heat rushing towards her face once she saw he was staring right at her. She was thinking it must be all the alcohol in her system that was causing her to be so lightheaded and was getting flustered for no apparent reason. She thought maybe was a good time to cut back now and stick to water at the moment.

Beside, it wasn't like he was really looking at me. Really, it could be just about anyone that was at this table.

That's what she kept telling herself once she established it had been her imagining things and decided to go use the ladies' room to freshen up. When she got back to their table, he was gone and once she asked Carter said he went to head outside for the veranda for a bit.

It wasn't even half an hour before Linda was also getting up and was also heading in the same direction to where the balcony was and probably to join him out there. Joey saw no one seem all that concern that she went off but then heard her name being called and turning to Janice as she brought her to speed on the conversation they were having.

Though she tried to pay attention to what they were talking about, her thoughts were on another matter. She kept seeing Sebastian's eyes within her mind and wondering what he was up to now.

~oooOYOHOHOooo~

Sebastian was standing on the balcony contemplating things while taking in the scenery surrounding him that evening. He was still amazed that after four years of working on this project, day in, day out, month after month and now it was finally finished.

They had done it, they gotten the reversion to work after so many attempts and seeing they've succeed at long last. This should be his moment of triumph so why didn't he feel thrilled about it like everyone else.

They had completed all the necessary analysis and it wouldn't be long before they got started on an actual human subject and see it work on them. It would be a bigger breakthrough to see it happen for sure and knew could get more insight from a person and know what they're dealing with in that phase.

But Sebastian wonder if the government would still let them in on this once he notifies the board and show their findings to them in a few days. They were sure to drop their pants and have to eat their words.

He knew that they hadn't been the most patient benefactors but did give them the time and opportunity to get it all done without forcing them to rush things. So it was only a matter of what they would say and if Sebastian was allowed to stay for the next stage in their program.

He was so deep within his own thoughts that he didn't notice someone approaching but heard a familiar voice speak out to him and bringing him back to the present. "Hey, I thought you'd gone. What are you doing out here, the party is back inside."

"There's nowhere to go." Sebastian turn his head and seeing Linda join his side and both looking out over the city. "Besides, I kinda figure I come out here to clear my head a bit."

Linda raised an eyebrow wondering what was on his mind, "Did I miss something? Aren't you supposed to be happy?"

Sebastian wonder how he could explain it to her though didn't think he had to try too hard as Linda understood him better than anyone else.

"I was just wondering where do we go from here now that we got it out of the way and if there's anything left for us. Working on the serum and the reversion has been the best highlight of our lives but kinda feels like the beginning of the end."

"That's not true and you know that. We have a lifetime of data on hand and sure that there's bound to be more projects like this in the future."

It was understandable that he felt quite attached to his work and knew that the officials would be please by all they had done and having all their hard efforts paid off. Yet Sebastian didn't seem satisfied by it and wanting to stay in the running a bit longer.

Sebastian turn his eyes away from her and was looking towards the inside of the restaurant where everyone else was. He thought how people like Matt and some of the others had the ability to be self content with just this but he need the grandeur and the spectacle that came with living in this very moment.

He wasn't even sure if there would be anything even close to what they done or if he'd be around when the next big project came and wouldn't get to be a part of it.

Linda though sought to say something encouraging since she didn't want him to go around like this thinking that it was so bad. Really he should be glad that they gotten it down.

"Sebastian listen, I know we've...I mean...well...I just want you to know how proud I am of you. I know it probably doesn't mean a lot..."

"Actually it does." He turned his gaze on her and could feel the stirring of old flames as he looked at her, seeming so beautiful in this light, "I guess since you were there from the beginning, you know me better than anyone else...but I was so focus on my own work that I didn't realize I'd have no one to share it with."

"We all have done that before in our lives and yet you always did seem to be more preoccupied with your stuff that everything else didn't matter, including me."

Sebastian flinch at the reminder knowing that she didn't mean to say it like that but it was almost like a hard slap to the face as he thought that he did push her away. But still he'd give anything to have her back again, even if for just one night. "I thought we were great together and had some good times."

Linda shook her head at him, "No, you were great. I was just standing right next to you and just being there when you needed me." Sebastian saw the warm smile and thinking maybe it wouldn't hurt to ask that one question that had been on his mind for some time now.

"Have you ever consider, wanting to turn the clock back? You know, go back and give it another shot for old time sake?"

Here he was waiting to see what Linda would say and though he had hope her response would be on a more positive scale yet saw her simply shook her head. "I say that kind of time travel doesn't exist."

"Well maybe we should invent one and see." He had been bending down to press his lips only for her to pull away before he had the chance and saw it written there on her face that there wasn't any chance of that happening at this time. "Or not..."

He saw her turn away and hearing Linda speak to him with that tone that said it all, "I'm sorry Sebastian but as I already said before, I don't think it would work between us."

"Well it's just didn't hurt to ask." Although now he wished he hadn't and decided he had enough fresh air at the moment and decided to go back inside though wasn't feeling in the mood to be joining the others in their celebratory merrymaking.

Even though tonight was a huge success, he still felt like he struck out hard in one particular event right there and then.

He had been hoping that with this being a triumph footnote in their book, that Linda would reconsider and be by his side like she always done in the past.

Yet now he stood alone with no one there to celebrate with and not sure where to go from here.

~oooOYOHOHOooo~

It wasn't too long before everyone had decided to call it a night. Sebastian though was very grateful for that as he couldn't keep up the act of pretending to be enjoying himself with everyone present. Especially when Linda return from the veranda and sat back down at their table beside Matt and him.

She didn't seem all that bothered from their discussion out there and was openly talking to Matt about something and sharing a couple laughs in between them.

If he didn't know those two better, he would think they were…no that's not possible. He remember calling Linda up after cracking the formula and did see a person in bed but didn't get a good enough look at them. Though out of all people, he didn't think it was Matt and probably some other guy she met and was currently dating at the moment.

But still all these thoughts as well as everything else was giving him a slight headache and Sebastian just couldn't take any more of this. He beckoned one of the waiter over and ask for the check to their table.

Thankfully everyone saw that it was getting late and though tomorrow was going to be a day off for them, courtesy of their boss as a 'well done' on their part but the day after it was back to the lab. Sebastian heard Carter and Frank talking about some basketball game that was on tonight and Frank having record it before coming here. He was busy inviting him and Matt to come over and watch with them.

Matt decline and Sebastian who wasn't remotely interest and also had to say no to it. He had better things to do with his time and when the waiter return with the bill and he split it with the others to take care of most but he also took care of the drinks and such, as being a good host is required of him to do.

After that was taking care of and leaving a generous tip to the server, they were heading outside to wait for the valet to bring their cars around. When his was the first to pull up and bidding them all a goodbye, he took off heading straight for the compound.

He knew there didn't need to be much done down there as they had all the analysis recorded but prefer to be focusing on something, anything really and not think of what happen on the veranda with Linda.

He had been wandering through the empty corridor of the compound and heading to where they kept the live specimen at. He ignored most of them even as they made a loud commotion when they saw him but he chose not to acknowledge them until he stopped at one in particular that seem empty yet knew wasn't from the thermal scanners and finding the mutt getting up to greet him.

"Hey Frankie how's it going bud?" He was reaching inside through the bars to feel what was the dog's snout and felt his wet nose pressing against his palm. Franklin was one of the other animals beside Isabelle and Jo-Jo to be phase through and didn't seem all that bother being invisible at times. The dog was easier to handle and never gave them any trouble although his barking could be sometime grating at times and refused to be quiet.

Sebastian had heard the noise of the elevator coming down again and then the sound of something clicking against the tile floor, the sound of heels no less coming this way. He turned his head slightly and not too surprised to see who it was though was thankful wasn't really Linda as he didn't think he could handle a second confrontation after the rejection earlier tonight.

"I should hope this is not you being some kind of stalker. Cause I might have to consider filing a restraining order if this is a particular habit of yours following your boss around, especially this time of night."

He saw Joey purse her lips and placing her hand over her chest when she approached and standing by Franklin's cage.

"Ah and here I was hoping we could have some alone time together now that no one is here and have you begging for mercy while I have my wicked way with you."

Sebastian snorted. Him beg for mercy? Please like he would ever do that and it would be more than likely her if it had been the case for them. Although the idea of seeing who be doing who did come swiftly to mind before he deliberately stomped that down into the ground.

She saw the look on his face and couldn't help thinking maybe she gone a bit too far before she went to explain herself. "I'm kidding, don't worry I'm not that kind of person to do so you have no need to fret. Of course I did see your car in the lot when I was pulling in but I wasn't here to see you. I only came by to give this little guy a treat before I turn in for the evening."

She had turn her focus onto the invisible pooch while reaching in her purse and brought out a wadded up paper napkin with some dried beef jerky wrapped inside. Franklin smelling the distinct aroma of food as he turn his attention towards her and started gobbling down the dry meaty bits.

"Better not let Sarah know of this. You know how she is about feeding the animals down here."

He saw Joey had turn and seeing the look in her eyes as she smiled at him. "Well I suppose I won't tell if you don't. I mean I did see you by Jo-Jo's cage handing what was it, Sarah's muffin a few day ago."

Sebastian raised his brow but then was grinning as he chuckling, "Oh so now you're trying to blackmail me huh?"

"No not at all, I just figure we just keep it just between us, nothing else really. I mean I think it doesn't hurt giving them a treat every now and then since they can't just live on only that standard stuff all the time."

"Well when you put it that way, I suppose I can let this slide for now but if Sarah catches you, I won't take the fall for it." He reached out to pat Franklin on the head and seeing that he was finish eating and Joey taking the napkin away to throw in the nearest bin.

"Fair enough, I assume you had your reasons for wanting to come down here tonight. Hard to turn off that switch in your head to even think of relaxing just for a nanosecond but I suppose that's what makes everyone different in their own unique way, yours especially."

"Yeah hit that right on the nail there…" It wasn't all that shocking by how well she seem to get him and yet didn't mind having her company around. She was scratching behind the dog's invisible ears and giggling when Franklin was licking her palm before turning to Sebastian and smiling his way and he return the gesture himself.

They were busy talking about what happen today during the procedure while checking in on the others there, especially Isabelle and saw how she was faring. It was almost two in the morning before Joey thought now would be a good time to head on home and Sebastian decided on walking her to her car.

"After all what quite of person would I be if I simply let you go up there by yourself in the dark."

Sure someone might be there on guard duty tonight but thought that he rather be sure that she made it to her vehicle safely and wasn't like there were any other reason beside that.

Joey was surprised yet didn't mind as they head towards the elevator and waiting until they reach the garage level.

"I know you wanted to see how the reversion work on Isabelle and I'm glad to see she came out in one piece. It's just seem like a shame to leave most of them, especially Franklin." She was a sucker when it came to dogs and Sebastian notice as he seen how she acted with most of the animal down there.

"Yeah well I didn't want you to get your hopes up in case something did go wrong but there's something you should know about Frankie. He's well not exactly easy on the eyes, has this really bad mange problem and got this brown gunk leaking from the tear ducts. A real mess I tell you and plus you don't want to see him when he's drool. It's probably better if he stuck like this."

She raised a brow and wondered if he was being serious but then saw his eyes gave it away and realize he was only joking about it. She started laughing and Sebastian thought it sound like the tinkling of bells because of how sweet and soft it was before she turn with a grin on her face.

"If I didn't know any better I say you were jealous which I highly doubt it 'cause what would Frankie have that you don't, beside having an adorable disposition."

Sebastian shrug though he wasn't about to really say what it was but then took notice of her rubbing her arms and feeling how cool it got in the elevator. He didn't say anything other than to shake his head while shrugging off his coat and draping it over her shoulder.

Joey hadn't thought that she really needed a jacket when she was at the restaurant since the temp had been nice and the shawl did okay for the most part. But now, she wished she had brought something with her and doubt the wrap in her car would have provided much warmth at the very least.

But then she felt something brush against her bare skin and finding it was Sebastian's coat covering her. She turn and saw him standing there with his arms cross, not minding the coolness as he wore a long sleeve and was okay with lending her his.

"You really should have thought it through instead of coming down in just that. But that's okay you can use it until we get upstairs."

"Yeah I didn't even think about it at the time, but thank you anyways." When they heard the elevator made the ding and indicated they reach their floor. Sebastian let her get out first before he did and was walking her towards her car.

Joey was feeling very odd about this. It was almost like they, no no, not like that, he was being nice is all. But this was Sebastian and he was acting so different with her…it was just very confusing to her.

When they reach her Lexus, Joey pulled the coat off and hand it back to him. They both said their good nights and Sebastian was starting to go head towards his car as he also decided to call it a night.

He barely made more than a couple steps when he heard Joey call out his name and turning around to see her standing there with her doe brown eyes staring at him. It was hard not to feel drawn in by them and wondering why he felt so off as they stood there before he said, "Yeah what is it?"

Joey was seeing Sebastian was waiting and didn't mean to stall as try to find the right words and feeling it was best to come out and ask him anyways. After all he knows what's going to happen and he'll tell her what it is, hopefully she thought.

"You know I was wondering what do you suppose happens now? I mean it's kinda sudden but I just thought that with both serums finished and from all the tests we have done so far…what do you think the board is going to do and are we still going to be a part of it?"

He hadn't been expecting her to throw these questions out just like that and yet understood why she was bringing it up now as he thought the same thing earlier this evening. He had been mulling this out and thought what the most likely outcome would occur and decided to let her hear what he thinks.

"Well we finished the first two stages and there's only the one other that is left to be tested which I'm pretty sure you know what that is. In any case, the military or government will then decide where will go from there."

"I suppose that true but I'm still a little uncertain about what might happen if they do go through with that part. Testing it on an animal is very much different than on a human's DNA and ours is more complex in itself. We can't assume it won't have some issues in there somewhere along the way."

She pushed a lock of her hair behind her ear and seeing Sebastian was still waiting for her to continue, "I'm not trying to sound negative here but it's just you know how fickle the military can be and bet would love to poke holes at what we do and if anything should go wrong, guess who gets blame for it."

Sebastian could understand why she was so concern and thought he would've thought the same thing himself if he had been in her position. They just love to critic everything they did and think they knew better than everyone else. Hmph shows what they know!

He walked towards her and placed his hand on her shoulder. He could feel the coolness of her skin going through his palm and having her look up at him once again.

"Hey let's not think so much about that. The important thing is we manage to succeed where they thought we wouldn't be able to and that's all that really matter. It should keep those pricks well satisfied and off our backs as I doubt they could find anyone better than us to be working on this so there's no reason to feel worry about it."

That seem to do the trick as he saw Joey smiled and thought that seem to help ease her mind a great deal. What he hadn't expect was for her to inch close to him, standing on those heels of hers and press her lips briefly to his left cheek.

Just a quick peck and yet felt the sudden heat radiating from her kiss once she pulled away to see he was looking at her in awe but also wondering why she did that.

"Well went you put it that way, I would love to see the looks on their faces when you tell them and do hope they let us stick around longer. I really do like working with this team and you're not so bad when you want to be Sebastian. Thank you for letting me a part of this and I do hope everything turns out all right like you said."

After that, she got into her car and slowly drove out from the compound. As she exited pass the security booth, she saw him out of her rear-view mirror still standing where she left him and watching her go.

But she did notice that Sebastian's hand was on his cheek and could swear he was grinning as he did.
- 5
- 6
- 7
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Your Hollow Heart