The Time Traveler

CHAPTER 7 THE REHEARSALS

🌟 Michael's Standpoint

The doctor sat next to me as he revised my arm. Pressing my lips, I showed how much it hurt just by his touch. I felt embarrassed for allowing this kind of abuse by the man who claims to love me.

Although the doctor did not know the truth behind these bruises, he was a smart guy, and it wasn't the first time that he treated my injuries. Therefore, he eyed me with concern.

"Michael, these bruises are concerning me. As a doctor, I am entitled to report it to the authorities. If something happens to you, and if an investigation is conducted, I'm going to hold responsibility for not reporting it to the police."

I pursed my lips as my eyes became watery.

"That's never going to happen!" Bill pointed out somehow annoyed about the doctor's opinion.

"Oh, Mark, don't say anything. I assure you that is not going to happen again." I tried to release the tension in the room.

"Whatever is happening, Mike, make it stop. I don't wish to find you in a worse condition next time I see you."

I had no words to say; I just felt so embarrassed. He prescribed me an anti-inflammatory cream. Bill sent Jacob to the pharmacy to get my prescription. Perhaps he wanted to make him feel guilty for what he did to me.

When I received the prescription, there was a note inside the bag. Luckily, Bill saw it before the doctor could.The doctor instructed Bill how to apply the anti-inflammatory cream and to put the gauze over my forearm.

Today was day one of rehearsals, and I couldn't show up with bruises on my arm; therefore, the doctor gave me an arm brace to cover it up. The other arm wasn't that bad; therefore, I could cover it with the long sleeve.

Bill handed me the note when the doctor left, and it said. 'Baby, please forgive me. Let's talk it over. I love you so much, and I miss you.' I showed the note to Kate.

"Don't take him back, Michael." I smiled as we headed towards the door.

"You're not, right?" She asked.

"Of course not."

"Come on, let's go; we don't want to be late." Bill pointed out.

As we stepped out of the apartment, the new guard was there. My heart skipped a beat... I didn't expect him to be there. I was clear when I said that I didn't want him near me. Tension grew instantly, yet I noticed how handsome he looked all dressed in black. Fitted shirt that

revealed all those muscles, fitted pants as well, interestingly different from the others. He's got style; there's no doubt about that.

Oh God, my eyes betrayed me as I scanned him from head to toes. Once I came to my senses and realized what I was doing, I clear my throat and turn my eyes away, feeling the uneasiness again.

How embarrassing! He must've captured my flirtatious gaze, for I noticed it in his eyes. I believe all of them saw it as well. Including Jacob, who's about to have a jealousy outrage at any moment.

The new guard, instead, reacted as if he didn't notice; therefore, he proceeded to act with professionalism.

"Isaac, you will drive; William, you will take the passenger seat; and Bill, you will accompany Mr. Jackson and his guest. I will follow behind on my motorcycle. It is not necessary for all of us to go. Therefore, Sean, Keith, and Jacob will stay here." Jacob complained right away.

"There's no way that I'm staying here!"

We all eyed him. Oh, my God, I ran my fingers through my forehead, feeling embarrassed. This time I am not going to intervene for him. The new guard stood his ground as he pointed out.

"I am not going to tolerate your behavior. Either you obey me, or you're out. Do I make myself clear?"

We all eyed Jacob while he faced me, asking for an intervention that didn't come. I looked away.

"Let us get going; I don't want to be late." I said, and Bill and Isaac guide us to the elevator.

"You guys go ahead; I will take the other elevator. I'm going to get my motorcycle and catch up with you.”

When he spoke, I tried hard not to look at him, but my eyes betrayed me. He did not notice, but my friend Kate did.

"Omg, Mike... he is hot." I widened my eyes at her, but she continued.

"Did you see his neck and his hands, Mike? Are those tattoos, or am I seeing wrong?" Of course I noticed that detail... and it threw me off. I have never seen anything like him before.

"Yes, those are tattoos. I hope that doesn't bother you, Mike." Bill pointed out, "It does; he's intimidating. Are you certain that he's an agent?"

"Michael, trust me, he is legit."

Bill clarified, and I just rolled my eyes. Minutes later, while we were in the car and going through the streets, a nice motorcycle came into view as it drove right next to my window.

I love motorcycles, and that motorcycle was eye-catching. Oh, I wanted to ride it, but I wanted to ride it with him.

"Omg, Mike, never mind the tattoos, the man is hot, and look at that bike!"

A smile formed on the corner of my lips. Indeed he was hot, and I kind of like him... Oh, for God's sake, what am I thinking? I just ended a relationship with a man; I cannot consider being with another. Apart from all, I cannot trust him.

🌟Ivan's Standpoint.

Today I captured something different in his eyes when he scanned me from head to toes. Curiosity, perhaps, I hope, is something positive that he's willing to tolerate my presence. At least he didn't walk away as he did earlier.

I scanned the streets while we headed to the place he was supposed to be, and everything appeared normal.

When we arrived at the premises, I stayed behind the vehicle analyzing how they conducted themselves to protect Michael, and they did a fantastic job. They reported themselves to me by using their old hand radios.

Luckily, my technology interacted with their old radios. By installing a tiny microchip inside those old devices. As for myself, I was using a Bluetooth, visible wire-like that started in the center of my ear and went around my ear and stretched to the center of my cheek. Silvery-looking, I didn't need any type of phone or radio to interact with them.

They were amazed to see this technology, and I explained to them that as an FBI agent, we have advanced technology that the market is yet to see. They went with that. Everything was going well as we entered the building; he took center stage and did his thing. He interacted with his dancers and stage manager. I also noticed that when he had a chance, he would eye me.

"What happened to his arm, Bill?" Bill eyed me; we were away from everyone who was watching the rehearsals.

"It was Jacob." He said, and I arched an eyebrow, pissed about this issue. How in the world do they allow this to happen? There's no way that I'm allowing it, not under my watch.

"Listen, Bill, I am not going to allow this behavior anymore. If he hurts him again, I'm going to beat the shit out of him and fire his ass."

"This has happened many times before, and I, as well as the guys, have confronted him about it, and I've been trying hard to get rid of him, yet Michael has defended him every time." I shook my head in disbelief.

"How is this possible, Bill? Does he love this man so much, or is it about fear? You have mentioned that he's a smart guy; why would he allow this man to hurt him?”

"Indeed, Michael is a smart guy. However, every smart person has a weak side. Michael is quite vulnerable in his love life." I lifted my eyes; I couldn't accept this.

"Hasn't it occurred to you all that he might be doing it out of fear? Perhaps Jacob is blackmailing him."

"Yes, that possibility has gone through my mind. And I have asked Michael about it, and he denies it. Therefore we don't know what to do."

"Well, one thing I'm certain about, it is not love but fear. It is called blackmail. All in its time, Bill, you will see. I'm going to get this guy by the balls. Wait and see." I saw a small grin, almost as if not believing me. Something's up, I know it.

We stay at rehearsals all day. The guys took their breaks, and Bill brought me lunch when they all had taken their breaks. I was responsible for Michael's security; therefore, I was the last to take breaks or meals or even sleep. However, something kept me positive about this mission, and it was Michael being adorable with every glance at me.

He was doing his best to not let it show; nonetheless, his curiosity betrayed him. I wonder what was going through his mind. What was he thinking every time his eyes were on me? I wish I could ask him myself. Eventually, that day will come when I gain his trust.

After three days of rehearsals, he gave me the cold shoulder. He will not greet me or gesture to me at all; he will just eye me, and I am happy with that. I don't know why. It did something to me, especially when he would look away, timid, and hesitant.

Every three days I recharge, and on the third night, I didn't sleep in the same apartment with the rest of the crew. I went to my hotel room and stayed all night recharging.

How do I recharge? Well, I bought my chair, and when I'm not using it, it converts into a suitcase. I plug it in, and I sit and rest all night. The night of the MTV music awards arrived. We escorted the singer to the theater, and everything went well as usual. It was a wonderful performance; the crowd went wild.

I got to experience the legend at his best, and there is more to come. I love his vocals more than anything. Hearing him sing live was ****** remarkable.

After the show, it was time to go back to the apartment. Michael was invited to attend the after-awards party, yet he always avoided those events.

Bill explained that nasty shit happens at those parties and that Michael hated it.

Tonight, Keith, Isaac, and Bill were on duty. The others were off. They took turns being off, and Jacob was behaving like a pro. He was not giving anyone trouble, yet he was still sending love notes, candy, and flowers to Michael.

Certainly, Michael ate the candy and accepted the flowers, but he didn't read the notes. Well, according to Bill.

Tonight, after the show, something unexpected happened while we were heading back to his apartment: the car pulled over to the side of the road. Bill called me, and by using my Bluetooth, I responded.

"Mr. Miller, Michael told me to ask you if he can go on the bike with you." It caught me off guard; I wasn't expecting to hear this after days of having the cold shoulder treatment.

"Umm..." I said.

"You don't have to agree; I think it's a terrible idea. The paparazzi may still be lingering."

"No, no, it's okay, Bill. I see that there's no press following us." I scanned all around me, and we left them behind miles away.

"How do you know?"

"I know, Bill, trust me."

"Just make sure that he's wearing his cloak, and I will give him my helmet."

"Okay... take care of him, alright? If something bad happens, you'll be responsible."

"Of course, Bill." I got off my bike and approached the vehicle to open the door for him. When he stepped out, we came so close to each other that we almost touched nose to nose; that made me so nervous.

"Don't take me back to the apartment." He spoke in a soft tone and stared at my lips. My heart skipped a beat, and I cleared my throat.

"Umm... where do you want to go, sir?"

"I don't know... surprise me, take me wherever you want."

The way he said it, and with that cute little twitch of his, so flirtatiously, made me assume that he was teasing me. Oh, come on, Ivan, perhaps that's the way he normally talks and the way he looks at people.

Dammit, he looked so beautiful that I was afraid to lose my will and disrespect him. Come on, Ivan, you are stronger than this; do not fall for it. Perhaps it's a trap to get me fired.

⚜️
Stay tuned for more. Let me know what are your thoughts. Do you think it's a trap? Happy New Year, my lovely readers!
 
✅ WARNING!! THIS CHAPTER WILL HAVE TWO MEN KISSING. DON’T READ IF YOU CANNOT HANDLE IT.

CHAPTER 8. THE DRIVE
SORRY GUYS, this chapter is too long. Next time I will make it shorter.



🌟Ivan's Standpoint

Where would I take him? I had no clue. He was wearing a long cloak, which I believe will not be good to ride the bike in; therefore, I stepped back and took off my leather jacket.

"Put on my jacket, Mr. Jackson. The cloak is not safe for the ride."

He obeyed me, and I placed the jacket over his shoulder. The jacket looked massive on him, though; he looked adorable as he did not zip it; therefore, I did it for him.

"We have to make sure you don't catch a cold. Remember that you just performed, sir." He pulled his hands out of the long sleeves of the jacket and eyed me with a smile.

"You care for me?"

That question made me nervous. It felt intimate, but why? I had no reason to be feeling what I'm feeling, and, moreover, those gorgeous pair of eyes gazing on me made it more difficult to think straight. He was tempting me, daring me with his cute, flirty ways.

"Of course I do; it is my job to care for you, sir."

My words appeared to have hurt him. For I saw how his flirtatious gaze turned into sadness. It hurt me as well as he lifted his eyes to see me, and that look made me feel so bad for saying what I said.

"Yeah... it's your job."

He said with hurt. I wanted to touch his chin, caress his cheek, and tell him that I'm sorry if I hurt him in any way. Yet, I couldn't... can't break the rules. It's not right. Then he lifted a bit and voiced. A small simile showed at the corner of his lips.

"Your jacket is cool; I like it. Can I have it?" With that tender gaze in his eyes, I simply couldn't tell him no.

"Of course you can have it." I guided him to the bike and handed him the helmet.

"Here, you must wear it."

"What about you?"

"I'm fine, I don't need it." I got into the bike; he had to climb and hold on to the bike.

"The air is cold; aren't you afraid to get sick?"

"Don't worry about me, Mr. Jackson. I'll be alright; I'm a strong man. Come on, hop on, put the helmet on, and hold on tight."

He gazed at the helmet as if it was something out of this world. And it was, because it wasn't from this era. Finally, he put on the helmet and got on. The bike had handles that he could grasp, but he held me from the waist, like women do.

I am a machine indeed, yet I'm half human, and his hands on my body sent shock waves of emotions through my body. Why is he doing this to me, you're walking on dangerous grounds Ivan, be careful.

"Can I?" He asked.

"Please, do so; I don't want you to fall."

Not only did he grasp himself from my waist, but he also laid his tiny frame on my back. The feeling distracted me. I couldn't concentrate on where to take him. How the heck would I concentrate in the presence of such a beautiful man? Dammit!

I turned on the motor, and we headed off. Furthermore, I commanded my AI to guide me by using the GPS, and we drove through the city of LA.

Now, where would it be a nice place to take him? I'm hungry, and I assume he should be as well, yet where would be perfect for him without causing hysteria? Come on, Ivan, think.

After a minute or so, I remember my abilities. Yes, that's it. I can disorient a human mind and erase what they see at that moment.

If something goes out of hand, that's what I'm going to do. Therefore I can take him to dinner, no big deal. Using my AI, I asked for a small, good restaurant where they would not have numerous customers.

I hope he likes Italian. I mean, who says no to pizza and some good pasta? Furthermore, I went into the parking space. There weren't many cars, and when I unmounted my bike, he stayed there, glancing in all directions.

"Why did you stop here?" He didn't take off the helmet.

"Sir, It will be alright. I don't know about you, but I am hungry." I offered him my hand to help him get off. Yet, he hesitated.

"Well... I am hungry too... but there are people inside. They will recognize me."

"I assure you that there isn't as much people as you assume. Trust me, Mr. Jackson, I will not take you to a place where you cannot be safe. I have saved you from a much more dangerous situation. Remember that I told you that we were going to be attacked?" He still remained in hesitation.

"Umm... sure, I remember."

"Well, didn't you say that you enjoy a little adrenaline in your life?"

"Well... sometimes."

"Trust me, nothing is going to happen."

Finally, he took my hand and unclimbed the bike. He wasn't taking off the helmet, so I did it for him. Those considerable eyes of his were looking in every direction.

It was two o'clock at midnight; there was no one at the parking space but two vehicles. While he scanned the place, I also did; my AI did not recognize any danger.

"Come, let us go in, sir. Always stay close and behind me, okay?" He nodded. The small restaurant had a second floor, and we took the stairs to find somewhere to sit.

On the second floor there was no one there, and so, we found the perfect spot, and I pulled the chair for him to sit and kept scanning the place.

"I hope you like pizza and pasta."

"Oh, I do."

"I guess I have to go order."

"You're not leaving me all alone, right?" He asked with worry eyes.

"If you don't want anyone to see you, you can't come with me."

I knew nothing was going to happen, but he looked terrified. However, I wanted to see what he feared the most. Be seen, or be completely alone.

"I... I will go with you."

"Perfect, come let us go." I guess being alone is what he feared the most.

He rose from the chair and rushed closer to me as we walked into the first floor. Poor baby, he looked terrified. However, he eased his nerves when he noticed that there was no one nearby.

The man who took our order did recognize him, yet he remained respectful and asked him for an autograph. Michael did, and we went back upstairs.

"I hope he doesn't call the paparazzi." He voiced when we sat back down at our table.

"Don't worry about that, Mr. Jackson; I don't think he will, and if he does, well, we will leave." His uneasiness did not ease; he kept glancing at the stairs. Now I have scanned every corner, and there weren't any cameras.

"They could be watching us." He said.

"There are no cameras, sir." He widened his eyes as he turned his attention towards me.

"How do you know that?"

"Well, I looked around." He arched an eyebrow.

"Just like that?"

"Mr. Jackson, I have perfect vision. And I'm trained to spot a camera where no one can."

"Do you?" He lifted his eyebrows.

"You must trust me, sir."

Thereafter, he became quiet for a moment, then he glanced at my hands. Then at my neck, I knew my tattoos were intimidating him; not all people from this era were used to seeing people like me. In my era most of the population is tattooed. There's no big deal.

"Are you okay, sir?" He pursed his lips timidly and tried not to be so obvious as he looked away.

"Umm... yes."

"Are you sure? If there's something that you wish to ask me, go ahead."

"Well... umm... are you sure?" He asked.

"Of course."

"Okay... umm... I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable but... I haven't seen anyone with so many tattoos."

"Oh, I don't feel uncomfortable, trust me. On the contrary, I see that you are."

"I'm sorry... I just find it, quite intimidating."

If he only knew that my tattoos are there for a reason, particularly the ones on my hands. At that moment the same guy who attended us came with our pizza.

As he approached us, I scanned him just to see if he was clear. When I turned my eyes back at Michael, he appeared quite confused.

When the guy left, he asked me, "what was that in your eyes?" Dammit, he must've noticed my cyborg eye. My heart skipped a beat.

"What, Sir?" He farrow his eyebrows.

"I... umm... I swear I saw something in your eye." I eyed him directly, so that he can see my eyes clearly.

"What did you see, sir?" I acted as if he was being irrational. Thankfully, he felt embarrassed and let it go.

"Umm... nothing, I must have seen wrong." I noticed that he wasn't eating therefore, I remind him hop in and eat.

"Sir, hop in, the pizza is actually pretty good." And so he did.

"Mmm... it is pretty good. Have you come here before?" He asked and I hated to lie to him, it's the last thing I wanted to do but I had no choice.

"Well, just once, with a friend, because I'm not from here."

"Where are you from?" He asked.

"I'm from Washington DC."

We continue eating then I continue the conversation because there was a moment where he just stare at me, that made me nervous.

I hated to be in that position, for I have always been in control of everything regarding my work and my private life. I felt weak under a beautiful pair of eyes. Therefore, I needed to initiate a conversation.

"Mr.Jackson, can I ask you a personal question?" He pursed his lips.

"You may."

"What made you want to go out tonight with me? From what I understand, you refuse to have me near you ." He took as moment to respond.

"Well... let's just say that sometimes curiosity makes the best of me."

We stared at each other for a moment. Suddenly I felt a strong urge to reach out for his hand and hold it. I studied his beautiful face and wanted to kiss his lips so desperately. The tender look in his gaze assured me that what we were feeling was mutual.

Nonetheless, I couldn't cross the line and break the number one rule A professional agent must not break. That is, disrespect your client and fall in love with him.

"I'm sorry to say this but... you don't look like an ordinary guy. The way you dress, your tattoos, your hair style, that thing you have in your ear. I know, Bill told me that it's a Bluetooth... umm future technology.

And... the motorcycle. I don't believe ever seeing a model like that. All these things open my curiosity and made me want to get to know you better."

I was listening to him admiring his beauty. My God, he looked painfully beautiful tonight. For god's sake, I gotta snap out of my daze and be rational.

"Is the Motorcycle also a future model?"

"It is." I said not wanting to say a lot.

"Oh, it's absolutely stunning. What year is it going to on the market?"

"I don't really know. I only know that this model could be around 20 to 30 years in advance, as well as for the technology we work with."

"Oh, that is wonderful. So in 20 years I will get to buy one? That's cool."

When he said it with so much joy, sadness took over my heart because in 20 years he'll be dead... if, I fail my mission. Therefore, I eyed him with concern and he noticed right away.

"Is everything okay?"

"Yes... of course." Then he continued with a smile on his face.

"Well, in 20 years I will be 53. Still young enough to ride a bike."

I pursed my lips as I watched him closely with sadness. I couldn't help it. I don't want him to die so young. I want him to age beautifully as every other human being.

"Oh, I have so many plans for the future. The world have not seen anything from me just yet." That's right beautiful baby, all I have to do is change the course of time.

"What's wrong? Why are you so serious, you don't believe me?"

"Of course I do. Don't mind my serious face. I usually don't show too much emotion, that's all." He smiled and continued asking questions.

"Can I ask you a personal question?"

"Sure," I said.

"Are you married? I ask you because at your age most men are married."

Supposedly, I am 33 but in my era I am 27. I was born on September first 2073, over 60 years after his death, ain't that something?

"No I am not, yet you are also my age and not married." I lifted my eyebrows and he smiled.

"Yeah, that's true... and do you have someone in your life?" He analyzed me carefully as if wanting to hear good news. Nonetheless, I couldn't lie, I have Adrian and I can't deny him.

"Yeah, there's someone in my life." He did his best to appear as if It didn't affect him, yet his eyes revealed his disappointment.

"Well... I wonder how does she cope with having a boyfriend with such a dangerous job." He said faking a smile.

"Oh, he's also in the same field as me. Yet he is more as an administrative guy." Somehow he appeared to be happy to hear that it was a guy.

"I see..." he only said two words and he looked down in sadness. Now it was my turn to ask questions.

"Mr. Jackson, now that we both are getting to know other, may I also know more about you?"

"Umm... it depends." Oh well, he only wanted to know about me. That wasn't fair. Nonetheless, I couldn't pressure him. He was my client, my boss after all. I smiled.

"What is it that you want to know?" He asked.

"I want to know about Jacob. Bill explained to me your turbulent relationship with him." He bit his lip feeling embarrassed.

"I respect your privacy Sir, but I am not going to allow anyone, not only him, to hurt you physically. It is not happening under my watch. With or without your consent, if he hurts you again, I'm going to beat his ass and terminate him for good."

"Boy, I would love to see that one day. Get his ass beaten by someone as strong as him... because I... I can't beat him. He's too strong. Is not that the guys can take on him, I know they can, but I have always intervene."

"Why, Sir?"

"I'm... umm... scared."

He cleared his throat. Poor baby he looked down at his hands and started to become uneasy. I did something unexpected, for I, felt the urge to console him, to let him know that I would do anything for him, even to give my life for him if I have to. It was my job after all. I lay my hands on top of his.

"You don't have to be scared anymore. I'm here to protect you from everything and everyone. Enemies, fake friends, ex lovers, family members, everyone. You are my priority, never forget about that."

My God, he was so sensitive that tears rolled down his face. How can this son of a gun has the heart to hurt the person he claims to love? That's not love, not at all. That's control and oppression. Then I heard his soft voice say.

"Thank you."

He whispered. I tried to make him eat more but he only ate two portions of the pizza, but he did ate the salad. As for me, I have no problems with food, I finished the rest of the pizza.

By the time we went back to the bike, there was no one at the parking space. He took a moment to admire the bike as he run his hand through the body of the motorcycle.

"Stunning piece of machine isn't it? And the helmet is also super cool."

"It is," I responded.

"I was kidding about the jacket. I cannot have it; it's too big."

I drew closer; I don't know why. We gaze at each other for a moment. I had this immense need that took over me to kiss him. His lips were so damn tempting that I was losing my will.

He was allowing me to get this close.

Soon, I felt his hands on my waist, giving me the okay to kiss him. The moment I stroked his face, our lips locked into a soft kiss. It was brief, and I pulled away, realizing what I had done.

"I'm sorry... I'm sorry, Sir!"

"Don't be sorry. Was it so bad that you didn't like it?" He said it as he looked down in sadness.

"No, no, it wasn't what you think it is. I did something wrong, and I'm sorry for it! Come on, get on the bike; we have to go!" I was truly upset with myself for losing control.

"Are you mad at me?" He asked, feeling deeply sad.

"No, no, Sir. I'm mad at myself for doing what I should've done. This will not happen again!"

"But I liked it, and I wanted it to happen again."

"No, no, no, it's not happening again! I will not cross the line of respect again. I'm an agent, and I can't and will not break the rules.

It is not about you; God knows you are perfect. It's me, okay? It's not happening again, period. Come on, let us go."

⚜️

Stay tuned for more.
 
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