The sound of crunching leaves underfoot drew Cory’s attention. He lay still, listening intently.

The distant sound told Cory two things: one, another person was in the park and, two, they coming moving his way.

The corners of his mouth tilted upwards. The hunt would soon begin.

Not until the sound grew closer, did Cory turn his head to look at in their direction. When the gentle probing touched his senses, Cory jumped and took off in the direction of the source. Engulfed by a sensation of surprise – followed by fright – Cory sensed the person turn and flee.

The speed in which they ran left Cory exhilarated as pushed himself harder. He became more determined as he discovered his speed increased to the point where the trees blurred past him. Branches whipped his body and as he gained ground, he couldn’t move them out the way fast enough not to be hit by them. He’d regret his decision in the morning – but not now. Adrenaline coursed through his body as an overwhelming power consumed him..

His prey darted through the trees and Cory sensed their fear as his determination grew. Flashes of orange before him gave Cory the confidence he needed to push harder.

As the distance closed, Cory made the outline of a man. What Cory didn’t expect was the impact when he lunged for the man. The speed in which they travelled meant both came crushing to the ground – sliding with such velocity they collided with a gum tree and shook it violently. A loud snap resonated as leaves and branches fell over the pair.

Crouched over the man, Cory’s immediate response was to protect them both from the falling debris. Both men held their arms over their heads for protection as Cory took the brunt of the falling branches. Once settled, Cory murmured a curse under his breath and, removing his arms from around his head, he looked at the man beneath him.

His shaggy dark hair littered with leaves and twigs brought recognition and as he moved his arm away from his face familiar green eyes stared up at Cory.

“Neve?” Cory said in surprise.

“Hi Cory,” Neve replied.

Cory stood before Neve, holding out his hand to assist. They both removed the dirt and leaves from their clothes as Cory watched Neve expecting him to flee again.

“I’m not going anywhere,” Neve told him.

“Making sure,” Cory replied.

Neve wore black skinny jeans, and a black hoodie with black runners.

“I can still see you even with the dark clothes. It’s hard to miss the orange glow.”

Neve let out a deep sigh.

“Will you tell me what’s going on?” Cory asked.

“Do you have any food with you?” Neve said.

“Yes, back in my bag,” Cory replied.

“Let’s head back there, I’m starving.”

“And you'll tell me what’s going on, right?” Cory asked.

Neve didn't reply as he made his way back towards Cory’s camp.

Cory stared at Neve as he followed. They didn’t speak again until they reached Cory’s belongings and picking up his bag from the ground Cory handed it to Neve.

“Help yourself to what's in there,” Cory told him.

Cory watched Neve rummage through the bag and pull out the chocolate bar.

“That's not going to stop your hunger,” huffed Cory.

“It’s a start,” Neve told him, placing the bag at his feet.

Neve dropped the chocolate bar on top of the sleeping bag before removing his hoodie and tossing it aside. Once seated next to Cory, Neve opened the bar and ate it in one go. Cory couldn’t believe the terrible decorum the guy had. With the chocolate gone, Neve pulled Cory’s bag towards him and promptly searched through it, removing the remaining muesli bars.

“Did you want to eat?” Neve asked.

“You have them.”

Neve opened one of the muesli bars, shoved it in his mouth as he pulled out the last two apples Cory had. Neve looked at Cory questioningly when he held up the apples and Cory nodded, giving him the okay to eat them.

“When was the last time you ate?” Cory asked mesmerised at the speed and mess in which Neve ate.

“This morning,” Neve answered, with his mouth partially full.

With eyebrows raised, Cory was tempted to shake his head but didn’t.

Instead, Cory continued to stare at Neve, watching the orange glow flicker around his body. Up close, it reminded Cory of the solar flares moving around the surface of the sun, but it was more a haze as opposed to an actual light. Cory wondered if he looked that way to Neve.

They sat in silence, before Cory asked again, “Are you going to tell me now?”

Neve looked around at their surroundings and Cory saw the reluctance on Neve’s face.

“I think I deserve an explanation,” Cory continued.

Neve let out a sigh, digging at the dirt in front of him with his finger. He murmured, “It wouldn’t matter. The end will be the same.”

Confused, Cory asked, “What do you mean – the end will be the same?”

Neve didn't reply, only pushed at the dirt deeper.

Cory sensed his withdrawal and after a moment Cory tried a different approach.

“How old are you?” Cory asked.

Neve looked up at Cory, paused, before replying, “Twenty-two.”

“Twenty-two, you look young for your age.”

“I get told that often. It’s because of my height.”

“How tall are you?” Cory asked.

“Five-eight,” Neve told him.

“I’m six-one,” Cory replied.

“I know.”

“I’m sure you do. I suspect you know a lot about me.”

Neve blushed and Cory couldn’t help but smile. The want to tease Neve increased.

“Stalkers know much about those they are watching,” Cory continued.

Neve’s head flew up, and he replied hastily, “I’m not a stalker.”

Cory raised an eyebrow, and Neve let out a big sigh.

“It’s not as you think.”

“Then tell me.”

Neve shook his head and turned away.

“Do you think that will stop me from asking you questions?”

Neve went to get up and concerned he might flee Cory grabbed Neve around the waist and pulled him back. The strength and determination Cory had thrown them both back and Neve ended up on top of Cory.

Cory looked up at Neve, his hair falling around his surprised face, his arms pressed firmly against Cory’s chest. His large eyes stared at Cory and then a sudden sensation engulfed Cory. Similar to the times before, the intensity of the new sensations Cory identified as desire. Cory stared up in confusion before Neve leaned in and kissed him. The gentle press of Neve’s lips on Cory’s momentarily distracted Cory before his feelings of fear overwhelmed him.

Unable to control the moment, Cory’s need to fight the sensations being pushed onto his consciousness grew. When he unleashed an overwhelming power of emotions, Neve flinched away from Cory, before jumping up, and fleeing. Cory did nothing to stop him as he sensed Neve getting further away from him until he no longer sensed his presence. Cory stared up into the night sky wondering what in hell had happened.

His inability to control the situation might have been disastrous if not for his willpower and mental strength to overcome Neve. He didn't understand why Neve kissed him – yet as he lay there remembering the emotions that had penetrated through Cory, he began to understand. Neve had feelings for Cory, feelings Cory could not return. Cory realised things had become a little more complicated.

With still no understanding of his circumstances, Cory started to pack up to go home. Neve would not be returning.

As Cory sat up, he spied Neve’s hoodie.

“You idiot, Neve,” Cory murmured.

As he picked up the hoodie and placed it to one side Cory noted the lopsided weight of the garment. Cory dug around the pockets and discovered the mobile phone.

“Oh, Neve, you really are an idiot.”

Cory removed his own mobile phone for his bag and accessing Neve’s dialled his own number. As the number displayed on his screen, Cory ended the call before saving Neve’s number. If Neve hoped this was the end he was in for a surprise.

Once Cory had packed everything back in his bag, he left Neve’s folded hoodie on the ground, hoping Neve had the sense to come back for it.

On the walk back to his car Cory found no pleasure in his extraordinary gift as his thoughts returned to the kiss. He wasn't angry at Neve but it might have ended better if Cory has a better understand of the situation.

Had Neve been able to control his ability when he propelled his emotions onto Cory they might have talked about it civilly? Cory could have told Neve he wasn’t against such relations between men, but it wasn’t for him. What he needed was time to think and come up with a plan.