Anything Two: Get Through

Accusations, Accidents, and Isolation

"It's not even February yet. I'm not working on that Valentine's Day article 'til next week."

"Did someone grab my prints? They're really important and I need them, like, yesterday."

"Oh my god. Stop talking for two seconds. I'm almost done. I can't focus."

Oh my Lorne. Lorne decided the office's needed some fresh faces and there are so, so many new people between this office and the next.

When Seth walked in a new girl sat in his chair, which wouldn't have been such a big deal if her feet were not also crossed on the chair. Amy is on her feet with a helpful smile, leading by example as a senior of the company to all the lost freshmen. Bill works one on one with a girl with dark red hair and doe eyes near the printer. Kenan just walked out with three newbies of his own. Seth can only imagine how Stefon is handling all of this, or how all of this is handling Stefon.

Stefon's behavior has been nothing short of erratic lately, much like the mess of people making it so hard to concentrate. Seth failed to talk to him about the drugs again. He's not even sure Stefon remembers him finding them, still sneaking away when the crash starts to set in. When he can't find an open door to run off, he's withdrawing and moody. Days like today, that window of opportunity has been sealed with concrete.

So when Seth finally escapes for lunch, he finds Stefon outside with a cigarette hanging from his lips, cursing at the rain and wind for making his lighter finicky. Seth cups his hands over the lighter to better shield it from the weather. Once Stefon has his vice, Seth presses up against his chest and snakes his arms around his waist. Stefon's arm falls limply around his shoulders while his other hand moves the cigarette to and from his lips.

"You hate this as much as I do?" He asks, usually dainty voice thick with agitation.

"So much," Seth agrees. He rubs his cheek against Stefon's shirt, welcoming the warmth. They were equally surprised at the lack of snow this morning, but despite the unusual warmth of the New York January morning, there's a strong chill brought on by the wind.

"I'm thinking about leaving early," Stefon says through his teeth as he inhales the nicotine just above Seth's head. Seth looks up at his chin and Stefon looks down at him once the smoke has been released. It's one of the few moments in his life where Seth has felt small yet protected in someone's arms since he was a child. "What do you think?"

"Only if you can take a cab. I have an appointment after work."

"An appointment?"

Seth failed to mention it on purpose. Stefon has been making a lot of comments in the last three weeks pertaining to his physical appearance. Maybe not on purpose. Usually when he's crashing. But it's been kind of hurtful. They're not inherently harmful comments, but after his outburst at the rest stop, he's a little apprehensive.

At one point, Seth called his mom and asked if she thought he had put on weight since the previous visit, to which she replied, you look a lot healthier since we've last seen you. He took healthier as bigger if he was being honest with himself.

Unsure if the mirror and his pants have been lying, a mental manifestation of insecurity, he started going to the gym and eating just a little less. Somehow he feels even worse. Fatigued and dizzy, all he wants is a healthier way to lose a little bit of his "adorably pudgy belly", as Stefon put it.

"Just a physical," he says.

"Okay." Stefon leans down to offer him a peck, which he happily meets in the middle.

"Hey, lovebirds!" Amy's voice chirps behind him. He pulls away from Stefon and turns to see her approaching with another woman. "This is Cecily! I'm taking her out for lunch. Wanna tag along?"