One Last... Call

Qualm

- Connor -

No, that's impossible right? That was a different Jace. My thoughts kept on swirling as the night went on. Justin felt that way too. He looked at me concerned as we watched rugby games on TV, while Dale was inside our bedroom working on his assignment. The noise from the TV was the only thing that's filling the room right now, and the dense air.

Dinner went just fine, we pretty much ate quietly, The sound of forks tapping on our plate sometimes broke our silence. We just didn't feel like talking about something, or someone at the table. Dale, at one point, gave Justin a mean look for not even talking for a long time. He probably just ignored it and finished his food. He then decided to go inside our bedroom and do his assignments.

"Dale, I'll drag Connor with me. We'll just hang out somewhere a bit." Justin finally stood up and called up on Dale, knocking on the door. Justin threw my hoodie at my face and dragged me by the collar of my shirt.

Dale opened the door and went out for a bit, seemingly annoyed. "If you're ever going to be a bad influence to Connor, I'll fucking hit you on the face."

"Nah we'll just get some fresh air then I'll head back to my flat, right Connor?" I actually could use some air. I could not even think straight now, even if I tried. 

"Yeah, just some fresh air Dale. I'll be back in no time. Do you want something when I get back home?" I walked up right next to Dale, pulling him close to me and kissed his forehead. 

"Gah you're so affectionate sometimes. I like it." He nuzzled on my chest. "Bring me ice cream. I know it's bad for me but I want something right now to distract me away from my assignments.

"Ice cream? Okay then. I'll bring you one later. Love you Dale."

"Love you too Connor. And Justin, make sure Connor is safe." Dale waved goodbye to us. I followed Justin out of our apartment. As soon as he shut the door behind us, we ran down stairs towards the main entrance. We exited the building and ran a bit more.

"I know what you're thinking Connor, 'How did Dale and Jace met?', 'Why did they have to become friends?' or 'Does Jace know that I am attending here?' and before you can answer those, I don't have an answer to you." His expression calm and collected, neutral. 

"I- Justin, that was fucking Jace that was just here earlier. That of course caught me by surprise." I nearly screamed at the top of my voice. We started walking again when we were able to catch our breath from that short run. 

"And I did not really expect Dale to meet, let alone them becoming friends. I mean I should have thought about that possibility but still."

Justin placed an arm on my shoulder. "Maybe you should have talked to Dale about this a while ago. I can't really force you to do anything, just saying that this might help the both of you. He can definitely read you, regardless if you're lying or not."

That was true, Dale could read me like a page in a book. He got this sense of being playful yet he notices people. He might be a little too air-head sometimes, but he can figure you out. 

"Maybe, but I don't even know how he'll react to it."

"You won't know if you didn't try. Just try to act like it doesn't really bother you." Justin said, picking up his pace a bit.

"Doesn't bother me? Bruh, Jace is here. Maybe I can finally get some closure why he broke up with me. Call me stuck up, but I have the right to know."I said, clenching my fists.

"Maybe it's best left behind the past. Jace looked like he moved on. You, on the other hand, are looking for answers to an unfinished story. Let it be Connor, move on. You have Dale now. Jace doesn't matter."

Justin seemed to made his point. But My body just acted on its own, punching the wall right next to Justin. He looked horrified, shocked. 

The cold air didn't seem to help me cool down. I thought that this was doing a  good job at calming my nerves. But it didn't.

"Look honestly, don't get bothered by this. If Dale sees you being affected by this, just talk to him. He'll adjust for you if he knows that will be the best for your relationship." Justin offered a smile, still scared at the sudden violent action I just did.

I took a deep breath and regained my composure. "I just need some time and gather enough courage to talk to Dale about this."

We were nearing the ice cream parlor across Justin's flat. There was still quite a queue inside, even though it was pouring hard earlier.

"Don't take your time. Make up your mind and do what you think is needed to be done." Justin vaguely said.

"I don't intend to. I love Dale and I he deserves to know the truth." Confidently, I tried to mask my fear.

"Right. now go and buy your prince his ice cream. He'll be waiting for you home. I'll see you tomorrow Connor." Justin fist bumped with me and went home.

I was left standing outside, waiting for a miracle to happen. DAle seemed to understand things, so surely he'll see where I'm coming from. I don't want to see him hurt. I love him.