Different To Me (Egobang)

CHAPTER THREE: Impulse

CHAPTER THREE: Impulse

As time went on, Dan noticed Arin's behavior begin to shift. His demeanor seemed more melancholy, he moped around the office, not even taking notice of Dan… or anyone for that matter. Everytime Ross, Brian, or even Dan offered to get food, Arin refused. From what Dan gathered, Arin didn't seem to be sleeping either. He didn't think Arin had even gone home for the past few days. And each time Dan tried to reach out, to comfort his best friend, Arin seemed to place more distance between them. Arin seemed to be getting worse and worse by the day.

Today was the fourth night Arin had stayed at the office, and Dan decided to confront him.

As of late, Arin seemed to put on a show during each recording session. Returning the light hearted, comedic man that Dan had grown to love more and more.
But once they had finished, the energy seemed to be drained from Arin's body. promptly slumping back into the sadness like a well loved coat.

After this recording session, I'll talk to him. He's been avoiding me long enough.

Dan thought to himself whilst simultaneously destroying Arin at Monopoly. He loved Arin, he needed him to be okay. He was determined to reclaim the Arin he once knew.

Once Dan had proceeded to wrap up the show with a classic, “Next time on game grumps.” He promptly pulled Arin by the wrist, whisking him into a dark, vacant room.

"Arin…"
Was all that managed to escape his lips.

I have to do something…
Something that he's not expecting…
Something brash…
Something impulsive…

Dan thought to himself

He paused for only a moment before finding his hands clasp Arin's cheeks tenderly, his thumbs rubbing his jawline. He could feel his eyes shut as he moved his face closer until their lips met.

He could feel the scruff of Arin’s beard on his cheek. His fingers moved to the back of Arin’s head, as his fingers intertwined with his chestnut hair, pulling it slightly. Earning a small sigh from Arin. Dan’s cheeks grew bright red as he pulled away, embarrassed for his compulsive actions.

He couldn't speak, only the sound of their panting breath and beating hearts could be heard in the silence of the darkened room. The space seemed to shrink around them, as though to push them back together, but Dan fought it. Backing up, feeling the shame hit him like a truck.

“I- I’m sorry…”

Dan’s voice trembled in fear as he hurriedly slipped out the door before Arin could realize he had begun to cry. As he ran, he prayed that what he had done had not ruined their friendship.

Dan had made it as far as the parking lot until he heard a voice behind him.

“Wait!”

It was Arin…

Dan slowed to a walk, but he knew he couldn’t face Arin, not now.

“Dan… I-” Arin spoke softly as he was able to get closer.

Dan stopped, his back still to Arin. he felt a hand, delicately placed on his shoulder, shivering at the touch.

“Please Dan…” Arin’s voice was a whisper as it threatened to give out at any moment.

Dan turned, looking over his shoulder at the younger male behind him, he composed himself. 

“Arin-”

Dan’s voice was barely above a whisper as he spoke in a husky, somber tone devoid of emotion. Arin was taken aback by Dan’s serious tone. He had never heard Dan speak in this way, it was almost forgine to him.

Dan continued in the same manner:

“Arin. It didn't mean anything.”

He spoke so flat, so cold. Arin shivered as Dan turned away from him, walking to his car. Arin was stunned.

“It meant something to me--”

Arin’s voice cracked in a horse whisper. Dan stopped in his tracks, turning on his heels to face him. Dan’s face was expressionless as he spoke:   

“No Arin, it didn't” 

Dan’s voice audibly wavered, it seemed as though his emotions broke through the walls he had built around his heart. Arin cautiously walked over to where Dan now stood. He again placed his hand on Dan’s broad shoulders, but this time he spun Dan to face him.

A tear fell from Dan’s high cheekbones as he looked into Arin's kind eyes. Arin hugged the taller man, burying his face in Dan’s chest.

A/N

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~ Rainy