We Had To Kiss... Had To {HamishxRandall}

Chapter 2

"He's avoiding me," I murmured to Lilith with a frown.

She just scoffed and rolled her eyes. Tundra growled at her, and I tended to agree with his sentiment. Timber mean.

"I'm not sure where us women got our reputation for being dramatic... you men are much, much worse," she deadpanned sarcastically.

"I'm serious! He hasn't said a word to me... and anytime he sees me- he literally runs the other direction!" I muttered in frustration.

Greybeard is mad, Tundra grumbled unhappily. And sad.

I was at a loss. What had I done to make him want to avoid me? I could think of nothing that had happened that could upset him. Randall's the incessantly cheerful one of the family, his spirits are never low- he's always joking and lighthearted. I couldn't fathom what had brought about such a change, and what it had to do with me specifically.

"Is he avoiding you?" I asked curiously.

Lilith shrugged. I knew that would be all I would get out of her. Damn- cryptic- infuriating woman.

"Weren't you two..." I trailed off when I spotted the death glare she was giving me. "Nevermind."

Best not to ask, Tundra and I decided together.

Before we lost our memories- or more accurately our memories were stolen from us- they did kiss... I thought that perhaps when we got our memories back they might- rekindle things? I suppose not.

I sighed in resignation as I set my empty glass on the counter and grabbed my jacket. I had a class to 'help' teach, and I was nearly late as I mulled over the Randall predicament. I had a pleasant, numbing buzz going on, and it made the dull English class a little more bearable. What class did Randall have right now? Could I catch him before he managed to evade me again? Should I demand to know what his problem is? Or should I let him come to me when he was ready to talk about it? He was a very open soul, never having trouble using his mouth. If this was something that was bothering him enough that he couldn't talk about it, or didn't know how... maybe it was best to let him come to terms with it himself first. Even if it was driving me mad.

I suddenly brightened at the realization that it was Thursday. On Thursdays we all almost always met for dinner and drinks at the pub. Lately we had been opting for take out, it being too dangerous for the order to see the four of us together in public. Even the two of us together had caused them to become suspicious...

My heart dropped like a stone into my toes, and I suddenly stopped in my tracks. I felt someone bump into my back, but it didn't cause me to move an inch. Werewolf strength and all that.

The kiss.

The kiss. Oh god- the kiss. Had that upset him? Is that why he was avoiding me? It was the only logical explanation. Had I misread our play-acting and made him uncomfortable? But no- I don't think it was that. He was the one who said "Kiss me", after all. And- He had kissed me back. It- it was actually rather great, as kisses go. His lips were soft and pliant, but demanding too. I wouldn't really mind if I had to do it again. But maybe he didn't feel the same way about it, which is fine. Despite him having initiated it, perhaps it had upset him anyway. Maybe it changed something for him? Changed the way he looked at me? Oh lord... what if- what if he hates me now?

He wouldn't. This is Randall we're talking about. Loving, least judgemental person I've ever met, Randall.

So what could it be?

Definitely the kiss, Tundra decided.

Oh hush up, I thought. I didn't need help to spiral.

I sighed in resignation as I resumed my path towards the next class, my thoughts filled with Randall and his odd behaviour.

The day passed in a blur, and I could safely say I was utterly useless to my students. He plagued my mind every minute. My mood, and Randall's (and by extension Greybeard's) behaviour had Tundra on edge. He was pacing incessantly, and if that didn't contribute to my madness... I don't know what did. My thoughts kept going from his huge, playful smiles to his downcast eyes and his plump lips in a thin line. Back and forth, back and forth. I wasn't even sure how I had made it to the pub in one piece, but I did.

I sauntered up to the bar, and didn't even have to say a word as they slid the warm, delicious smelling paper bags in my direction. I set the usual amount of cash on the counter absently, picking up our order with a mumbled thanks. I moved mechanically towards home, my body taking the familiar steps for me.

I didn't think that Randall being upset would in turn upset me this much.

The question is... why?

You kissed him, Tundra said smartly, as if that held all the answers. I scoffed internally and ignored the comment.

There were several valid answers to the why, all of which could be the culprit. He's my brother, he's a knight like me, he's family. And- he's our ray of sunshine. Him behaving so unlike himself... it was unsettling. I'd never seen him like this before. He was acting more like Lilith than Randall, all moody silences. Although without Lilith's trademark sass. He was just... gloomy.

I hated it.

I hate it too, Tundra agreed with a huff.

I realized I was home, and took several deep breaths, calming myself and my wolf as I usually would in stressful situations. I listened in, and heard three familiar heartbeats. My own heart quickened as I realized Randall was home, and it sounded like he was in the main room with the others. Would he stay when I walked in? Or would he run like he had the past two days when he saw my face?

Here goes nothing, I thought, before plastering on a smile and stepping inside.