A Sweet Tooth For You(Kevin x Streber)

Chapter 31: Kevin

Ever since Streber's brother died last year, he'd been distant. He'd only been briefly talking to me in the hallways at school, if he was even at school. He'd been skipping a lot. Which is fair, considering we were seniors and pretty much done with high school. I have been going to his house at least once a week, and we typically just watch a movie or show and cuddle. He's too tired most of the time to do anything else, and he almost always falls asleep around 20 minutes into the visit. And his breath smelled like smoke or...pot.
I've been pretty worried about him, but I haven't gotten a chance to ask him what's going on.
I've spent most of my time with Radford, and one day, I finally told him about what was going on.
"Have you told anyone else about this? Like Evelyn? Or his parents?" Radford looked concerned. "This is serious, Kevin."
"I-I haven't..." I felt awful. I knew I should have. Streber was suffering. And I knew Friday's of cuddling and Gilmore Girls weren't going to be enough. But I didn't know how to help him. I wanted to help him more than anything. I loved him.
But I never knew how.
Radford grabbed my shoulder. "Kevin. Even if it seems like you're obligated to be the one to help him, you need to talk to his family if you're concerned." He sighed. "Allowing him to think you're the only one in the world who has the ability to help him isn't healthy for either of you."
All of a sudden, the world stopped. He was right. I was the only person he spoke to in school. And even then, he spent most of his time alone. I wanted to help him. But I also want him to get the help we all know he needs.
"Y-you're right, Radford..."
Radford still looked concerned. "Kevin...?"
"Yeah...?"
"Are you okay?" he asked, putting emphasis on the word "you".
I felt tears forming in my eyes. I didn't know. I couldn't help but sob. I felt myself fall to my knees, crying.
Radford crouched down to my level and hugged me.
I don't want to lose Streber. He could lose himself if he keeps this up. I wished for just a second of seeing Streber the way he was again.
Glowing eyes. Always a smile, showing his vampire fangs proudly, loved talking about the newest true crime case he was researching, loved giving everyone a hug, especially if they looked hurt. The guy I fell in love with.
Of course, I still love Streber. Sometimes when I'm visiting, we talk about everything and nothing at all at the same time. And he still never fails to put a smile on my face.
But I'm scared that he isn't safe. I'm not naive, I see the scars. I've just never brought them up to him.
Or anyone.
Other than Radford, of course.
"Kevin, I know you love him more than anything. But you shouldn't blame yourself when things like this happen. Streber was really close to their brother. But...they lost him. And felt that the only thing they could turn to was..." he couldn't finish the sentence, but I knew what he meant.
Tears kept streaming down like that waterfall you found after rigorous hours on a painful hike. I knew this wasn't my fault. But all that I wanted was for him to be happy.