Metal Kingdom

71. Stardust

Stardust-Gemini Syndrome

The next morning Kevin showed up at Hunter's, to check on his best friend. Hearing that he and Brody brought Frankie back home since she was too 'drunk'. He was just glad to hear Frankie and Hunter were seemingly okay.

Kevin agreed to drop Brody back off at home since Hunter was still watching over a sleeping Frankie. The three boys headed outside and said their quick goodbyes.

"Elliot, wait up a minute." Hunter called out to the other boy.

Stopping Brody before he finished walking away with Kevin.

"Sup man?" He turned back around to ask.

"I-uh wanted to say thanks for helping me last night. I'm sure it was more for Frankie but I appreciate it. I wouldn't have known what to do without you. She definitely is okay because of you."

Brody was surprised to hear the appreciation. He figured Hunter had half a mind to fight him still. But he was grateful none the less. He was nervous that he ruined his first real friendships.  

"Don't mention it dude. I was here for both of you. Regardless of how much you probably hate me, although I don't blame you for that."

Truth was, Hunter did want to hate him. He couldn't though. Not after his help and genuine worry last night. He noticed Brody didn't look at Frankie the same way that he did. It did seem like platonic care.

 He'd be lying if he said Brody's friendship wasn't important to him. Although they were also friendly to each other over the years, they were never this close before. As quirky as Brody could get, Hunter felt like he fit into their band of misfits just right.

"Damnit." Hunter swore to himself. "I don't hate you man. I've known you since we were 6 years old. I just-I can't stand the thought of knowing Frankie chose to be with someone else. Especially when it's someone I knew and after the way she left me in the dust before. I'm not sure which made it worse honestly."

"I really am sorry for that by the way. I wouldn't have slept with her if I knew how serious you were about her. I want you to know it was never anything like that between us dude. I'm not sure if it helps to hear this now or not, but she really does care about you.

 She was a mess last night over you leaving her Sylvester. I know my brother got into her head and made it worse. But I think her knowing how she lost you really pushed her over the edge into doing something damn stupid."

Hunter just nodded along. Processing Brody's words. 

There wasn't much to blame Brody or Frankie for besides hiding the fact from him. Even then, like they've stated, she and Hunter weren't together. In the grand scheme of things, this all was the least of their worries. Hunter's main focus on Frankie's well being.

Hunter patted Brody's shoulder and walked back inside his home. Taking a deep breath before heading back down to the basement.

Letting out a sad, yet relieved smirk when seeing the girl's sleeping body on his bed. He had so many regrets about the night before but all he cared about in the moment was that Frankie was safe and breathing.