Incendiary Hearts

Chapter Four

Hi there! Here's the next chapter! Please vote/comment if you like the story so far, means a lot to me! 

____________________________________

One week.

Two weeks.

Three weeks.

Nothing.

Three weeks had come and past without so much as a word from Michael. Kevin kept spending more time than what was healthy sitting on the balcony, and occasionally spotting the black-haired man with the piercing blue eyes as he came and went from the building. Where to, Kevin could guess by the man's choice of clothes. Out for a jog. Work. Jog. Maybe about to head to the grocery store. Back from the grocery store. Gone at work for twenty-four hours. Indeed, he definitely spent more time than what was healthy on the balcony.

It was seldomly that they actually met in the hallway. Of course they greeted each other when they did, Kevin even tried to start up a few conversations, but Michael was most often in a rush somewhere.

This was certainly not what Kevin had expected. Especially not after he'd tracked down the address and decided to – never mind. This was not what he'd expected. Period. Something had to be done. And so, one morning, Kevin got up extra early even though his classes started later than usual, which they always did on Wednesdays. He picked out his nicest tracksuit and changed into it, then he fixed his blond hair in the hallway mirror. The black tracksuit brought out the green in his eyes and Kevin knew he'd received looks when wearing this at the gym. "You can do this." He told his reflection. "You can do this." He drew in a deep breath. Okay, here goes nothing, he thought as he left his apartment and went downstairs. Half-way down the stairs he changed direction and started going up again. Nope, I can't do this. I can't do this!

Oh, come on you big sissy! He reprimanded himself and changed direction again. You can do this!

Okay, just a few more steps, he thought as he'd reached downstairs and turned left.

And now you knock...

With one hand in the air, and only a few more seconds of hesitation, he knocked on the door. His heart was beating erratically as he awaited his fate. When the door opened, the whiff of cologne coming from Michael nearly blew him off his feet. Michael looked surprised. "Kevin?"

Kevin took a gulp of air and smiled awkwardly. Michael's features turned questioning. Well, this was going brilliantly. Simply brilliantly. However, there was no other way to go than forward, Kevin thought as he armored himself. "I've kind of noticed that you go for a run most mornings." Lie, every morning when he doesn't work! And good of you to greet him first... idiot! Kevin nervously tugged at the arms of his shirt. "And, well, I was wondering if you wouldn't mine some company?"

"Oh, ehm." Michael stood very still, looking like a dear caught in the headlights.

"You see, I really need to work on my cardio, and I was thinking if I work out with a fit person, it will most likely encourage me to work harder..." Great, you just said he looked fit! Kevin thought, the look on Michael's face kind of making him wish the floor would magically open up and swallow him alive.

It felt like an eternity and a half before Michael opened his mouth again. Hell, the internal struggle Michael had felt like it was going on for an eternity and a half. "Sure, why not," he eventually agreed in the lack of excuses. He didn't sound sure at all, tough.

"Great." Kevin clasped his hands together. "Do you need to change or –" Kevin's words trailed off as he noticed that Michael was already dressed for a run.