The Last Architects

Chapter Twenty-Six.

 It felt rather awkward to be sat before the young-looking partner of Vladimir. He was admittedly very beautiful, but intimidating, matching completely the aesthetic of Vladimir, like a perfect... husband? But as Cameron and Vladimir spoke enthusiastically, I smiled at who I had told was Ira.

"Enjoying the U.S.?" I asked, to which his blue eyes landed on me from gazing up at Vladimir.

"Yes, I like to think so. This is my eighth trip here, so it's not unfamiliar. Though, I can't help but feel alienated at times, I'm sure you understand?" He smiled brightly, leaning forward in his seat while taking Vladimir's hand to hold gently.

"Completely. I've lived here for years but it's still a little odd." I nodded, "when did you meet Vladimir? You both seem very invested in the relationship."

"Mm, about a little over a year now, though, we've known each other for ages, he invested with my father, so we met a while ago now." He looked up at Vladimir with a soft smile before turning back to me. "And yourself? Do you have a special someone? You have that look in your eyes where you seem in constant thought of them, so I implore you to tell me." He leaned forward eagerly.

"Aha... You can read people easily, can't you." I chuckled, "unfortunately, we started off hating each other, and I didn't know I liked men, I don't like that I like men, so I just confused them further..." I sighed, smiling calmly, "I don't wish to bore you with my drama, it's a situation that's a bit hopeless. As my brother said, I can't place my own confusion on them, it would be selfish."

"...Do you want my opinion? It's not rightfully placed, as it's entirely your affair, though, I'm willing to give it, as someone who considers themselves to be a romantic, opposed to whatever it is you have going on." He smoothly tilted his head into resting it on his hand, and I paused, leaning back as I considered it.

"Why not, the worst that'll happen is we never speak again." I nodded.

"When it comes to a situation such as the one you're in, be it miscommunication, confusion or something else completely, I find it better to figure it out with the person said emotions are for. If you can piece it together with them, usually, you'll eventually meet halfway with a conclusion." He smiled softly, his eyes narrowing delicately as he thought. "I suppose what I'm trying to say is, there's no point in not talking to him just because you don't know how to further explain how you feel, because he might be able to give you those words."

I tilted my head as I thought it over, Ema did want to talk tonight... so perhaps it would be a good chance to clear the air? "I hadn't thought about that..."

"Really? My smart little brother didn't think of that already?" Cameron looked over from talking with Vladimir.

"I'm not the smartest when it comes to emotions, that's you." I smiled with a short laugh, "give me any mathematical problem and I'll have it done easily. Give me a perplexing and confusing love interest, I am dumber than a sack of bricks." I shrugged.

"... I am rather proud you can admit that so easily." Cameron blinked, giving a warm smile.

"I mean... it's rather obvious." I chuckled, glancing at Ira with a thankful smile, which he returned with an elegant wink.

"The adults are awfully boring, aren't they?" Ira delicately widened his eyes when he smirked, lifting Vladimir's hand to his lips. "What do you do for work, Skyler?"

"Currently I am studying to become an architect, and engineer. I hope to mix the both to produce better designed buildings- aha... I just lack creativity. Which my roommate has too much of." I gave a little wink to hint that that was my crush. "Yourself?"