Stealing Your Heart

A New Beginning || II

A/N
Im sorry i didn't update it, or been updating, i have school problems, and the holidays are coming soon, it's on 15th June, I'll try to update more and more! Let's get into the story!

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Their relationship continued to evolve, moving to friendship and something more. They spent late nights talking about their hopes and dreams, their fears and insecurities. They supported each other, challenged each other, and found comfort in their growing bond. The line between friendship and something deeper began to blur.

One evening, as the campfire crackled and the stars twinkled overhead, Malcolm and Connor sat together on a log, their shoulders touching. The other campers were scattered around, chatting and laughing, but for Malcolm and Connor, it felt like they were in their own little world.

“Malcolm,” Connor began hesitantly, his brown hair falling into his eyes. He pushed it back nervously. “Can I tell you something?”

“Of course,” Malcolm replied, his blue eyes fixed on Connor’s.

Connor took a deep breath, steeling himself. “I think I—”

Before he could finish, Hazel appeared out of nowhere, urgency in her eyes. “Malcolm, come with me! It’s important!” She grabbed Malcolm’s arm and began dragging him away before he could protest.

Connor watched helplessly as Malcolm was pulled into the crowd. He sighed, his shoulders slumping with disappointment. Why did these moments always seem to get interrupted?

Katie Gardner approached, her arms crossed and a knowing look on her face. “Well, I hope you’ll get the chance to tell him,” she said, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Connor looked up at her, a rueful smile playing on his lips. “Well, I hope you get the chance to tell my brother that you like him.”

Katie’s eyes widened, and a blush crept up her cheeks. “What are you talking about?” she stammered, though her attempt at denial was weak.

Connor raised an eyebrow. “Come on, Katie. It’s obvious. You’ve liked Travis for ages.”

Katie sighed, her posture relaxing slightly. “Maybe. But this isn’t about me. You’ve got to tell Malcolm how you feel. Don’t let interruptions stop you.”

Connor nodded, feeling a renewed sense of determination. “You’re right. I just need to find the right moment.”

But the right moment seemed elusive. Over the next few days, every time Connor tried to find a quiet moment with Malcolm, something got in the way. Whether it was another camper needing help, a sudden camp activity, or another urgent call from a friend, Connor's attempts were thwarted at every turn.

One afternoon, Connor spotted Malcolm sitting alone by the lake. Gathering his courage, he approached, ready to finally tell Malcolm how he felt. But just as he opened his mouth to speak, Annabeth called out, “Malcolm, we need you for a strategy meeting!”

Malcolm gave Connor an apologetic look. “Sorry, Connor. We’ll talk later, okay?”

Connor nodded, trying to hide his frustration. “Yeah, sure. Later.”

The interruptions continued, each one chipping away at Connor’s resolve. He began to wonder if he would ever get the chance to share his feelings. One day, after yet another failed attempt, Connor decided he couldn’t take it anymore. He retreated to the Hermes cabin, wanting to be alone.

He plopped onto his bed, a tear rolling down his face. Sniffling, he wiped it away, feeling a wave of helplessness wash over him. Was it ever going to happen? Would he ever get the chance to tell Malcolm how he felt?

As he lay there, staring up at the ceiling, he heard the door creak open. He turned his head slightly, expecting one of the other campers, but instead, he saw Travis standing in the doorway.

“Connor?” Travis’s voice was soft, filled with concern. “What’s going on?”

Connor quickly sat up, trying to compose himself. “Nothing. Just needed some time alone.”

Travis moved closer, sitting on the edge of Connor’s bed. “Come on, I know something’s up. You’ve been acting weird lately. What’s bothering you?”

Connor looked away, feeling his throat tighten. “I’ve been trying to tell Malcolm something, but I keep getting interrupted. I just... I don’t know if it’s ever going to happen.”

Travis sighed, understanding dawning in his eyes. “You’re in love with him, aren’t you?”

Connor nodded, unable to hold back the tears any longer. “Yeah, I am. But every time I try to tell him, something gets in the way. I’m starting to think it’s just not meant to be.”

Travis placed a comforting hand on Connor’s shoulder. “Don’t give up, Connor. You’ll get your chance. Just be patient.”

But the next few days were no different. Connor found himself increasingly silent around Malcolm, withdrawing into himself. He stopped trying to find the perfect moment to confess, resigning himself to the idea that maybe it just wasn’t meant to be. He went along with his usual routines, interacting with Malcolm as if nothing had changed, even though his heart ached with unspoken words.

Malcolm noticed the change in Connor’s behavior but didn’t press him about it. Instead, he tried to be supportive, hoping that whatever was bothering Connor would resolve itself. They continued working together on projects and sparring in the training arena, but the unspoken tension lingered between them.

One evening, as they sat by the campfire, Malcolm turned to Connor, his blue eyes filled with concern. “Connor, is everything okay? You’ve seemed distant lately.”

Connor forced a smile, shaking his head. “I’m fine, Malcolm. Just... a lot on my mind.”

Malcolm looked like he wanted to say more, but he nodded, respecting Connor’s space. “Okay. But you know you can talk to me, right? About anything.”

Connor’s heart ached at the sincerity in Malcolm’s voice. “Yeah, I know. Thanks, Malcolm.”

As the night wore on, Connor couldn’t help but feel a sense of resignation. Maybe it wasn’t the right time to confess his feelings. Maybe he needed to wait until the chaos of camp life settled down. For now, he would cherish the moments they had together and hope that one day, the perfect moment would finally come.