Stealing Your Heart

Silent Tears || III

Days turned into weeks, and summer at Camp Half-Blood continued in its usual rhythm of training, quests, and campfire stories. Connor settled into a routine, putting on a brave face during the day and spending time with his friends, especially Malcolm. He had fully given up on confessing his feelings and decided it was better to remain silent than risk their friendship. Every night, though, he cried silently into his pillow, the weight of unspoken love heavy on his heart.

Malcolm noticed the change in Connor. He missed their easy conversations and the way Connor used to light up around him. Now, Connor seemed more reserved, distant even. Malcolm tried to bridge the gap, but Connor’s walls were firmly in place.

One sunny afternoon, they were working together on a new blueprint for a defensive mechanism around the camp. The sun was high in the sky, casting long shadows across the training fields. They sat under a large oak tree, papers spread out between them.

“Connor, can you pass me the ruler?” Malcolm asked, not looking up from the sketch he was working on.

“Sure,” Connor replied, handing it over. His voice was steady, but his eyes were tired.

Malcolm paused, looking at Connor with concern. “Are you okay? You seem... different lately.”

Connor forced a smile. “I’m fine, Malcolm. Just tired. There’s been a lot going on.”

Malcolm frowned, not entirely convinced. “If something’s bothering you, you can talk to me. You know that, right?”

Connor’s heart ached at the concern in Malcolm’s voice, but he nodded. “I know. Thanks, Malcolm.”

They continued working in silence, the tension between them palpable. Connor’s mind wandered as he traced the lines on the blueprint, thinking about how much he wanted to tell Malcolm the truth. But he had made his decision. It was better this way, he told himself. Better to keep his feelings hidden than risk losing Malcolm’s friendship.

That night, after everyone had gone to bed, Connor lay awake in the Hermes cabin. The sounds of the camp settling down filled the air: the rustle of leaves, the distant hoot of an owl, the soft murmur of campers talking in their sleep. He turned onto his side, clutching his pillow tightly as tears streamed down his face. He cried silently, his body shaking with suppressed sobs. It was the only way he could release the pain he felt.

The days passed in a blur. Connor continued to be there for Malcolm, helping him with projects, training together, and sharing quiet moments by the lake. He cherished every second, even though it hurt. He was content to be Malcolm’s friend, even if it meant hiding his true feelings.

One evening, they sat by the lake, watching the sun set over the water. The sky was painted in hues of orange and pink, reflecting off the calm surface of the lake. Malcolm skipped stones, his eyes focused on the ripples spreading across the water.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Malcolm said, breaking the comfortable silence.

“Yeah,” Connor replied, his voice soft. “It is.”

Malcolm turned to look at him, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Connor, you know you’re one of my best friends, right?”

Connor’s heart clenched, but he nodded. “I know, Malcolm. You’re one of mine, too.”

Malcolm smiled, but there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. “I’m glad we have each other. It means a lot to me.”

Connor swallowed the lump in his throat, forcing a smile. “It means a lot to me, too.”

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the camp, Connor felt a sense of peace wash over him. He had made his choice. He would stay by Malcolm’s side, supporting him and being the best friend he could be, even if it meant enduring the silent tears each night. It was a sacrifice he was willing to make for the person he cared about most.

And so, life at Camp Half-Blood went on. Connor continued to bury his feelings, finding solace in the moments he shared with Malcolm. It wasn’t the love story he had hoped for, but it was enough. For now, being Malcolm’s friend was enough.

| Time skip by: Connor's curl |

One day, Connor and Malcolm were sitting together at lunch in the bustling dining pavilion. The noise of chatting campers, clinking cutlery, and the occasional laughter filled the air. Connor pushed his food around his plate absentmindedly, his mind occupied by thoughts of the previous night's silent tears.

Malcolm glanced at Connor, a contemplative look in his blue eyes. After a moment of hesitation, he took a deep breath and spoke. "Connor, I... I have a crush on someone."

Connor's heart stopped for a moment, the world around him fading into the background. He forced himself to stay calm, plastering a smile on his face. "Oh? Who is it?"

Malcolm blushed and shook his head, a shy smile playing on his lips. "I'm not going to tell you more than that."

Connor chuckled, though it sounded hollow even to his own ears. "Come on, Malcolm. You can't just drop a bomb like that and leave me hanging."

Malcolm shrugged, his eyes twinkling with a mix of nervousness and excitement. "Sorry, Connor. It's too embarrassing. Maybe I'll tell you someday."

Connor's mind raced. Was it possible Malcolm had feelings for him? The thought made his heart race, but he quickly pushed it aside. It was safer not to hope, not to expect anything that might lead to more heartache.

"Alright, alright," Connor said, trying to sound casual. "I'll let it go. For now."

They continued eating in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Connor couldn't help but steal glances at Malcolm, wondering who had captured his friend's heart. It hurt to think it might be someone else, but he had made his peace with staying silent about his own feelings.

After lunch, they decided to take a walk around the camp. The day was warm, the sky clear and blue. They strolled through the forest, enjoying the tranquility and each other's company. Connor treasured these moments, even though they were tinged with a bittersweet longing.

As they walked, Malcolm spoke up again. "You know, it's strange. Having a crush feels so... consuming. Like it's all I can think about sometimes."

Connor nodded, understanding all too well. "Yeah, it can be pretty intense."

Malcolm glanced at Connor, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Have you ever had a crush on someone, Connor? Someone you felt you couldn't tell?"

Connor's breath caught in his throat. He forced himself to stay composed, managing a small smile. "Yeah, I have."

Malcolm looked intrigued. "Really? Who was it?"

Connor laughed lightly, shaking his head. "I don't think I'm ready to share that yet."

Malcolm grinned. "Fair enough. I guess we're both keeping secrets, huh?"

"Seems like it," Connor replied, his heart heavy with the weight of his unspoken feelings.

That evening, as the camp settled down and the stars began to twinkle in the sky, Connor lay in his bed, staring up at the ceiling. The day's conversation replayed in his mind, filling him with a mixture of hope and despair. He wished he could tell Malcolm the truth, but the fear of losing their friendship held him back.

Every night, the silent tears continued to flow, a release for the emotions he kept locked away. And every day, he put on a brave face, cherishing the moments he spent with Malcolm, even if it meant enduring the pain of unrequited love.

As the days went by, Connor remained Malcolm's steadfast friend, supporting him and sharing in his joys and struggles. It wasn't the love story he had dreamed of, but it was a love story nonetheless – one of silent sacrifice and unspoken devotion.