Caleb
The bags under Seth's eyes are just getting bigger. I'm seriously worried. I know that Max and Darius are worried too but he insists he's fine. Max pulls me aside during dinner.
"I talked to Frank and Alice. He's distancing himself from them," he says.
"Shit," I say.
"Yeah."
I pull Seth outside.
"Why are you separating yourself from your pack?" I ask.
He shrugs.
"Damn it Seth. You can't deny your order needs."
He shrugs again.
"Is this why you aren't sleeping?" I ask.
He nods.
"You can't do this. You have to take care of yourself. I'm worried," I say.
His eyes fill with tears.
"Seth?"
"I'm sorry," he whispers.
I pick him up and run him to the hollow, setting him down in the living room.
"Please talk to me," I say.
"I miss you. You're angry and I'm sad," he whispers.
I pull him into my arms.
"Seth-"
"I'll be okay," he says, trying to pull away.
"No, don't," I say.
"What?" he snarls.
"You need this. Let me," I say.
He pushes me away.
"Not from you," he says.
"Oh. I-I see," I say, hurt.
He must've noticed because he moves closer to me.
"Shit. Cal, I'm sorry. I just-"
"You don't have to explain. Just take care of yourself ok? And your order needs ok? Promise me," I say.
"Cal, wait. Let me explain."
"It's fine Seth. I get it, I'm not who you want."
"That's not true Caleb. I-"
"You don't have to lie Seth. It's fine."
I turn to leave.
"Don't. Don't go. Please."
"Take care of yourself for me," I say.
"Please. Stay," he says, voice breaking.
I turn back and see tears running down his face.
"Seth?"
"Don't go. I didn't want you to be uncomfortable. I know snuggling and all of that goes against your order," he says.
"Oh," I say.
"Stay," he pleads.
I pull him into my arms and he nuzzles my neck. We head to his room and I direct him towards the bathtub. He raises his eyebrows.
"Just get in," I say.
He strips and climbs into the tub. I fill the tub and wash his hair. He closes his eyes. I hand him a pair of shorts after he dries off. Then I brush his hair and tie it up for him. I lay down with him on his bed and let him snuggle me.
"Thank you," he sighs.
"You're welcome. Now sleep," I say.
"I'm glad tomorrow's Saturday," he says, nuzzling me.
"Me too. Now stop talking and go to sleep." I say.
He closes his eyes and falls asleep.
