Max
2 months later
All four of us are hanging out in King's hollow. Darius is sitting in one arm chair, I'm in the other. Seth and Caleb are on the couch, Seth's legs across Caleb's lap. Caleb's hands are resting on Seth's legs. It's casual but I can see right through them. It's something else. It's time.
"Alright, you two. Spill," I say.
"What?" Seth asks.
"Spill. You can trust us," I say.
Caleb pulls Seth closer, wrapping an arm around his waist.
"Cal-"
They lock eyes. Seth nods.
"I'm in love with Seth."
Whoa.
"Wait, what? I thought you were going to say we're dating," Seth says.
Huh. Clearly, that's news to Seth too.
"I'm in love with you Seth Capella."
Holy shit. Seth looks ready to pass out or bolt. He removes his legs from across Caleb's lap.
"Seth?"
"I-"
Seth runs from the room. Caleb looks lost.
"Damn it. Fuck!"
He stands up and punches the wall.
"Caleb-"
He cuts me off.
"Fucking idiot," he snarls.
"Caleb-" Darius starts to speak, to calm him down.
"Why the fuck did I say that?" he mumbles.
He punches the wall again. I've never seen him like this. He looks at us, tears welling in his eyes.
"I'm such a fucking idiot."
Then he breaks down, sliding to the floor. He buries his head in his hands.
"I should've known better. Did you see his face?" he asks.
He hits the wall over and over.
"Caleb stop," I demand, using coercion and hoping his shields are down.
He freezes, dropping his hand. I uncurl his fist and heal his hand.
"I'm sorry for using coercion but I had to stop you," I say.
"Thanks," he mumbles.
"Why does this keep happening? Why?" he questions.
"I don't know Caleb."
I hug him. He pushes me off.
"I need to be alone," he says.
He stands up and speeds away. My atlas dings.
Seth: is Cal ok?
Max: no, he's a mess
Seth: is he still there?
M: no, he ran off
M: he's- I don't even know. I've never seen him like this.
S: fuck, fucking shit. damn it.
