Gold Rush

shared worries

:* ୨୧ Gracelyn ୨୧ :*

March 2, 2005

"Thank god you're here," I blurted out as I entered Declan's bedroom.

"Jesus fuck, Gracelyn," Declan hissed, holding up the towel that was around his waist, "I'm practically naked here."

I looked to his bare chest and smiled, "Not bad, Dec. But I only have eyes for Johnny, so slow your roll."

"Shut up, Grace," He rolled his eyes, pulling a t-shirt over his head.

"You know you missed me," I grinned, taking a seat on his bed, "And shockingly I missed you."

"Missed is a strong word," He shook his head, strategically pulling jocks up his legs with the towel still around his waist.

"Please, Deccy, your life would be boring without me," I teased, "Anyways, as I was saying, I'm so glad you're here."

He eyed me suspiciously as he pulled grey sweatpants on, "Why?"

"Because I'm worried about Addy," I sighed.

It was true. The girl had been acting strange lately. She'd had an outburst at school today—directed at Fiona—which was completely out of the norm for her. As the days rolled by I noticed her getting more and more jumpy and guarded.

It felt like the usual Addy had been replaced by an imposter and I was getting the creeps.

"So it's not just me?" Declan sighed, plopping down next to me, drying his hair with the towel.

"Most definitely not," I shook my head, "I can tell Johnny is worried too. She's been acting so strange lately."

"Not her first outburst?" Declan asked, referring to today.

"Nope," I frowned, "She shouted at me a few weeks back. Not that it offended me, it was just shocking. She's been weird since we've been back to school."

"Since January? Really?" He asked, his eyes wide with concern.

"Yes," I nodded, "And she refuses to admit somethings wrong."

"How do you think we can help?" Declan asked.

"I don't know," I chewed on my bottom lip, "Can't you use your twin telepathy to figure out what's wrong?"

"That's not really how it works, Gracelyn," He chuckled.

"Can you at least talk to her?" I pleaded, "You can basically read her mind." I looked him dead in the eyes and added, "And she really missed you, Dec. I think she could use her brother."

"Yeah," He nodded, "I'll talk to her. Thanks for being there while I was gone, Grace. Addy needs you just as much as needs me."

I smiled, because hearing those words calmed something in me. Knowing I wasn't just leeching off the Kavanagh's made me feel better. Adeline loved me and I loved her.

"Don't be going soft on me, Dec," I chuckled,
"We are supposed to enemies."

"Fuck off," He rolled his eyes, "I didn't go soft. It was the truth."

I gave him a smile and then spoke, "Are you missing Finerty? Or are you glad to be back at Tommen?"

"A bit of both," He shrugged, "I like Tommen but I miss hurling. I mean, I can still play here but not at the same level as Finerty."

"I see," I nodded, "Maybe you can start playing rugby."

"Nah," He shook his head, "That's Johnny's dream, not mine. I need my own thing, I'm not him."

"I know that, Dec," I smiled, "I happen to be in love with him."

"That's no secret, Grace," He laughed, "I think you've told everyone in the world that."

"Does he ever talk about me?" I embarrassingly asked.

Declan gave me a knowing look and muttered, "Not in the way you want."

"Yeah, I didn't think so," I forced a smile, "I clearly pick the wrong men."

"I think the problem is most lads can't handle your attitude," He chuckled, "I know I wouldn't be able to."

"Good thing, you'll never have to," I glared at him.

"Yo, Dec," Johnny's voice made my heart rate quicken, "You ready to hit the gym?"

When Johnny stepped into the room, I felt myself get hot. He was dressed in a grey t-shirt and black workout shorts, that fit his muscular legs perfectly.

"Oh," Johnny's eyes met mine as I lounged on Declan's bed, "I didn't know you were in here."

"Is there a problem?" I smirked, "I was just chatting to Declan."

"No," Johnny shrugged, "I just didn't think you'd be in here of all places."

"You'd rather me be in your room," I winked.

"Well," Johnny muttered, "I mean." He then shook his head, "No."

"I almost got you," I teased, pushing myself off Declan's bed, "Have fun at the gym, Johnny."

"I will, Gracie," He nodded, "Thanks."

I forced myself to walk away from Johnny and his sexy legs, with my heart in my throat. The older we got the harder it was to avoid the hormones coursing through me when I looked at him.

It was embarrassing but inevitable.

I paused in the doorway and looked back to Declan, "Remember what I told you to do?"

"Yup," He nodded, "I've got it."

"Got what?" Johnny asked, looking between us, "What are you doing for her?"

"Nothing," I was quick to reply.

Johnny's eyes flashed with an emotion I hadn't seen before and I gave him a smile before walking towards Adeline's room.

I exhaled a deep breath, because my crush on Johnny was consuming.

Everyday I tried to make it stop—in order to keep my heart in tact—but it never worked. He was engraved in my bones.

So, he'd either have to fall in love with me or I'd be a mess forever.

But it was out of my hands.

And I'd just have to keep grasping at straws.

——————————————————

her and declan are so sibling coded

i love them tbh

and i love you

xoxo

-Freyja