Break-Ups (Newtmas Short Story) (COMPLETED)

II

The second one was abrupt, quick, completely out of the blue.

The second one was different from the first. Instead of tearful smiles and broken trust, the second one was an overflowing cup of anger.

If Thomas was being completely honest, he actually sort of enjoyed the second one.

//

1 year later

Autumn had broken across San Francisco, the wind swirling bright orange and fluorescent red leaves across the paved streets. It was truly a sight to behold, enrapturing a smiling Newt as he gazed longingly out of the large glass window of the coffee shop. Thomas too, sitting across from Newt, was entranced by the view in front of him, smiling fondly. Subconsciously, both men decided that nothing on this planet could ever be more beautiful than the sight in front of them, that nothing would ever make them feel the same blissful feeling by simply observing.

The difference between the two men, however, was that while Newt gazed out across the streets of the busy town, Thomas's eyes never left his best friend's face.

"I love Fall," Newt sighed, smiling slightly as he looked over at Thomas. Thomas dropped his eyes quickly in fear of being caught staring, then nodded in agreement.

"It really is the perfect time of the year," he agreed, smiling up at the waitress as she placed a steaming mug of coffee in front of each of them.

Newt nodded, whilst ripping open a packet of sugar to dump in his drink. He released the contents into his mug then glanced back up at his friend, face scrunching up in distaste.

"I still don't understand how you can drink black coffee," he stated, eyes trained on how Thomas was already sipping on his beverage.

"I like the bitterness," Thomas shrugged, smiling when Newt gagged. "It reminds me of your soul."

Newt threw a hand over his heart, faking offense. "Rude!" he exclaimed, drawing eyes from the corners of the cafe. Thomas chuckled, eyes gleaming in adoration. It was always these casual meetings that he loved most, as he got to witness the carefree and relaxed side of Newt.

Newt had hesitated for a moment, before he timidly continued to a new conversation. "I meant to tell you something, by the way..." he said, eyes shying away from his friend. Thomas raised an eyebrow at his friend's change in demeanor.

"Ask away," Thomas said curiously. He tilted his head, giving all of his attention to the blond boy.

Newt licked his lips. "I, uh...Do you remember Brett?"

"Yeah?" Thomas said, voice raising to make it sound more like a question. He quickly took a sip of coffee, hiding his dismay behind the large brim. Brett was Newt's new 'interest', and the blond boy had been nearly obsessed with him for about a month.

"Well, um..." Newt glanced over, blushing under Thomas's gaze. "He and I are sort of dating..."

Thomas sputtered, nearly spitting his coffee across the table. Swallowing roughly, he placed the steaming mug back down, hands clenching under the table.

"Oh?" he choked out.

Newt smiled shyly, muttering a quiet, "yeah".

Thomas picked up his coffee again, but was careful not to take another sip. His heart plummeted in his chest, and his Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed. There was an overlaying sense of sadness that began to drape itself like a blanket across his shoulders, but his face remained passive, curious. After all, he was used to this familiar sting by now, after 3 long years of being hopelessly in love with the boy.