Heartache in the Bath House

Chapter 5- Downpour

"Is this seat taken?"

Julius was hurdled out of his thoughts, his head snapped up and his eyes met fierce silver ones. They seemed to be angry but they also appeared to be filled with concern. Like I'd let you anywhere near me, Julius thought. "Um... no, it's not."

The caramel haired male flashed a grin and slid his book across the table in front of the empty seat. Julius studied the man with narrowed eyes, carefully watching him sit down. He turned back to his book and attempted to read. He could feel the other man studying him, taking in his every move. It made him uncomfortable and he was about to say something before the silver-eyed one sighed loudly.

"Are you pissed?" He asked, just above a whisper.

Julius looked at him out of the corner of his eye and then turned his eyes back to his book. "Do I have a reason to be?"

Brutus rolled his eyes. "Listen, I'm sorry about not intervening earlier. I know you saw me. It just wasn't any of my business so I didn't do anything." Brutus shrugged. Julius turned to him this time. "I don't give a crap about whether or not some stranger cares or not. Why don't you just keep minding your own business elsewhere?" Julius felt upset for some unknown reason. He gritted his teeth and turned back to his book. God, just leave me alone already. Brutus kept talking. "I wanted to though. I admit I felt bad for you back there. Those guys are just jerks though; you shouldn't let them get to you, man."

I don't give a crap, I don't care about what anybody thinks and I don't give a crap about anyone period. "Thanks. I'll keep that in mind next time." Julius's voice dripped with sarcasm. Brutus looked away and Julius could see his jaw flex.

He then turned to Julius abruptly, "Are you doing anything tonight?"

Julius blinked, "Um, no..." he said, uneasy.

"Well my friend is having this party tonight and you should totally stop by." Julius looked at Brutus hard, trying to figure out whether he was serious or not. Brutus stared back, unwavering.

"No thanks."

Brutus was taken aback, "Wha- Why not?" He asked, wide-eyed and surprised. Julius stared at him coldly. "I don't know if you've noticed yet, but I'm not exactly liked. It's not like we're friends or anything anyways." Brutus tried to mask his hurt expression, partly failing.

"Listen, I don't know what your problem is but you need to stop acting like such a wimp and get over it. I was just trying to be nice-"

"You think by inviting me to a party you're doing me a favor?" Julius asked, shutting his book. "I don't know what your problem is but just because one person doesn't like you doesn't mean it's the end of the world. You think life revolves around parties and having a lot of friends? That popularity equals happiness?" By then Julius had already stood up and was heading towards the door, his fists clenches at his sides. He was mostly using Brutus as a way of venting, but he didn't care.

"Just because I have friends doesn't make my life any better."

Julius stopped in the middle of the doorway.

"What's worse than having no friends? Having a bunch of strangers pretend to like you because your parents are rich and they think they'll be popular if the suck up to you." His voice was just above a whisper. "Being surrounded by people who don't even care about you..."

Julius bit his lip. He turned around to face Brutus but he was already out the door and heading outside. Julius ran out the door after him. The rain was coming down in sheets by now and Julius could just barely make out Brutus' tall, slender figure.

"Okay." Julius yelled out. "I'll come to the party."

Brutus turned around and for a split second he thought he could make out a bright smile. "See you tonight then!"

It wasn't until Julius got home before he realized that he had no idea whose house the party was going to be at.