Broken Strings (Prodigy: 2)

You and I

Locke sat alone in the dark for all of minute before the door was suddenly hurled open again and before he could focus his stumbling vision, a bag collided with the side of his head, knocking him over as the door slammed closed and the locked clicked shut once again.

"Right, what's wrong?" Zane said, his tone harsh and irritated as he threw his bag to one side and sat down opposite Locke, crossing his long legs, folding his arms and leaning back against one of the table legs, glaring at Locke through the gloom.

Locke stared at him.

Zane glared back, the atmosphere around him practically growling animosity.

"Why'd you come back?" Locke muttered.

"Because I'm worry," Zane snapped, kicking out at him. Locke moved his legs and avoided the kick. "You really think I can just leave after seeing you in that state?"

"Shouldn't you be with Madison?"

"She'll survive without me."

"You think I wont?"

"You tell me."

Locke's gaze flicked down.

"Why won't you talk to me, Locke?" Zane snapped, a touch of pleading to his tone.

"Because I don't want you to hate me."

"Locke, even when you pissed me off when we first met, I never actually hated you. I won't hate you."

"Well then I'll ask you this, me or Madi?"

"What?" Zane asked, exasperated.

"Between us, who would you choose to defend?"

"It depends who is in the wrong."

"No! Who would you choose?!"

"I can't choose!"

"You have to choose! Pick! The first one who comes to mind! Who would you choose, me or Madi?!"

"I don't know! Madi!"

Locke stood up, straightening his clothes. "And that's why I can't talk to you," he said.

"She's my girlfriend, Locke," Zane said, catching Locke's hand and wrenching him back. Locke stumbled, losing his balance.

He started to fall, his hand flying out to catch himself before he whipped it back, protecting his fingers and wrists, ready to slam to the ground on his side. Zane's arms came up to save him, taking his weight so easily it was shocking.

"Why are you so light?" Zane asked, startled, "Are you eating properly?"

"Get off," Locke snapped, struggling to right himself and crawl away.

Zane held on tight, planting Locke in the hollow of his crossed legs as Locke thrashed. "Jessica manages your meals, right? What are you eating? You're way too light for a guy your size."

"You're just overly strong. Let go of me!"

Zane's arms tightened around him and he pulled Locke forwards, into a tight hug, making Locke freeze

He was stone-still for a moment, before the breath left him and his shoulders slumped, eyes closing as he leant into Zane.

"We're never going to be normal friends, are we?" Zane muttered.

"Not with you hugging me like this, we aren't," Locke said, opening his eyes.

"Should I let you go?"