Tangled Lines: a tri-fic [inevitably incomplete]

Chapter 4: "Pancakes"

TW: discussion of death in immediate family

Part 1: James

Man, Seattle was awesome. The skyline looked amazing as we came in for landing, and we actually managed to get through the airport without issue. As soon as we grabbed a taxi, we headed to Bungie for a VIP tour. It was incredible, but I'm gonna let the next Creature Talk cover that. Aleks had perked up a bit, so I was hoping to talk to him once we got to the hotel. Eddie was still mothering him, though. Sometimes the guy was too protective of his "best friend."

"Man, this is crazy!" I shouted to the streets. The tour was over and we were all grouping up outside to talk and maybe film a vlog. PAX would be starting the next day! "WHOOO, PAX!" I couldn't keep myself quiet, and everyone laughed at the sight.

"Dude, we know," Aleks said with a chuckle. I spun around and found him actually smiling at me for the first time in what felt like ages. This trip was definitely going to go better than hoped.

Part 2: Aleks

We finally got to the hotel long after sundown, and I just wanted to lie down and sleep forever. The past few days had been editing and rendering and just utter bullshit; I'd only slept for maybe 8 hours tops since James' little joke. He had been really timid around me, for some reason, like I was the one who was prone to fits of rage.

The room was decent enough, nothing too special. I threw my bag into the corner and collapsed in the desk chair.

"Okay, who's sleeping where?" Eddie asked as he pulled in his suitcase. Everyone was way too tired to figure that shit out. James scratched his head and said, "Well, you and Aleks can bunk together, I'll take Seamus."

"If you snore, James, I swear..." Seamus muttered before sitting at the edge of the mattress.

"Alright, well, is anyone thirsty?" Eddie clapped his hands together and looked at us all.

"I could go for something to drink," Seamus offered, pulling out his wallet.

"Okay, we're gonna find the vending machine then. If you two want anything, text me, okay?" Eddie called back before closing the room door, leaving me and James alone with our slowly fading wits.

Part 3: James

"Aleks, I..." I took a deep breath before continuing. "I just wanted to apologize for the other night." He looked up at me, exhaustion washing over his face.

"It doesn't matter anymore, seriously." He pulled himself out of the chair and faceplanted onto his bed. I took the chair as he sat himself upright.

"Then what's wrong? You've been acting funny...and don't give me any crap, okay? I want the truth." I watched him, trying to gauge his emotions, but he still looked tired and empty.

"James..."

"No, Aleks! You're one of my best friends, why can't you talk to me?!" I didn't want to yell at him, but it just came pouring out. I gripped the armrest and leaned forward. Aleks just sighed and hung his head.

"You haven't been sleeping. Why? What could you be editing that could take this much time?" I snapped. "And Eddie said you haven't eaten much either! What is up with you!"

"JAMES, JUST STOP!" he screamed back. My eyes shot open at his response. I was provoking him too much, damn it.

"Okay, okay." If he didn't want to talk, I would just back off. I pulled out my tablet and started scrolling through Twitter, checking up on all the other Let's Players who would be flying in tonight.