Enemy (LeafyIshere/idubbbztv)

7

A/N: Hello, everyone. I'm back. I did post on my message wall that I'd be gone for a few days, but here's chapter seven. I also want to thank everyone for five hundred reads. I didn't expect so much growth in so little time! (Oct. 25th-Nov. 7th) Enjoy!

Calvin couldn't shake the feeling of nervousness that came over him as he walked outside of his house and to the awaiting cab. He didn't know when he would actually end up getting his car fixed, but on such short notice, he just didn't have his car to go and meet Ian. The coffee shop was a little further away than the one he usually went to, but he'd been there a couple of times and liked it. It was more of a traditional, cafe-style establishment, whereas the other was a sort of smaller market with a few hot drinks available. He was so preoccupied that he almost didn't catch when they arrived at the cafe. The driver looked back at him expectantly and Calvin gave him a nasty look, wondering what the man wanted.

"Did you want to go somewhere else?" the driver prompted, seemingly unaffected by Calvin's standoffish demeanor. He really couldn't help it. Even though Ian said his intentions were straightforward and well-meaning, he was still a bit skeptical, and there was no way he'd walk in there looking vulnerable. What if it was a prank so he could prove his point further? Calvin wanted to be completely sure, and as he handed the driver his payment, he knew there wasn't really any room to back out. He sighed as he got out and walked the little ways to the entrance of the building.

He looked around the small parking lot and didn't see many cars, so he just want ahead and walked inside. He scanned the room and saw Ian sitting at a table for two, looking down at his cell phone. He stared for a few seconds before making his way over. When Ian felt the other man's presence, he looked up and smiled.

"Hey, you made it!"

Calvin forced a grin and shrugged. "I guess so, right?"

"Well, why are you standing up? Have a seat. I thought you'd feel nice and cozy here. You picked it," he joked, motioning to the chair across from him with his arm. Calvin hesitated but sat down, shifting a bit to get comfortable. When Calvin looked up at him, Ian spoke again.

"So, how are you doing, Calvin? Can I call you that Do you mind it still?"

"I don't care anymore. I'm fine. What about you?" Calvin asked, forcing himself to keep up the nonchalant facade.

"Why don't we get some coffee," Ian suggested, setting his palms flat against the face of the table. Calvin nodded and got up, Ian following suit. In his nervousness, he bumped into Ian, his hip knocking into Ian's leg. His breath shuddered as Ian grabbed onto him: one hand fixed on the treacherous hip and the other ghosting over his right shoulder.

"Careful there. You alright?" Ian said almost mockingly. Calvin was at a loss for words, but to keep his composure, he simply nodded. The two proceeded to the counter when Ian released Calvin from his grip that, when examined, was really just mental. Had it been anyone else, Calvin would've either pushed them like he was unstoppable or laughed it off, and he hated that. The fact that Ian was touching him was frightening. He couldn't exactly pinpoint where the fear had come from, but it was definitely there and it was making things much harder than they had to be.

Ian flashed the barista a friendly smile. "How are you doing today?" he asked the tall, ebony-haired man.

"I'm feeling great, Ian. I trust you're doing fine?"

"Right-O."

"Brought a friend today, huh?"

"Yes, I did. How about one of those lattes with marshmallows, Craig?"

"Sure thing."

"What are you having, Calvin?"

Calvin squinted for a couple of seconds, contemplating. "A flat white sounds fucking awesome right now," he said, reaching into his back pocket. When his hand came back out with his wallet, Ian gently pushed his arm back down and paid for both drinks. Calvin could feel his face beginning to burn. He gulped and reflected on how it seemed the same things were happening again as of the late. He choked out a quiet "Thanks", wondering why he felt so embarrassed.

"Oh please. I invited you out. Don't you worry about a thing." The taller man smiled again to reinforce his assurance.

When the two sat back down, Ian took a sip of his drink. "Yeah, this place always makes great drinks," he admired.

"You're right, this one's not half bad either," Calvin filled blandly, setting the mug on the dark wooden table.

Ian could sense the silence creeping up on them. He knew he had to say something or it would become awkward. He inhaled as he went over what he mentally rehearsed earlier.

"Calvin?" he addressed, his voice lower and more gentle.

The younger looked at Ian, prompting him to continue.

"Like I said before, I don't think it's very sincere to apologize in a text. Don't get me wrong. It wasn't just about your disappearing. A lot of people were worried about you. I know it's sort of overshadowed by the hate, but it's true. We were worried about you. It sounds crazy coming from someone whose pinned tweet is a roast video on you, but I didn't think about it like that before."

Calvin was somewhat taken aback by the statements. Part of him wanted to run before Ian could reveal that the whole thing was just a prank to take another jab at him. He remained seated, though, and continued to listen.

"This all goes to say that I am...truly sorry, Calvin. I should've thought more about the what would happen in real life instead of in the crazy, fucked up YouTube world. I can't imagine how you must've felt looking at those horrible comments. I saw it as normal backlash at first, but now I understand. I never meant to make you feel so bad that you had to practically disappear for god knows how long."

Calvin looked down when Ian said that. It was all too true. "I...I don't want to bother anyone. Like you said, I don't like to be seen. Maybe...I don't know. I've been thinking maybe it's all to shit, y'know? My channel will be dead in a couple of years. I-I can't fucking think straight with this shit." A tear rolled down his cheek as he thought of everything that happened in such a small amount of time.

"I don't see where I fucked up that much. I swear to god it's like I'm getting more shit than fucking keemstar right now. It's just fucked up, man. I can't explain it," Calvin went on, trying his best to keep himself from breaking down completely. Part of him couldn't believe that he was sitting across from idubbbztv in a cafe and letting himself slip up once again. It was bad enough the first time, especially since he honestly did go in with his mind set on maintaining a stern demeanor throughout the encounter.

There was a silence before Ian went on, looking slightly uncertain. "I did it all of this... so aggressively, and I know I can't take it back...but what if we could just...take another swing at this whole thing?"