Something About Us.

Chapter Eight

It wasn't until his shirt was over his head that the awkwardness set in. Even though they were what he normally wore to bed, it was odd to only be in his boxers while Kaldur was in the room. Roy paused and thought of reversing the action, but it was already too late. Pulling the shirt back on now would only call attention to the fact that it was already off. He glanced over to Kaldur and watched as he choose his clothes for the next day. Roy's old clothes lay rumpled on the floor and he'd just scrounge around his duffel bag for whatever he wore the next day. Even more self aware, he picked up his clothes and put them in a pile near his bag.

Roy tried numerous times to break Kaldur of good habits. Half because it made him feel slovenly and half because he felt Kaldur needed to live a little. He assumed Kaldur's military training made him so meticulous, and as Kal started spending more time on the surface Roy began to encourage him to behave like a normal teenager. He gave up his crusade once Kaldur's mother visited the Cave. He checked in that day to see the team cowering in the corner while a slender figure lifted furniture as she cleaned. She found dirt in places that dirt shouldn't exist and had a particular way of arranging objects. Sha'lain'a claimed that it clarified the energy of their surroundings. That's what she did for a living, along with acupuncture, and making potions. She tried to teach Kaldur, and he knew the technical aspects of her craft, but his magic was different from his mother's. Her's was a latent talent that added restorative properties to the potions she mixed. His was mostly suited for battle. And Roy saw it clearly then, the part of Kaldur that never felt as if he belonged. His entire line on his mother's side were healers and he was at his best with a mace in each hand. Roy took Kaldur out that night and promised him that he'd always have a place to belong with him if he wanted. That promise felt so shallow now.

Roy knew he had done the right thing by insisting Kaldur sleep on his own bed. The rest, well, the rest was just bad. In his frustration he forgot his little mishap that morning. Just thinking about it brought color to his face. He hoped that it wasn't too late to move himself to the sofa because he was about to make the badness worse. Taking a breath, he sat on the edge of the bed.

"Hey...uh Kal? Can I talk to you about something for a moment?"

"You may," Kaldur said as he turned towards him.

"Right." Roy ran a hand through his hair. "I probably should have brought this up sooner but it didn't really hit me until today."

Kaldur took a seat and gave Roy his full attention. Roy willed his heart to settle. It would be easier to just act. Kaldur was within reach. He could go over and kiss him right now. He was half sure that he would have tried to kiss Kal earlier if not for Jade's interruption. And it was good that Jade interrupted. Because if Kaldur didn't want to... Well, that is what this conversation was for, so that Roy didn't make any advances Kaldur wouldn't appreciate and bury himself even deeper.

"I'm going to warn you now, this conversation might weird you out a bit."

Kaldur's shoulders slumped slightly. "I assumed as much because of your hesitance."

Roy laughed nervously. "If what I have to say makes you uncomfortable I'll be more that happy to take the couch. I just thought that -" There was a soft knock on the door. Roy turned to it and glared.

Kaldur excused himself and went to answer the door. Jade stood in the opening, wearing only an oversized t-shirt. Roy recognized it as one of his that he assumed the dryer ate. She hugged a pillow to her chest.

"Oh good, I thought the two of you were still up."

Kaldur glanced back to Roy before speaking. "Is there something we can help you with?"