carry me home [ongoing]

stargazing

"If you're here to ask about scrims, they're not happening." Atlas cracked open what looked to be his third can of beer, not even looking up from his screen as he addressed the person at the door. "Detroit bailed on us last minute."

"I'm not asking about scrims."

"Cool." This would've sounded like pure snarkiness to anyone else, but it only served to make Halo's guilt double tenfold. It was his fault Atlas was acting this way, and everyone knew it. Summit was eyeing him suspiciously when they passed each other in the hallway.

"I just wanted to ask if you're okay."

"I'm okay. Christ-" He rubbed the back of his neck and mumbled something slurred, and Halo fully realized he'd drank more than two cans. "I'm sorry I made you look bad, if that's what you want to hear. You should sleep. Even if we're not scrimming, we have a lot of practice ahead of us."

"No, please-" Atlas finally looked up. "I really need to talk to you. If you don't mind."

The night air was pleasantly cool, especially after a day of blazing weather, but there wasn't a star above to be seen. The city's lights made it impossible to see anything but an endless expanse of cloudy darkness.

"I want to help you."

"I don't want your help."

"I don't care if you do. Just talk to me please, I swear I can make this easier. Tell me what you need me to do, I swear I'll listen. You know you can't do this alone."

"This isn't about me." His voice was almost a snarl, and Halo noticed his grip tense around his empty can. "You know it. Why didn't you say something until now? Now, when I threaten your reputation by... looking a mess in front of the home crowd like that. All you care about is the show, that's all you want, isn't it? I'm sorry I can't give you a better one."

"Atlas-hyung-"

"Don't call me that." Halo winced, and hoped it wasn't obvious, but continued.

"A titan condemned to bear the weight of the celestial heavens for all eternity. Did you know... is that why you called yourself that?"

Atlas was silent, and though they weren't visible, it was obvious tears were spilling down his face. When Halo pulled him close to his chest, he didn't resist. Either because he didn't care, or because he didn't have the energy to.

"Why should you care about my name?" It was obviously rhetorical, but Halo answered anyway.

"I was a fan of yours. I saw you play and wanted to be just like you. It was a dream to play alongside a legend like you. It was... an honour I don't deserve."

"Legend." He laughed softly into Halo's sweatshirt, before going silent again. "Maybe we're all something we're not. Surely you don't still believe that after seeing me like this."

"And what if I do?"

"Then you're an idiot."

"At least I'm not a stubborn one."

Atlas slid his arms under Halo's, wrapping them around the other's rib cage and huffing indignantly. Everything was quiet for a moment, and as the porch light flickered in the darkness, a legend looked up and pictured the stars.