Cities Made of Starlight [BoyxBoy]

Five

Collin

Collin's eyes fill with tears again and he hugs Calvin tightly. His arm screams in pain, but he barely notices.

You're alive. You're okay. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

Calvin's arms wrap around him, safe, warm, and strong. Collin looks up into Calvin's face and sees the boy smiling at him. He brushes a tear from Collin's cheek and Collin winces as the contact makes his eye twinge in pain. Worry washes over Calvin's face and he draws his hand back sharply. He shifts, allowing the fading light to fall across Collin's face, and slowly, as if asking permission, raises his hand to brush Collin's hair to the side.

Collin nods slowly, keeping his eyes on Calvin's hand. His instincts tell him to run, not to let Calvin near him, but he swallows hard, digs his nails into his palms, and lets Calvin shift his hair from his eye.

Calvin draws in a harsh breath. His face contorts, registering pity and empathetic pain. Collin feels hot tears burning at his eyes and looks away. Calvin stays silent for a long time. Collin can feel himself trembling. He digs his nails harder into his hands, trying to will himself to stop. A tear falls onto the blankets below him.

"I'm sorry."

Collin looks up. What? Why?

Calvin's head is hung, his knees are pulled to his chest. Collin's heart seems to shatter as Calvin draws in a shaky breath. Collin reaches out slowly, carefully, and rests an uncertain hand on Calvin's shoulder. Calvin looks up slowly, eyes full of apologies, and Collin shakes his head, frowning.

I don't understand. Why?

Calvin blinks at him for a moment, then seems to understand. "It's my fault. I didn't stop them. I made them hurt you. If I-"

Collin shakes his head. Calvin stops.

None of this is your fault, Calvin.

"I don't understand. How can you not blame me, how-" Collin's shoulders slump and Calvin stops.

I wish I could tell you everything. I wish...

Collin looks up at Calvin, searching for answers in Calvin's eyes, and spots the notebook laying in the corner. He tugs on Calvin's sleeve and points at it. Calvin leans over to grab it and winces, his hand flying to his ribs. Collin's eyes widen and he scoots closer, resting his hand on Calvin's. Calvin looks down at him and Collin tilts his head to the side.

What's wrong?

"It's nothing. Just Tucker. I've had worse. I'm more worried about you." Calvin gestures to Collin's other arm, limp at his side. Collin looks down.

"Hey," He looks up. Calvin has the notebook in one hand and is fishing around in his backpack with the other. Collin takes the notebook and flips to a blank page. Calvin finds a pencil and scoots over next to Collin. Collin takes the pencil and starts writing.

'What happened?'

"You first."

'No.'

"Collin-"

'I asked first.'

"Well, actually-"

Collin turns and looks Calvin in the eye, glaring at him. Calvin gulps and clears his throat.

"Sorry. It was really nothing. They cornered me after class, roughed me up a bit, and threw me in a dumpster. Kid stuff. I'm alright."

Collin pokes Calvin gently in the ribs. Calvin winces.