I Care About Adam, I Promise
Anthony was nervous, his fingers tapping the table quickly. He was not sure that he truly had feelings for Steven, but he knew he needed to distance himself from Adam. Adam and his wandering eyes. Anthony suddenly felt overheated, almost as if he could feel Adam's eyes probing him. He wanted to leave, but it would be rude. Adam, after being rejected, stayed pleasant, but Anthony could see the sharp twinge in the other's brown eyes, and bit his own lip, a chill running down his spine.
"So, uh... Excited for PAX?", Anthony tried, hesitantly attempting a new conversation. Adam didn't respond for a few minutes, his eyes very clearly focused on Anthony's lips. After what seemed like forever, he spoke.
"Ahah, yes. Very much so." Anthony looked away from Adam's piercing glare, deciding to instead find false interest in his straw's paper wrapper, folding it into tiny triangles. He could still sense Adam's burning gaze on his bare neck and lips. He could have cut the tension, of which there was many kinds, with a knife. After folding and unfolding the wrapper several times, Anthony decided to say something, not wanting to let Adam do this. However, before he could speak, the waiter approached.
"Are you two ready to order?" Anthony shook his head 'Yes', but let Adam order first. Anthony wasn't even sure what either of them ordered as it was all a blur. They waiter came and went, and they ate in relative silence, Anthony deciding he wouldn't bring his feelings up. Finally, the mood was broken as Anthony felt a soft vibration in his pocket. Pulling his phone out, he grinned as he saw a text from GaLm. When he read the text, however, his grin faded.
Anthony2: We need to talk. You shouldn't have treated Steven like that. Leading him on then 'doing your thing' with Adam? Not cool. Seriously, I thought better of you.
Anthony felt panic racing through him as he texted back, frantic.
You: the hell? i havent done shit with adam? besides, steven is upset?
Anthony2: Steven told me what you did. Adam told him everything. You don't have to hide it, I just thought better of you. And of course Steven is upset!
Anthony let out a choked noise, all the pieces clicking together.
You: holy fuck i didn't do anything with adam but when we went out to eat he told me that he really is into me and i told him i liked steven
You: i rejected him but now he is staring at me like bloody murder
Anthony anxiously tapped his foot as he waited for a reply, not wanting to look up at Adam.
Anthony2: Jesus Christ. So what the hell is up with Adam then? Maybe he needs to stay somewhere else for a while, because Steven was actually crying and I.
You: fucking christ... well... tell my prince i said hi. im still not sure how i feel about steven, but ive never felt this way towards a guy before, so
Anthony2: Will do. Please tell Adam to stay somewhere else for a bit. I don't want him around Steven.
Sighing, Anthony put his phone in sleep, slipping it back into his pocket. Nervously, he glanced at Adam.
"So... I think it would be best for you to... Maybe stay somewhere else for a bit." Seeing Adam look genuinely hurt and confused, Anthony cringed.
"Wh-What? Why?"
"Well... I get that you have strong feelings, but you shouldn't do asshole things to Steven..." Adam's face fell a bit more, eyes darkening.
"I see." Adam motioned for Anthony to leave.
"I'll get the bill, Anthony." Cautiously, Anthony slid out of his chair and walked out of the restaurant, not looking behind himself. The walk home felt lonely and, finding he couldn't look at the streets he had walked through with Adam, he stared at the sidewalk for most of it. As he arrived at his apartment complex, he pulled out his keycard, swiping it on the lock, the door clicking open. Entering the building, he only had to walk up one flight of stairs before he was there. Home. He used the key attached to the same ring as his keycard to open his apartment door, and felt a twinge of regret as he saw what awaited him. Steven was nowhere in sight, but GaLm was standing near the door, a stern look and a hand on his hip accenting his mood. Smarty was just walking over, a slightly dazed and confused air about him. As he stepped across the threshold, GaLm pointed down the hallway.
"Steven is in your room." Dipping his head slightly in thanks, Anthony strode off to his room, heart heavy. When he reached the door, he felt as if the knob was difficult to turn, yet he managed. Steven was standing there, by the bed, wearing just his boxer shorts and one of Anthony's sweaters. He had a tear stained face, a distraught expression completing the look well. Without a word, Anthony embraced him, wrapping his arms around the other's waist. Steven leaned his face into Anthony's chest nearly automatically, the motion feeling familiar and safe. Anthony softly kissed the top of the small Canadian's head, and, in that moment, that was all that either of them needed.