Thread: Deceptive Guise (Ookami & Sumi)

Its not like I made him to show how niceness alone gets a guy nowhere Jared simply nodded his head when Chloe admitted to something hed known for years now. Hed put his heart and soul in his attempt to replace the vacuum of emptiness Trent had left behind inside Chloes heart, but not once had she responded to his subtle advances. Thered been a brief period of time when hed suspected Chloe knew how he felt, and was simply playing dumb so that their friendship could continue, but over time Jared realized how Chloe looked at him, and how she continued to look at the several photos of her brother that lingered around in the house to show that Trent was and forever would be part of the family. What Jared couldnt quite understand though was how Chloe had admitted to her missing her brother. Though that said, it didnt take much for him to figure out that something had gone wrong between Chloe and the man Jared considered his best friend. Not wanting to force Chloe into explaining anything she didnt want to, Jared was happy to change the subject, simply satisfied at how Chloe had decided not to leave the room and go on her way. She wasnt exactly the easiest girl to deal with at times, and conversing with her like this was actually one of the few things he had to look forward to in life. The smile on his face faltered a bit when she mentioned the girls in Chloes class. His mouth opening and closing as he tried to think of some well-phrased excuse to explain how Chloe was the only girl he could ever be interested in though he couldnt exactly just come and say that else Chloe would have known about his feeling a long time ago. I wish you were right, but I figured it wasnt the deputy or her little worship group leaving those heart sealed envelopes on my desk Jared stated, shaking his head slowly to show that he was flattered, but not all that interested in reciprocating any feelings. Unfortunately I dont think the person I like will ever be sending me anything he muttered a bit bitterly, flickering his eyes down towards Chloes small hands, imagining how happy it would make him to receive anything from her. The last thing hed been given was a picture of Trent, Chloe and himself. Though no one else would have been able to guess what the picture was seeing as how it was a childish piece of art Chloe had drawn for him and Trent when she was three of four years of age. It was a source of constant jokes and ridicule from his mother, especially since it was hung just over his bed where he could see it whenever he lied down in bed. To most people itd be nothing more than scribbled junk, but to Jared. It was a priceless treasure, he framed and looked at every morning since Chloe had innocently shown it to him, pointing out herself and Jared holding hands. Trent was obviously in the picture too, but he might as well have been invisible for all Jared cared. I!... uh.. didnt mean- he started, going a bright shade of red when Chloe referred to him as making a puppy dog face. He didnt know if hed actually been making such a silly face at her the whole time, but there was no denying that hed been a bit hurt by how shed hidden away her problems for him. His little panicky reaction quickly died down when Chloe continued, pointing out how Trent wasnt eager to see her, and how she felt like she didnt belong in Trents apartment. As always Jared simply listened, clinging on to everyword shed said with astonishing concentration, reciting the words over in his head a few times before she finally stopped. A moment of silence lingering between them before Jared let out a soft sigh, shaking his head and reaching out to Chloe, this time poking her forehead playfully and pushing her head back up after shed dropped her gaze down to the floor. You must still be half asleep Jared smiled, shaking his head to deny everything shed just said. I dont know what sort of nightmare you had last night, but I can guarantee you that what you just told me is absolute nonsense. Knowing a few things Chloe didnt it didnt take much for Jared to imagine how Chloe had been led to such a conclusion, but despite being his best friend, even Jared had trouble reading Trent sometimes. Next thing I know youll be accusing me of hating you and wanting you gone, if Trent said something to hurt your feelings, Im sorry, but he didnt mean it. I can swear my life on it Jared emphasized, taking a step closer, barely managing to restrain himself from reaching out for her again. We both love you Chloe how could we not? Youre like a sweet little sister to both of us well to me at least anyway since Trent actually is your brother. His voice wavered a bit, embarrassed at how hed made the little mistake. There was no denying the bond between Chloe and Trent, but Jared liked to think his bond with Chloe was just as strong, and that he too, had a chance at earning her affection. It would have been easy to steal Chloe away right now, telling her that Trent was exactly as she said, comforting her and assuring her that he was different. But while he might be able to direct Chloes attention his way, knowing her brother hated her would make miserable, and his friendship with Trent meant more to him that a cheap shot at attention whoring. But a little bit couldnt hurt, right? Just giving her an option, and hoping shed take it wouldnt be betraying his friendship or tricking Chloe. But if you really believe what you just said I wouldnt mind letting you stay at my place my mothers a bit crazy, but shes not that bad a person maybe he added, uncertainly suddenly picturing his mother directing all sorts of uncomfortable questions at Chloe. We spent years together as kids though, and I have to admit Id be a bit hurt if you said the time Trent and I spent with you was all fake and forced Perhaps he was chickening out, but it was how he genuinely felt when hed heard how Chloe viewed their childhood together. It wasnt like shed questioned his feelings for her or anything, but Trent had been an integral piece of the happiest moments of Jareds life too, and being told Trent had been faking it, was not only something he refused to accept, but something he knew could never be the truth.