Thread: An Unexpected Romance [Xanatos and Sigr]

For reasons unknown to the Mayes family, the second puberty struck their son he became completely unapproachable. Not rude or violent, but distant and unresponsive. Even having distanced himself from friends at school. No one could reach the young Seth Mayes. Not his parents, not therapists, not teachers, not even his twin brother Austin. It was after the brothers finished junior high that Seth's therapists recommended something drastic. A move across the country. New surroundings, new friends, new teachers, and a separation from his childhood might be enough to shock the boy's system into restarting. At least, that was the theory and the Mayes were desperate to try anything to get their boy to open up again. That September morning, as storm clouds gathered overhead, after a cheerful good by from their mother, the red-headed Mayes twins walked to school. Despite being twins, the two could certainly be told apart. Austin, who had taken to sports, namely swimming and basketball, boasted a more present physique as a result. His hair was cropped short and he wore a loose fitting tee-shirt and cargo shorts. Seth, on the other hand, had taken to reading and art. Both were more private interests that he could explore without friends and family. As a result, his physique was much slimmer, some might dare to say effeminate. He had begun to grow his hair out in junior high, resulting in the shoulder length mane he wore now. Seth's attire was a near form-fitting green v-neck shirt and a pair of snug fitting black jeans. Where Seth walked with a slouch, wearing his depression on his face, Austin walked tall and confident, always with some manner of smile in place. Excited about the new year? Austin asked, looking over at his brother. The question produced only a shrug from the other boy. Despite how hard it was to get through to Seth, Austin never let his smile fade or gave up on trying to reach him. He was exceptionally protective of his twin and doubly concerned about his mental health in recent years. Chin up. I'm sure you'll make friends in a flash. Seth didn't respond his eyes still glued to the ground as they walked. Austin sighed quietly rubbing the back of his head. I know you've been going through a rough time and maybe its none of my business, but if you ever want to talk about what's eating you, I'm here you know? That particular sentence drew a more prominent response from Seth, but not the one Austin was hoping for. The glare he received was a bitter one, like simply by trying to pry deeper he had over-stepped his bounds. Austin stopped walking in surprise for only a moment before sighing again. The two finally entered the classroom, Austin was all smiles as he looked around at the other students. Ever friendly, and quick to become popular, Austin knew he'd be fitting in with folks in a heartbeat. Seth on the other hand, kept his eyes downcast as he entered. The two found their places in the seating chart, moving back to the two empty seats placing them near where Alex was sitting. Seth was quick to fold his arms, sliding forward onto the desk to rest his head on them. Austin on the other hand, was quick to try to make friends. Hey there! He greeted happily, turning to face where Alex was sitting. I'm Austin, grumpy over here is Seth. He said, nudging his brother beside him. Seth looked up for a moment, muttering a near inaudible hello, and a half-hearted wave. It wasn't that Seth didn't want friends, he was just so emotionally defeated with no real idea how to take the right steps to correct it. He certainly didn't trust anyone to help him do so, not even his brother.