Thread: An Unexpected Romance [Xanatos and Sigr]

Seth for one was thankful that Mike had either not noticed or not called him out on becoming so flustered so easily. His brother noticed, though, and his interest was clearly piqued. He had never seen his brother blush like that around anyone, it was adorable to say the least. Austin was growing fond of watching the two together. Even if they'd only met a few short hours ago, Mike was already starting to draw Seth out. Sure, a lingering envy sat in the back of his mind. Seeing as it was Mike and not himself to do so, but Seth being healthy and happy was much more important that why he was healthy and happy. Austin looked back to Mike when he commented on the recipe. Well as someone who didn't grow up around here, I can safely say that it's amazing. It's like a little teaser into the local culture. He chuckled a bit, leaning back in his chair. His smile slowly vanished as Mike spoke about not swimming that year. Not because he was disappointed, but he recognized that it was a hard decision to come to. Even more so when he got to the root of the problem. He didn't like the constant routine with no point or end and he didn't like the competition. He smiled again giving a nod. Hey man, don't worry about it. We'll have plenty of time to hang out other than swimming. You've got to do right by you. To hell with what anyone else thinks. Seth had looked up from his plate. He didn't smile or say anything for that matter when Mike brought up swimming. Even as Mike had gone to the oven to collect the next course and set it in the center of the table. He remained frozen, staring at Mike while everyone else worked on serving themselves. When Mike did return to his seat, Seth, almost without thinking, reached across the table. He placed his hand on top of Mike's squeezing it softly. When he realized what he'd done, especially in the circumstances, he withdrew his hand quickly, his face growing brighter. He quickly set about fixing his own plate. His gaze glued to it as he finally began to eat. Once again, Austin was quick to pick up on the strange behaviors coming from Seth. This time, the physical contact, followed by a blush, and his hurried efforts to distract himself. A knowing smile spread across his lips. Was Seth crushing on Mike? It was an unbelievably adorable concept. Especially for Austin who wanted so bad for his brother to be happy. Austin just as before was more than happy to dig in. Oh man... Alex, how do you ever let your parents cook for you. Mike's amazing! He said with a laugh, trying to distract from the otherwise solemn moment. Seth ate quietly as before, though, perhaps ate was too strong a word. He idly picked at the meal his mind swimming with thoughts. Even as the meal began to wind down he had made very little progress into his plate. Slowly he sat up straight again, placing both of his hands in his lap. They balled into loose fists as he began to take deep breaths. He had to dig deep and find that same confidence he had given to Mike. It took everything in his power to work up the nerve. His stomach hurt, his head was starting to pound and he could certainly feel his eyes burning as if he needed to cry. The girl in the sketchbook... He said quietly, almost more to the air around him than to the others. Austin's eyes immediately focused on Seth, not going to let anything distract him from his brother's attempt to open up. It's okay, buddy. Austin said quietly. We're with friends, what's up? He asked, placing his hand on Seth's shoulder. Seth still didn't look up as he breathed out a shallow breath. She's um... She's me... He closed his eyes, bracing for the worst. I... I'm Trans... Austin's eyes flew open wide as he began to connect the dots. He sat in dumbfounded silence for a few moments. Seth, I... I have to go. Seth said simply, quickly pushing himself away from the table. Austin stood as well but didn't follow necessarily. He was still too shocked to really move. He watched as Seth collected his bag and headed out the door in a hurry. Austin moved to follow but stopped when he saw Seth's sketchbook sitting in the chair his brother had been occupying. He returned to the table, for lack of a better place to go, falling back into his chair. He looked down at sketchbook opening it. He began flipping through the pages, seeing just how far back this girl was appearing in his brother's work. Wow. Guess we know what's been eating him, huh? He said, chuckling nervously. His brother getting upset about the sketch that morning made more sense to him now. I guess I really wasn't paying enough attention. I should've noticed. He said, frustrated with himself. He looked up at Mike and Alex sighing softly to himself. What do you guys make of it? He asked, more looking to find some form of clarity or reassurance in all of it.