Thread: An Unexpected Romance [Xanatos and Sigr]

Austin listened carefully as Alex spoke about her and Mike's relationship. He wasn't quite as confident in his ability to read people, but even he could tell that something was bothering Mike. When Alex echoed that sentiment it made him feel better about his assessment. When she commented on the bizarre similarities between himself and Seth he laughed a little. Yeah. I get that a lot, actually. He pocketed his hands as they walked, looking about as they drew closer to their class to make sure he was familiar with the layout. I'm glad you two have one another in that respect. I can't imagine being an only child. Seth's pretty much my best friend. He grew solemn for only a second, remembering when Seth was more vocal and energetic. Similar to Alex's concern for Mike, he still found himself lingering in his thoughts about what exactly had caused Seth to withdraw from the world. As he entered the classroom, he paused to find his place in the seating chart. He carefully slid into his seat, preparing his notebook and pen again. Much like homeroom, he wasn't super worried about having to use them on the first day, but it didn't hurt to be prepared. I know it isn't really my place to say, but Mike didn't look crazy stoked about the swimming team. Maybe that's what's bugging him. It wasn't hard to imagine an overbearing parent in an athlete's life. Fortunately, Austin loved athletics, but Seth's lack of masculine activities or interests had certainly caused friction with their own father. Austin having become the clear favorite of the two. Seth listened carefully as Mike spoke, still working on the new drawing. He glanced over to him when he spoke about Austin, nodding some when he talked about Austin hovering around him all the time. He wasn't wrong necessarily. Suffocating was the exact word that Seth would use to describe his life. But not because of Austin. It was his parents and the therapists, but not his brother. He means well. He said, repeating himself. His hand still shook but it was something he'd gotten used to. It's everyone else really. He makes it easier. Seth had come to rely on Austin as sort of a pillar of strength, even if he was occasionally annoying or overbearing. He set his pencil down when Mike mentioned the swimming team. He had been observant of the conversation that morning. Alex's reaction to Mike's uncertainty established how big of a deal it was that he might not want to participate. He turned to face him, noticing that he was studying papers instead of looking at him. He simply watched him for a few moments, studying his behavior. It was familiar, probably because on some level, it mirrored him. Is it your Dad? He asked finally. He wouldn't understand, right? Why you want something different? Why you're different? His gaze fell to the paper, having all but screamed he was in a similar situation. He picked up the pencil, returning to the picture. I'm sorry, it's none of my business. He went back to the image at hand. If you don't want to swim you shouldn't. Would you really be more miserable after changing than you are now? It might get better. It was strange how easy to talk to Mike was. He'd found himself almost opening up to him twice in the same conversation. Maybe it just seemed like Mike would understand him.